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They Will Rock You, Vol. 2: 25 New Artists for 2008

It's an annual pilgrimage: Music industry bigwigs and regular fun-loving music fans rub shoulders in Austin, Texas, at the South by Southwest festival -- where barbecue and the stars of today and tomorrow also converge.

Couldn't get time off from work to join the festivities? No worries: We're bringing a taste of SXSW to you. (Sorry, you're on your own with the Texas spare ribs.) Read about the 25 artists we've selected -- some you may already know and some you should know -- then listen and download free mp3's of their music.

Artist No. 1: Sia

The Deal: Although her hit 'Breathe Me' garnered the attention of television audiences and Starbucks coffee drinkers everywhere, the Australian singer's passionate and peppery vocal style is ultimately what kept people wanting more. A romantic at heart, this blue-eyed blond surely knows how to tug (or tear) those heartstrings.

Sounds Like: Beth Orton, Aimee Mann

Free Song: 'Electric Bird' (MP3)

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Miesa

Everyone! You have to check out the winner from the starbucks contest last year. The CD is 'Off the Clock'and the band is 'Fools and Horses" from Baltimore. Their music is a bit like the Beatles bit like Coldplay but really all Fools and Horses! They really have a great sound!

March 13 2008 at 11:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
krasi7

cool

March 13 2008 at 7:46 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
emmbee

Let's get away from the political statements and back to the artist, shall we? Sia is a fantastic talent who also looks after her fans. At every performance, if there are members of her website in attendance she makes sure to recognize them and, in many cases, dedicates a song to them. Her smile and bubbly enthusiasm and crowd interaction make each show a very fun and personal event - I hope with "Some People" she receives the more widespread recognition and acclaim that she well deserves.

March 13 2008 at 5:30 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
nate

I'm in the Army, in Afghanistan, in the middle of nowhere. Our local Starbucks supports us with reasonable amounts of coffee and I look forward to supporting then when I get home!

March 13 2008 at 5:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Janlove

WOW congrats SIA!
But you should meet the people of her message board! they are JUST as cool as her!
www.siamusic.net!

March 13 2008 at 5:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Troop Supporter

I am glad Fletcher filled us in on Starbuck's refusal to send coffee to the troops. All of these people who say they suppot the troops but not the war, then do things like refuse the troops a few comforts are lying about supporting the troops. Perhaps the troops should ask Dunkin' Donuts. Their coffe is much better anyway.

March 13 2008 at 1:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
racheal01985

Starbucks did send coffee to our troops. I work for starbuck, and I helped raise coffee for them. Starbucks is a great company and it upsets me when people bad mouth them...
As for Sia, the cover of her newest album is horrible. If she has this amazing talent she should showcase it in a better way. Just by looking at her album I can say that I would never buy her cd.

March 13 2008 at 12:14 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
satithegreat

wish i was deaf.

March 12 2008 at 11:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Constance Gregory

Didn't see Fools and Horses.....great rock band from MD......They definitely deserve first place.
(The clock CD)

March 12 2008 at 11:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joe Jones

Absolute Garbage!
Go Pick up the new CD from Duffy when its released here in the states, or go to itunes for it.

March 12 2008 at 11:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply