Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson is the epitome of a modern-day troubadour. With his crooning voice and folksy acoustic tunes he could easily be compared to a stripped-down Bob Dylan. Matsson recently released his third full-length album under the moniker The Tallest Man on Earth. The album, There's No Leaving Now, is the follow-up to 2010's The Wild Hunt and, for fans of his previous work, the latest release does not disappoint.

However simple his formula may seem, The Tallest Man on Earth is much more than just a man with a guitar. Matsson's intricately crafted finger picking, thoughtful lyrics, and big voice give his work height far greater than is average stature—making the name Tallest Man on Earth quite fitting.

In support of his new album, There's No Leaving Now, released June 12 on Dead Oceans, Matsson announced a few tour dates this summer, starting in Sweden, then the U.S. and the U.K., and finishing up in Belgium. In addition to the July 27 XPN Free At Noon, he's playing the 930 Club in DC on July 26, and the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island on July 29, and Union Transfer at on Monday, July 30.

Website: thetallestmanonearth.se/
Facebook: facebook.com/thetallestmanonearthofficial
Recent Release: There's No Leaving Now
Release Date: July 17, 2012
Label: Dead Oceans
Hometown: Dalarna, Sweden

Wanderlust is a band of Philadelphian musicians you may remember from way-back-when in the '90s. The band saw recognition for the track 'I Walked' off of their studio debut Prize, which was recorded in 1995 with RCA. After a long break, in which the band members have moved as far from Philly as California, Wanderlust is back with a new in-studio live album. The record, called Record Time, is available as an online stream for now.

Wanderlust is - Scot Sax on lead vocals, guitar, piano, percussion Rob Bonfiglio on harmonies, lead guitar, lead vocals, keys, bass and drums. Mark Getten on bass and Jim Cavanaugh on drums.

Scott Sax, who has worked on Grammy winning pop songwriting teams, is an important part of the XPN family. He has collaborated with Sharon Little and played with her on tour with Robert Plant and Allison Krauss. He also played last year's XPoNential Music Festival with Queen Electric, another project of his. The play the North Star Bar on Friday night, July 27.

Website: wanderlustfans.com/site/
MySpace: myspace.com/wanderlustfans
Recent Release: Record Time
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA