Welcome to The Scouting Report, a monthly list of 10 Minnesota artists with exciting new projects, as curated by our local music team. If you like these picks, check out The Local Show on Sundays from 7 p.m. to midnight, hosted by Diane, or check out our Spotify playlist, updated every week. In April 2024, The Current compiled the first Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report with votes from the local music industry, and it’s happening again in April 2025.

The Dalmatian Club

Minneapolis-based indie rock band The Dalmatian Club took part in First Avenue’s Best New Bands of 2024 show at the beginning of the year, which was a chance to perform at their “dream venue.” The band came together in Dinkytown and started putting out music in 2022. The latest single from Kyle Siemon, Maisie Sweeney, Zac Fogarty, Tony Okeefe, and Griffin Ruud is “Jailbird.” It’s a super catchy and upbeat tune that feels timeless, and perfect for the upcoming warmer seasons. -NT

Deep Fakes

If vintage synths and anthemic vocals get you pumped up, the new Deep Fakes track will absolutely do the trick. The instrumental build of “Magnetic Rock” is an instant shot of confidence, and the song’s uplifting lyrics pile on the feel-good goosebumps. Its message boils down to hope emerging from the ashes of downheartedness: “Step into the clearing / Suddenly I’m feeling / The hum of life buzzing through me.” Past members of the Umbrella Sequence — guitarist Jacob Swogger and keyboardist Ryan Rupprecht — hold down vocals, and guitarist Jeff Marcovis (Lunch Duchess), bassist Anthony Emanuele, and drummer Dave Roper (The Blind Shake) fill out an explosive indie rock lineup. For those hoping to go deeper into their progress up to this point, they’ve documented their whole recording process on YouTube. -RF

Mike Munson

Mike Munson is a highly skilled guitarist based in Winona. His sound, steeped in country and blues, is inspired by time spent exploring many corners of the country, from Minnesota to Mississippi. His recent release, “Kansas City Lightning,” was recorded at Carpet Booth Studios in Rochester. Joining Munson on this track are well-versed musicians Nick Salisbury on bass and Lars-Erik Larson on drums. Munson, Salisbury, and Larson make up the Mike Munson Trio, a group formed in 2023 that blends folk, blues, and jazz. On “Kansas City Lightning,” Munson’s impeccable slide guitar playing shares the stage with his smooth vocals. Munson has shows on his calendar for March in Duluth, Hutchinson, Alexandria, and Minneapolis (at Icehouse on Saturday, March 22). -AD

Dan Lawonn

It’s never too late to finish releasing songs that once resided on a MySpace page. Multi-instrumentalist Dan Lawonn, who has recorded with everyone from Celine Dion to Dessa, has accomplished such a feat. Longfader is a selection of songs recorded over the last 20 years. Lawonn honored the release by posting era-specific photos of himself — emo-boy haircut and all. It makes sense hearing the track “Breathless Blue,” which is reminiscent of Further Seems Forever meets early Death Cab For Cutie. Remarkably, these salvaged DIY tracks were recorded using a built-in computer microphone on GarageBand, Apple’s free recording software.  -Diane

Lazerbeak

Lazerbeak’s beats are everywhere. A founding member of the Doomtree collective, he has collaborated with artists like Lizzo, Dessa, Doja Cat, Trampled by Turtles and many more. The Minneapolis-based artist and producer, real name Aaron Mader, is leaning into his more experimental, ambient side on his latest project. He describes A Bridge Under The Alley as part of an ongoing meditative instrumental series.  You can catch his EP release show at Berlin in Minneapolis on Wednesday, March 5, with percussionist Zack Baltich. -NT

The Cameras

“Smile for the Cameras!” is the slogan for this Minneapolis-based psychedelic pop band. And you really can’t help but smile when listening to them. The Cameras are Jacob Cloutier, Nathan Olson, Kenneth Zierman, Nolan Juusola, and Alex Gross. The band recently released a two-song EP called Two Love Songs, including the track “Paper Cuts,” which is super wholesome, tender, and warm. The Cameras will perform on Friday, March 21, at PILLLAR Forum Café & Bar as part of a fundraiser for NorthEast Skatepark Trust. -NT

Unstable Shapes

Noise rockers Unstable Shapes formed right before the pandemic and are rising out of it by releasing singles as teasers to their debut album, Delicate Machinery, on April 11. Their single “You’ve Been Selected to Become Bones” is a vibrant blend of hard-charging styles and influences. Those ideas are reflected in the band’s lineup, which features Andrew Cahak on vocals, Kevin Hurley on bass, James Taylor on drums, and guitarists Mitch Gustafson and Ryan Jaroscak. Catch them at 331 Club on Friday, March 14. -YV

Betty Won’t

A new Betty Won’t track, “DITCH,” tells the tale of falling fast for someone and then being left with nothing when the relationship takes a turn. This is the first new music from the Minneapolis country-rockabilly band since 2021’s LUCKY. With the announcement of the single, the band says their second album will follow. “DITCH” was recorded at Soft Cult Studio in northeast Minneapolis. -YV

Jon Sullivan Band

Bands with a horn section usually back a powerhouse lead vocalist. Behold, Jon Sullivan, a singer with undeniable chops and from-the-heart soul. Jon Sullivan Band’s latest track, “Halfway There,” sounds like a classic throwback with a jammy, Minneapolis touch — comparable to the local sounds of Mae Simpson and Nicolas David. The single is a preview of the band’s second full-length album to come. -Diane

Asparagus

A prominent voice in the Eau Claire DIY scene since 2018, Asparagus is a rock group with indie and shoegaze influences. The band members met via the UW-Eau Claire admitted students Facebook group, and spent many college nights jamming until a distinct sound and identity emerged. Since then, the band moved to the Twin Cities. Their debut, full-length album, 2004 Eric, tells a cohesive story that’s best listened to in full. The band intertwines full-bodied tracks such as “DRFTD” and “Roses,” which showcase their intentional songwriting. Instrumental interludes and soundscapes give the lyrical themes space to breathe. Their next show is at Icehouse in Minneapolis for Lighter Co.’s residency on Thursday, March 6. Fans of Duster, Alex G, and Title Fight should take notice. -AD