Nikka Costa has always seemed to thrive on a certain sense of freedom. It's no wonder, that when Nikka set out to create a record on her own terms and as an independent artist finally free of major label confines,

Mindi Abair, saxophonist/vocalist/composer is set to release her first Peak Records (a division of Concord Music Group) CD titled Stars on May 6, bursting on to the pop scene as one of an exciting new generation of crossover artists.

Since the French band Air hit the music scene a few years ago with their hypnotizing electronica, no other act from France has been able to hit the waves to make much of an impact here - until now. Let us introduce you to French Pop chanteuse Charlotte Gainsbourg.

With her unique tones and striking stage presence having played a key role in making Nightwish a major multi-platinum success, Tarja (now signed to Universal Music on an exclusive worldwide basis) is ideally placed to take her career to a whole new level,

"I feel this record has been an amazing opportunity to push the artist in me," says Dave Gahan of his second album Hourglass, due October 23 via Mute/Virgin Records.

Capitol will release Teenager, the third album from acclaimed Irish rock band The Thrills, on October 23rd.

Canadian rockers Arcade Fire, Air, The Polyphonic Spree and Deerhoof are the first acts confirmed for the inaugural High Line Festival, which will be curated by David Bowie.

From the heart of Texas, the Burden Brothers are hard hitting rockers who have been making quite a racket since the release of their debut CD, Buried in Your Black Heart, in 2004. Formed by platinum-selling Toadies vocalist, Vaden Todd Lewis and acclaimed drummer Taz Bentley (Reverend Horton Heat, Izzy Stradlin), the band has shared the stage with the likes of Velvet Revolver, Papa Roach, and Finger 11.

Details on the forthcoming remix record from Beck are coming together. Officially titled Guerolito, the album will feature remixes by various DJs and musicians of every track from Beck's latest album, Guero. Participating remixers include Air, Boards of Canada and Beastie Boys Ad-Rock and Mario C. The set hits shelves in the US Dec. 13 and Dec. 12 in the UK. The full list of tracks and remixers is below...