Our girl Isa Nakazawa (San Francisco) and Marcus Warmington (Brooklyn) team up as Bodega Vendetta to bring us an exemplary R&B/soul mix made for cuffing season. Gems on gems - from throwback classics to more recent indie tracks. Stream and download below.

If there's one thing, folks can't say that British singer Charlie Winston is without personality or spirit. His songs are heartfelt and rooted in a very real place that can be found relatable for many. This week he released his sophomore album, Running Still, and we were lucky enough to catch up with the insightful artist to get a little closer to where he's coming from.

Folks looking to preview a bit more of the sounds below can find a free stream and download for "Where Can I Buy Happiness?" Also, the full album stream is available for the listening on AOL.

Giant Step: What's the story behind your first single, "Hello Alone?"

Charlie Winston: This was a song that got started many years ago. The chorus, that is. I wrote it awhile back, inspired by listening to a lot of Tom Waits at the time. So it was written more like old countryman's blues, but I wanted to give it a little more soul now that I was thinking of it for my record. It talks about the paradoxical feelings behind the ending of a relationship. On one hand, you can feel sad to be alone again, whereas on the other hand, there is something liberating about only having to answer to yourself again. The way I describe it in the song is as if "Alone" is an old friend whom you hoped you'd gotten rid of, but there he is again, on your doorstep... and after a little time, you remember he knows you better than anyone.

Purchase Running Still on iTunes | Amazon

Facebook | Twitter | Official Site

Read the rest of the interview after the jump

As a prelude to his upcoming album, Land of 1000 Chances, DJ Day has released an alluring tune called "Mama Shelter." The feel is breezy, light, and retro with a Brazilian flourish. Everything is always better in Portuguese.

Look out for Land of 1000 Chances on February 12.

Facebook | Twitter

We're very pleased to present soulful electro-dance trio Tortured Soul on Thursday, March 14th at Stage 48. The group recently released their single "Dirty", which features several fabulous remixes, including one from DJ Spinna. It's fitting then that Spinna will be joining the show, providing his eclectic selection of soulful house, Afrobeat, funk, and more for your dancing pleasure.

Tickets are already on sale here.

Giant Step Presents Tortured Soul + DJ Spinna
Thursday, March 14th
Stage 48
605 W. 48th St. @ 11th Avenue
Doors: 8:00 PM / Show: 9:00 PM More Info

After getting intimate with Jesse Boykins III and MeLo-X with our Road To Zulu Guru interview, we're thrilled to bring you yet another a treat from the talented duo. Not too long ago, the singer rapper pair gave a live performance at the super cool Converse Rubber Tracks studio. Today we get to premiere three tracks from the evening that comprise a new free Zulu Guru Live EP that we've got for the streaming and downloading for you below!

And above, try keeping your composure while watching a video recording from the evening. *Fanning selves*

For those that want to get in on the live action, folks in Los Angeles can catch Jesse rocking a solo gig on February 9. Details after the jump.

Jesse Boykins III & MeLo-X - Zulu Guru Live [Download on Sendspace]

Purchase Zulu Guru on iTunes | Amazon

Jesse Boykins III on Facebook | Twitter | Official Site

Melo-X on Facebook | Twitter | Official Site

Event details and album artwork after the jump