From Brooklyn, New York

From last.fm:

Joseph Arthur (born September 28, 1971) is an American contemporary singer-songwriter from Akron, Ohio. He is known for his melodic compositions combined with swirling choruses. He was discovered by Peter Gabriel in the mid-'90s and signed to Gabriel's Real World label in 1996. Arthur's first album, Big City Secrets, was released in 1997 to critical acclaim. In 2006, Arthur's song "In The Sun" was covered by Michael Stipe (of R.E.M.) and Coldplay singer Chris Martin. Read more about Joseph Arthur on Last.fm.