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With her new solo album “Instersteller,” indie veteran Frankie Rose (of Vivian Girls and Crystal Stilts fame) breaks out of her lo-fi cocoon and takes flight as a shimmering synth-pop butterfly. Frankie joins us to play songs off the record and tell us about life in the trenches of the Brooklyn music scene.

Singer songwriter and composer Rufus Wainwright assembled an all-star cast for his new pop-tinged album “Out of the Game.” Produced by Mark Ronson, it features guest appearances from the Dap Kings, Wilco guitarist Nels Cline, Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Rufus’ sister Martha. Today, Wainwright joins us to play songs from the album live in our studio.  

Glenn Frey of the Eagles joins us to talk about his first solo album in 17 years, a collection of standards and love songs called “After Hours.” 

 

In our next installment of Soundcheck's "Blind Date" series, we’ve set you, the listener, up on a radio date. Your match this week is Bright Moments – a band of Brooklynites who’ve logged countless hours as sidemen for Beirut, Arcade Fire, LCD Soundsystem and more. Now, they’re stepping into the spotlight, with a debut full length of melodic pop songs. They’ll join us for a Soundcheck Blind Date, and attempt to win over your hearts—and ears.

Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna performs with Emeli Sande at Music Hall of Williamsburg on Tuesday night. Download her lead single "Live Your Life."

Brooklyn electro-pop duo Javelin performs with Psychobuildings at Brooklyn Bowl on Wednesday night. Download the band's eight-bit tune "Soda Popinski."

Singer-violinist Emily Wells celebrates her newest release, Mama, at the Bowery Ballroom on Monday night. Download her hypnotic single "Passenger."

Seattle piano-pop act Perfume Genius performs with Parenthetical Girls at Glasslands Gallery on Thursday night. Download the bittersweet love song "Hood."

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis performs at Mercury Lounge on Tuesday night. Download the London retro-pop trio's song "I'm So Sorry." 

Nashville singer-songwriter Kelly Paige performs at The Bowery Electric on Monday. Download her lead single "Hurt Like Me." 

South African musician Spoek Mathambo performs at S.O.B.'s Thursday night. Download his retro-soul single "Let Them Talk."

In NPR Music’s roundup of bands to watch in 2012, Soundcheck’s John Schaefer picked Tiny Victories, calling their debut EP “full of smart, catchy electro-pop hooks with subversive production details to keep listeners guessing.” We’ll put your ears to the test, when the band joins us to play live in our studio (and record a web extra featuring John Schaefer).

The pop diva was discovered dead in her Beverly Hills hotel room Saturday, the eve of the 54th Grammy Awards. When she burst upon the music world in 1985, there was no doubt in anyone's mind the willowy beauty was a star. Houston's music was stellar, but her personal life was chaotic.

Brooklyn synthpop duo New Look performs with Creep at Cake Shop on Monday night. Download the song "Nap On The Bow."

The Suzan plays with Field Mouse, Speedy Ortiz and Me & Mars at Big Snow Buffalo Lounge on Thursday night. Download the all-girl group's catchy, danceable number "Come Come" here.

Canadian indie rocker Kathryn Calder (of The New Pornographers) plays the Knitting Factory on Tuesday night. Download her dreamy synthpop song "Turn A Light On" here. 

West Villager singer-songwriter Natalie Gelman brings her pop-rock to The Bitter End Monday night. Download her song "Never Had You" here.

Australia's Architecture in Helsinki brings its bouncy, catchy synth pop to Irving Plaza on Friday night. Download the band's newest single "W.O.W." here. 

The Brooklyn singer-songwriter Shaina Tauba brings her soulful, piano-driven pop rock to Joe's Pub on Tuesday night. Download her "Make A Mess" here.

Girl in a Coma plays the Knitting Factory Thursday night. Download the band's melodic pop song "Smart" here, which is from a record released just last week called Exits & All the Rest.