Apr 22, 2011 By Mark Redfern Web Exclusive

While backstage at the 2011 Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Under the Radar's publisher/senior editor Mark Redfern conducted video interviews with some of the fest's most noteworthy bands. Under the Radar caught up with British indie rockers Elbow—who's newest album build a rocket boys! is available now—and waxed festivals and desert birdwatching.  More

Apr 15, 2011 By Matt Fink Web Exclusive

As much as documentary filmmaker JL Aronson’s Danielson: A Famile Movie (Or, Make a Joyful Noise HERE) portrayed Danielson’s Daniel Smith as a tirelessly idiosyncratic artist who fearlessly lives and dies by his often inscrutable creative ideals, it ends on a bit of a down note. As someone who had always placed community at the center of his creative process, first playing music with his brothers and sisters in The Danielson Famile, then mixing in other friends and likeminded artists as Danielson, just how would Smith continue his constant conceptual reinventions when everyone around him kept moving on? Now, five years and one best-of compilation [2008’s Trying Heartz] since the release of Danielson’s critically-lauded Ships, Smith presents The Best of Gloucester County as his answer. More

Apr 14, 2011 By Hays Davis Web Exclusive

Yann Tiersen couldn’t be happier with his latest album, Dust Lane. His sixth studio album and first for the Anti- label, the eight tracks offer a full-band sound that’s largely performed by Tiersen, and he provides plenty of room for his themes to evolve. It’s a record of remarkable breadth, at times resembling an upbeat Bad Seeds with cinematic scope or Tindersticks with a brighter pop aesthetic, though ultimately it stands simply as one of the more unique releases of the past twelve months. More

Apr 05, 2011 By Frank Valish Web Exclusive

On the road promoting his recent solo album, Several Shades of Why, Dinosaur Jr. frontman J Mascis took some time to open up about his career, his current solo shows, and why he really just wants to join The Eagles.  More

Mar 31, 2011 By Hays Davis

If Wire’s chief goal had been to simply make a lasting impact they could have called it a day before the ’80s had even dawned. Even they might have been surprised to know how vital they would sound 35 years later. More

Mar 31, 2011 By Laura Studarus Web Exclusive

Malin Dahlström (vocals) and Gustaf Karlöf (multi-instrumentalist) jokingly call themselves “melancholy and sad people.” However, one would be hard pressed to come to that conclusion listening to their music. The duo, who performs as Niki and The Dove, weave ambitious pop themes through ethereal, wide-screen soundscapes, creating a sound that's as dark and mysterious as it is joyful. Since its formation in February of 2010, the band has already caught international ears, and recently signed to Sub Pop. The charming pair recently chatted with Under the Radar, filling us in on their belief in the power of the pop song, David Lynch look-alikes, and why we may never know the true identity of Niki or the Dove. More

Mar 14, 2011 By Hays Davis Web Exclusive

"The Dawn of Your Happiness is Rising," the lead-off track from Violens' debut full-length album, sets up their aesthetic perfectly. More

Mar 09, 2011 By Frank Valish Web Exclusive

Vivian Girls' Katy Goodman sits down with Under the Radar to discuss her auspicious solo debut as La Sera and the challenges of getting onstage for the first time to perform your own songs. More

Mar 07, 2011 By Kenny S. McGuane Web Exclusive

JD Samson's been a gender-bender for a long time. The androgynous and mustached indie icon/sex symbol is best known as one third of the well-respected feminist dance-punks Le Tigre. Here we talk to her about her current project, MEN.

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