The second Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report is complete. On Thursday, April 3 — The Current revealed the top 10 vote-getters. Today, we share the raw data from 112 members of the Minnesota music industry.

In February, we sent a write-in ballot to 350 people around the state. Their task: choose five new Minnesota bands/artists who put their first project out after Jan. 1, 2023. We reached folks who are witnessing new artist development every day in their careers: arts journalism, venues, promotion, music retail, artist representation, manufacturing, and more.

The response we got back for the second Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report includes some clear favorites, but 489 unique artists were chosen overall. Each voter named up to five new bands/artists and could either rank their picks (5 points for their No. 1 choice, 4 points for No. 2, etc.) or leave their picks unranked (3 points for each choice). It was pretty evenly divided: 57 people ranked their picks, and 55 left theirs unranked. Some voters included comments — some serious and some glib — discussing their choices.

The ballots are sorted alphabetically, and you will see numbers next to the artists’ names if the voter chose to rank their choices.

Thanks and gratitude to everyone who submitted a ballot! Didn’t vote this year, but want to in 2026? Drop an email to digitalmusic [at] mpr.org, and tell us a tiny bit about your connection to the Minnesota music industry.

Drew Ailes

1. Hot Pursuit
2. Orchid Club
3. Tricks
4. VERMIT
5. Kramarczuk's grinder - add hot pepper relish

Comments: "I WILL PAY $100 TO ANYONE WHO BRINGS ME TACO CAT’S MCFLY RECIPE…” Edited for content and clarity.

Flip Arkulary

Campfire Tranarchists
Mara Lovejoy
Magenta Vice
Roadside Casino
C U Next Tuesday

Comments: Duluth is on fire right now with cool new musical artists!

Eli Awada

Bizhiki
SoulFlower
Society of Chemists
HEYARLO
Dilly Dally Alley

JT Bates

Room3
Bakkwooddrift

Jon Behm

1. Pat Keen
2. Bizhiki
3. Verdin Brothers
4. Kiernan
5. BUIO OMEGA

Rigel Bloome

1. Crush Scene
2. *Splash!*
3. Ghosting Merit
4. Kiernan
5. Ice Climber

Corey Bracken

Anita Velveeta
Thumper
Haze Gazer
Fend
Sylvia Dieken

Bri

1. Psychic Vampire
2. Shrimp Olympics
3. Murf
4. Plumstar
5. Pals

Adam Bubolz

Field Hospitals
Yuasa-exide
JK sweetheart
Timeroom
Laugh track

Mary Brabec

S. CAREY & JOHN RAYMOND "Shadowlands"
CHAMPAGNE CONFETTI
FANAKA NATION "Lokomotion (mr. fuego)" f. Trio MIo
ESTUARY f. Zack Baltich, Ritika Ganguly, Ilan Blanck, Cam Fassett
SISTER SPECIES "Lena in the Bog"

Jesse Brodd

1. Mae Simpson - 'Chandelier & Bloom'
2. ELOUR - 'Blood Running'
3. Mouthfuls - 'I am Trying To Be A Pool'
4. Dani Erin - 'Grow'
5. LAAMAR - 'Flowers'

Jim Brunzell

1. VIAL
2. Thank You, I'm Sorry
3. She's Green
4. 12th House Sun
5. 26 Bats

Laura Buhman

XINA
Mike Kota
Bizhiki
Sawtooth Witch
REIKI

BUMP OPERA

1. White Boy Summer
2. Reiki
3. Ashleigh Lynn
4. Lucky Tiger
5. Focal

Syd Casey

1. Ghosting Merit
2. Kiernan
3. Trash Date
4. Ice Climber
5. Crush Scene

Bailey Cogan

1. Ghosting Merit
2. Crush Scene
3. Kiernan
4. Deletist
5. Trash Date

Comments: Join TCUP! Performers organizing to make working conditions better here in MN. Lets work against gatekeeping and towards lifting eachother up!

