Matt Costa Matt Costa grew up just like most suburban American kids in the 80s and 90s, listening to music and skateboarding. At the age of five, he was kicked out of his first music class for not playing what the teachers wanted him to. He started playing the guitar at age 12. After crisscrossing the country and learning many different instruments he pursued his dream of becoming a pro skateboarder. Two years ago he survived a debilitating leg injury requiring 14 screws, a plate, two surgeries, and five different painkillers. The guitar became his companion for the next year spent on the couch and crutches. He discovered his Uncle's extensive record collection and a passion for both folk and rock artists from the 60s - Donovan, Van Morrison, The Beatles, the Kinks and T. Rex. With these as an inspiration, his songwriting and musicianship thrived. An early demo fell into the hands of No Doubt's Tom Dumont who offered his home studio and assistance as producer.
	Kate Earl Kate Earl spent all but one of her 22 years living life as "the girl from the gas station" in Chugiak, Alaska. Trading in the never-ending snowdrifts for Hollywood's endless traffic jams, Kate arrived in Los Angeles last year with nothing but her voice, her stories and her love of music. After being in L.A. for just a few months she was picked up by Record Collection (The Walkmen, Har Mar Superstar, John Frusciante). Assimilating into the music community (a process that can easily make or break an artist) was especially difficult considering her sensitive disposition and the fact she has spent the better part of her life writing and singing her songs alone. After meeting with several producers, Tony Berg (Amiee Mann, X, The Replacements) was brought into to produce Kate's first album. The upcoming collection of songs is autobiographical. Just as Kate carries the beauty and purity of the Alaskan wilderness with her, she also holds the long, dark, 40-below winters and the isolation that comes along with the never-ending nighttime. In her own voice, Kate tells her stories – stories that are full of love, faith, tragedy and the strength of the human spirit.
	The White Buffalo Everything about The White Buffalo – a.k.a. Jake Smith – is larger than life – his stature his style, his sound. His musical history began with the country albums his parents preferred, and he eventually grew to admire artists as eclectic as Waylon Jennings to Radiohead. The White Buffalo’s distinctive style derives as much from experiences as his influences. Born and raised in Southern California, an dwith roots up and down the West Coast, The White Buffalo returned in 2002 to his Huntington Beach hometown after spending a number of years in northern California. During his time living in San Francisco, the Buffalo waited tables, raised hell and reveled in the inspirations the city provided. Always one to have a unique way of looking at and processing the world around him, his lyrics showcase his perceptive observations and his interest in human situations.
	Sara Bareilles Sara Bareilles' sound has been described as everything from Norah Jones to Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple to Alicia Keyes. It is tempting to make comparisons but she's anything but a carbon copy. Influenced by soul, jazz, rock, and pop, her writing is bold, honest and edgy. Intelligent, unpredictable lyrics and melodies delivered courtesy of a truly soulful and powerful voice, Sara's music is something that definitely sets her apart. Sara has no formal training in either voice or piano, but much of her adolescence was spent perched in front of a worn piano teaching herself chords and scribbling out simple melodies and lyrics. Over the years, her early compositions have grown into songs that are currently heard in independent films, television, and on local radio. Earlier this year, Sara co-produced her first independent studio demo, Careful Confessions. She exhibits an insatiable thirst to challenge herself and find new ways to tap into her own creativity

Dave Melillo From youth emerges energy, anxiety and emotion...culminating in great art. Those transcendent qualities usually cross paths at a moderate age, not as early as your junior year in high school. At 16, Dave Melillo represents one of those transcendental talents that ignores age and generational stereotypes, flourishing in the art of songwriting as an organic release of those energies and anxieties. Dave brings a unique flair to the indie scene via acoustic, piano and full band compositions. His writing, rooted in timeless artists such as Billy Joel, Elvis and Elton John, is strongly influenced by today's guitar-driven melodic rock. Melillo's song craft captures a myriad of subjects and soundscapes releasing internal turmoil, confusion and joy that draws defines the average fan's emotions. The stage allows Melillo an avenue for his musical expression, opening doors and inviting listeners deep inside.

Hayley Williams (of Paramore) Paramore will soon release their debut album, slated to arrive this Spring. In the meantime, watch for lead singer Hayley Williams -- she'll be performing select dates on the Taste of Chaos tour acoustic stage.