Summer Fun Guide 2015: Listen Up

The Querencia, out now, Seafair

Liner Notes: On its debut full-length album, the six-member indie-pop band feels more confident than ever in weaving violin and cello with rock instruments. "We finally found how to fit together just right," says frontwoman Chayla Hope. Press Play: Each member has a shining moment from the beautiful intro of "Dovetail" by violinist Andrea Belding-Elson and cellist Tara Hanish to the closing "Top of a Hill" with just Hope and a piano. See Them: Cellar Door Rendezvous, House of Blues, Aug. 7

Soil to the Seed, out now, The Speedbumps

Liner Notes: The indie-folk band escaped to a Pennsylvania cabin to record its second full-length album, which includes a song co-written by Chuck Auerbach. My Favorite Summer Show: Lead singer Erik Urycki fondly recalls playing C. Donatiello Winery in Sonoma County, California, on the band's first West Coast tour. "I have this vision of looking across the Russian River Valley in California and seeing all the vineyards," he says. See Them: Red, White and Brew festival, Greater Cleveland Aquarium, July 4

Liner Notes: Less than a year after folksy singer-songwriter Maura Rogers received a kidney transplant from a bandmate, she lost her mother. "The album is about the balance between having a second chance at life and losing someone so important to me," she says. My Favorite Summer Event: Rogers views festivals as a testing ground for new music. "It's the best feeling when we look out from the stage and see kids stop to listen and start dancing," she says. See Her: Larchmere PorchFest, June 20

Mont Royal, out Aug. 28, The Lighthouse and the Whaler

Liner Notes: The indie-pop band recorded its second full-length album in Montreal with producer Marcus Paquin, who's worked with Arcade Fire. "His style has an earthy element," says lead singer Michael LoPresti. My Favorite Summer Memory: The band M83 soundtracked a 300-mile hike LoPresti took through Spain. "It goes from vocals over a piano to massive, layered explosions," he says. "When I came back, I devoted myself more to the simplicity of music."See Them: Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, Aug. 28