Cyn Collins

1. Whispered the Rabbit
2. Christy Costello
3. Sparrowhawk
4. Ait Ait
5. ten thousand lakes

Comments: The Twin Cities continues to be such a phenomenal, thriving music scene, with new bands forming, releasing first EPs/albums . . . its so difficult picking only 5 bands. There are several excellent new bands I've not listed as they've not yet released an EP or album, such an exciting and vibrant live scene, to this day!

Christy Costello

Panel
Making Out
Jumbos
Oyster World
The Rope

Comments: Plus Mary Jam, Scrunchies, In Lieu, Shrimp Olympics, Mullet, Cowboy Thoughts, Christy Costello ;)

malik curtis

Tailor Briann
Dom Mooney
Bina Sha'nae
Big Vina
June Tha Kid

Xochi de la Luna

1. Magick Flavour Station
2. Visa Card
3. Malamiko
4. I Want to Eat Lava and God Cannot Stop Me
5. Ghosting Merit

Comments: It was very difficult to pair down the incredible showing of music in the last couple years here in the Twin Cities. So, I decided on these 5 acts based on how well they'd intermingle with The Current's typical programming and sound niche. Magick Flavour Station makes music that feels incredibly nostalgic and dreamlike. I'm a sucker for that feeling, especially if the artist is singing about things I don't know or can't relate to but it transports me to my own good or formative memories nonetheless. Plus it's impressive how much control they have over their sound, tracking, mixing and mastering the music all hersef. I put Visa Card at the top as well for similar reasons. Self tracked, mixed and mastered, and still sounding like it came from a way bigger studio than she works out of. Her music crossing so many different moods and genres, from ambient pop to cybergrind. The two albums she's released in the last two years are whole universes, meant to be enjoyed from start to finish. Yet, you can add many of the songs to playlists for all sorts of moods. Malamiko takes my breath away, and I won't be surprised at all if they end up at the top 11 of the scouting report, because I know a lot of people were mesmerized by the debut album from last year. Eat Lava, is a beautiful mix of progressive pop, "indie rock," and death metal (blast beats present in songs.) Incredibly dire and melancholic lyrics set to beautiful and uplifting grooves. Ghosting Merit is gorgeous indie rock/pop with midwest emo inspired guitar riffs on occasion. Syd's incredible voice, and guitar are complimented very well by the synth and backing vocals of their partner Babo. Excited to see what they follow up the debut album with. I will go on the record and say it is corny to vote for your own band. That being said, Ice Climber released an album on January 30th, 2025 and it is a strong enough album that I could see us mentioned at least twice by other people voting. If not then, c'est le vie.

Martin Devaney

Emmy Woods
Unstable Shapes
Unattractive Giant Monster
Room3
Upright Forms

Bill DeVille

1.Clare Doyle
2. Molly Brandt
3. Mike Munson
4. Emmy Woods
5. Black Widows

Anna Devine

1. Ava Levy
2. Seven Pines
3. Berzica
4. Yonder
5. Amateur Hour

Walt Dizzo

1. Willem Dafoe Fan Club
2. Mara Lovejoy
3. OPNR
4. Alonzo
5. Berserk, Blondes

Doc

Fend
anni xo
Yonder
Kiernan
Bev

Taylor Donskey

1. Emmy Woods
2. St. Rangers
3. Whit Page
4. Lucy London
5. Nikki Lemire

Comments: Some have released material, some have not. They're all new and great, and I have personally worked with each one as part of my own solo shows, or as part of the Twin Cities Songwriter Rounds.

Kaylynne Dose

Clayton Ryan
Cheap Bouquet
Mike Kota
Jake Schultz
Matcha Fever

Comments: In discovering Clayton Ryan, I was absolutely blown away by the pure talent and ambition he exudes. Upon meeting Clayton, I was met with compassion and care. He is really something in this music industry and I hope to see his name out on the top some day.

Cheap Bouquet is nothing short of upbeat, classic pop punk. They're fun, engaging and FULL of life and love for music. Definitely a band worth spending your time to listen to.

