ATO Music Sampler Two

Welcome to the AsianTalentOnline.com Music Sampler Number Two -- another collection of the best late night chill tunes available anywhere.

Our sincere thanks go out to all of the gifted artists who allowed us to present their work in this showcase. Please visit their web pages and support them by purchasing their music.

And now -- sit back, relax -- and chill.

Photo at left: Kristen Nakasone

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Track One

I Want Him To Take Me Away

Writer: Leila Florentino From the CD "Sail" Produced by Michael Starr, Anne McCue and Leila Florentino

Leila Florentino’s vocal magic is unmistakable and her songwriting reveals a mind as beguiling as the voice, reflecting the realms of love and life with the jagged brilliance of a wine glass on the verge of breaking. Creative expression runs in Leila's blood. She comes from a family of artists; her father is an award-winning playwright, while her mother is an art curator.

In the lead role of "Kim" in "Miss Saigon," Leila starred on Broadway, performing in front of packed theaters and admiring fans. She received rave reviews (“Florentino sings compellingly.” – John Simon, New York Magazine). Now she’s pursuing a solo career as a singer-songwriter - trading the glitz for a more personal musical vision.

Leila Florentino

www.leilaflorentino.com www.myspace.com/leilaflorentino

Track Two

Thank You Note	Writer: Teri Untalan From the CD "Teri Untalan" 2004
	TERI UNTALAN: ".. songstress extraordinaire" (KPOO Radio, San Francisco) ...soulful dynamic voice² (Asian Week, San Francisco) Soft soulfulness, jazz sensitivity with an edginess and passion that draws comparisons from Norah Jones and Bebel Gilberto to Ani Difranco and Jeff Buckley, Teri Untalan honed her skills as a vocalist and violist for many years in the Bay Area before relocating to her native Portland. Having studied under Jazz violinist Matt Glazer, and Turtle Island violist Katrina Wreede, then going on to back up folks from all over the map like guitarist Buckethead, former Prince guitarist Miko, and fronting the jazz group, The Lush Life Players, she has developed a singular style that's both intimate and arresting.
Teri Untalan	www.teriuntalan.com www.myspace.com/teriuntalan photo credit: anthonypidgeon.com

Track Three

Work Is Love

Writer: Ishle Yi Park From the CD "Work Is Love"

Ishle is a Korean American woman who is the former Poet Laureate of Queens, New York. She has performed her unique blend of poetry & song across the United States, Cuba, New Zealand, Singapore, and Korea. Her first book, The Temperature of This Water, is the winner of three literary awards including the PEN America Beyond Margins Award for Outstanding Writers of Color.

Her poetry CD, Work is Love, includes tracks with Korean traditional drums, Spanish guitar, beatboxing, and music produced by Japan's critically acclaimed DJ Honda.

Ishle

www.ishle.com www.myspace.com/ishlepark

Track Four

Angel I Know	Writer: Sheila Sondergard From the CD "Spoke Too Loud" Produced by Sven-Erik Seaholm @ Kitsch and Synch Studios Executive Producer: Shawn Balch – Barfly Promotions 2007 Da Lil' Branches Records
	"SHEILA SONDERGARD is a sizzling, mouthy melting pot of ideas, beliefs and quick one-liners, and it is reflected in her music. This intrepid Korean and Danish singer-songwriter was playing open mics at the age of 16. When performing live, Sondergard’s small stature and larger-than-life vocalization command the room. Her smoky, breathy voice and acoustic folk-rock style guitar tell the story of a life in which lyrical wisdom has been born out of hardship and self-reliance. She embodies a hybrid sound. It makes no promises, it is raw and honest and real....Sondergard has experienced a little more “life” than the average young adult. Because of this, she draws upon the drama of circumstance and everything in between the lines to create her own distinct and haunting sound. " -- Kelly Grace, Downtown San Diego Magazine
Sheila Sondergard	www.myspace.com/sheilasondergard www.sheilasondergard.com

Track Five

Always Need You

From the CD "Intro" 2006 Writer(s): Melissa Polinar (ASCAP) & Ed Cash (BMI) Publishing: Word Music, LLC (ASCAP) & Alletrope Music (BMI) Production: Ed Cash

Sharing her gifts is one of Melissa Polinar's greatest passions. Slowly audiences are discovering her and are quickly captivated by her unique artistry. Mixing soul (R&B), jazz, blues and pop, Melissa's music finds a way for many to be easily hooked on no matter the age or background. With a combination of vocal and songwriting chops, Melissa also plays keyboard, guitar and violin.

