Here is Malene Younglao, an international citizen who has come to Amie Street with her own sound. Born in Trinidad & Tobago, living in both San Fernando and Brooklyn until she was 11, she never could confine herself to any one genre of music. Her album Live at Monster Island is a reflection of the many cultures that make up her life and her musical versatility - most wouldn't expect a blues song like Addicted and a hardcore punk-rock song like Rebel Radio to come from the same artist, much less the same album.

Perhaps Malene's talent is best expressed on stage, where she has played with artists like Lauryn Hill and Ludacris, and is known for giving killer performances. (Watch out for an Amie Street Showcase in October featuring Malene...it's coming). When asked about her live shows and her preparation for them, she had this to say:

"Before I go on stage I take a shot of good rum. Usually spiced rum. And then I pray. I think everybody does something well. We are all conductors of energy. We are all built differently so we all channel energy differently. So when I get on stage I've learned to be a receiver of what energy there is and project it back to the audience. I allow it to pass through me."

In fall 2005 she played in Central Park for The Current TV show with Lauryn Hill, De La Soul, Fishbone and Slum Village. "It was a blessing," she said. "And a lot of fun. And I got to jam out at the end with everyone." She has rocked out all over the U.S., including an old barn outside of Jackson, Mississippi with Ludacris, as well as performed in Trinidad for Carnival.

Malene dropped the album Live at Monster Island exclusively on Amie Street "because I don’t think music should be inaccessible or overly expensive in this day in age," she said, "and because it's different and a revolutionary idea and I'm inspired."

Her next record "Way of the Gunn," will undoubtedly have a sound all its own, but unfortunately we will have to wait another few months before it hits Amie Street.

"This is the first time I've had so much time to sit down and concentrate on music. I got to work on it with one of my close friends and one of the most brillant musical minds of our generation, Garry Gunn (of Waterlog). It's growth. And I'm excited about it."

We are, too.