Mike Kota is the definition of raw, unadulterated music. Their vocals that need no help from auto tune, leave you with chills and your jaw on the floor.

Jake Schultz is a forced to be reckoned with. From playing every instrument in a band to BEING in 4 bands while making his own music, he continues to bring insane talent wherever he goes.

If you need something groovy and relaxing, Matcha Fever is the way to go. They never miss and never fail to bring a funky, fun atmosphere to any show they play.

The Minneapolis Music Scene is unmatched, it's full of talent and pure love for music especially local music and it is an industry I have loved and continue to love working in. Thank you to all artists and please NEVER stop making music. "

Ali Elabbady

1. ESSJAY THEAFROCENTRICRATCHET
2. Jada Brown
3. Datura Dread
4. Ghosting Merit
5. Rra

Taycier Elhindi

1. Room3
2. Yana The Mooncricket
3. Bouchet Boys
4. Lasalle
5. Kwame J

Comments: Room3 is made up of some of the Twin Cities most talented musicians - all of them have played alongside and elevated artists of all genres through the cities and beyond. The jazz band scene is really picking up around here and I am so excited that Room3 is in the mix. They are leaders and innovators - it all just makes sense!

Yana - OMG what's not to love about Ms. Yana?? That girl can SING, she's multifaceted, she has a great personality - it all translates in her music. I love her music for slow, sunny mornings, it's just a very specific vibe that I haven't really found anywhere else. I am so excited to see where this year takes her.

Bouchet Boys - listen to me! I said it last year, I'm saying it this year, and if I'm allowed to - I'll say it again next year. Breezy2Fresh and Ch!nwe (both members of Ozone Creations) came together to give us this really fun, new age trap and it just makes sense.

Lasalle is just a well rounded artist. Guitarist, vocalist and producer so he has this really deep understanding of music and what makes it good and I really appreciate how that translates into his work. Definitely someone to check out and keep an eye on!

Kwame J, part of Westside Creative Agency, is an Afro/R&B artist. His vocals are super unique and fun to listen to, he's a great performer, and he was part of the Ashland project that came out of St. Paul back in 2021 (my favorite project out of the Twin Cities). He's all around very talented and I'm excited to see what he gives us this year! "

Aly Eleanor

malamiko
Linus
SoulFlower
12th House Sun
I Want to Eat Lava and God Cannot Stop Me

Juliet Farmer

Joan of Profile
Trash Date
Emily Rhea

Tosin Faseemo

1. k3ko
2. Mati
3. Zora

Mychal Fisher

Room3
Ricki Monique
Xina
Kavyesh Kaviraj
Zak Kahn

Grant Flesland

Poster Boy
The Matt Arthur Contraption
Bizhiki
Yonder
Favourite Girl

Jay Gabler

1. Yonder
2. Sophie Hiroko
3. Mara Lovejoy
4. Indecent Proposal
5. The Berzerk Blawndz

Comments: Honorable mention: Timothée Chalamet

Marnie Gamble

Bizhiki
Yonder
Internet Kids – Hyperpop Dance Party
Upright Forms
Mati

Austin Gerth

Neighbor Dog
Lana Leone
The Briefly Gorgeous
1947
Lack

Christopher Goyette

1. Fend
2. Linus
3. Christy Costello
4. Harlow
5. Elour

Nick Greseth

1. Callback
2. Yonder
3. Anna Devine
4. Ava Levy
5. Globlin

Catalina Grimm

SoulFlower
DJ Ozeki
Mati
S.L.O.G.
Kate Malanaphy

Comments: DJ Ozeki is from Colombia but grew up in Minnesota! He splits his time between Colombia and Minnesota now but I'm including him in this poll because I would consider him local w/ a strong Minnesota background and influence!

