Editor's Note: This story first appeared in its original format in the new issue of Variance. Click here for the full version.

Photo by Shelby Duncan

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Caught a Ghost, the brainchild of Los Angeles native Jesse Nolan, is quickly becoming a music-licensing gem, with prime placements on musically-savvy television series such as ABC's Grey's Anatomy, HBO's Boardwalk Empire, USA’s Suits and the CW's The Vampire Diaries. But the neo-soul outfit isn’t just some novelty act.

There has been no shortage of retro-everything in music over the past few years. And Caught a Ghost certainly has a vintage R&B aura, recalling influence from Motown to the Rolling Stones. The band isn’t a Smokey Robinson wannabe, but rather a testament of the greatness of past music eras while progressively pushing the art forward.

Caught a Ghost Featured in Spring Playlist

It’s a crowded field, the genre of modern retro. But part of what makes Caught a Ghost an exception is how effortlessly they cross genres, thus creating a magical fusion of pop, soul and electronic.

Fans of Mayer Hawthorne, Fitz and the Tantrums and LCD Soundsystem should find a lot to love about this collective, which also includes singer/percussionist Tessa Thompson. Additionally, their must-see live shows typically consist of a large ensemble of various musicians and dancers. Sure, it’s somewhat crowded for the stages they’re playing right now. But rest assured, stage size won’t be much of an issue for long as Nolan and Co. continue to rise.

Caught a Ghost is currently on tour through May, with upcoming dates supporting Wild Belle. The debut full-length, Human Nature, is out now.

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