Diane Birch made her studio debut with 2009's Bible Belt, a combination of singer/songwriter soul and soft, '70s-era pop in the vein of Carole King, Laura Nyro, and Elton John. Although born in Michigan, Birch traveled the globe as a child, bouncing between Zimbabwe, South Africa, Australia, and Oregon with her preacher father. Her musical influences proved to be as diverse as her upbringing, and the Suzuki-trained pianist eventually moved to Los Angeles, where she began distilling her love for Motown, blues, and old-fashioned pop into a uniquely retro sound. After briefly honing her chops in England, Birch returned to America and signed with S-Curve Records. Bible Belt, with featured cameos from members of Galactic, the Roots, and the Jive Five, was released in May 2009.