Keith Harris

1. True Green
2. Buio Omega
3. Fend
4. Yonder
5. Crush Scene

Jared “J RAD” Hemming

Jo Kellen
Guitar Band
May & The Ladies
Bridal Style
Slut Intent

Comments: Wow, it’s an honor to be considered a part of the music scene despite my advancing age and hairline. My hottest music take? Robert Smith should be the singer for the Smiths. Morrissey should be the singer of the Cure. It’s just science.

Dylan Hilliker

1. Yonder
2. Kiernan
3. anni xo
4. Lana Leone
5. Chutes

Becky Hoffmann

Yonder
anni xo
Manic Kin
Rosie
HEYARLO

Chaz Kangas

Buio Omega
MAKR AN ERIS
Favourite Girl
Anna Devine
EssJay TheAfrocentricRatchet

Comments: Top New Local Pizza: Pizza Luce's Elote Pizza

Joely Kelzer

1. Welt
2. The Meshes
3. Magick Flavour Station
4. K3ko
5. When The Dust Settles

Lindsay Kimball

anni xo
SoulFlower
Nolen Sellwood
room3
Embalming Eva

Drew Kinkade

1. Room3
2. Lana Leone

Jack Kolb-Williams

Big Homie
Whiskey Rock n Roll Club
Prince Salim
McNasty Brass Band
Mae Simpson

Taylor Kraemer

1. Buio Omega
2. Slut Intent
3. Poster Boy
4. Porch Light

John Kueppers

Mati
Blu Bone
Trash Date
SoulFlower
Form 2

Nikhil Kumaran

1. Room3
2. Xina
3. Popstar
4. TANNINS
5. ROC BARBOZA

Laura Larson

1. Doll Chaser
2. Daisycutter
3. BOOBLESS
4. Spit Takes
5. DOKPETRA

Lazerbeak / Aaron Mader

Unstable Shapes
Keep For Cheap
MAKR AN ERIS
Jonny Darko
The Nunnery

Ryan Mach

Kiernan
Fend
Trash Date
rosie
KC Rae

Michaelangelo Matos

Bennie Rosas
Only Forever
Malion
Jen Symmetry

Comments: Electronic music, mainly by people I'm familiar with, but all having impressed me either on record or in performance over the past few months. Bennie Rosas and Only Forever--both of whom perform live electronics; the latter is a trio--are two of the former; Malion (with the 'Starsick' EP) and Jen Symmetry (various tracks and remixes) are two of the latter.

Kaylee Matuszak

Chippy
Alonzo
Berserk Blondes!
dirt magnet

papa mbye

Anna Devine

Zach McCormick

Betty Won't
Speed Riders
Visual Learner
Panel
Pyrrhic Victories

Comments: Long live loud rock bands and/or quiet and groovy bands from people who used to be in loud rock bands!

Sean McPherson

1. Room3
2. Hannah Harder
3. Obi Original
4. Society of Chemists
5. Abebi Stafford

Comments: Seeing the way Room3 got the Mainroom going at Best New Bands of 2024 in January of 2025 was one of the goosebump moments I'll remember for the rest of my days. One of the best parts about my job is having a very likelihood of seeing some bands and projects on their way to greatness, just waiting for the world to catch up. Seeing a full floor at the Mainroom lose their mind to an inspired drum solo from Ratwhylah was one such moment.

mike michel

1. Room3
2. Jest
3. Sawtooth Witch

Diane Miller

1. Room3
2. Bizhiki
3. SoulFlower
4. embalmingEva
5. anni xo

John Miller

Crush Scene
Dallas Orbiter
Field Hospitals
Leslie Vincent

Tanner Montague

Obi Original and The Black Atlantics
Room3
The Dalmatian Club
Anna Devine
Yonder

Sarah Morris

1. Haley E Rydell
2. Nikki Lemire
3. OPNR
4. The International Treasures
5. Emmy Woods

Comments: Haley E Rydell is in demand for harmonies and violin all over town, for good reason - she has something special that brings everyone around her to extra shiny musical life. Her first solo project (after years in The Lowland Lakers), Midwestern Daughter is a top-to-bottom stunning album. Getting to hear her gloriously warm voice front and center makes me all kinds of happy.

