The five-piece rock band Grouplove began in 2009 when they started playing together during their free time in Greece for an art recidency. When the world-travelers got back to the states they wanted to meet up again and keep working on the music they had been making abroad.

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten admits that she's still trying to find her voice, which she says is dependent upon what she's listening to -- anything from folk to hardcore. She plays April 6 at the Cedar Cultural Center.

Best-known as the frontman for Dinosaur Jr., J Mascis is- somewhat surprisingly- laconic and soft-spoken. In interviews, he is known for his minimal responses and repeated disdain for enthusiasm.

Spyder Baybie Raw Dog and 2% Muck are an ironic, rap duo fronted by Bight Club's Jeremy Nutzman and local producer Eric Muchow. Spyder Baybie Raw Dog and 2% Muck started getting hype in 2009 when they released a free mixtape.