SPIN

More than 250 bands will invade Williamsburg, Brooklyn, from June 16-19 for this year's edition of Northside Festival, a four-day party featuring some of the best bands in indie-rock, hip-hop, and electronica. Since its start in 2009, the event has become one of the city's cultural highlights, and this year is no different: Indie icons Guided By Voices will be headlining, while Deertick will be performing an entire set devoted to Nirvana covers.

FREE download of songs from all 10 bands!

But that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of up-and-comers to check out. SPIN has the inside scoop on the fest's must-see acts, from serotonin-sapping electronic duos to ear-drum-bursting punk rock.
-- written by Luke McCormick

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Hometown: Nevada City, CA

Why She Matters: Her first live show was opening for harp-loving singer-songwriter Joanna Newsom, who is a pal. On Alela Diane & Wild Divine, the willowy stunner teams with a backing band for a collection of gorgeous, stark tunes. Cat Power, look out!

You Should Know: Diane takes a seriously hands on approach to her music:She even sewed the CD jackets for her first album, 2006's The Pirate Gospel.

LISTEN: Alela Diane, "To Begin"

Hometown: Santa Fe, NM

Why They Matter: Zach Condon and Co. have earned a headlining spot at this year's fest — and for good reason. No other band in indie-rock has made Balkan and Eastern European-pop sound so badass. Expect them to debut plenty of new material: They've been road-testing new songs at recent shows, including Condon's gorgeous tribute to his hometown, "Santa Fe."

You Should Know: Beirut are megastars in... Brazil. At a 2009 event dubbed "Beirutando na Praca" (translation: Beiruting in the Square), hardcore fans came together to form tribute bands, where they performed renditions of Condon's tunes with a Brazilian flair.

LISTEN: Beirut, "My Night With the Prostitute from Marseille"

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Why They Matter: Wanna get your rave on at Northside? This New York-based duo bring epic, spaced-out techno, with blissed-out synth melodies, serotonin-sapping breaks, and four-on-the-floor beats. Hotter than anything you'll find at a clubbing mecca like Berghain in Berlin.

You Should Know: Blondes are in the process of releasing a three-part, limited-edition series of singles that explores "duality concepts." Sample topics: business vs. pleasure; lovers vs. haters. If you want to be the envy of your crate-digging friends, pick 'em up here.

LISTEN: Blondes, "Lover (Live at DURRR 11/2/2011)"

Hometown: New York City

Why They Matter: They're Steve Albini's favorite new band — and it isn't hard to see why. The iconic studio whiz produced their new album Why I'd Try, a tinnitus-inducing blast of arty metal that Tool fans would totally dig.

You Should Know: The group slaved for weeks recording their debut album, only to ditch the sessions altogether and re-record the LP with Albini in just three days.

LISTEN: Grandfather, "Tremors"

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Why They Matter: They're reviving the Golden Age of '90s alternative rock. On their debut, Radical Dads dip into everything from lo-fi rock'n'roll to gorgeous twee-pop, which is all unified by their gift for massive melodic hooks.

You Should Know: Drummer Robby Guertin also plays guitar and keyboards in Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.

LISTEN: Radical Dads, "New Age Dinosaur"

Hometown: New York City

Why They Matter: They've got A-List musical pedigrees: Singer Lisa Ronson is daughter of glam rock icon Mick Ronson, and songwriter Michael Grace Jr. has earned a rep as a one of New York's best new songwriters. Together as the Secret History, the duo crank out glitzy glam with shiny girl-group-style harmonies.

You Should Know: The pair met after Ronson responded to Grace's ad in The Village Voice seeking a singer. His requirement? "A tragic female voice."

LISTEN: The Secret History, "Johnny Anorak"

Hometown: Oberlin, OH

Why They Matter: These Oberlin College grads craft dance music that's got plenty of soul: They ditch computers and drum machines to perform their tunes with live instruments.

You Should Know: Teengirl Fantasy nabbed blog buzz for their super slowed down version of Mariah Carey's smash single "Touch My Body."

LISTEN: Teengirl Fantasy, "Dancing in Slow Motion (feat. Shannon Funchess)"

Hometown: New Paltz, NY

Why They Matter: The eccentric NY collective makes pumped up party rock and is known for incredibly interactive live shows. In fact, they often hand out costumes to fans during their set.

You Should Know: At their 2011 SXSW performance, they gave the audience a stitched together blanket and instructed them to hoist it above their heads, creating a crazily intimate experience reminiscent of middle school art class.

LISTEN: Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt, "Ride Frindship"

Hometown: New York City

Why He Matters: The hot MC, who usually rocks a snazzy cap and shades, burst on the scene this year with his EP Lover's Holiday, which features guest spots from Tegan and Sara's Sara Quin, Solange Knowles, and TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek.

You Should Know: He's got the marketing savvy of a young Puff Daddy: London has boosted his mainstream appeal by repping for liquor, soda, and fashion brands.

LISTEN: Theophilus London, "Last Name London"

Hometown: Copenhagen

Why They Matter: They're Danish, barely legal, and channel their adolescent frustrations into scalding, riot-inducing post-punk.

You Should Know: The band's Northside Festival gig is their American debut. After that? Back home for high-school graduation.

LISTEN: Iceage, "White Rune"