By Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

The basics

Artist: Chris Walla

Based out of: Portland, Ore.

Most recent album: “Field Manual,” Barsuk Records, released Jan. 29

You know him as: The guitarist in Death Cab for Cutie

Or: As a producer who has worked with the Decemberists, Nada Surf and Tegan & Sara, among others

Influences: Walla cites power-pop bands that came to prominence in the alt-rock era, such as the Posies and Teenage Fanclub, as primary inspiration, and also professes a deep love for “quiet, slow music,” such as Low and the Red House Painters.

For fans of: Death Cab for Cutie, the Decemberists, the Shins, the Fountains of Wayne, Shoes, Maroon 5, the Minus-5, the Postal Service


"Crash course" is a regular feature that takes a look at non-superstar artists who shouldn’t be overlooked.