May 02, 2010 By Laura Studarus Issue #32 - Summer 2010 - Wasted on the Youth

Growing up in Iceland, Jónsi (Jón _ór Birgisson) never dreamed that his love of music would one day lead to a career. More

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

Apr 27, 2010 By Laura Studarus Web Exclusive

Earlier this year, vocalist/keyboardist Victoria Legrand and guitarist Alex Scally—also known as Beach House—released their third album, Teen Dream. A collection of gauzy chamber-pop songs so enchanting Grizzly Bear's Ed Droste repeatedly twittered about its "insanely perfectly gorgeous amazingness," the album has garnered the hard-working duo a string of well-deserved accolades and (very) preemptive declarations of "best album of the year." Under the Radar caught up with the pair at Coachella between their set and a well-deserved dinner to discuss youth, sex, and working on the road. More

Apr 26, 2010 By Laura Studarus Web Exclusive

One of the bands lucky enough to be Stateside before the Icelandic volcano eruption cut off flights from the U.K., Scottish indie poppers Camera Obscura were counting their blessings when we caught up with them at Coachella.  "We do feel for them because that's the sort of shit that would happen to us!" said keyboardist Carey Lander with a laugh. Under the Radar sat down with the ladies of Camera Obscura—Lander and bandleader Tracyanne Campbell—to chat further about acts of God, record sales, and why Yo La Tengo might hold the key to their future (maudlin) career. More

Apr 22, 2010 By Laura Studarus Web Exclusive

For Florence Welch, also known as Florence and the Machine, the past few years have been a whirlwind, transforming her from art-school dropout to Mercury Prize nominee for debut album, Lungs. Still flush from her dynamic Coachella performance, the redhead songstress sat down with Under the Radar to discuss her new "scientific" sound, cover songs, and collaborating with her hero, David Byrne. More

Apr 21, 2010 By Laura Studarus Web Exclusive

Power pop duo Matt and Kim never seem to stop moving. After last year's sophomore release, Grand, the duo have stayed busy, prepping a follow-up album and tour, while still finding time to snag an MTV "Breakthrough Video" award for their bare in Times Square video, "Lessons Learned." Under the Radar caught up with the cheerful twosome at last weekend's Coachella festival to talk about their new album, Erykah Badu, and dirty rock 'n' roll. More

Apr 12, 2010 By Laura Studarus Issue #31 - Spring 2010 - Joanna Newsom

Sharon Jones is no stranger to struggle, be it familial, financial, or professional. However, at 54 years old, the soul singer is unfazed by the task of rehashing some of her difficult life lessons. "Struggle should make you a better person. I don't want to become a nasty person; I don't want to do something evil,"  she says. Not that anyone who heard her music would expect Jones' warmhearted outlook to translate to wilting flower. "I'm not biting my tongue. I'm not going to have someone talk to me or mistreat me in any way. I've taken enough crap. I’ve learned the hard way!” she says with a laugh, referencing the title of her fourth album, I Learned the Hard Way.  More