Miko & Carolyn are Taniq, a husband and wife Soul Hip-Hop couple that sings, writes, and produces their material. Music Connection Magazine writes, “Miko & Carolyn are creating some smooth, fetching sounds that at times echoes classic Philly Soul as well as new-school Jill Scott, Fugees. The singers have a blend that harmonizes well- sweet, easy and soulful.” Taniq was formed in Chicago in the winter of 2000. Originally a 6-piece band, Miko and Carolyn developed a strong musical partnership and friendship spanning 3 years. During their 2004 recording session of the self-entitled EP, unforeseen sparks flew between the two. They kept their courtship a secret from the rest of the band for over a year. They finally revealed their love a week before moving to Los Angeles. “The Soul Couple” is familiar with comparisons to music’s most recognized couples. Fans have called them the next Ashford & Simpson, a soulful Sonny & Cher, and even the sober Bobby & Whitney. When asked what sets Taniq apart, Carolyn responds, “While our sound is deeply rooted in Soul and Hip-Hop, our music features Jazzy melodies, Funk-inspired horn arrangements, and Gospelesque call-and-response. It helps us attract people that may not normally find themselves in the same room.” The Life & Times of Love was recorded in Chicago and Los Angeles and features 17 musicians as well as a choir. The newlyweds are still honeymooning, but this album offers more than just bedroom music. Miko comments, “Romantic love is only a facet of our lives together. Life and love are not one-dimensional and we wanted our experiences with friends, family, and God to be reflected on this album.” The lead single, “Breakin’ the Rules” has generated much buzz and was featured on ABC Family’s Lincoln Heights. It’s a sexy, Jazz-influenced song that tells of giving in to temptation. The second single, “Cupid Shot Me” is reminiscent of Mary J. Blige and Method Man’s “You’re All I Need to Get By” and fills a void for those who appreciate a Hip-Hop love song, “…could it be that I’m infatuated? The player inside me has been assassinated by Cupid’s bow and arrow, who put out the hit?” The dynamic and polished horn arrangements on “Hands in My Pockets” and “Look at You Now,” were done by Duane Benjamin, a musician and arranger for American Idol and Singing Bee. When combined with the infectious groove of the rhythm section, it’s a call back to the energy of bands like Earth Wind & Fire and Sly and the Family Stone. On the album’s title track, the duo sings with the serenity of a lullaby as they tell a powerful story that personifies love as a redeemed victim. The second and third movements complete the tale with a suspenseful string arrangement that transitions into a festive Montuno ending with a musical party set in Heaven. Taniq’s debut release has set the bar high even for seasoned artists. The quality of live musicianship cannot be replaced with drum-machine and synth sounds and the provocative songwriting is unmatched in much of music today. In The Life and Times of Love, Miko and Carolyn create a commercially-appealing niche by using the best elements of Hip-Hop and Contemporary Soul music. The disc showcases their dedication to their craft as artists, writers, and producers. Taniq has set a precedent that will influence the musical tastes of fans and fellow artists alike.