Young the Giant, the indie-rock band who recently nabbed a coveted performance at the MTV VMA's as the sole non-pop, non-Top 40 act, will be Variance's October cover story. As an indie group in a sea of pop "giants," they are a rare testament in the music industry. After years of fine-tuning their craft and developing a loyal grassroots fan base, the band is now on tour with Incubus and has seen their self-titled album climb the Billboard charts and iTunes, currently sitting at #90 on the Top 200 (and #4 on the Alternative charts this past week). Other features in the October issue will include: Gym Class Heroes, Gavin DeGraw, the Australian favorite Cut Copy, Explosions in the Sky, Mat Kearney, author and blogger Jon Acuff, the YouTube sensation Karmin, Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, Twilight's Chaske Spencer, Switchfoot, a rare interview with the PIXIES, and so much more. The new issue lands October 1, 2011.

It's hard to believe, but summer is almost two-thirds gone! And if you're one of those going back to school soon, it's basically over. So, we have to ask, what was the song that got stuck in your head the most? What song followed you around like a shadow?

Vote for your favorite song this summer! The provided choices are based on iTunes sales, radio airplay, social media mentions in the last six weeks, & online conversation among Variance readers.

If your choice for "Song of Summer 2011" isn't listed below, tell us in the comments.










Do you know of a great local bookstore? Would you like to see your favorite music venue or record store featured in an upcoming issue of Variance? We want to hear from you.

We want to bring focus back on the local arts scene, and we need your help! If you know of a great music or arts venue or retail outlet, email us at info@variancemagazine.com and tell us why this place is the best! You might be featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine!

It's time to Rep Your City.

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