AN ESTROGEN-FUELED WHEELS 2.0

This week it’s all about the females, as I spotlight a hot female fronted pop-rock group from Los Angeles and interview pop electronica duo and longtime Wheels fave Ultraviolet Sound Keep feedin’ the inbox: [email protected].

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Of Verona (www.myspace.com/ofverona): This pop-rock unit—based in L.A., but with members from Toronto and New York—is fronted by the insanely talented and beautiful Mandi Perkins. MTV recently featured them on their daily live show The Seven, as a Band to Know in 2011; they were also featured on G4 TV’s Attack of the Show. Of Verona recently completed their debut EP, and the weasels are already sniffing around. We recommend you keep an eye on this one very closely as things heat up. Managed by Ari Ingel.

ON DECK
Mr Xquisit (www.mrxquisit.com): Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Mr Xquisit is a unique artist whose sound, delivery and style are unprecedented. The experience of having grown up in one of the most impoverished cities in the world enables him to connect with the struggles of the working class, and this theme is powerfully expressed in his lyrics. His relocation to Seattle as a kid elevated his love for hip-hop. Thus, Xquisit draws inspiration not only from his roots—legendary reggae artists like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh along with dancehall greats Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton—but also rap icons LL Cool J, Jay Z and Tupac, creating his own eclectic and unique blend of music with clever wordplay, vivid imagery and a voice that commands attention. After graduating from the prestigious Lakeside High School in Seattle, Xquisit relocated to Los Angeles to pursue music, attending Occidental College, where he majored in sociology, history and music theory. Boasting an extensive and unique catalog of original recordings, this workaholic is as original an individual as the music he writes and produces. "So Cali," the lead single off his Endless Party EP—which is filled with braggadocious party-themed tracks—is available now on iTunes. "So Cali" and The Most High mixtape, released on March 11, can be previewed on his website

EMAIL Q&A WITH ULTRAVIOLET SOUND
What’s the inspiration behind the band? How did you guys come together?
We came together in NYC after discovering our mutual passion for electronic music. The inspiration for the band was to make pop music inspired from pop culture and our own life experiences. The idea of being inspired was a big part of how we named the band. Ultra = Beyond, Ultraviolet = Light that is beyond the visible spectrum, Sound = what we hear, or something true. We are hands-on in every aspect of our music. We are one of the few pop acts out there that write, record, engineer and produce their own records.

Talk about your single "Girl Talk" being at Top 40.
“Girl Talk” was a song that at one point wasn't gonna make it on the album, and now it’s getting added to Top 40 stations—CRAZY! The track has an old-school funk inspiration, and has one of our fave basslines on the record. Lyrically, it’s a fun, quirky pop song about all the secrets that girls (and their gays) share!

What are your touring plans for the rest of the summer?
We plan on hitting most major cities in the U.S. this summer, and we’re especially excited about going to the East Coast! Stay tuned to our social networking sites for updates on that.

Who was the coolest artist/band/group you ever played with?
We played with Lady Gaga in Vegas a few years ago, and since then she has become so huge—it is amazing and inspiring that we shared the stage with her.

You guys have to be excited about the digital release of your album, which hits iTunes on April 12.
Excited is an understatement. We spent 12 months, writing and producing the record, and now the world can finally hear it! We hope our fans will love it as much as we do!

If you could be any type of superhero, who would you be and why?
Sarah: I would be the type of superhero that would end war, hunger and poverty—in Chanel. :)