The Key Studio Sessions: Paper Hearts

Philly singer-songwriter Angel Ocana met Tiffany Foster in the center city confines of their 9 to 5 day job. Walking around the office one day, he heard her singing to herself, and was struck by her voice. He asked her if she’d be interested in joining his band – which didn’t exist at the time. He was not yet playing drums in Northern Arms, and he only ever performed out solo. By “join my band,” Ocana meant “sing on these songs I’ve written.”

Foster checked out his ideas for songs, and was immediately excited to try it out. “That was two years ago now,” Foster recalls. “I’m so grateful that I said yes, it’s one of the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Though they’ve been operating informally since that chance meeting in the office in 2012, Ocana and Foster debuted as Paper Hearts earlier this year with the wistful, romantic single “Beach House,” which was immediately named an XPN Gotta Hear Song of the Week. For their Key Studio Session, performed with Molly White on backup vocals and glockenspiel, Paper Hearts unveils five more songs in its catalogue – the gospel / folk a capella number “Take Me Home,” the wistfully chiming “Lucky You,” the contemplative “Trails We Make.”

The subject matter is often wrapped up in love, the arrangements are minimal and touching, recalling James Taylor, Ida and Nick Drake. The band is starting to make its way out of the rehearsal room and on to stages more often; this winter, it opens for Dan Mills at World Cafe Live on February 12th, and plays The Key’s Fireside Sessions on February 21st. (Information on both performances can be found at the XPN Concert Calendar). Below, listen to Paper Hearts’ Key Studio Session, and download it in its entirety here.