American singer-songwriter and guitarist Josh Ritter has forged a connection between narrator and musician. His lyrics and his performances tell stories to audiences, utilizing an Americana style unique to his music. Ritter is also an author. He published his first novel, Bright’s Passage, in 2011.

Originating in Kelowna, British Columbia in 2005, indie rock band Yukon Blonde did not have its present name until 2008. The quintet originally titled their group Alphababy. However, it was at the suggestion of fellow Canadian singer-songwriter Jon-Rae Fletcher, with whom the band was touring at the time, that they changed their name. The group, now a trio, consists of guitarists Graham Jones and Brandon Scott and percussionist Jeffrey Innes. Yukon Blonde has been based in Vancouver since 2009. Their first EP under their new name, Everything in Everyway, was released that year. In 2010, the band debuted its first album, self-titled Yukon Blonde, and two music videos for the songs “Wind Blows” and “Loyal Man.” That same year, the group was listed as one of the “10 Canadian bands destined to break in 2010.” Their next EP, Fire//Water, was released in 2011, along with a music video for the song “Water.” The band’s music successfully weaves the classics of folk-rock with the craftiness of contemporary pop, much of which came from a full year of writing and testing songs during their reinvention.

December 11, 2012 - A former member of the all-female rock trio The Bangles, Susanna Hoffs has been recently creating significant airwaves on the radio following the release of her third studio album Someday (Vanguard Records) this past July. An album that encapsulates the intersection of music with vivacious beauty, Someday is further grounding Hoff’s presence in the music industry. Inspired by her exposure to punk rock during her time at the University of California, Berkeley, Hoffs started her career in music with The Bangles.

Hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, this four member psychedelic rock group has been capturing the attention of audiences around the world. The band’s self-titled debut album Django Django (Because Music) was released in the United King in January and was able to debut at an impressive #33 within its first week. The band was nominated for the prestigious British Mercury Award in the category of Best New Band. The band is not only increasing in popularity worldwide but also it is currently headlining a full-stage European tour for the first time ever.

Nearly a quarter-century into his career, pioneering Italian rapper Jovanotti is more popular than ever in his homeland. He is a megastar, selling out stadiums and producing No. 1 hits like L’ombelico del mondo. Taking on issues from poverty in Africa to AIDS, he’s like an Italian Bono.

The Canadian indie-rock group Stars formed back in 2000 under the influence of vocalist Torquil Campbell and keyboardist Chris Seligman. They were soon joined by friends Evan Cranely and Amy Millan. After relocating to New York City for a time, the band finally settled in the members’ hometown of Montreal. They released their first full-length album, Nightsongs, in February 2001 and followed up with an EP, The Comeback, that July. Since then, Stars has created a additional three EPs and five studio albums.

Yeasayer’s third and latest album Fragrant World continues the momentum that the experimental poppers from Brooklyn have been enjoying since they formed the group in 2006. Released in August, Fragrant World features all of the trademarks that transformed the group from a much-hyped psychedelic pop outfit into an international festival draw. Synth grooves as densely layered as they are danceable dominate the album, especially on lead single “Henrietta” and opening track “Fingers Never Bleed.”

Formed back in 1991 in New York City, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion puts the American rock and roll into alternative rock. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Jon Spencer, drummer Russell Simins, and bass guitarist Judah Baer. For over twenty years, the trio has reconstructed the base of American roots music through experimenting with their own sound and recording techniques. Their style draws upon the influences of many genres, including punk, blues, and rockabilly. Their unique approach to music has allowed the group to collaborate with artists such as Elliott Smith, Solomon Burke, Martina Topley-Bird, Steve Albini, and Ad Rock of the Beastie Boys.

Recently performing the irresistibly catchy single “This Head I Hold” on the Late Night Show with Jimmy Fallon, Electric Guest is riding on a noteworthy wave of momentum that is helping the band significantly flourish in the music industry. This Los Angeles based indie band garnered an enormous amount of success with its release of Mondo (Downtown Records/ Across the Universe) this past April. Having well-known musician Danger Mouse produce the entire album, Mondo peaked at #32 on the French Albums chart, #11 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart and #49 on the US Independent Albums chart. It is clear that the band enjoys a rather fervent fan base in the US and abroad. Constantly, touring in North America and in Europe, the band is well on its way to establish firm presence in the music industry.

Ben Folds Five emerged in 1994 as music's only punk rock, piano-led trio. After slogging it out in clubs and building a following, they became one of the commercial and critical darlings of the 90’s releasing distinctive and eccentric piano-based music amidst the guitar heavy bands of the time. After releasing their third studio album The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner in 1999, the band abruptly announced the split of Ben Folds Five in November of 2000.