calebt (Curator)

KEXP has been silently dumping loads of gems into the FMA. Teaser tracks off live sets from people like Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, Ladytron, and James Yuill are a few of the highlights from their star-studded offerings. It's clear they mean business, so take advantage.

One of particular interest is a stripped down performance from Seattle songwriter Vince Mira. Mira is an anomaly not to be skipped. His voice bears an uncanny resemblance to Johnny Cash (hence the title, which I admit I lifted off KEXP's archive, but, come on, it's pretty clever) -- enough to impress John Carter Cash, at least, who scooped him up to co-produce his first official release, Cash Cabin Session, which showcases a few of his own originals alongside a Spanish-language rendition of "Ring of Fire." With a face that could kill and a west-Texas wardrobe that wouldn't be out of place in the '50s, it's clear that Mira can play the part.

A Johnny Cash impersonator is all well and good, and certainly vaguely impressive in its own right, but there's a reason Mira is doing a weekly residence at the Can Can in Seattle, not playing Vegas. He writes sturdy, captivating stories set to deep melodies where his voice flourishes. The guitar-and-voice performance on KEXP is solid evidence of his singular talent. Mira is carving out an identity in spite of the Cash shadow, which is all the more impressive when I reveal that he is 17 years old. Or 16, I'm not sure, wikipedia just says that his birthday is in 1992, and I can't find out anywhere else. His songs are already well beyond his years, and there can only be more to come. So check him out now, or later, because Mira is here to stay.