No longer a blond-tipped pop tart, Ryan Cabrera [ tickets ] has released a record on his own terms--without major label interference. "The Moon Under the Water" is due in stores May 13. Clips on his MySpace page reveal a new, mature sound that features Cabrera's voice over dreamy pop soundscapes. Once known as Ashlee Simpson's boyfriend--Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz stole that thunder--Cabrera is offering his rollicking first single, "Cry," on iTunes.

Performing Friday, March 14, at 9 p.m. at SXSW Live (The Lone Star Lounge), Austin Convention Center (500 E. Cesar Chavez St.); Saturday, March 15, at 9 p.m. at La Zona Rosa (612 W. Fourth St.).