Beat Box: Trio Nurtures Life In Intense Volume

In the May 17 issue, Robbins Entertainment president Cory Robbins acknowledged that much of the label's repertoire has its roots in Europe.

But he also expressed a strong desire to sign more American artists—adding to Rockell and Reina, among others.

Well, there is an unsigned act that Robbins—the man and the label—needs to know about. Ditto for a label like Ultra.

L.I.V. (short for Life in Intense Volume) is a bi-coastal trio: New York-based songwriter/producer Ellis Miah, singer/actress Natasha Tabandera and Los Angeles-residing songwriter/producer Jody den Broeder.

While laying down tracks for an album, L.I.V. is currently shopping a single, the hypnotically melodic and emotional "Journey of Love."

With this song, the threesome wears its radio-friendly, trance-pop stylings well. Think DJ Encore, Ian van Dahl and Lasgo.

And it is no wonder. The members have been individually honing mainstream sensibilities.

As a member of production/remix collective Orange Factory, native New Yorker Miah has worked on chart-topping tracks for Yoko Ono, Dolce and Loleatta Holloway.

Since moving to L.A. from Columbus, Ohio, den Broeder has worked with Giorgio Moroder and Thunderpuss.

Hailing from Hawaii, Tabandera's résumé includes principal roles in Broadway hits "Miss Saigon" and "Mamma Mia."

Prior to moving to New York, Tabandera fronted cover bands on the islands of Maui and Oahu.

These days, she's happy to be an integral part of L.I.V. "To actually have a project that seems to be moving ahead—after years and years of performing and practicing my craft—is amazing," she says.

When asked about "Journey of Love," Tabandera stresses the importance of "story and poetry" in music. "And, of course, that emotion behind the story."

L.I.V. can be reached at 646-319-8776.

MESSIN' WITH OUR MIND: After a too-long absence, Nona Hendryx returns to dancefloors. She is the featured singer on "Ghost Love" by the House of Voodoo.

Produced by Bruce Smith and Johnny Sender, "Ghost Love" finds Hendryx covering herself. The original version of the song appeared on Hendryx's 1984 album, "Art of Defense."

Promotional 12-inches will arrive mid-July from Flexible/ZYX Germany. Flexible is securing licensing deals for the track in other countries.

BOSSA NOVA JEWEL: Fans of '60s Brazilian music—or that which has been greatly inspired by that era—need to know and care about Rosalia de Souza's debut.

Arriving July 29 from Leeds Music/Avatar, "Garota Moderna" (Modern Girl) was produced by Italian DJ Nicola Conte.

Like Bebel Gilberto before her, de Souza—who hails from Rio de Janeiro—and Conte have created a cool collection of bossa nova classics and original tunes. Highlights include "Maria Moita," "Adriana," "Saudosismo," "Mais" and "Samba Novo."



MOVING ON: Citing personal reasons, Marco Navarra has resigned as senior director of promotion at Elite/Promo Only. He can be reached at 917-975-7736.