Artist of the Week- The Bird & The Bee

Are you prepared for the atom bomb?
Are you prepared for my aching arms?
Are you prepared?
Are you prepared?
Are you prepared for serenity?
Are you prepared to disagree?
Are you prepared?
Are you prepared for me?

This Sunday, July 18, marks a very important time for one of my all-time favorite singers, Inara George. Inara is one half of the indie group, The Bird & the Bee. The Bird & the Bee will be performing at the Hollywood Bowl! Inara has come a long way since I met her in a little guitar shop in Montclair over seven years ago! Because of this great news, The Bird & The Bee is our Artist of the Week.

As you all know, Inara is my all-time favorite female singer, which says a lot since I think I only listen to female singers. She hooked up with Greg Kurstin, who produced records for Lily Alen, Britney Spears, Beck, The Flaming Lips, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many more. The two bandmates met during the recording of Inara’s debut album All Rise. The two hit it off and found a mutual love for jazz standards.

When these two musicians hooked up in 2006 and recorded the Ep Again & Again & Again, people ate it up, even though it was only an experiment! The group blends many different genres into one simple little musical style. Their sounds can be compared to watching any 70’s movie while on acid and wearing a “Peace” t-shirt. At first, I didn’t understand. Inara went from a traditional singer/songwriter into a “Groovy” lead singer. But because I support her music, I learned to fall in love with her new band, and truth be told, I think I like it more than her solo stuff, but that’ll just be our little secret!

Their self-titled debut album was released in 2007 and showed Inara’s wide vocal range and the genius production talents of Greg. Their songs were beginning to catch everyone’s ear. Songs were being featured in TV shows, movies and on the radio. Although relatively new as a band, they were quickly becoming an “A-list” indie band.

In 2009, they released their follow up album, Ray Guns Are Not The Future (read Sara’s review here). Their sound remained the same, but it grew somehow. Their production improved and Inara’s playful lyrics meshed well with their sound. The first song my daughter ever sang was “Love Letter to Japan,” because it is such a damn catchy song!

Earlier this year, They released their third album, Interpreting the Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates. Our lovely Sara reviewed it and called it one of the best albums of 2010 (Click here for Sara’s review). The all covers album was a success, landing them appearances on the Ellen Show, The Tonight Show and the Jimmy Kimmel Show.

Now the band is starting flex their musical muscle. The band will be performing with the Swell Season and She & Him. What a star studded event that is going to be! The Hollywood Bowl is one of Los Angeles’ best places to see a show. It is infamous for holding some of the best concerts ever in Los Angeles and it was the venue of choice for a little known band, The Doors. So if you’re in town, this is one event you’ll want to be a part of! As for me, I’ll just spend all my days and night dreaming about my fantasy girl, Mrs. Inara George!

Top 5 Songs

1. Preparedness

2. I Can’t Go For That

3. Man

4. Birthday

5. How Deep Is Your Love

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