Far from the ear-candy shop of bubblegum Pop and mainstream monotony, a young doe-eyed songstress shares her own brand of bold, passionate, and poetic music with Denver's music loving scene. Her expressive style of writing is honest and sophisticated. Her energetic performances are engaging. Nicole Torres and the Affiliates create acoustic-driven, urban Jazz/Rock compositions that are best experienced live. For someone who started her musical journey only seven years ago, Torres shows great promise. Her accomplishments as a musician are impressive: since 2001, Torres has recorded six CDs and is soon to release another. She's played some of the most notable clubs and venues in the Denver area, and has established herself in popular stopovers from Seattle to Minneapolis. Like all great artists, despite their level of success and popularity, Nicole Torres and the Affiliates are true to their art. That art is often dependent on keen observational instincts and the willingness to bear your soul. Torres has both. Her love for Hip Hop and Electronica, as well as bands like Radiohead, is more an inspired element than an influence when it comes to creating her unique style. All of this became obvious, after listening to her song "Jumbled Numbers," a track she pointed out as her favorite composition. Torres expressed great relief and satisfaction when talking about her band she affectionately calls The Affiliates. For drummer John Minardi and bassist Ben Sparrow, the feeling is mutual. Minardi, the mature family man whose years as a musician began in Brooklyn, New York before Torres was a twinkle in her mama's eye, confidently considers Torres a genius. "I've never been more proud to be part of a band," said Minardi, "Her songs are smart, unique, and fun to play." Perhaps that explains why "Mango & Nicotine" is his favorite of all her songs. For Sparrow, playing "Kind Of Kind" better defines his presence in what he considers to be the best band he's ever been in. Originally from Iowa, Sparrow is pleased to be surrounded by the great pool of talent that makes up Denver's rich music scene. Influenced by the likes of Jaco Pastorius, Flea, Les Claypool, and Victor Wooten, Sparrow's contribution is sure to shine. "I wouldn't change a thing," Torres told me, when describing her fellow players. Her Affiliates agree. Torres seems more interested in filling hearts through their ears than filling stadiums through the years. Given the growing fan base she's been accumulating, one may indeed lead to the other.