Preview: Star and Micey

g16starFrom the blues influence of Beale Street and the country atmosphere of Tennessee comes an indie band that melds these traditional styles with the catchy, upbeat nature of pop.  Joshua Cosby (lead vocals, guitar), Geoff Smith (bass, vocals), and Nick Redmond (lead guitar) make up Star and Micey, the latest band to come out of Memphis’ Ardent Studios and its mainstream label, Ardent Music.

A combination of folk, pop, soul, country, and blues, Star and Micey’s self-titled debut album hit stores in October, and the band has been touring almost non-stop to make sure it’s heard.

Their latest tour takes them through New Orleans for their third time in a matter of months, this time back to Fair Grinds in Mid-City on Sunday. While the album boasts names like guitarist Luther Dickinson (The Black Crowes, North Mississippi Allstars) and drummer Jody Stephens (Big Star), the live shows are more stripped down. It’s about Josh, Geoff, and Nick, and a revolving door of local artists.

For the guys of Star and Micey, collaborating with different musicians is integral to their development as a band. During the recording of their debut album, no idea was turned down with at least trying it first, and their tours reflect that sense of welcome.

After a cancelled show in Baton Rouge in October, the boys tracked down their opener, local soulful singer/songwriter Erin Miley, to find something to do. They were so impressed by her that they had her open for them during their November tour dates.

In true Southern tradition, these boys are as nice as they come. Their music betrays a keen awareness of their own and other people’s emotions, and they pay attention to them, work with them, and play to them.

As they put it, they just want to “hold hands with everyone they can.”

Star and Micey perform at 7 p.m. Sunday at Fair Grinds Coffeehouse (3133 Ponce de Leon).