Central Living

Many people who keep up-to-speed about the world of electronica are familiar with this group. Under one name or another, they've been releasing house hits on various labels since the mid-'90s. A collaborative effort between vocal powerhouse Lisa Shaw and globe-trotting producer Dave Warrin, Central Living is one of many projects blossoming at bi-coastal label Naked Music. And like most of the others, it's taking a while to evolve -- probably because both group members are juggling a half-dozen projects at once. Warrin was a keyboard player originally, but he swiftly crossed over into production. In the late '90s, he collaborated on several tracks with Julius Papp. His only venture into mainstream music was a cover of "Don't Give Up" for the Peter Gabriel tribute album Leaves From the Tree. Jody Watley sang lead vocals. Warrin's remixing skills have been in high demand. Shaw also is a fixture on the house music scene. Before Central Living, she had collaborated with producers on both coasts and in the U.K. -- including Warrin himself, on another successful Naked Music project called Lovetronic. Though both artists have been all about electronica in the past, they want to bring some live instruments into the mix on Central Living. This is a perfect time for them to move out of "underground" status, if that is indeed what they want to accomplish. Their label was recently acquired by Astralwerks, which probably boasts more mainstream success stories than any other electronic label in the country. ~ L. Katz