Where They’re From: Dallas, TX

Who They Are: If Old 97’s was the get-loaded-and-start-a-fight side of Rhett Miller’s songwriting, his solo work was the day-after hangover. It’s softer, more reflective and introspective, and often awash in lush orchestrations in the spirit of The Beatles and the Elephant 6 collective. Not to say that there isn’t beauty in Miller’s work with Old 97’s; not to say that his solo albums don’t have a heard-rocking heart. But writing and recording under his own name opens Miller up to explore any aesthetic avenue his muse leads him down, and it makes the touring circuit a lot easier, since working a crowd with only his acoustic guitar is something Miller has never had a problem with.  

Years Active: 1986 – present

Essential Albums: The Instigator (2002), The Believer (2006)