Rio en Medio is the brainchild of Brooklyn-based singer/ukulelist Danielle Stech-Homsy. Originally Stech-Homsy had no intention of releasing her music--she was content to write and record in secret. But all that changed when musical surrealist Devendra Banhart heard her songs. After a bit of persuasion, Banhart convinced the reluctant singer to release an album on his Gnomonsong record label. The album, The Bride of Dynamite, was recorded almost entirely by Stech-Homsy, and received contributions from Vetiver's Andy Cabic, CocoRosie's Sierra Casady, Tim Fite, and David Coulter, among others.

The sound of Rio en Medio is eclectic. Stech-Homsy's unique sonic quilt is woven from a vast array of influences that fit together in complete harmony. Baritone ukulele is often mixed with minimal electronic rhythms, desperate samples, found sounds, and, most importantly, Stech-Homsy's entrancing vocals. An omnipresent sorrow hangs like fog on songs that could easily mesh with vintage Smithsonian Folkways recordings.

During a recent string of West Coast dates MP3.com met up with Stech-Homsy, who, sitting in a sun-soaked courtyard, performed with her ukulele and voice. Interestingly, the street sounds of San Francisco's Mission district produced an effect similar to the curious sounds that swirl throughout Rio en Medio's recorded music.

Go here to see more of Rio en Medio's session.