WHEELS 2.0 GETS DOWN WITH A WORLD-BEAT GROOVE

We’ve traveled the world for this week’s Wheels, and we bring a talented bunch to the table for your listening pleasure. Keep the recommendations fresh at [email protected]

ONE TO WATCH
Sam & Ruby (www.myspace.com/samandruby; @samandrubymusic): This pop/funk twosome from Nashville who recently put out their debut album The Here and Now (Rkykodisc/Warner Bros.) are creating a nice little buzz within the industry. You may wonder how a boy from Wisconsin and a girl from Ghana could possibly mesh so well, but take one listen to their music and you won’t wonder any longer. These two self-proclaimed musical soulmates definitely have something special—that powerful star quality. We first saw them at a Davie Brown showcase a couple weeks ago and fell in love on the spot. Ruby’s innocent but soulful voice blended over Ray’s folk guitar melodies brings something rather unique to the music scene. Oh yeah, and Ray brings his backup vocals to the table too. Their music just puts you in an trance. Check out our favorite tracks “What Do I Do Now” and “Aint Love Somethin’.”

ON DECK
Rey Fresco (www.reyfresco.com; (@reyfresco): Inspired by a 36-string harp and born from jam sessions between friends Andrew Jones and Xocoyotzin Moraza, Rey Fresco defies classical categorization. The Fijian/Caribbean/Latin American-inspired band is gearing up to release their debut album Oct. 27. With a rockin’ bass line and a booming drumbeat, the Ventura, CA-based foursome delivers a fresh sound to the American music scene. Stay tuned for a full write-up next week and updates to follow.

BAND/ARTIST UPDATES
Kicking Daisies (www.myspace.com/kickingdaisies; (@kickingdaisies): Those recent showcases at SIR were a huge success. Check out the list of interested heavyweights in attendance: Rodney Jerkins, Hollywood Records, Interscope, Capitol Records, CAA, William Morris, Endeavor and Nickelodeon. In addition, both Atlantic and Warner Bros. have reached out to get in the Kicking Daisies’ game. When asked about the showcase, one of the attendees exclaimed, "Wow, the only thing missing was the pyro at the end of the show!" Keep it here for more on this budding young band.