The Goondas have been compared to everyone from Mick Jagger to the Stooges to Steven Tyler. But these post-punk, gritty, blues-infused local stalwarts have a sound and look all their own.

With a long career of ground-breaking music that began in the early '90s, singer-songwriter Liz Phair has moved from indie label goddess with the release of her debut "Exile in Guyville" in 1993 to selling over three million records across the globe including her latest, "Funstyle."

Born Elisabeth Maurus, singer-songwriter Lissie started performing songs as the age of nine, while playing the title part in the musical "Annie." She started opening for touring bands that came through Fort Collins, Colo. when she was in college before producing her debut EP, "Why You Runnin'?," in 2007. Her powerful voice launched her career, and her debut album "Catching a Tiger" came out in the summer of 2010.

Though members of local band Alpha Consumer play with other artists--locals Dosh, Fat Kid Wednesdays, Happy Apple, and Haley Bonar--they rock the Twin Cities hard first and foremost as Alpha Consumer.

Most notable for his work as the drummer of Wisconsin-hailed Bon Iver, Sean Carey -- who goes by S. Carey -- unintentionally started a solo side project while on tour.

Tapes n' Tapes formed out of Carleton College and quickly found success including positive reviews from Pitchfork and Gorillas vs. Bear as well as signing to a major label within a year of their debut record.

With a gas mask, kick drum, guitar, smoke and lasers, Hastings 3000 is notorious for his extravagant live shows. Hasting is a one-man band. Knowing how to play forty-seven different instruments, Hastings is able to play at least ten at the same time.

The New Standards annual holiday show is always a mix of holiday classics and unexpected takes on recent favorites. This year was no different.

Mighty Clyde (MC) and Vicious Lee (VL) the local hip-hop duo sample such diverse artists as Spoon and Otis Redding to back their old-school beats and fast, hard rhymes.

Nicknamed the Mayor of Saint Paul, Martin Devaney has been a staple of the Twin Cities music scene for years. He started with local hip-hop group Heiruspecs before returning to his roots as a jazz saxophonist with Roma di Luna.