24-year-old Norwegian firecracker is Ida Maria brazen, honest and angsty. Her voice is husky and rough, coated with cigarette smoke and late night alcohol (well, at least it sounds like it is). And her words - her musings - are prolific in their simplicity. Ida Maria is amazing, and that's why she's our cover star.

Also in this issue, we have Swedish indie act The Sounds, Los Angeles-based Miss Derringer, New Hampshire's breakout outfit Wild Light, Japanese gypsy rock band Kagero from New York, local acts Kevin McQuiston and Quelle Source, and so much more, so check it out.

The Philadelphia Session, a newly formed non-profit organization that benefits local musicians, music appreciation and education, will hold its first annual Benefit in a Brewery Concert, at Yards Brewing Companys new home (901 N. Delaware Avenue) on Sunday, June 7 from 1 - 9 pm (tix are $25). The event will include door prizes, raffles and performances from nine bands, including The Levee Drivers, Bruce Torres, The Dialects and more.

It's all for a good cause - Benefit in a Brewery Concert aims to raise funds that will help The Philadelphia Sessions launch a new music education initiative to "explore providing music education for every school age child in Philadelphia." For more information, check out www.thephiladelphiasessions.org.