Jul 28, 2010 By Matt Fink Web Exclusive

Damian Abraham (aka Pink Eyes) doesn’t figure to be the type of person who gets starstruck easily, having earned his reputation with fearless and frenzied performances as the burly frontman of Toronto’s Fucked Up. But when speaking with Devo vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mark Mothersbaugh, Abraham is all nervous energy, unleashing a cascade of words that tangle and circle back on themselves, and winding through explanations of his introduction to Devo through his dad’s record collection to the origins of the Pink Eyes moniker and the evolution of his prodigious beard. Eventually, he settles and gets around to actually asking Mothersbaugh some questions, revealing himself to be a pop music scholar with an encyclopedic knowledge of rock history and Devo’s place in it. With Devo’s Something for Everybody—their first new record in 20 years—taking them everywhere from The Colbert Report to Live with Regis and Kelly, Abraham offers a refresher course on why Devo still matters in this uncut transcription of their interview (a shorter version of which appears in our Summer 2010 issue). More

Jun 21, 2010 By Laura Studarus Web Exclusive

The music of Icelandic collective Seabear does nothing to counter the common misconception that all the country does is pump out ethereal harmonies with otherworldly grace. The Jónsi-recommended band has gathered a string of positive reactions from fans and press alike for charming recent release, We Built a Fire, their first since bandleader Sindri Már Sigfússon expanded the project from a solo affair to full band. Under the Radar caught up with bandleader Sigfússon via email, who told us about his forays into visual art, a childhood filled with Michael Jackson, and the (potential) calming effects the new album might have on misbehaving kids. More

May 06, 2010 By Hays Davis Web Exclusive

Regardless of their slow-burning momentum in the U.S., Doves have taken their time over the years to craft a four-album catalogue of solid, memorable, guitar-driven pop-rock songs. Always a considerably bigger act on their home turf, Doves' last album, 2009's Kingdom of Rust, missed the number one spot by a hair of Lady Gaga's head, as Jez Williams explains in our interview. The band plans to take an open-ended break before plotting their next move, but in the meantime, the new The Places Between: The Best Of Doves provides an excellent career placeholder. In our interview with Jez Williams, he reflects on various moments in Doves' career. More

May 05, 2010 By Laura Studarus Web Exclusive

Earlier this year Sigur Rós bandleader Jónsi Birgisson released Go simply under his first name. The nine-song solo outing is filled with vibrant colors, dense orchestration, and Jónsi's ethereal falsetto. The music inspired an equally theatrical stage show, featuring sets and visuals from Fifty Nine Productions. Under the Radar caught up with Jónsi at Coachella where he told us about his new solo sound, surprising dream collaborators, and the unexpected bands he enjoyed growing up.   More

May 04, 2010 By Laura Studarus Web Exclusive

Former Under the Radar "Pleased to Meet You" artists Local Natives have been busy. No longer Los Angeles' little secret, since the release of harmony-filled debut album Gorilla Manor, the quintet has been constantly touring, both at home and abroad. Under the Radar caught up with Local Natives at Coachella for a laugh-filled chat about learning on the road, life after day jobs...and Kathy Bates. More

May 03, 2010 By Laura Studarus Web Exclusive

Under the Radar cover artists Vampire Weekend are having a banner year. From topping the Billboard music charts with sophomore album Contra, to spots on Saturday Night Live in their past and scheduled performances at Radio City Music Hall and The Hollywood Bowl in their future, the Ivy-league educated quartet is a far cry from their start as indie darlings who just wanted to play New York's Bowery Ballroom. Under the Radar joined drummer Chris Tomson and lead man Ezra Koenig in a rare patch of shade at Coachella to discuss life on the road, the sanity-maintaining properties of funny movies, and how to best operate Google.

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Apr 30, 2010 By Laura Studarus Web Exclusive

It's been a hallmark 12 months for Phoenix. The release of their most recent album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, has taken the French quartet from well-kept secret to noted headliners. Busy, yes, however, the band has managed to maintain their joie de vive. "I'd say that our main quality as people involved in the music business is that we are really good at having a lot of pleasure," explains bassist Deck d'Arcy. Under the Radar joined d'Arcy and guitarist Laurent Brancowtz backstage before their Coachella set to discuss touring, the fleeting nature of ideas, and what (probably) won't be next for the band. More

Apr 29, 2010 By Frank Valish Web Exclusive

For the most part, Sambassadeur seemed to miss the global Swedish music explosion of the mid-2000s. But since debuting on Swedish über-label Labrador Records in 2005, the band has released some of the most sublime melodies in Scandinavian indie-pop. Singer Anna Persson formed the band with fellow Swedes Joachim Läckberg and Daniel Permbo in the university town of Skövde, later adding another Daniel, surname Tolergård, when the band realized they needed a bassist. The band recently released its third album, the symphonic European, an album which boasts a grander sonic palette and more of the stunning melodies for which the band has become known. Under the Radar had the chance to speak with Persson to discuss the band's history, its new album, and the reason the four-piece has never yet set foot on U.S. soil. More

Apr 28, 2010 By Laura Studarus Web Exclusive

For two men, multi-instrumentalists Robbie Furze and Milo Cordell (aka The Big Pink) make a lot of noise, crafting billowing layers of synth in a melodic sonic assault. Despite prepping for the unenviable task of playing a set opposite Thom Yorke, the former Pleased to Meet You artists, sat down with Under the Radar at Coachella to drop tantalizing hints about their new sound and why when it comes to their career, bigger is better.   More