by Jason AnkenyThe alternative CCM group Burlap to Cashmere was led by the Brooklyn-based vocal/guitar duo of cousins John Philippides and Steven Delopoulus. Discovered by manager Jamison Ernest while performing in a New Jersey coffeehouse, the duo soon assembled Burlap to Cashmere, recruiting guitarist Mike Ernest, bassist Roby Guarnera, keyboardist Josh Zandman, drummer Theodore Pagano and percussionist Scott Barksdale; drawing on a vast range of folk and world music influences, the group soon began appearing at New York venues including the Bottom Line, Irving Plaza and Tramps, also building a national cult following on the strength of their extensive tour schedule. After independently issuing a live record in 1997, the following year Burlap to Cashmere signed with A&M to release their major-label debut Anybody Out There?