Also known for supporting a variety of bands in town, Nikki Lemire released her gorgeous debut album, Live at Lakewood, last year. Her clear soprano rings true over her lush harp, and it might be the most comforting album ever recorded in a cemetery chapel...

OPNR is the new project from musician/producer Dave Mehling. His songwriting and music-making take wild chances, while still sounding completely accessible. I find everything he does to be INSPIRING!

The International Treasures is Doyle Turner and Ted Hajnasiewicz. Their debut album features a 6-piece band and sounds like love and community. How can an album sound like that? I'm not sure, but when I listen, I can't stop smiling, so that is good.

Emmy Woods does beautiful work around town spotlighting the work of others with her MN Songbird Showcase. Since 2023, she has released a steady set of singles and EPs featuring her delicate story telling and crystalline voice. Beautiful!

Dustin Nelson

1. Nona Invie
2. Mary Hanson Scott
3. Christy Costello
4. Slut Intent
5. The Dalmatian Club

Comments: I've got Nona Invie in there since she just released her first as a solo artist. It's gorgeous and showcases her voice more than we say in Dark Dark Dark or RONiA. She foregrounds more of the ethereal elements of her songwriting and strips it down to piano and voice with some electronics. I love the album.

I kind of felt like Mary Hanson Scott's Incense Rises in the Temple deserved more love. It's such a beautiful, subtle album.

Slut Intent doesn't have a full EP or full-length yet, but they're young and have just a tenacious sound and live show. They're super exciting and make me think of a Midwestern Lambrini Girls.

Hyedi Nelson

1. The Twins of Franklin
2. Luke LeBlanc
3. The Neighborhood Quartet
4. Favourite Girl
5. Toilet Rats

Alec Ness

Emily Rhea
Symbioscia
Nona Invie
SoulFlower
Trash Date

Mark Nicklawske

1. embalmingEva
2. The Penny Peaches
3. Peat Boggs
4. The Langertsons
5. Boss Mama & The Jebberhooch

Comments: Some great music out of Duluth! Shining stars embalmingEva & Penny Peaches released their first albums. Peat Boggs sound like a breeze off Lake Superior. The Langertsons have been recording for half their life and they're still in high school. Boss Mama writes gritty, frozen, north county blues.

Jarret Oulman

1. the lords of the universe
2. K.E.V.I.N
3. Sarah Morris
4. Deep Fakes

Noah Paster

In Lieu
Curve
Field Hospitals
Dug
Upright Forms

Henry Patterson

1. Walker Rider
2. Mother Soki
3. Soulflower
4. madameblu
5. Lana Leone

Jessica Paxton

1. The Matt Arthur Contraption
2. Bizhiki
3. L.A. Buckner & BiG HOMiE
4. Elour
5. FenixDion

Alexis Politz

1. Slut Intent
2. Miracle Debt
3. Makin' Out
4. Hot Pursuit
5. Pleasure Cube

Chris Polley

Surrounded by Water
Orthe
Peony Park
Oliver Phibes
The Daily Norm

David Priebe

Muun Bato
The Reachouts
Creeping Charlie
Beemer
Big Salt

Macie Rasmussen

berzica
Lana Leone
Squinny
juunni
malamiko

Chris Riemenschneider

1. Finick
2. Gramma
3. The Guitar Band
4. Mati
5. Porch Light

Jill Riley

1. Christy Costello
2. Room3
3. Bizhiki
4. Porch Light
5. Keep for Cheap

Shayna Rox

anni xo
Anna Graves
Landon Conrath
Crush Scene
Laura Hugo

Shasa L. Sartin

SoulFlower
vea vea

Comments: Twin Cities band SoulFlower feels light and sweet like honey. They are visited by many bees I’m sure. I really love that they’re fronted by a bassist, Inayah, who also formed the band. I love the pacing that comes from that. And whenever I read SoulFlower I can’t help but think of one of my favorite Erykah Badu songs “Back in The Day” where she belts their name.

