BabyStone – the soulful mash-up of Ms. Novena Carmel and Itai- croon the stage with a gathering of beautiful eccentricity. The sound captures a Jazz, Afro-Funk, Caribbean sensation that caters to cultural enthusiasts. Marcus Brock had the chance to sit down with lead singer, Ms. Novena Carmel. This retro-fitted chanteuse is no stranger to the grittiness of the soul and funk being that her father is Sly, of the revered band Sly and the Family Stone. But, even without the distinction she’s a show stopper! BabyStone’s syncopated rhythms and intuitive - yet fun- lyrical dynamics need be positioned on anyone’s playlist.

If you’re in the Los Angeles area, don’t forget to check out the Record Release Show at Temple Bar tonight. For more info, click here

Trace: How did you and Itai start working together?

Novena Carmel: Itai and I started working together a couple of years ago. He had a track he was producing and when I sang for him, we vibed. Eventually, we had enough material for a show. We didn’t even have a band yet, but I was like – let’s book a date! We then got a band together, booked a date, and rehearsed about five times before our first show.

T: Was the use of live musicians in your band on purpose or a routed intention?

NC: The band was on purpose because we like a BIG sound. I like a real sound, there’s a lot of “fake jewelry” out there so to speak, but BabyStone won’t turn your neck green! We are influenced by funk, soul, and Afro-Beat. So, the use of live sounds and music is very important to us. We are now looking to performing an acoustic set as well in future shows and albums. Itai loves Brazilian music and I have family there so we want to incorporate more of those sounds into our music, like in “Can I Be.”

Me, personally, my vocals will always be soulful but I have a yearning to do some wild, electronic beats. Our live album is many live instruments, similar to a live show but I also want to perform to synthetic sounds like keyboards and talk boxes. Just weirdness, not only sincere heart-to-heart beats. Our next recording will probably have those types of sounds, not completely out there, but different.

T: Some artists try and shy away from their parents’ music – does some of that sound/feel resonate in your music? How has that inspired BabyStone?

NC: As an artist I’m inspired by a lot of modern artists and those that have come before me. One of my favorite genres is the funk/soul of the time period when Sly & the Family Stone was writing their biggest hits. The sound is so influential and amazing to me that there’s no way I could shy away from it. It’s funky, it’s in your face and it’s timeless. That’s a lot of what BabyStone is or at least hopes to be.

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When House meets Electro meets bamboo earrings meets rope chains meets conspicuously- dressed high fashion gals and guy-gals channeling the likes of Richard Avedon in a basement club, you’ve stumbled upon one of the most eclectic nights of the week! Hosted weekly by Nacho Biz, “self expression” means to turn up the volume – and by this I mean until the neighbors complain!

If you’re looking for another facet to L.A., then Mustache is sure to provide a cultural gathering of oddity and amazement. Homosexuals, heterosexuals, drag queens, androgyny, vogue battles and a great DJ rotation is sure to welcome you. The permeating sounds of Santogold, Yelle, Estelle and Fedde Le Grand waft through the downtown alleyways by DJ’s Victor Rodriguez, Josh Peace and Dino Dinco. Please note, spread like the red sea once the cat walking queer shenanigans begin.

This underground scene, literally, is a place to revel in the synergy of other like-minded cultural creators. Nestled in the historic downtown Los Angles district, this gathering of artists, dancers, singers, and oddity is surely worth a visit!

The weekly performances at midnight are certainly captivating and quite enough to keep coming back. Past performances have included Jonté, Le Tigre and resident club socialite, Fade-Dra, who continues to deliver every week — in about seven inch heels nonetheless.

More information here.