Pulp and Circumstance is quite intrigued by the soulful, stripped tunes of Zee Avi, a Malaysian singer-songwriter who literally forged a musical career out of posting tunes to youtube in the hopes of getting discovered.

Under the moniker KokoKaina, Zee spent years attracting music devotees to her little channel on the web and the beautiful pop tunes she’s been creating. Eventually, the ukulele and guitar player would gain notice from Brushfire Records, releasing a Christmas tune on their 2008 holiday compilation, The Warm December, which is where Pulp and Circumstance first really took notice.

Finally, after much waiting, Zee Avi’s self-titled debut full-length will be out this month. Her first single, “Bitter Hearts”, is already making the rounds and receiving good buzz; it’s even available for download in iTunes.

So, if you’re a fan of soulful female singers like the beautious Leslie Feist or St. Vincent, you’re bound to dig Zee Avi.

The debut record drops May 19. In the meantime, take a gander…

[Zee Avi – First of the Gang to Die.]