http://www.theindustrycosign.com/content/cgi-bin/archives/00000240.shtml

Imagine meeting a talented producer from The Netherlands on the Internet and creating one of the most talked about albums of the season. That's just what Phonte Coleman, 25, of the group Little Brother did. After finishing Little Brother's debut album The Listening, Phonte came across Netherlands producer Nicolay (born Matthijs Leonard Nicolay Rook, 30) on the okayplayer.com message boards. The two collaborated for a B side track on Little Brother's first single "Whatever You Say." From there, they decided to record an album under the name The Foreign Exchange. While Phonte remained in North Carolina, Nicolay and he exchanged numerous files over instant messenger and recorded The Connected LP without ever seeing each other in person.

The duo worked on the album for a year and half without having the luxury of being in the same studio. The vocals were mixed by super producer 9th Wonder, Khrysis and Big Dho, while the final album was mixed by Nicolay. When asked about what it was like making an album in this particular fashion and if there were any cultural or language barriers Nicolay says, " We definately have our differences of course, background, etc., but from the start I think we both had a pretty clear vision of what we wanted to do and we never really strayed." With the Connected LP gaining an increased internet and college radio presence, Phonte mentioned he initially felt the vibe of the album was too "grown and sexy" for Hiphop yet insists that Nicolay is one of the illest producers he's heard in "a looong time " and that his beats inspire him to work everyday.

The two finally met in the early summer of 2004, two years after initially meeting online. It was while Little Brother was making a tour stop in Amsterdam. Phonte says it was surreal, like meeting a long lost brother, "We just gave each other pounds and hugged and shit, talked for a while, had a good time." What's next? The future of the Foreign Exchange will see them releasing a second single from the Connected LP entitled "Sincere" featuring Yazarah (who has done backing vocals for Erykah Badu and released two independent albums). Nicolay and Phonte are also currently working on collaborator Darien Brockington's new album which will feature Nicolay on production.