Haley Bonar performs in The Current studio by Mary Lucia May 16, 2014 the current live performances Haley Bonar performs "Last War" (MPR Video / Nate Ryan) Play/Pause Listen: Haley Bonar in studio Download MP3 | 00:20:51 Haley Bonar refers to her music career as a "happy accident." She recalls how, as a teen, she was charmed by '90s acts such as No Doubt, Nirvana and Hole. Even though she entertained dreams of doing a Gwen Stefani high-kick onstage, "I never would have believed at 30, I'd be doing this," Bonar laughs. Now, with a new album, Last War, scheduled for release on May 20, and its party scheduled for tonight (May 16) at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, Bonar came to The Current's studio to play some new songs and to talk with Mary Lucia. Bonar describes how a chance meeting with Alan Sparhawk (Low) in Duluth is what ignited her music career at age 19; Bonar was doing an open mic at the Nor Shor Theatre, where Sparhawk heard her and invited her to open for his band. Songwriting, Bonar says, always seemed to come naturally to her; her mother even has a recording of Bonar singing little improvised ditties at age 3. Since Bonar has become a mother herself, she finds that it has had an effect on the themes of her songs. Listen to the full interview to hear more from Haley Bonar, including how she feels about being signed to Graveface Records. Songs Performed "Heaven's Made for Two" "No Sensitive Man" "Last War" All tracks off Haley Bonar's album, Last War, scheduled for release on May 20, 2014, on Graveface Records. Hosted by Mary Lucia Produced by Derrick Stevens Engineered by Michael DeMark Related Stories First Listen: Haley Bonar, 'Last War' Buzz seems to be hitting new highs for the Twin Cities' own Haley Bonar, whose long-awaited album 'Last War,' will be released May 20 on Graveface Records. Preview the entire album here first. Haley Bonar performs live in The Current studio From Duluth to the Twin Cities to Portland and back, local singer-songwriter Haley Bonar, has used her change of scenery as inspiration on her fourth album, Golder. Haley Bonar performs at the Minnesota State Fair Singer-songwriter Haley Bonar is one of the staples of the Minnesota music scene, so it took a lot of people by surprise when she moved to Portland, Ore. two years ago. Well, the good news is that she's back in our wonderful state, and the better news is that she performed on our State Fair stage! 16 Photos Jacob Hanson accompanies Haley Bonar on guitar. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Rob Skoro plays bass with Haley Bonar (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Jacob Hanson and Rob Skoro in The Current's studio. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Jeremy Hanson plays drums with Haley Bonar. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Jeremy Hanson on drums, while Rob Skoro provides a spectral rhythm-section counterpart. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Rob Skoro plays bass with Haley Bonar in The Current's studio. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Jeremy Hanson (drums) and Rob Skoro (bass) comprise Haley Bonar's rhythm section. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Haley Bonar performs in The Current studio, with keyboardist Kate Murray accompanying. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Jacob Hanson on guitar (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Haley Bonar and keyboardist Kate Murray in The Current's studio. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Kate Murray plays keyboards with Haley Bonar. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Jacob Hanson on guitar with Haley Bonar. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Haley Bonar performs in The Current studio, along with keyboardist Kate Murray. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Haley Bonar performs in The Current studio. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Jeremy Hanson plays drums for Haley Bonar. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) Haley Bonar performs in The Current studio. (MPR photo/Nate Ryan) View 15 more photos Tweet Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. comments powered by Disqus