Host Mary Lucia spoke with Craig Finn of the Hold Steady and shared an exclusive performance of the band at at The Greene Space, WNYC's street-level performance venue in downtown Manhattan.

Mixing Americana templates with a sunny L.A. outlook, Local Natives' debut record, "Gorilla Manor," has given them the chance to go from Silver Lake to the clubs around the country.

"Infinite Arms" sounds like a band that has come into its own musically with added instrumentation, richer arrangements, and lush layered harmonies.

The most ambitious and challenging album of the summer might end up being the sophomore release from the little known pop sensation Janelle Monae. She's far from being a household name but has spent the past seven years building the support of artists like Big Boi, Saul Williams and Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Sometimes, fate places a bunch of musically inclined children together. Occasionally, those kids grow up to become bands, and sometimes one of those bands turn out like Shout Out Louds.

At the tender age of 22, Kate Nash has accomplished more than most musicians twice her age. Her second album, "My Best Friend Is You," was just released, and she's been given the opportunity to tour the U.S. again..

With an insanely high rating of 9.2 from Pitchfork.com, a main stage slot at Coachella, followed by a world tour with sold out shows, it would appear that 2010 is primed to be the best year yet for James Murphy and LCD Soundsystem. Yes, This IS Happening.

Minimalistic rock trio, Zoo Animal entered the Minneapolis music scene in 2008. Receiving much attention for their first release, Young Blood the band continued to make waves with their recent Remix EP Young Bold, and now second full-length.