While not too widely known outside her native Canada, Basia Bulat has gained a loyal and devoted fan base since her 2007 debut Oh, My Darling. Her unique voice and folksy tunes managed to catch the ears of the people in charge of the prestigious Polaris Prize, for which that album was nominated. more ›

Before Sarah Palin put it on the map, Wasillia, Alaska's biggest export, arguably was Portugal. the Man. Though they moved to Portland shortly after forming, the band took the years of experience they had playing with other groups, most notably post-hardcore outfit Anatomy of A Ghost, and created their own musical path. And that path is just as eclectic and diverse as the band is prolific. more ›

Last year, before they'd even released a record, the back story of Girls frontman Christopher Owens had become the subject of interminable blog palaver, pop-psychologizing and myth-making. It is a compelling narrative: Owens was a second-generation member in the Children of God cult, before running away at sixteen. His dad left, his brother died, and at times his mother was forced to prostitute herself to entice new members into the cult. After leaving, he lived as a Texas gutter-punk until landing with a West Texas millionaire; he then moved to San Francisco, played in some punk bands, met local musician and producer JR White, and recorded an album with him. more ›

If the reception for Fleet Foxes in 2008 and The Avett Brothers in 2009 at ACL is any indication, then Dawes should expect to leave this year's festival with an entire city in their back pocket. This is because the California band play the same brand of earthy, low-key, folk music that has been a recipe for success in the indie community within the last few years. more ›

Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, better known in the world of songs and mud-flinging as M.I.A., is two things for sure: 1. a dance music whirlwind capable of throwing down some of the catchiest fire-starting political statements, and 2. a proven lightning rod for criticism. It's not just in her over-the-top public persona, complete with multiple and potentially narcissistic variations on her name, but her willingness to engage in back and forth shit-talking via twitter, that makes her a compelling character. Some fallout: after being a critical darling since her debut in 2005, her newest album, /\/\ /\ Y /\ (a statement on the joys of creative typography only a postmodern e.e. cummings could love), has been panned in all the right places despite the fact that a few of its tracks are among the year's most infectious. See "XXXO" and "Born Free" for proof she's still got it. more ›

Elisabeth Maurus has quietly been establishing herself as a rising alt-country singer-songwriter to be be reckoned with for the better part of the last year as Lissie. Bolstered by her strong, throwback voice and her talents on the guitar, she has garnered comparisons to Stevie Nicks, Neko Case and early Sheryl Crow. more ›

Nashville garage rockers The Ettes play their raw blend of rock with no gimmicks and no concern for being part of a scene, but with plenty of hooks. Led by energetic vocalist/guitarist Lindsay "Coco" Hames, the four piece have put out four albums since their 2005 debut, Eat The Night, and released what is arguably their best and most cohesive album, Do You Want Power, last year to generally favorable reviews. more ›

Sometimes, being in the right place at the right time can be just what an indie band needs to break big. Over the last several years, a sizable number of relatively unknown groups have achieved mainstream consciousness by having their music featured in commercials, TV shows, and movies. Oftentimes referred to as "The OC Effect" (based on the timely explosion of Death Cab for Cutie via Seth Cohen), one song placed in the right ad or soundtrack can cement you a spot on the radars of everyone from tweens to soccer moms, and everyone in between. Just ask The Temper Trap. more ›

By the time U.K.’s FOALS take the stage for their ACL Fest set at Zilker Park on Sunday, they may well be the winners of the prestigious Mercury Prize for 2010. They are going up against luminaries like Paul Weller and peers such as The xx so this is no sure thing, but just the nomination itself speaks volumes about their undoubted talent. more ›

When James Murphy isn't running DFA Records, he's the mastermind behind the undeniably influential outfit known as LCD Soundsystem. At this point, most people have at least heard of Murphy and his dance punk project, but this kind of set is particularly interesting within the context of ACL, a festival that maintains is relevance largely due to its recognition of well-aged acts. It's nothing short of amazing that Murphy & Co. will perform at the same festival as Phish and The Eagles. more ›

The thrill of the early hours of day one at the Austin City Limits Music Festival is nearly upon you. Yeah, you know the feeling. Your mind is eagerly processing the promise of three days of continuous live music, inevitable good times, and relentless shenanigans. The positive vibes have enveloped your very being even as you enter the largely vacant Zilker Park almost impatiently before noon, looking for an initial burst of euphony to send you on your way. Your first stop should most certainly be the Lady Bird Lake Stage, where GIVERS’ sunny-side-up pop tunes are sure to magnify all that optimism. The band members evoke passion from the moment they take the stage; their enticing melodies and tantalizing rhythms will have you dancing with joy in no time. Heck, you’ll probably be wishing you could bottle their irrepressible zeal for quick little boosts of energy at regular intervals throughout the weekend. more ›

L.A.-based Local Natives seem to have come from nowhere, but a little digging into the group’s past proves that they’ve been paying dues for quite some time. Their debut full-length, Gorilla Manor, was first only released in the U.K. and hardly made a blip in the U.S., but their time spent in obscurity didn’t last very long. more ›

This year's Austin City Limits festival headliners have been announced, and the list includes Muse, The Eagles, Phish, The Flaming Lips, M.I.A., and The Strokes. The festival takes place from October 8th through the 10th at Zilker Park. more ›

Set your alarms: tomorrow morning at 10 a.m., ACL Fest will start selling tickets for this year's festivities. Early bird tickets went quickly this morning, so be sure to get over there early for tomorrow's on-sale. Three day passes are $185 this year. more ›

Don't miss the I Heart MJ Party featuring Who’s Bad, The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band w/ DJ Mel at Stubb's. Go here for more details more ›

Michael Corcoran over at Austin360 managed to get his hands on the contract that C3 made with the city, revealing that the festival producers pay a little under an estimated $100k annually to rent out part of Zilker Park. more ›

Austin 360 is reporting that next year's ACL Festival will take place Oct. 8-10 at Zilker Park. more ›