Intricate, melodic, and vivid: the sound of North Carolina's Annuals is the epitome of sunny indie-pop. Their thoughtful harmonies, anthemic orchestration and percussion, and bright electronica has earned them rave reviews since their indie-label debut in 2006, the critic's darling Be He Me.

From hipsters to housewives, there is something universally appealing in The Low Anthem's traditional yet innovative style. The Rhode Island-based group's organic, sincere and markedly pleasant tunes have landed them as the quintessential Americana group of the year. {readmorelink}Read More...{/readmorelink}

Vampire Weekend has emerged from the fertile New York indie-rock scene. All four of its members met while attending Columbia University. Still, they stick out of the crowd for two reasons.

Born in Neptune City, New Jersey singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins has been one of XPN's Free At Noon Concert Series artists, featured on World Cafe with David Dye, and was one of Bruce Warren's picks for My Morning Download. {readmorelink}Read More...{/readmorelink}

This band has been wowing festival audiences in the past year, showcasing a true blues sound. These natives of the tiny Isle of Man, include Davy Knowles on vocals, lead guitar, mandolin and lap steel, Ross Doyle on drums, and Adam Jones on bass - all three, still in their twenties.

It's not hard to see why Melody Gardot's debut album Worrisome Heart (Verve) has already established her as one of music's most exciting new discoveries. The 23-year-old chanteuse's songs offer deeply compelling evocations of love, {readmorelink}Read More...{/readmorelink}

Combining elements of hip-hop, punk, new wave, electronica and classic pop music, Santigold's self-titled debut album is truly a remarkable piece of work. Philadelphia native Santi White, along with songwriter and producer John Hill - a.k.a. Johnny Rodeo {readmorelink}Read More...{/readmorelink}

Langhorne Slim (Sean Scolnick) is quite an unconventional folk and blues artist. Based in Brooklyn, and originally from PA, Slim's incredible skill at mixing elements of bluegrass, country, and blues has gained him recognition. {readmorelink}Read More...{/readmorelink}

Formed in 2006, Black Kids have quickly gained recognition as one of the most intriguing and exciting emerging artists of the year. The funky indie-pop group from Jacksonville broke out in 2007 and reached fame quickly as a result of their growing online popularity.

The five-piece, Seattle-based band, Fleet Foxes, play baroque harmonic pop jams, and take great pleasure in obscuring their genre. Derived from folk and pop influences, these guys love to have fun while expressing themselves through their music.