Fatale

There are no instruments on Antique Naked Soul's self-titled debut album, yet the fact that it's a cappella is easy to forget. It's a testament to their versatility. The duo, comprised of singer Antique and beat boxer Soulati, released their first LP of a cappella hip-hop last year, and it's definitely not the usual "look at us, we have no instruments" smuggery. (Why are all a cappella singers so smug? Is this just me?) Solo, Antique usually arms herself with only a looping pedal (think Reggie Watts, but less wacky), an aesthetic that carries over to her collaboration with Soulati. Self-harmonies underpin her throwback jazz and soul-infused vocal style. Soulati provides a one-man rhythm section with an old-school hip-hop vibe. (Stephen Layton)
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It's 2014 and men still dominate the music industry-that doesn't mean there aren't a lot of talented female artists working today. Two of them, Jackie Gage (vocalist from local jazz/soul outfit the JurassiC) and Nehal Abuelata (singer for local world-beat-indie-soul group Sweet HayaH) are starting "Fatale," a new weekly Wednesday event at the Blackbird Tavern with a focus on female talent.(Aaron Carnes)

June 11: Antique Naked Soul and The JurassiC
June 18: The Killer Queens and Ghost & the City
June 25: Dreams of June, Kitten Grenade, and Dolce Musica

Photos: Ignacio Lopez and Jessica Shirley-Donnelly