Jul 02, 2005 By Frank Valish Web Exclusive

How does a group of self-proclaimed DIY musicians from Sweden make it to Los Angeles and sign with a major record label? From talking to Adam Olenius, frontman for the Stockholm five-piece, Shout Out Louds, it is not as difficult as one might think.

Jun 02, 2005 By Matt Fink Web Exclusive

Christopher O’Riley isn’t your typical indie rock fan. He might have a weakness for all things obscure and intricate, but where the average listener might sit down and marvel at the complexity of a Radiohead arrangement, O’Riley can pull up the piano bench and tap out his own arrangement.

May 02, 2005 By August Brown Maria Taylor

Sometimes, you just can’t catch a break on tour. Maria Taylor, one half of the Southern-gothic pop duo Azure Ray, thought she had scored a deal by landing a cheap room for her band in a Houston Doubletree hotel, and they limited their post-show partying to pizza and watching In Good Company on TV.

May 02, 2005 By Jason “Fish” Fischer Web Exclusive

If you’re reading this, then you probably already know who Petra Haden is. For the uninitiated, she’s the daughter of legendary jazz bassist Charlie Haden. She was born one of three triplets along with sisters Tanya and Rachel.

May 02, 2005 By Mark Redfern Web Exclusive

Who are Goldie Lookin’ Chain? The mysterious Welsh rapping crew first came to Under the Radar’s attention when they guested last year on the Super Furry Animals B-side “Motherfokker,” rapping about Sci-Fi movies, alien abductions, and 60’s political rockers MC5. Then word started to spread across the lands of the United Kingdom that Goldie Lookin’ Chain were a hip-hop force to be reckoned with, if not exactly to be taken seriously.

Apr 02, 2005 By Gary Knight Web Exclusive

Comets On Fire play loud, so you may hear. This seems an easy thing to point out, but perhaps that’s because it’s more difficult to pin down what exactly makes their particular blend of jazz, psychedelia and hard rock so damn good.

Apr 02, 2005 By Mark Redfern Boom Bip

Boom Bip is Bryan Hollon. Bryan Hollon is Boom Bip. When asked to describe his sound, Hollon humorously responds: “It is a bit like Marianne Faithful on Prozac and vitamins with a computer, a penis and a few guitars.”

Apr 02, 2005 By August Brown Kaiser Chiefs

The Kaiser Chiefs may “Predict A Riot” on their hit single, but don’t expect drummer Nick Hodgson to start swinging if the band ever gets in an actual fistfight. “I’m not capable of punching someone,” he says.

Apr 02, 2005 By August Brown Web Exclusive

Montreal, Canada, is best known in America as the place eighteen-year-old New Englanders go to get legally trashed on their summer vacations. Torquil Campbell admits that locals survive the miserable winters in much the same way. “A lot of sex and alcohol, that’s the recipe,” says the Stars’ singer, keyboardist and songwriter.