Mean Lady (@manladylovenow), a duo from Newark, Delaware comprised of instrumentalist Samuel Nobles, and singer Katie Dill, has really caught my attention recently.  A self proclaimed “experiment in pop, hip hop, and psychedelic sounds” as said on their newly created ‘Road to ‘Roo’ (Bonnaroo) site,  the band has created a very unique and modern take on some truly beautiful soul vibes and jazz music.

The ‘Road to ‘Roo’ contest, a new competition curated by Sonicbids, allows voters to select an independent band who they believe should play Bonnaroo this June. Judges within the company will then select 2 out of the top 8 acts after voting is completed. Mean Lady has held the top spot for some time now, and should hopefully finish that way given that voting ends tomorrow. While the final selection isn’t entirely based upon fan choice, surely a first place finish will be enough to turn the heads of those deciding the final 2.

Mean Lady is a young duo, but they have musical roots that stretch far back, expanding their experience and allowing them to congeal their musical styles.  Having played in a Rock/Bossa Nova college band together previously, Nobles and Dill have a working relationship that, when reflected in their music, sounds effortless and seamless. They’re able to gel their influences into something that feels at home, not reaching too far in any direction that would alienate their listeners. With only one EP, last year’s Kid Friendly EP, and a newly released single from their upcoming full length Love Now, they’ve grown tremendously and I’m sure will continue to build on that exposure this summer.

They recently played in Philly for the first time last week and made their inaugural venture to NYC this past February.  You should definitely keep your eyes peeled as they continue to play live throughout the US, and be sure to check out their A side/B side 45” upcoming release that was funded by their Kickstarter page.