All it takes is a few minutes with vocalist and lead sequencer of Carbon 9, Stacey Quinealty, to realize the man's deep insight to the world around us. And the lyrics to to the band's music tell the same distinct story.

The music matches this with a thick blend of Nine Inch Nails' technical depth/aptitude and Queensryche overall slickness. It is a sound that will please both metalheads and alternative rockers alike. But the beauty of the band is that it is unlikely to be classified as either one.

Marc Garrison/POWERLINE: Many thanks to Roland Navratil (above), drummer for Dignity, ex-Sirenia (live session), and ex-Edenbridge, for taking the time to chat with us today.

Lets talk a bit about your musical background. Any classical music training or are you self taught?
ROLAND: Both. I took lessons here in Austria and it was at a lot of workshops, but was not a conservatory. I also watched a lot of drummers during their shows and spent a lot of time behind my drums. So I learned a lot.

John Curley’s Picks:

SOLO ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Paul Weller

Charlotte Cooper (above) is the bassist/vocalist for the explosive UK indie-rock trio The Subways. (The Subways also include the brothers Billy Lunn on guitar and vocals and Josh Morgan on drums.) The band was founded in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, England and released their debut album, Young For Eternity, in 2005. The Subways have become known for their incendiary, no-holds-barred live performances, and have built a huge following in their home country.

Laura Cheadle, pictured left performing at The Baggot Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village in a photo by Carol Ann Goldberg, has been immersed in music for her entire life. Cheadle, a New Jersey native, released her debut album, Falling In, in 2006. The album is available on iTunes. Cheadle has also recorded a live album and a Christmas album. Her second studio album is due to be released later this year.