Back in 2012, I interviewed an up and coming, very talented singer/songwriter named Ellen Once Again. She had released her debut EP, Spreading the Love, after becoming a YouTube sensation in 2011, soon to be followed by her sophomore release, I'm Feeling Lucky, in 2013. Three years on, I caught up with Ellen again to find out about her growth as a musician and songwriter, an average "day in the life," and the many places her music has since been featured.

Described variously as loud, destructive, and seductive," and as "a perfect mix of angel and devil," Silver Loves Mercury is as much defined by their sheer destructive power as by their charismatically hard hitting yet catchy melodies and unchallenged command of the live stage. In late June I sat down with guitarist Kitty and singer Roxi for a chat about the band's music, history, views on the local scene, and what to expect from them in the days ahead.

Kin of Ettins are a seasoned doom metal outfit based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area whose musical themes draw from mythology, shamanism, history, and literature. They featured as part of the 2012 Stoner Hands of Doom festival and have been building a following in the doom scene on the strength of both their music and live performances. Their first full length album, Tears for Lost Ages, released in 2009, was followed by a live EP, Doomed in Dallas, in 2010. In mid-May I sat down with Jotun and Teiwaz to discuss the band's history, touring, music in general, and their upcoming album release.

Designed in Kaos are one of the area's newest powerhouses, a project formed by and featuring a crew of seasoned DFW area music veterans from the Razorblade Dolls and elsewhere. Their sound fuses bone crushing metal with hardcore industrial rhythms in a spectacular display of musical aggression and energy. In early May I sat down with three members of D.I.K for a chat about the band, local music scene, and inspirations past, present, and future.

Ellen Hinton, aka Ellen Once Again, is a very talented singer and keyboardist whose star is rising quickly. Ever since a 2011 iPad video became a YouTube sensation, garnering over 100,000 views, her lively, upbeat performance style and musical blend of pop and soul have helped carry her to the forefront of up and coming local performance artists. Her first CD, Spreading the Love, was independently released in 2011, and she can be seen performing regularly around the Dallas/Fort Worth area and on her YouTube channel.

Brian "Torch" Idell is one of the premier booking agents in the D/FW area for local metal shows, and a strong supporter of the local rock and metal scenes. His professional organization, Torch Productions, has provided booking, promotion, and management services for area musicians for over five years, helping to connect both aspiring and established local talent with audiences across the D/FW metroplex and beyond.

Johnny Olson is the main creative force behind Mad Swirl, a community of poets, writers, and performance artists from all walks of life who come together to share their talents and nuture their various artistic ambitions. Founded with Lisa Carmen and Cheyenne Gallion, and currently boasting a staff which includes MH Clay, Tyler Malone, and Madelyn Olson, the Mad Swirl Open Mic convenes on the first Wednesday of every month at the Absinthe Lounge in Dallas. Now going strong for over seven years, Mad Swirl has become a local institution for spoken word and performance that reaches worldwide via its online poetry forum and print zine.

Emmeline is an extraordinarily gifted musician and songwriter from Dallas, Texas. Her credits include a large number of songs and performances, commercial radio work, hosting a weekly open mic at the Crown and Harp pub, and the EPs Early Morning Hours and Someone To Be. Both CD releases have received favorable reviews in the Dallas Morning News and are available online as well as in physical form. Emmeline can be seen performing regularly in and around the Dallas area and beyond.