Featured Artist for September 14: Dada

California trio Dada made quite a splash in the alt-rock world with their debut album Puzzle in 1992. Their melodic harmonies, catchy riffs and wry social commentary propelled "Dizz Knee Land" to #5 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart. The band seemed destined for stardom, but as often happens in the music business, a series of bad luck and cruel twists of fate kept Dada from mainstream success. Subsequent albums, though critically hailed, never garnered significant sales or radio airplay.

After seven CD releases (5 studio, 1 EP, 1 live), Dada has established themselves as a true creative force through clever songwriting and energetic live performances. The collapse of their label (IRS Records) and the diagnosis of guitarist Michael Gurley with carpal tunnel syndrome dealt the group a near-lethal setback. However, despite a variety of side projects and hiatuses, the band continues to attract a loyal following and maintains a steady, albeit modest, tour schedule.

Dada is reportedly working on a new album in 2010, giving fans cause to hope for the return of their early-career magic to catapult the band to new heights. Up All Night will feature a range of songs from throughout Dada's career, showcasing the many facets of the band's style over the years.