Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Sounds Like: Ray LaMontagne, Damien Rice

The Story: Baker started off his musical career in a college duo that turned into a rock band, but he's now on his own. "I'm so minimal in what I do," he said. "It's just me and an acoustic guitar. The connection is through passion and emotion." Baker's been doing pretty well for himself, landing opening spots for established artists like John Legend, Chris Isaak, James Blunt and Natasha Bedingfield. Earlier in the year, he released his debut EP, 'It's Getting Too Late to Say It's Early,' and he's since been gaining fans on OurStage, as well as the road.

Hometown: New York, NY

Sounds Like: Aesop Rock, Atmosphere

The Story: Don't let the name fool you -- Yak Ballz is as serious as it gets when it comes to making true, original hip-hop. The Queens, New York native has spent the last two years polishing his flow and stage presence while catching the attention of some of the most respected names in underground hip-hop. After releasing his debut record in 2000, Definitive Jux owner and indie rap icon El-P took notice of the young emcee, and not long after Yak found himself collaborating and touring with other Def Jux artists. On his breakthrough sophomore release, the young rapper showcases his unique lyrical style and passionate delivery. Yak himself is confident that he has produced something special, with good reason. In an interview with OurStage, he said, "I think my music, when given the chance, is too original to go unnoticed." Read the rest of the interview here.

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI

Sounds Like: Needtobreathe, U2

The Story: The atmospheric openings of songs like 'We're on Fire' and 'Galaxy' are reminiscent of the influence U2 has had on this band -- and it's not surprising that lead vocalist AJ recently covered 'Beautiful Day.' Taking their name from a passed-on lyric that AJ once wrote, the group was only together for a year before they began recording together. After working on two EPs, they found themselves with enough material for their full-length debut, 'Last Embrace.' The title track placed first in OurStage's Music Finals in July. Northern Room have recently found themselves making the festival rounds, supporting acts like Dashboard Confessional and the Bravery.

Hometown: Richmond, VA

Sounds Like: Nick Drake, Adem, Iron & Wine

The Story: Brothers Christian and James Mason have been making a name for themselves with gorgeous acoustic ballads reminiscent of singer-songwriters from the '70s. On their first full-length album, 'The Sun, the Moon and the Sea,' the duo finger-pick their guitars to create rich textures in the vein of Nick Drake, and sing with the hushed restraint of Elliott Smith. The brothers' tunes have ended up on CMJ radio charts and placed 2nd in the Folk channel on OurStage, as well as earning them opening act slots for Magnolia Electric Company and indie darlings Mates of State. For all the attention they've gotten, mainly through grassroots marketing, the two should be commended as much for their promotion skills as for their music. Keep an eye on these two.

Hometown: Melbourne, Fla.

Sounds Like: Death Cab For Cutie, Mineral, the Album Leaf

The Story: If Finland frontman Josh Fleenor's voice sounds familiar to you, it may be because of its eerie similarity to the vocals of indie icon Ben Gibbard. The budding band from Melbourne, Fla., is well aware of the obvious comparison but maintains a gentle, dreamy guitar-pop sound that is all its own. The guys showcase their knack for melody on the song 'Through These Walls,' which may also elicit Death Cab comparisons. Fans have started buzzing about Finland on OurStage, but the band hasn't quite reached rock star status just yet -- the members' current jobs include pizza delivery boys, a cook and a Nike employee. Keep an eye (and an ear) out as they start making their way up the indie-rock food chain.

Hometown: Chicago

Sounds Like: Glen Hansard, Damien Rice, Amos Lee

The Story: Intimate lyrics and powerful vocals accompanied by soft guitar and melodious strings define the sound of this young songwriter's first record, 'The Pregnant Letter.' With the help of TJ Callanta on violin and backing vocals, the 24-year-old's music has been catching the attention of many, including DeVotchka, who took the pair on a mini-tour as their opening act. Meanwhile, on YouTube, viewers have been raving about the "songs we didn't write but wished we did" -- covers of mellow tracks like the Postal Service's 'Such Great Heights,' Damien Rice's 'Volcano' and Ryan Adams' 'Two,' and even an acoustic reworking of Regina Spektor's 'On the Radio.'

Hometown: Boulder, CO

Sounds Like: Annie Lennox, Ani DiFranco

The Story: At age 19, Charisse left home to follow her dreams all the way to New York City's Lower East Side with nothing but a suitcase and a guitar. Her presence and songwriting talent soon brought offers of pop stardom, but Charisse opted to keep her artistic integrity intact, unwilling to trade her mature musical catalog for something of lesser substance. Eventually she caught the attention of producers Jack Daley and Steven Wolf (Lenny Kravitz, Joss Stone, Annie Lennox) who helped the aspiring songstress produce an EP entitled 'Pleasure Victim.' Within a month of joining OurStage, Charisse's song 'Red Handed' reached the No. 5 spot in the Indie Pop category, and another, 'Can't Tear Us Down,' made its way to No. 1 on CMJ.


Free Download: 'Bohemians' (MP3)

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Sounds Like: We Are Scientists, Arctic Monkeys

Free Download: 'Dreaming of an M16' (MP3)

The Story: Upbeat, danceable rock with angsty vocals and a chick with a seriously gorgeous voice? Yeah, for most indie rock fans out there, the Shapes will be right up your alley. This New York-area band released their self-titled EP in 2005 and have since kept up the buzz by opening for the likes of the Bravery and A Place to Bury Strangers. They've also enjoyed the benefits of being a fan favorite on OurStage.com. All the votes the received have landed them at the top of the channel's monthly contests in rock and indie categories. As a result, they've won the opportunity to showcase their fun, frenetic rock 'n' roll at CMJ this year. And if you're a fan of shows like MTV's 'Made' or 'Gossip Girl' you've likely heard their tunes, which have been sprinkled through a number of their no doubt dramatic, episodes.

Read OurStage's interview with the Shapes after the jump.

Four lucky acts will make their way to Bonnaroo this weekend thanks to high marks received during OurStage.com's most recent contest. Morningbell, Sons of Roswell, Don Dilego and the Press Project each will get a chance to impress their groove-seeking crowds at the Manchester, Tenn. festival's Sonic Stage this weekend.

Meet the artists and check out their prizewinning sounds just after the jump.

Hometown: New York

Sounds Like: Beck, David Bowie

The Story: Val Brokesmit is to Bikini Robot Army as Mike Skinner is to the Streets. Brokesmit put together his one-man show in the summer of 2006, after his previous collaborative projects called it quits. Now gaining momentum through his OurStage profile -- he finished Top Ten in three categories in April -- he, his ProTools and the resulting dance-rock song haven't looked back.

Free Download: 'Fragile Things' (MP3)

Why do you think you are doing well on OurStage?
I'm not really sure. I'd like to think it's because my music is really, really great, but it's probably because my friend Paul designed a really cool Bikini Robot Army poster for me.

OurStage's Interview with Val Broeksmit continues after the jump.