With the release 2005's Plans, Death Cab For Cutie transcended their status as darlings of the US indie scene and became a Grammy-nominated, mainstream concern. 2008 sees them release a darker, more guitar-heavy follow up in the shape of US #1 album Narrow Stairs. Amidst a whirlwind promotional tour, Death Cab guitarist and producer Chris Walla took the time out to talk to MusicRadar about the recording process behind Narrow Stairs - a process that saw him return to an all-analogue set-up with the band tracking most parts live in the studio. For more Death Cab For Cutie and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

In the years since he made a name for himself as a member of the speed-rock band Racer X, Paul Gilbert has become one of the world's most influential guitarists. A chameleon-like player, there seems to be little that he can't do - from arena rock to Beatles covers. We managed to grab Paul Gilbert for a lively, wide-ranging interview, and he even answered some of MusicRadar's user's questions. For more Paul Gilbert including guest lessons, as well as the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Since busting out a mega-sized hit with 2000's Down With The Sickness, the Chicago band Disturbed have been making good on their bid for worldwide metal supremacy. Central to this mission is guitarist Dan Donegan, whose Homeric riffs and sweeping solos never fail to elicit raised fists and devil horn hand signs. MusicRadar caught up with the earnest and affable guitarist for an extended interview that covered everything from his gear and influences to his practice regime and work ethic. For more Disturbed and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

With a boatload of hairspray, a whole lot of attitude and more guitar licks than you can shake a studded fist at, Steve Stevens and singer Billy Idol attacked the cultural consciousness of the '80s with a string of heavy metal-charged punk-rock gems. Stevens went on to famously play the Top Gun soundtrack, lay down epic shred guitar on Michael Jackson's Dirty Diana, and form his own band: Steve Stevens and the Atomic Playboys. Stevens sat down for a friendly and relaxed interview with MusicRadar to discuss Billy Idol, Robert Palmer, Les Pauls and more. For more Steve Stevens and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

On his 13th studio album, the wackily titled Professor Satchifunkilus And The Musterion Of Rock, Joe Satriani does something extraordinary. Actually, he does it repeatedly: amidst all the wham-bam guitar gonz and the 'hey-listen-to-this!' squeals and whoops that never fail to elicit head-shaking awe, he injects heaping doses of humanity into the action. Is this what it means to be a guitar hero in the 21st Century? It is if you're Joe Satriani. In this exclusive MusicRadar podcast, Satriani talks about his early days, the new album and the obstacles he faced in trying to outdo himself yet again. For more Joe Satriani and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Since forming in 1993 to perform for an eighth-grade lunchtime talent show, The Donnas and their kick-ass, let's-party brand of rock and roll have garnered rave critical reception and won over fans at all points on the globe. Through it all, the driving force behind The Donnas has been drummer Torry Castellano. MusicRadar caught up with her backstage before a recent Donnas show in New York City for an interview on everything from punk to tendonitis. For more of The Donnas and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

Billy Sheehan is to the electric bass what Eddie Van Halen is to the electric guitar. Over the years, the Buffalo, New York-born virtuoso has changed the way people think about the four-stringed instrument. His use of chords, two-handed tapping, and controlled feedback has made him a superstar of a style that has become known as 'lead bass'. During a recent interview with MusicRadar, Sheehan recalled his early influences, spoke of the heady times playing Japan with Mr. Big and revealed that he once almost joined Van Halen. For more Billy Sheehan and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

In 1987, a young and enthusiastic Zakk Wylde was rescued from cover band obscurity by his idol Ozzy Ozbourne, who chose the then-19-year-old to replace guitarist Jake E Lee (who himself had replaced the deceased Randy Rhoads). Over the next 20 years, Wylde would become not only Osbourne's guitarist, but like Rhoads, his musical partner and confidant. And with his own band, Black Label Society, he would establish himself as a strong singer and solo songwriter. MusicRadar recently caught up with Wylde for a characteristically entertaining (though - be warned - politically incorrect) interview. For more Zakk Wylde and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.

KT Tunstall's zippy pop-folk debut, 2004's Eye to the Telescope, showed that years of playing in Edinburgh bands (along with street performing) had sharpened her songwriting chops to the point of urgency. Singles such as Suddenly I See and Black Horse and the Cherry Tree suggested that Tunstall was an artist with kind of goods that last - and new album, Drastic Fantastic, proves this in spades. During a recent interview with MusicRadar, Tunstall discussed the new album, and explained why she feels relieved to have paid her dues before getting signed. For more KT Tunstall and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.