Search results for

Mike Doughty is likely best known as the former frontman of Soul Coughing, the "deep slacker jazz" group spawned in 1992. Since the band's break-up, Doughty has built a strong following as a solo artist. Hear an interview and performance from WXPN.

Canadian twin sisters Tegan and Sara Quin began performing together at an early age, moving from high-school punk bands to an eventual deal with Neil Young's record label. Hear an interview and in-studio performance by the pair, which just released its fifth album, The Con.

With music that combines folk, country, blues and pop, Jewell crafts a distinct sound that draws on roots music without sounding needlessly old-fashioned. Recorded this spring, her new album finds Jewell and her tight band coming into their own as musicians and songwriters.

The band has carved out a niche that combines indie-rock, experimental electronica and alt-country. Balancing synths and pedal-steel with a twangy roots-pop sensibility, the disc impresses with both the depth of its songwriting and the impeccable musicianship that backs it up.

Armed with a deep catalog of sad, sweetly rustic folk-pop, the Ontario band Great Lake Swimmers has become something of a word-of-mouth sensation, as well as a frequent award-winner in Canada. Hear an interview and in-studio performance.

The Australian band has been widely praised for its distinctively smart lyrics, most recently on the new Moo, You Bloody Choir. Elegant and refined, the disc's subtly epic sound makes it a strong candidate for sleeper success. Hear an interview and in-studio performance.

When Arctic Monkeys' members were still in their teens, they were hailed as saviors of British rock before they'd released their first album. Hear an interview and in-studio performance by the media sensation, which just released its second album.

Every successful big band leader featured brilliant soloists, but Duke Ellington spotlighted his men apart from the rest. Ellington specifically targeted his musicians' strengths and accentuated those attributes.

The glitchy techno DJ turned soul revivalist has explored many genres and methods of music-making over the years, but his latest album, Compass features a full band and collaboration with Beck. Listen to the set here.

Port O'Brien writes indie-folk songs that are both haunting and laden with pop hooks — songs that make you sad even as you sing along with their catchy choruses. Here, the band plays songs from its latest album, 2009's Threadbare.