The Duke Spirit

The Duke Spirit's sophomore album features the soul-tinged vocals of lead singer Liela Moss layered over driving, noisy rock reminiscent of My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth and the Pixies. When Neptune was released in the UK, the BBC called it "a brass-laced sucker punch that'll have you holding your jaw, wondering what hit you long after the record has finished." Look out for the band this summer, as they'll be opening for Duran Duran and performing at dozens of festivals, including the inaugural All Points West (headlined by Jack Johnson and Radiohead).

Jay Brannan

Jay Brannan began attracting attention to his music when he performed one of his own songs in John Cameron Mitchell's film Shortbus. The song's immense popularity coupled with his endearing, no-budget bedroom performances posted on YouTube translated into a huge internet fan base (over 3 million views). On goddamned, released today, Brannan confronts his inner demons and taboo subject matter, but as the New York Times says, "his tenor voice makes even the saddest lyrics easy on the ear."

Ed Rec Vol. III

Ed Banger Records is a French label known for its "new-wave electro" artists like Justice, Uffie, and DJ Mehdi, and propagates the style that made Daft Punk one of the biggest acts in the world. The Ed Rec series premieres new tracks from the label's hottest artists, exclusive remixes, and introduces new names that you're sure to hear again. Vol. III includes a live cut of Justice's hair-raising "Stress," a huge club track from label head Pedro Winter (Busy P) featuring American rapper Murs, and new songs from DJ Mehdi, Uffie, Sebastian, Mr. Oizo, and more. Vive la Banger!

Atlas Sound

Atlas Sound is the solo project of Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox, and expands on the "ambient punk" sound that has defined his band. Cox is arguably one of the most prolific independent musicians active today, and has periods where he releases new songs on his blog almost daily. Another Bedroom EP could be a tongue-in-cheek reference to his wealth of lo-fi recorded output (this is his 10th EP, at least), but Cox has built up a fan base that eagerly awaits his next move. For those who enjoyed Atlas Sound's debut album or any of Deerhunter's work, this latest EP is like catching up with an old friend.

Rich Medina

Before this release, Rich Medina made his name behind the scenes, producing tracks for King Britt, the Platinum Pied Pipers, and Jill Scott. Now he steps out from behind the DJ booth with an album that lives up to its name, connecting the dots between soul, jazz, Afrobeat, and spoken word. If you miss the sound of early Common, Musiq, Jill Scott, or Erykah Badu, you won't want to pass up the record that Okayplayer calls "one of the most comprehensive progressive soul albums of our generation."

In Flight Radio

Brooklyn quartet In Flight Radio has a lot in common with British bands like Coldplay, Travis, Doves, and Radiohead: they write epic, powerful songs propelled by atmospheric electronics and big guitars. Unlike these groups, however, In Flight Radio is fronted by a charismatic, female lead singer who goes by one name: Peira. Since their 2006 self-titled debut, the band has been featured on Fuse.TV, Billboard, Amplifier Magazine, and CMJ. In April 2008, the band released The Sound Inside, prompting Filter to say "In Flight Radio's blend of angular, atmospheric alt-rock has been perfected."