Our Northside picks — selected by Northside artists

The Northside Festival kicks off tonight, with hundreds of bands over the course of four days in Williamsburg and Greenpoint. Not sure what bands out of the hundreds to check out? We asked some of our local favorites which acts they don’t want to miss. When they’re not playing their own gigs, of course.

THEOPHILOUS LONDON

Catch him: June 16 at Music Hall of Williamsburg

We say: This rapper is considered the driving force of the urban pop movement, gaining fans for his genre-bending sound and distinct style (hello, 1980s!). All before his debut full-length, “Times are Weird These Days,” drops next month.

His picks: Surfer Blood; Dom

Catch them: June 17 at Knitting Factory and June 18 at McCarren Park (Surfer Blood); June 17 at Brooklyn Bowl (Dom)

He says: “These are two of my favorite bands in 2011 — very progressive and amazing personalities.”

SHARON VAN ETTEN

Catch her: June 17 at McCarren Park

We say: This singer-songwriter is one of those rare talents, armed with a captivating voice and heart-rendering lyrics that demand your attention. It’s no wonder Bon Iver covered her break-out single, “Love More.” She opens for the king of indie melancholy, Beirut.

Her pick: Xeno and Oaklander

Catch them: June 16 at Public Assembly

She says: “I have never seen them before. I love everything that Weird Records does. I am curious how their live shows are translated from the records I know.”

Her pick: Mount Eerie from Anacortes

Catch them: June 19 at St. Cecilia’s Church

She says: “I haven’t seen him in years, but he writes really beautiful songs. I started listening to him when I decided to move to New York, so it also feels like music from the soundtrack of my life.”

JEREMY HAINES (from Project Jenny, Project Jan)

Catch him: June 19 at Spike Hill

We say: Joined by partner-in-crime Sammy Rubin, this electronic outfit makes instantly danceable, hilarious music while channeling bands like Basement Jaxx and Gorillaz. You’ll be nodding your head to their catchy beats long after they’ve packed up their laptops.

His pick: Tiny Victories

Catch them: June 17 at 285 Kent

He says: “I am really excited for Tiny Victories. They rock.”

His pick :Guided by Voices, Surfer Blood

Catch them: June 18 at McCarren Park

He says:  “I am even more excited for the McCarren Park shows (Surfer Blood and Guided By Voices, although Beirut is cool, too).”