Wednesday, March 12

NPR webcast of performances by
Johnathan Rice - Listen
Summerbirds In The Cellar -Listen
Papercranes -Listen
Dead Confederate -Listen
R.E.M. -Listen

*R.E.M. will be rebroadcast on WXPN/Y-Rock on XPN Thursday night at 8pm ET.

SXSW on NPR Broadcasts, 3/12

Johnathan Rice
Further North

Label: Reprise
Origin: Virginia, New York, Glasgow, Scotland
Website | MySpace
World Cafe interview
Video: We're All Stuck Out in the Desert
Audio: Listen to the NPR Webcast

Singer-songwriter Johnathan Rice's music strikes an accessible balance between indie and mainstream, drawing upon his cited influences - Dylan, The Band, Joni Mitchell and country-rock legend Gram Parsons. In a possible nod to his 70s country-folk inspirations, his 2007 sophomore release, Further North, is toned-down yet rougher hewn than the dramatic psychedelic pop of his debut. A musician since his teen years, Virginia native Rice returned to the states following a childhood in Glasgow, Scotland. On the strength of his early EP Heart and Mind, he began work with Bright Eyes producer Mike Mogis on a debut LP and in short order inked a contract with Warner/Reprise, the label of heroes Mitchell and Neil Young. On tour, Rice has supported R.E.M., Jenny Lewis & the Watson Twins as well as Lewis' primary band Rilo Kiley. With Further North, Rice continues to collaborate with indie darling Lewis.

Summerbirds in the Cellar
With the Hands of the Hunter It All Becomes Dead

Label: Unsigned
Origin: Orlando, FL
Website | MySpace
Video: Trains
Audio: Listen to the NPR Webcast

The Florida/Georgia-based band Summerbirds in the Cellar is gaining popularity in the burgeoning Orlando scene. Their style ranges from psychedelic to pop to rock to postpunk. Their debut album With the Hands of the Hunter it All Becomes Dead hit the local scene with fervor. According to the Orlando Citybeat, the band's debut is "a genuinely astounding album that's a triumph of artistic ethos." Their slightly ethereal, yet grounded sound is fast becoming a hit.

Papercranes
Vidalia

Label: self-released
Origin: Gainesville, FL
Website | MySpace
Video: Mercury Lounge concert footage
Audio: Listen to the NPR Webcast

Ambient indie rockers Papercranes, who hail from Florida, beautifully paint their lyrics and content onto a sweet and organic canvas. The band is highly recognized for the lead singer Rain Phoenix's ethereal voice, solid atmoshperic and electric backing. The album is full of ironies and intricacies, a quality that has made their music that much more mature and enjoyable.

Dead Confederate
Dead Confederate EP

Label: The Artists Organization (TAO)
Origin: Augusta, GA
Website | MySpace
My Morning Download
Video: KEXP concert performance
Audio: Listen to the NPR Webcast

Formed in August 2006 in Augusta, GA, Dead Confederate was "officially" formed despite playing together since high school. Their sound is intense and raw while manages to incorporate energetic and exciting psychedelic elements. Lyrically, they draw on introspective concepts and the search for truth. Overall their music is edgy, innovative and quite beautiful.

R.E.M.
Accelerate

Label: Warner Bros.
Origin: Athens, GA
Website | MySpace
NPR piece
Video: Supernatural Superserious
Audio: Listen to the NPR Webcast

Making their grand entrance into the music industry in 1980, the extremely successful alternative rockers R.E.M. continue to triumphantly hit the stage. They are characterized by their minor-keyed ballads featuring the wails of vocalist Michael Stipe, the guitar playing of Peter Buck and drumming of Bill Berry. In total, the band has released over 13 studio recorded albums, their latest album Accelerate, due for release in April.

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