As Music Connection Magazine says, “This artist has a voice that is not only skilled and imaginative, but distinct in its tonal quality, allowing her to take the material to a higher level.”

Melissa Polinar

www.melissapolinar.com www.myspace.com/melissapolinar

Track Six

Magnolias	Written and performed by Emi Meyer. From the EP "Magnolias" 2006
	Songwriting is breathing to Emi. Born in Kyoto, Japan, Emi Meyer moved to Seattle, Washington before the age of one. Growing up between cultures, she thinks and feels unconventionally. It only fits that she would create her own expression. Emi's music spans borders and channels an old soul gained from clearing her own place. Emi’s musical career began with piano lessons at the age of six. She showed great potential and expanded to jazz to collaborate. Jazz’s spontaneous jams, its synchronization between fingers and voice, and the search for genuine words enticed her to sing her own. Magnolias and Live @ The Hotel Café are broadcast on radio stations around Seattle, Los Angeles, and on KGRL.fm alongside Ani DiFranco and India Arie.
Emi Meyer	www.emimeyer.com www.myspace.com/emimeyer

Track Seven

Tongue Tied	Writer: Lee Takasugi 2007 Teaspoon Records
	Visiting Violette (VV) is the songwriting and unique timbre of vocalist, Lee Takasugi, the driving rhythmic strums of guitarist, Glenn Suravech, and the soulful, heart-tugging solos of guitarist, Shin Kawasaki. VV has been on a colorful musical journey for the past 14 years, sharing their eclectic blend of album-alternative rock, jazz and R&B with radio, television, and college audiences across the U.S., along with club audiences, theater productions, festivals, and political, social and community events. VV's songs can be heard regularly on KPFK's "Global Village" 90.7 FM and in videos, "Rock, Paper, Scissors," "Ah Bing: the history of the Bing Cherry," and "The Name Game" on PBS.
Lee Takasugi	www.myspace.com/leetakasugivisitingviolette

Track Eight

The Lament	Written by Alfa Garcia From the EP "Growth" 2007
	Alfa was born to a family that more than dabbled a bit in music. Her mother played the piano and the organ, her grandfather played the guitar by ear, her grandmother taught piano, and her aunts played the clarinet and the flute. Annoyed at what she saw as the norm, Alfa swore she would never become a musician. In fact, she first wanted to become a dentist. Now 21, Alfa has relented to her musical fate. A singer/songstress since the age of 13, having cut her first demo at 15 and now a seasoned performer all over the venues of Manhattan. In addition to her extensive repertoire of ballads, laments, and pseudo-rock melodies, she has written music for plays, films and dabbled in acapella arrangements and performances with her childhood musician friends.
Alfa	www.myspace.com/alfa

Track Nine

Home

The daughter of an opera singer and classically trained to play the piano and singing in church choirs since she was 5 years old, Joyce Lee decided to pursue a different musical pursuit after she fell in love with rock n' roll. At 16 years old, she began teaching herself to play the guitar and starting writing her first songs. Joyce's influences range from punk rock to jazz to classical to pop.

"Home," is an example of Joyce Lee's talent as a singer/songwriter. Pulling from a couple's musical tastes and personal story, Joyce wrote "Home" and performed it at the couple's wedding with her friend and fellow singer/songwriter Bo Han.

Joyce Lee

www.myspace.com/joycelee

Track Ten

Maybe Angels

Written and performed by Sky

No, Sky is not her real name -- but it does suggest the unlimited possibilities open to her singing/songwriting career. Only 17, Sky has been playing and singing since age 13 -- but she says she didn't really start to make progress until she quit formal guitar lessons and explored music on her own. Forcing herself to play and practice unblocked her imagination and opened the door to new sounds and songs. Says Sky, "now it flows".

Sky writes all her own material and records herself in her home studio. On "Maybe Angels" Sky plays all instruments except drums.

