Following the release of 2004's Trembling and Trembling, indie pop mainstays Earlimart is thriving on taking matters into their own hands. Having shed the strong-arm of an outside label or producer, their aptly titled effort Mentor Tormentor is a testament to the Los Angeles-based outfit's graceful growth at the microphone and behind the boards.

Already a favorite in the Spanish press, the success of Spain's We Are Standard has become the stuff of miracles and mentors.

Colin Meloy: creative mastermind behind the Decemberists, Stephen Colbert's former nemesis, choice comedian?

Who? Born out of a high school garage and an ages-old American history lesson, lead singer/guitarist Alex Feder began operating under The XYZ Affair moniker as a multi-talented musician in the early 2000s.