The Great 8's class of 2009 goes live

The News & Observer's Great 8 of 2009 has gone live. This year's list is a diverse group featuring everything from retro-pop to screamo to hip-hop to a young film/videogame composer.

I'm happy to see one of my favorite local groups Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies made the list but was a little disappointed that The Love Language didn't make the cut. Maybe next year. Check out Jason Graves feature about his work composing music for videogames and films. He's someone I was aware of but knew little about until checking out his Great 8 feature.

Here's the complete '09 class:

Violet Vecto and the Lovely Lovelies
Jason Graves
Alesana
Hammer No More the Fingers
Inflowential
The Loners
Lonnie Walker
Double Negative

Check out the multimedia extraveganza here which includes video of each artist.

The Great 8 showcase will take place at Local 506 on Friday, February 13 for only $6. The show will feature Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies, Hammer No More the Fingers, Double Negative and Lonnie Walker.