Andrew Veeder on January 13th, 2015

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Oakland-reared, Los Angeles-based Aaron Valenzuela’s music under the monkier Harriet Brown is equal parts funky and seductive, harking back to the magical purple Minneapolis scene of the 1980s while updating the nostalgic R&B sound for modern day. The one-man band as performer, producer and songwriter released his debut EP, “New Era,” via Feel So Real in the fall, featuring production assistance from Alex Talan of the L.A. band Rare Times. Opening track “Paradisiac” pulses with drum machine and shaker production, grabs you with its sensual and soulful lyrics, and soars with his falsetto and killer guitar solo that warrants a Prince merit badge. On the slower and sultry tip, “New Machines” buzzes with electricity, as he harmonizes with himself over a nuanced shimmering and vibrant soundtrack for some sweet, sweet lovemaking. In a live setting, the one-man band is precisely that, with Valenzuela manning drum machines, sequencers, and synthesizers, while layering and looping vocal tracks, shredding on this guitar and singing — the good news, dear audience, is that you’ve got a few chances this month to see it in action.

||| Stream: “New Machines” and “Paradisiac”

||| Live: Harriet Brown plays Touch Vinyl this Sat., and the Echo on Jan. 21 with Castro.

||| Also: Check out the music video for “Paradisiac” below: