Image from MySpace

What’s the Deal: Ethan truly is a master of the Hawaiian ukelele, and somehow he’s managed to tune his miniature axe to the key of ‘completely charming.’ All he wears is board shorts and a lei while playing. It’s just one man playing softly folkie, catchy songs on his tender ukelele. Apparently, although he’s called Ethan, Master of the Hawaiian Ukelele, he occasionally plays guitar instead. What’s up with that? His latest album, So Real, was just released this month.

“Lies Lies Lies,” the only song on his MySpace page, is a sittin’-in-a-hammock-on-a-summer’s-day kind of song with a gentle voice, some steady uke strumming and what sounds like a wood block keeping time. For the rest of this month, he’s playing a couple of free shows, an in-store performance at a record store and a talent show. So, there are ample opportunities to check him out.

Something Interesting: There’s a video of one of Ethan’s live performances at Waterloo on YouTube. Unfortunately, he’s playing a guitar here and not a ukelele. He is also supposed to be “giantly tall.”

Ethan, Master of the Hawaiian Ukelele MySpace

Image from MySpace

What’s the Deal: Payne sings sultry and sophisticated and stylish and soulful, 60s-inspired pop music. She’s from Liverpool and is part of a very musical group of siblings. One brother is in The Zutons and another was the frontman of the now defunct The Stands. She’s been touted as one of the hot up-and-coming British singers, but Payne hasn’t received much attention yet here in the states. Her debut album, I Wish I Could Have Loved You More, doesn’t appear to be available in America.

The title track off her debut has all the instant makings of a Bond song. You know, one of those classy, sexy numbers during the opening credits sung by a chanteuse while all those dangerous and naked silhouettes of women threaten democracy everywhere. It has an ominous appeal to it with the guitar, trumpet, organ and Payne’s crystal clear sentimental voice adding the bite. “One More Chance” has more of a pop feel to it with that snappy drum beat and backup singers adding all the “ah”s.

Something Interesting: Just last year, the singer played her first gig, first festival, and had her first ever television appearance. It won’t be long until it’s all just part of her routine.

Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “All I Need To Hear” and “Hey Goodbye”

Candie Payne Official
Candie Payne MySpace