achieved recognition in anti-folk scene

Spektor gradually achieved recognition through performances in the anti-folk scene in downtown New York City, most prominently at the East Village’s SideWalk Cafe . She also performed at local colleges (such as Sarah Lawrence College ) with other musicians, including the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players . She sold self-published CDs at her performances during this period: 11:11 (2001) and Songs (2002). Spektor’s first nationwide tour was accompanying the Strokes as the opening act on their 2003–2004 Room on Fire tour which included performances at The Theater at Madison Square Garden . While on the tour, she and the band performed and recorded ” Modern Girls & Old Fashion Men “. After the tour, Kings of Leon , who were the second opening act on the tour, invited Spektor to open for them on their own European tour. In 2004, Spektor signed a contract with Warner Brothers ‘ record label Sire Records to publish and distribute her third album Soviet Kitsch , originally self-released in 2003. In 2005, she began making her first TV appearances including guest spots on various late-night talk shows .