As a follow-up to their debut EP "Loose Change," Grass Root Kids are preparing to record their first full-length album. Preparation translates into some hardcore hustling in their fundraising department, including a pre-order drive that has 6 days left before it closes.  The band made an impression with their spirited and razor-sharp set during the final round of 8 off 8th in March, and the way their exuberant meshing of folk and punk rock has matured since 2012 is all but begging for its own platform.  Check out their website for more infomation, and listen to "Boxes" if you need a little convincing in parting ways with that $5. -Terra James-Jura

If you follow any number of local and emerging artists on your social media stream, then prepare to see your feed blow up with Road To Bonnaroo announcements over the course of the next few weeks. Announced this morning, the first round of Road To Bonnaroo contestants is stacked deep. The lineup boasts a few acts featured in our year-end poll to your right but all eight artists are worth a listen.

The first round of acts will hit the Mercy Lounge stage on February 25th to compete for your vote to send them to Bonnaroo 2k13. The following two sets of bands are as yet unannounced, but you may as well mark your calendars now for March 25th and April 15th to watch Road To Bonnaroo, rounds two and three, also over at Mercy Lounge.

In the meantime, get to know the first eight of your 24 Road To Bonnaroo contestants:

Alanna Royale
DeRobert & the Half-Truths
Dylan McDonald
Five Knives
Grass Root Kids
Schools
Sol Cat
The Young International

For more information on the event, click here.