After a successful run at SXSW, remixes from CSS, The Cool Kids, Diplo and Spank Rock producer XXXchange and glowing press that has caused a commotion all over the blogosphere, Sunny Day Sets Fire are poised to become the next big thing -- and they have the tunes to prove it.

When was the last time you heard an artist from Mexico City that rocked your world? If the answer is "never" then get ready to meet your next favorite band.

Our first introduction to Swedes Blackstrap was through its infectious track "Repulsion." The song blends a helping of fuzzy keys a la Stereolab, the choppy guitars of Bettie Serveert and a touch of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club-inspired grit. The group's debut album, Steal My Horses and Run, continues their foray into lush, expansive pop mixed with sweet male/female vocal harmonies.

We caught up with Blackstrap vocalist-guitarist Jonatan Westh in our 'Getting to Know You' series.

The Republic Tigers made its mark on the blogosphere with their outstanding pop single "Buildings and Mountains," which you can find here. The band supported their newly found hype by sweeping through SXSW, touring the country and recently joining indie veterans Nada Surf on the road this summer.

Metric has spent most of the past year recording the follow-up to 2005's Live it Out and recently released the Live at Metropolis EP, but that didn't stop the quartet from making the trek out to Coachella 2008. I caught up with Emily Haines, solo-artist and Broken Social Scene member -- along with band mates Josh, James and Joules -- before their fierce set of electro-rock on Sunday. We talked about the new record, preparing for the heat and why Neil Young rules.