26 year old Japanese artist Utada who is relatively unknown in America has the #1 album in Japan. Utada is also a songwriter and producer and thinks of herself as a composer more than as a performer. Her 1999 debut First Love is the country’s biggest-selling album of all time, and three of her albums rank among the Top Ten best-sellers. She has had 12 Number One hits, including four songs in Japan’s all-time Top 100. Her new recent released via Island Def Jam album is produced by Stargate (Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Beyonce) and Tricky (Britney Spears, Madonna, Mariah Carey). Check out the video for Come Back To Me.

Oakland California act The Matches who have completed their deal with Epitaph with the release of their third CD last March will be  performing for labels April 13th at the  Mercury Lounge and April 14th at Ace of Clubs.  Check out the track Wake The Sun. For more information contact  mhmanage@gmail.com

KOAR favorite American Taxi just signed to Virgin. The band has upcoming dates with Sum 41 and The Gaslight Anthem.  Check out the track Mistake. For more information contact danielrfriedman@mac.com

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania band The London draws influences from Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Jeff Buckley. They have recently have opened shows for artists including Jon McLaughlin, Just Surrender, and The Dreaming. Their new album, titled “Young And In Love”, was released on March 17th and their first single “Content” will have a music video in the coming weeks, and will premiere on E!, news With Ryan Seacrest in April and will receive rotation on FuseTV, MTV2, & VH1. For more information contact info@pingpongmusic.com

Check out Avenue B on May 8th at the Emerging Artists Series, Bodles Opera House in Chester, New York. Avenue B consists of 3 sisters hailing from PA who made the move to the east village in Manhatten. Check out the track Romeo and Summer 17.

Flashback:  Michelle Branch Live Here With Me