By evolving rhythmic complexity toward subversively melodic pop, Maps and Atlases has arrived on fertile soil.

Surfing smooth and sultry vocals on a wave of thick and greasy blues-based grooves, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds put the fun back into funk.

There are lyrics people and there are sound people. No matter in which camp you pitch your musical tent, Shearwater will reach you.

After 13 studio albums, Grammy Award winner Shelby Lynne's arresting voice continues to find something new to say and an authentic way to say it.

Woody Guthrie's guitar was emblazoned with the words "This machine kills fascists." Bhi Bhiman's guitar should read "This machine kills the humorless."

Known for their unpredictable, high-energy, country-fueled live performances, Kansas City band the Wilders more than lives up to its name.

Rachael Yamagata's songs trace a winding path from love's beginning to love's end, while celebrating all the complications that come along for the ride.

The ghost of Hank Williams haunts many a country singer and songwriter. In Wayne "the Train" Hancock's case, the ghost has a found a true, kindred spirit.

The "doom-wop" sound of Mister Heavenly is sure to get even the most subdued indie rock congregation moving.

Many artists mine the multi-layered bedrock of American music -- country, blues and jazz -- but few return with so many personal riches like Jolie Holland.

Although they may not be as well known as the bands they've influenced, alt-rockers Meat Puppets continue to play the country-tinged, psychedelic rock that their fans crave.

With his signature scraped and sly delivery and intricate and literate word play, Mike Doughty continues to challenge singer-songwriter expectations.

In an alternate universe where country singers wear overalls, sing about rehab and murder, and rock like punks, Bobby Bare Jr. would be as big a star as his father.

The timeless, even weightless pop de chambre sound of Revolver rises up from years spent harmonizing together. Even when unplugged, the band's aim is true.

Quirky bedroom pop rock gets a live band update as Dom hits the road and the KDHX studios.

Bo and the Locomotive's swirling melodies project the warmth of genial summer daze. Discover the sound on the band's in-studio debut at KDHX.

The most appealing thing about this San Francisco-based, all-female group is its range. Blame Sally's folk sound comes through on its cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Never Going Back Again," but the band also mixes rock, blues, country and funk.

With a talent for finding emotion in music and speaking to the soul through lyrics, David Bazan showcased his sparse, melancholy sound and powerful words during this Live at KDHX session.

With a mammoth sound and the uncanny ability to breathe new life into acoustic music, Elephant Revival couldn’t have picked a better name to describe its blend of old and new world sounds.

When you think of Pete Anderson, you think of great country music. But the legendary producer and guitarist has recently stretched out into the blues -- with riveting results.

The melodramatic pop of Trashcan Sinatras lures listeners into a state of comfortable lounging. The floating atmosphere they create relaxes the mind and moves the spirit.

Imagine you're driving down a country road toward a mountain destination. Your early '90s, 4-door Volvo rambles merrily along, wind whipping through the wide-open windows.

Timely rock & roll with expressive melodies and rich tones -- that's one way to think of the sound of Nicole Atkins and the Black Sea.

With dramatic lyrics and soul-bearing vocals, Langhorne Slim delivers a homemade and down-home sound undefinable by one genre.

In theory, Oberhofer is the bedroom pop project of Brad Oberhofer. In practice and on the road, the project expands and stretches out like a glittering arcade at an indie rock carnival.