Ben Kweller

Ben Kweller, the former frontman of teen rockers Radish who's recently been making a name for himself by touring with the likes of Evan Dando and Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, will begin work on his first solo album in June.

Kweller, 19, describes his as-yet-untitled debut as "electric-acoustic power-pop, punk, sing-along new school folk mixed with Texas and toy keyboards" in a written statement from his label, According To Our Records. The album is expected to be released in August, though a studio and producer have yet to be chosen, a label spokesperson said.

Strapped with an acoustic guitar during his opening gigs, Kweller has premiered several songs which will most likely be included on the album, including "In Other Words," "Wasted and Ready," and the girlfriend-inspired "Lizzy," the spokesperson said. ATO, which also will release singer/songwriter Chris Whitley's album Rocket House on June 5, was formed early last year by Dave Matthews, Matthews' manager and a few business associates.

Riding the coattails of fellow teens Silverchair, Radish released their only album, Restraining Bolt,, in 1997. Kweller has remained silent, album-wise, since.

• Radish