Neko Case

Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Neko Case launched her music career in Vancouver as a drummer (Cub, Weasels), while studying at Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design. Her solo alt-country debut, The Virginian, the sugar-sweet pop of the New Pornographers, with her "Boyfriends" backing band — all these projects amply display Neko's impressive vocal power. She's possessed by a deep love for great songcraft — a love that's matched only by her honest, powerful vocal delivery.

If Neko Case's songwriting skills have improved since her days in Maow, so have her choices in musical companions. "The Tigers Have Spoken" features longtime backing band the Sadies; "Blacklisted" sports such A-list guests as Mary Maragaret O'Hara, Howe Gelb (Giant Sand), Kelly Hogan, and Joey Burns (Calexico). These Next Steps firmly place Neko in our alt-country hall of fame.

Virginian-born Neko Case could very well be the world's most beautiful country drifter. Voted the sexiest woman in indie-rock by Playboy magazine, she comes equipped with a hard-swingin' style and musical résumé that have won her considerable — and well-deserved — acclaim. From her punk days in Maow to her star-studded solo career, Neko Case has achieved a lofty place in the hierarchy of indie rock and alt-country royalty. What can we say? She works hard and plays hard — and we love her for it.