Editor's Note: This awesome interview was contributed by guest writer and aspiring music journalist Ruth Griffin. You'd think making music in your basement would be the first step towards a successful music career. Some, though, consider it to be the only step, and embrace the underground haven. It was with this attitude that our friends, The Cave Singers, were born. In spite of their title, these fellas stray far from any cave-like bounds, captivating listeners with raw, sincere vocals, and an infectious folk-rock sound. More recently, these Seattle-based boys have been making waves with their third LP, No Witch, welcoming a new record label as well as a completely booked tour schedule. And with a Friday afternoon ACL performance right around the corner, the Singers’ guitarist/bassist Derek Fudesco took some time off to answer some questions about music, the break from Matador, and tabletop dancing in China. more ›

Fleet Foxes are having something of a cultural moment right now. This show was sold out months before the release their second album, Helplessness Blues, which has garnered eye-popping reviews from just about everyone and placed them in that rarefied space wherein an indie band can chart on Billboard, have their album streamed by NPR*, and sell out major venues while still maintaining a level of hip cache and critical adulation. Animal Collective, Arcade Fire, Grizzly Bear and Vampire Weekend are among the other bands there. It doesn't hurt that there is nothing offensive whatsoever about Fleet Foxes: they're a young, attractive band with, for better or worse, a modest, folk-hippie style that matches their gorgeous and heartwarming folk-rock music; music that is obviously the result of oodles of talent meeting with painstaking craftsmanship. Something to be held up, admired, and appreciated. more ›

This might come as a surprise, but them Philly peeps known as Dr. Dog aren't spring chickens. Pushing a solid decade (!), you're probably reviewing the mind-tapes in your noggin' remembering all the times you heard-in the background at a dimly lit party or the wine headachy morning of a one-night stand-the scratchy tenor of lead singer and the laid-back psych-homage of the backing band on past albums like Easy Beat or We All Belong. more ›

Hailing from Athens, Georgia, Dark Meat perform an ecstatic sort of revivalist rock'n'roll, joyfully creating their own spectacle of noise by any means necessary. About 18 performers (give or take), including a brass section positioned on one side of the venue and a more traditional outfit on the other (including two wildly talented and seemingly tireless drummers) electrified the audience at the Mohawk last night with their unique sound, which lies somewhere between Spritualized and Rocket from the Crypt. more ›

Photo by Nash Cook on FlickrFun Fun Fun Fest lived up to its name in spades last weekend, showcasing local and not-so local bands of all genres on three stages in two short days. Day 2 was teeming with talent and intrigue as local acts like I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness, Riverboat Gamblers, Car Stereo (Wars) and Moth!Fight! did their thing, laying the groundwork for an out of town lineup any festival would... more ›

FRIDAY: Mohawk: Cracker / Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit Club Deville: Robbers on High Street, Great Northern - FREE! Sponsored by The Onion/Sweet Leaf Tea Beauty Bar: DJ Tim Sweeney (DFA records), Learning Secrets, Farah SATURDAY: Red 7: The Paper Chase, Stinking Lizaveta, Death Is Not A Joyride Club Deville: Mates of State, Small Sins, Immaculate Machine Mohawk: Murder City Devils, Those Peabodys Beauty Bar: Bus Driver, Daedelus, Antimc (DJs Mel and Klassen)... more ›

What a difference a year makes—certainly in the case of this fledgling music festival. Last December's inaugural Fun Fun Fun Fest featured over two dozen bands and DJs, and showcased a good variety of indie rock, punk, and electronic music. This year, they've grown even bigger, better, and bolder: the second annual installment will span two days and has been pushed ahead by a month, to November 3rd and 4th. Staying true to their... more ›