To me, interdisciplinary Minneapolis-based artist vea vea’s experimental techno music sounds like ice melting and awaking into flowing water once again, and sometimes into snow, and sometimes into steam. Some moments of it are soft and quilted for the sun, and others are cooling and stacked for the moon. You can dance to her music in any form: water no get enemy! "

Julia Schiff

1. Yonder
2. Porch Light

Becky Shaheen

Nikki Lemire
Clayton Ryan
Dru Solomon
Emmy Woods
Anna Graves

Daniela Shella

Dilly Dally Alley
Harlow
Xina
Eldest Daughter
Molly Brandt

Danny Sigelman

Mean Magic
Cowboy Thoughts
Toilet Rats
Kismet Rendezvous
Petals

Comments: The communal abundant mindset proves to be once again our infinite bounty. Musically speaking, of course!

Jack Spencer

1. Slut Intent
2. EuphoriasRoom
3. Tomboyy
4. Mati
5. whenthedustsettles

Jesse Stensby

Christy Costello
The Dalmatian Club
Porch Light
Yonder

Adam Svec

Tarek Abdelqader
Ivan Cunningham
Lynn Avery
Nat Harvie
Cole Pulice

Carl Swanson

The Dalmatian Club
FINICK
Unstable Shapes
Porch Light
Papa Mbye

Joel Swenson

1. xSeraphx
2. Giallo
3. Christy Costello
4. Crush Scene

daisy swimmer

1. Fend
2. Unstable Shapes
3. Ray Gun Youth
4. Psylo
5. I Want to Eat Lava and God Cannot Stop Me

Comments: listen to "disc" by fend

Knol Tate

Unstable Shapes
Upright Forms
Field Hospitals
Laugh Track
Tender Comrade

James Taylor

anni xo
Anna Devine
Emma Garau
Bizhiki
Chongo Murdertrout

Luke Taylor

1. Porch Light

TCUP

1. Kiernan
2. Ghosting Merit
3. Crush Scene
4. Ice Climber
5. Trash Date

Katy Tessman (SUMMIT Presents)

Burning Blue Rain
Cassandra Johnson
The Daily Norm
Clayton Ryan
BZ3 Organ Trio

Comments: As both an artist advocate and a musician in Minnesota’s music scene, I witness firsthand the creativity and passion that define our community. The bold innovation of Burning Blue Rain, the evocative storytelling of Cassandra Johnson, the soulful mastery of instrumental guitar by The Daily Norm, the fearless expression of bold country by Clayton Ryan, and the dynamic collaboration of BZ3 Orion Trio are clear testaments to the rich talent emerging in our state. Each nominee brings a distinct voice and energy that challenges conventional boundaries while enriching our local musical landscape. Selecting just five new artists is no easy task—but it’s a reflection of the diverse and thriving creative ecosystem that continues to inspire us all.

Erik Thompson

1. Crush Scene
2. Bizhiki
3. Porch Light
4. Rosie
5. Yonder

Natalia Toledo

room3
Dilly Dally Alley
SoulFlower
REIKI
FènixDion

Ann Treacy

Poison Ivy and the People
Favourite Girl
Aeris and the Piggies
Cheap Bouquet
Jeremy Lord of the Universe

Nick Tveitbakk

1. Porch Light
2. The Last Revel
3. Charlie Boy
4. Ross Thorn

Youa Vang

Anna Devine
Toilet Rats
P!NK N!GHTMARE
Bryn Battani
Hawthorne Oachs

Katy Vernon

1. Favourite Girl
2. Creeping Charlie
3. Brother Means Ally
4. Chutes

Krista Vilinskis

1. Christy Costello
2. Modern Wildlife
3. Yonder
4. The Penny Peaches
5. Finick

Comments: I love our flourishing MN Music Scene! I think we are all so lucky to live here in such a thriving and creative musical community. It's always hard to pick just 5! Other artists I would love to mention are: Bizhiki (spiritual music w/powwow vibes such a cool new sound), Mother Coyote (Esoteric alt-pop that balance themes of birth & death, individual & collective healing - Andy Thompson produced this gem) Yev ( YEV’s self-titled debut blends cinematic folk rock, modern blues, vintage pop, and world music with the soulful essence of his Ukrainian heritage. Inspired by his immigrant journey and the resilience of Ukrainian refugees, the album explores hope, loss, and belonging through evocative melodies, heartfelt vocals, and rich instrumentation. Produced by Stephen Helvig.)

