Louisville’s music scene was one of the main reasons I moved to this fine city. That was many years ago now, and I’m consistently (and happily) surprised by the amount and variety of new, challenging and beautiful music that emerges from the weird and wonderful people of Louisville.

In the stories that follow, LEO talks with some of local music’s major players, whose talents and passions run the gamut from gritty rock and experimental pop to mountain folk and funky soul … and beyond. —Peter Berkowitz, Music Editor