Born and raised in Neptune City, NJ, singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins lived up and down the east coast before settling in New York to write her debut album about her hometown. Atkins was approached by friend and now band-mate Dan Chen in 2005 to start a new band, The Sea, based on the songs Atkins had on her MySpace page.

The band was discovered at Piano's, a tiny New York bar, while they were playing a mini-residency, and several labels took notice. The result was record deal with Columbia Records and a busy career including appearances on Letterman and Conan as well as performances at the SXSW and Bonnaroo festivals.

Songs performed: "Carouselle," "The Way It Is," and "Crystal Ship."

Related

• Nicole Atkins performs in The Current studios
• Official Web site
• Buy albums