Andrew Volna

1. Orchid Club
2. The Envies
3. True Lust

Jim Walsh

Whit Page (nee Whitney Loher)
Adam and Ava Levy
The Driftless Area
Danger Pins
Katy Tessman

Darien Washington

1. Ciao Bello
2. Aesha Minor
3. Homunculus Rex
4. Pals
5. yyy

Comments: gang, gang

Neil Weir

Absolutely Yours
Memory Deluxe
Absolutely Yours
Oliver Phibes
Upright Forms

Karen Wells Verlander

1. Hemma
2. Arlo Cristofaro
3. Maygen & The Birdwatcher
4. Red Thread
5. Luke LeBlanc

Comments (edited for length): I have had the great joy of working with all of the following artists.

Hemma continues to push the margins of pop-folk on her forthcoming full album, 'Abalone Sky,’ set for release in early 2025. It’s a ripening and crystalizing of her sound—a sonic signature that serves as an artist’s mission statement.

Arlo Cristofaro – Produced by bassist Pat Keen, whose résumé includes work with Minnesota electronic-folk avatars Humbird, along with guitarist Dex Wolfe, Arlo’s debut EP "On the Surface of the Creek,” was fill of high notes, including acclaimed single track, “I-90.” Recorded at a small home studio near Northfield, Minnesota, the EP travels down highways familiar to fans of Joni Mitchell’s Hejira, Nick Drake’s Bryter Layter and recent work by the likes of Big Thief.

Maygen & The Birdwatcher – Their latest offering, "Leap Year "(released August 2, 2024), invites listeners into a contemplative journey inspired by the celestial themes of 2024, reflecting their unique blend of instrumentation and vocals. As Maygen & The Birdwatcher continue to evolve, they leave fans eager for more of their original, captivating music.

Red Thread – The music on "Immigrantke" (2024) is inspired by the stories and folklore of lead singer-songwriter Sarah Larsson’s immigrant ancestors from Ireland, Sweden, Poland, and Hungary. Where the songs trace a tale of moving across the sea, all the questions are about whether and when to make that choice to make the voyage, and the longing for people left behind. It’s about the folk of that epoch – the longing for someone across the sea. The collection of songs ties together to create a story around that image, something sweet and listenable in our own longings today.

Luke LeBlanc– His newest album, Places, was released on October 27, 2023, a follow up to 2022’s Fugue State. The album has garnered critical acclaim, including an invite by Minnesota Public Radio to perform in-studio for The Current’s Radio Heartland, a feature in Ed Helm’s bluegrass magazine, Bluegrass Situation, and an appearance on Duluth’s morning news. Luke LeBlanc has new music on the horizon for later this year.

Timothy Wilson

1. Blvck Madonna
2. Muja
3. Obi Original
4. BeatsbyStix
5. Juice Lord

Erik Wivinus

Prodrome
Material
Kaldeket
Darkling I Listen
Durian Skeele

Mark Wood

1. vlush
2. The Dregs
3. EuphoriasRoom
4. SoulFlower
5. k3ko

Zach Zurn

1. Homunculus Rex
2. SoulFlower
3. upup/OVER
4. BirdCop
5. Bunny Blood

Thanks and gratitude to everyone who submitted a ballot! Didn’t vote this year, but want to in 2026? Drop an email to digitalmusic [at] mpr.org, and tell us a tiny bit about your connection to the Minnesota music industry.

Related: Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report 2025: The top 10 new local artists