The whole world is watching. All eyes are turned to South Africa to see who will take home the cup. But there is something deeper happening – borders and nationalism get transcended and the common threads of humanity emerge. The same thing happens with music. Like soccer – some things are universal. Just look at the Artists to Watch program this month. Capsula hit underground US radars in March when they tore up the stages at SXSW. WIRED Magazine named them one of the top bands of the entire festival. Their music is reminiscent of 60’s garage rock and of Television and of Iggy and the Stooges. But maybe it would be better to also compare them to Os Mutantes since they hail from Argentina but are now living in the Basque country in Spain. Like soccer – music genres know no boundaries.

Ingrid Michaelson is also part of the program this month. She is a classic case study for new developments in the music industry. Her most recent album debuted at #1 on iTunes and she has a huge following of devoted fans. But she has no major label pushing her music or helping with distribution. Nope. She is self released – runs her own record company. And she gained her popularity through social media sites and through song placement on television shows. Funny how things change. But good music always rises to the top and enters into the popular conciseness.

We also feature the band Attack Attack! from the Vans Warped Tour. This month, there really is something for everybody: phsycodelia, hardcore or sweet pop – take your pick on who might win or just enjoy each genre and band for what they offer universally.

Until next month!