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kexp and kcrw are pretty good sources, although kcrw may have more of the artists that will be big in a few months. look at the old sounds eclectic mix cds...norah jones, flaming lips, beck, damien rice, etc. most of these artists are more popular now than when they first appeared on the show. when the mix cds finally come out and it's like "david grey, huh, well everyone knows him now." still, nic harcourt has a decent taste in music that doesn't gain national attention...although sometimes it gets a bit yuppy-ish.
kexp (morning show at least) has a bit more indie cred, perhaps. a year ago they were playing the walkmen, tv on the radio, and snow patrol pretty heavily.
you might even be able to find the next big thing by checking pollstar to see who is playing in certain venues. ny, chicago, and la all have venues where up-and-comers play before they are popular nationwide. or look through the lists of performers at the big summer festivals, paying special attention to the unknowns.
i don't know about other cities, but los angeles has a number of underground bands going for that "polished mainstream sound." if you can bear to listen to it, some of these guys will probably be famous soon.
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