One of the best things about living in Los Angeles is the ability to see artists doing what they love. Last week, at Soul Stage LA™, I got my dose of that: artists taking their craft seriously, stepping on stage, and serenading an audience that came ready to listen.

The event was Soul Stage Solos™, held Thursday, July 30, at Studio 1 in the Los Angeles Arts District. The space was intimate, the drinks (sponsored by Mission Craft Cocktails and Huzzy Smart Sips) were flowing, and the vibe was perfect. With a mix of covers reimagined with their own spin and original songs performed with real conviction, each artist who stepped on the stage delivered.

Soul Stage Solos™ is the work of Julian Paris, founder and executive producer of Le Comte de Paris Entertainment and Soul Stage LA™. The series was built as an intimate live performance experience, giving vocalists the time, space, band support, and audience attention to be fully heard, and that intention showed in every set.

“Last night showed exactly why Soul Stage LA™ exists,” Paris (photoed above) said in a statement. “When serious vocalists have the room, the band, the audience, and the production quality to be fully experienced, the result is something people remember. Soul Stage Solos™ is designed to give emerging artists that kind of room.”

Four vocalists took the stage over the course of the night, each bringing a distinct expression of contemporary soul. Misa James opened the evening with a catchy, vibey original that immediately pulled the room into his energy. Synai Obney followed with a sultry mix of R&B and Neo Soul that deepened the mood as the night went on. Noah Jay brought a gospel-toned soul sound, delivering original music rooted in feeling and conviction.

Closing out the vocalist lineup, Sierra Sellers gave the room a resonant final lift with powerful, melodic vocals that stayed with the audience well after she left the stage.

Every performer was backed by Josh McClanahan and the Gaslight District Band, whose live arrangements and musicianship gave the night its foundation, locking in with each artist’s sound.

If this is the kind of room Soul Stage LA™ is building, it’s easy to see why the series is one to keep an eye on. Those interested in catching the next show can stay connected through the Soul Stage LA™ Memberly community at SoulStageLA.com.