Erica Abi Wright, also known as Erikah Badu, was born in Dallas in February 1971. She's an R&B and hip-hop singer and writer. She is often compared to Billie Holiday for her "musical sensibilities", Wikipedia dixit.

I like her. I would normally think this is too commercial, but there is something in her neo soul stream, this so-called alternative or underground hip-hop, that resounds. Her father had left the home when she was growing up, but when she chose the artistic name Badu, he wrote her: "Badu in Arabic means truth and light, good choice kid".

Not sure if this video reminds me of Carmen Miranda, Billie Holiday or Chaka Kahn meets Grace Jones. I like Erykah Badu anyway, I discovered it last week.

Images of the unforgettable Carmen Miranda; Grace Jones in the cover of Nighclubbing album courtesy of this Canadian site; Chaka Khan way back when. In the video the song Bag Lady. Cool colours and instrumentation.

Micah Dalton has the ability to evoke Paul Simon, Marvin Gaye and Bob Dylan- all in the same song. The Atlanta based alternative soul musician harkens an era when music was a reaction rather than a product. His forthcoming third album Pawnshop is a work of rhythmic narrative that shakes off the casings of genre to travel through acoustic soul, slinky R & B and stomp your feet gospel infusions before charting its own course. Pawnshop will be on sale February 26, 2008 and can be previewed or preordered here.

5 Questions with Micah Dalton

1. Describe your sound in 10 words or less.

Southern pop statements with the blatant thievery of classic (60s/70s) soul/folk.

2. What is your own personal history with music?

I always looked to music for explanations. Most of those explanations were found in the church. In the Western church, there's a difference in content and style depending on what specific denomination you land in. For me, I was split between two ends of the evangelical spectrum: Presbyterian and Pentecostal. I heard wild, fiery songs with emotional manipulation involved and I sat at the foot of epic melodies when my ears were introduced to the seemingly serene nature of hymns. This was every week.

I worked for a faith-based community development program that required me to lead volunteer groups in gospel songs. It was there that I began to fool around with a new musical vocabulary. That was when I came closest to honing in on a "sound". I remember making imaginary bands in middle school but all I knew was the trumpet. I've always desired expression in interpersonal relationships and especially in musical contexts.

3. What is the album making process like for you?

Well, for me, I would liken it to marriage. Even though I'm not married, I've heard about it. You fall in love with the songs. Play them live (honeymoon phase), Pre-production: then you have to work with someone to translate a cohesive and strong representation of your voice.

That's fun only when something arrangement oriented is expounded on. You then start second guessing like crazy. The whole vision is trash on some days. You wish there was some more objectivity, but it's only you and the co-producer. Can you trust him? Can you trust yourself? Then record it. Then you love it more than ever. Then you just commit.

I've worked with my friend James Gregory on the last couple of projects. He is someone whose sensibilities I trust almost more than mine. It's also like having a child, but I've bored you enough with my back door metaphors.

4. What are the largest struggles for an independent musician trying to make it?

For me, it's finding a sense of place and direction. That's powerful to have, especially on the road. It's something that money can't buy.

5. How can fans of your music best support your career?

I think there are tons of dangers in modernity, but one in particular is the seemingly slow decline of live music. Coming to shows is huge. In general, support live music. Go to local venues. It is a great way of supporting local businesses in a two fold way.

For more Micah Dalton, visit his official website.