Sky

www.myspace.com/apanee

Track Eleven

Need To Know	Written and performed by Kristen Nakasone 2007
	Kristen Nakasone is a Hawaii-based singer/songwriter whose music is derived primarily from her own personal experiences - good, bad or otherwise. This fact leads Nakasone to create compelling songs that are wide-ranging in subject matter and universal in appeal. In other words - listening to Kristen Nakasone is like reading the diary of her life , your life, everyone's life. But the key to accessibility is that Kristen's life is as normal as the lives of her fans. Says Kristen, "I graduate school in about a year, with my degree in education. Once that happens I'll probably be teaching as an elementary school teacher. However, music will always be a part of my life, and so will songwriting. Both are strong passions of mine. My view on sharing my music? - It isn't about popularity. It's about loving what I do, and being able to share it with those who love it too. So keep an eye out for more material, along with glimpses of my life through my music. "
Kristen Nakasone	www.myspace.com/kristennakasone

Track Twelve

Leave Me To Dream	All Rights Reserved : Heather Park 2005 Stush Music
	Heather Park was discovered in a quirky New York tale, an example of life imitating art in some ways. Park worked in an NYC deli frequented by the program director of Hot 97 who eventually got her demo into the hands of producer Steve Francis of Stush Music. Influenced equally by hip-hop beats and neo-soul sirens, Parks debut album is an intimate affair as her understated cool comes across in every syllable she sings. The title track has a trip-hop twinkle and The Life is a mesmerizing statement with bits and pieces of an orchestra popping in and out. Parks personal lyrics reflect on her experiences as a Korean-American but really she just wants to find her way as a citizen of life. With the release of her debut album “Dream In Pictures”, Heather has established herself within the industry. Her album is an eclectic blend of styles and captivating vocals. She's been featured in Jade Magazine, Asiance magazine, Asianmusicsource.com, and has performed on Imaginasian TV.
Heather Park	www.myspace.com/heatherpark

Track Thirteen

Letting It All Go	From the CD "Broke Heart Solutions" (Debut Album/EP, 2006)
	Sahanghee "Song" Hahn is an Acoustic RnB singer, songwriter, and actress. She was recently picked out of a city-wide contest to sing the National Anthem at this New Year's Eve's NFL Eagles game. A former model featured in VOGUE and TeenPeople magazines, Sahanghee recently made her acting debut as love interest 'Julie' in the feature film, Rice Cracker. Her Acoustic RnB album, Broke Heart Solutions, dropped in August 2006 and is available on Apple iTunes and CDBaby. Sahanghee picked her unique musical interests and abilities through travel, tests, and trials. From Seoul, Korea, to the U.S. and then moving from rural to urban areas, Sahanghee picked up several musical loves: Korean 'pansori' folk music, country acoustic guitar, RnB, and soul. Having always been a curiosity to others and a mystery to herself, Sahanghee is 'ok' with not knowing what the next pages in her life story hold . . . she just wants to keep pushing the envelope.
Sahanghee	www.myspace.com/sahanghee www.sahanghee.com

Track Fourteen

Signs of God

Writer: Ishle Yi Park From the CD "Work Is Love"

Her poetry CD, Work is Love, includes tracks with Korean traditional drums, Spanish guitar, beatboxing, and music produced by Japan's critically acclaimed DJ Honda.

Ishle

www.ishle.com www.myspace.com/ishlepark

Track Fifteen

Freedom

Writer: Leila Florentino From the CD "Sail" Produced by Michael Starr, Anne McCue and Leila Florentino

Leila Florentino

www.leilaflorentino.com www.myspace.com/leilaflorentino

Track Sixteen

I Don't Think I Know You Anymore

Writer: Florence Yoo (2003) From the album "Indelible" Publishing: Florence Yoo Music ASCAP

Who oh who is Florence Yoo? Where does she live what does she do? The truth is known to but a few. Who oh who is Florence Yoo?

Well, we know this much: Florence Yoo is a part-time oddjobber, celebrity-hobnobber, occasional blogitty-blogger. She can fix you up with an espresso machine or a paint job and can even spot weld your tractor. We also have it on good authority that Florence is a free-spirited wanderer with a wide circle of friends and a heart as big as the great outdoors. And, oh yeah, she's also a singer/songwriter. She has a CD, "Indelible", for sale -- but she probably doesn't need the money. Buy it anyway - it's good clean fun.

Florence Yoo ASCAP

www.myspace.com/florenceyoo

Track Seventeen

Forever Or Never

Writer: Miwagemini (2007) From the album "This Is How I Found You"

Miwagemini (aka Miwa), NYC songstress continues to explore her unique blend of old timey music with modern influences. For her new album "This is How I Found You" she incorporates banjo, mandolin, and piano with her unusual guitar riffs and her singular voice. Think Nina Simone meets Bjork, and you are getting close.

She will be doing a special early release for this album in Canada this fall in conjunction with Indie Week 2007. The album is slated for release in early 2008 in the United States and Europe.

Miwagemini

www.myspace.com/miwagemini www.miwagemini.com

Track Eighteen

Make A Mess	Writer: Jeff Hsin From the EP "Out Of Focus" 2006
	Jeff Hsin is a Texan born singer-songwriter who has made many stops in his travels including New Jersey, Maryland, New York, and finally ending up in Washington DC at the age of six, where he grew up. As a child, Jeff was inundated with classical piano lessons which resulted in his ability to develop melodic hooks that not only draw in listeners, but also has them singing the same melody for days to come. At 20, he decided to focus on writing original songs and performing them at venues along the East Coast. In support of his new EP "Out of Focus" (2006 produced by Nate Greenberg Music, The Animators, and Mark Williams), Jeff tours extensively and has recently played at the following venues: 219: DC Acoustic Underground Showcase (VA), Café Vivaldi (NYC), Grog and Tankard (DC), Firehouse Grill (VA), IOTA (VA), Jammin Java (VA), and the Livingroom Lounge (Brooklyn, NY).
Jeff Hsin	www.myspace.com/hsin

Track Nineteen

Something I Understand	(c) Jen Woodhouse from the CD "The Shaping and Shifting of Objects and Sound" Mgt: Through The Looking Glass Entertainment
	While other little girls dreamt of being princess brides, mermaids, or fairies, Jen performed in her parents living room in front of a captivated audience made up of her two younger sisters, stuffed animals, and Barbie dolls. Whether she was performing in ballet or piano recitals, or hula dancing for the neighbors, it was apparent early on that Jen was quite the entertainer. Jen's first love has always been singing. However, after growing tired of singing jazz standards and cabaret songs in Chicago nightclubs and living like a starving artist, Jen retraced her Southern roots back to Alabama where she found a dusty, old classical guitar in her dad 's closet. She taught herself how to play and began composing her own songs. Before long she was singing and playing her guitar in bars, clubs, and coffeehouses across the Southeast. And while Jen would still entertain the idea of someday being the fairy princess bride, it will come only after many more records and sold out performances.
Jen Woodhouse	www.jenwoodhouse.com www.myspace.com/jenwoodhouse Booking: Bridge Street Artists Agency

Track Twenty

I'll Be Your Drug

Acting as a soulful rep for humanity, Rachel Lynn brings unbridled honesty to the stage. Her lyrics are soaked with passion, irony and humility and only her unforgettable voice can facilitate the power of her message. "What you see going on around me is a mirage; something that wouldn't be present or real without muziq...there really is a drum that beats underneath it all."

To see Rachel Lynn perform is to be captivated. She owns the mic like a cool cat and enchants her listeners, transporting them to a place where honesty and passion collectively reside. This newfound California-girl released her debut album, NEW DAY, c/o Rolling Beat Records, in March of 2006. The album is a showcase of her soulful voice, passionate melodies and the best of her twelve- year songwriting career. Miss Lynn is set to release a new EP in September of 2007 featuring LIVE acoustic instrumentation and guest artists.

Rachel Lynn

www.rachellynnmuziq.com www.myspace.com/rachellynnproject www.myspace.com/rachellynnstudiovocalist

Track Twenty One

Tea (I'm In Love With Your Essence)	Written and performed by Carolyn Ota
	SAYS CAROLYN OTA: "Coming from a large extended family with deep roots in Hawai'i, I was surrounded by lu'au music, kachi-kachi dancing, Japanese bon dances, handsome local guys singing and playing their guitars and my aunties strumming their ukes and singing old songs. I reveled in walking alone in Nature or playing piano and singing in empty, stain-glassed churches -- just wailing in the dark, coloured light! " Today, Carolyn lives in New York City. Unconcerned with convention, she follows her inner muse to find meaning and revelation in poetry of song. The ultimate moment for her is when songs come to her and when she gets to perform them live
Carolyn Ota	www.myspace.com/carolynota

2007 AsianTalentOnline.com

This ATO Music Sampler is for your listening pleasure only and is not to be downloaded, sold or reused in any form whatsoever.