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 9 p.m., hosted by Diane, or check out our Spotify playlist, updated every week. In April 2026, The Current compiled the third Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report with votes from the local music industry.

Spymob

Remember Spymob? In the early 2000s, they were signed to Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo’s Star Trak Entertainment label, and served as the touring live band for N.E.R.D (Williams and Hugo’s rock/hip-hop project from the era). Members John Ostby, Brent Paschke, Eric Fawcett, and Christian Twigg also put out several albums under the Spymob name before a lengthy hiatus. After reuniting without Twigg in 2024, Spymob returned this year with a new album, Another Night. Though the band has no plans for upcoming shows, they do believe this is Spymob’s exciting new era and plan on releasing more music. Their journey was recently featured in Variety. -NT

Thomas Sticha

Led by an acoustic guitar, a weathered twang, and Emmy Woods' soft harmonies, Thomas Sticha’s “City Apartment” turns cramped living into a running joke. The music becomes both a punchline and a coping mechanism as increasingly annoyed neighbors get recast as an unwilling audience, their complaints folded right into the song. It’s funny, but never devolves into a novelty track. Beneath the deadpan humor is a realistic look at the stubborn need to make art — the kind that persists despite eviction notices, thin walls, or common sense. In Sticha's world, playing through the noise isn't a grand rebellion; it's just the only way he knows how to live. Catch Sticha live this summer on July 7 at White Squirrel Bar in St. Paul, July 24 at Aster Cafe in Minneapolis, and August 7 at Turf Club in St. Paul. -YV

LaPlant Road

After six years playing together, acoustic duo LaPlant Road have released a debut album, Finding Home. Based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Liz Ashworth (mandolin, fiddle) and Emily LaPlant (guitar, fiddle) showcase their instrumental talents on this bluegrass-flavored modern country record. The track “Common Truth” stands out largely because of Ashworth’s beautifully complex mandolin parts. The musician navigates intricate chord progressions with unbelievably swift string strokes. Like the rest of the album, “Common Truth” is a fitting track to hear while taking a seat and unwinding from the summer heat. LaPlant Road play in northern Minnesota at the Lutsong Music Festival on Saturday, July 11. -MR

Pit Stop

Minneapolis-based indie folk/country band Pit Stop’s sophomore album, Pitted, has a blooming, warm energy that is perfect for hot summer days. The album was recorded by Holly Hansen at Salon Sonics and mixed by Zack Warpinski. “Sycamore” is a strong album opener – it’s a relaxing song, though lyrical themes of feeling down and lost contrast the sunny acoustic strumming and gorgeous slide guitar. Fans of the bands Twin Peaks and Dr. Dog may enjoy the album by Pit Stop. -AD

Blimey

“Speedracer” is the most recent single from the new Minneapolis band Blimey. The indie-pop group featuring Levon Standfield (guitar/vocals), Jared Burnett (lead guitar), Ethan Heid (bass), and Zach Peterson (drums) has a playful tone. What begins as an easygoing vibe reminiscent of sunny late-2010s indie rocker boy pablo on “Speedracer” wiggles into emo territory when Standfield’s lighthearted singing becomes strained yells. The song slides back and forth between blithe and anxious beats to express both patience and frustration. Blimey open for Fiona Hayes at Amsterdam Bar and Hall in St. Paul on Friday, July 24. Tickets here. -MR

Peeler

Minneapolis band Peeler have been rocking out at DIY venues for the past few years. A debut album, Quit While You’re Ahead, arrived in April. The record follows the thundering bass riffs and occasionally emo jams from the band’s first EP, Best Kept Secret. “White Elephant” opens the new project with pained vocal verses that lead to energetic choruses. Even when the lyrics are unintelligible, the grungy alt-rock group gives off a sense of longing. Peeler is for those who enjoy a good crowd surf, head-banging session, and the rush of a slow burn that eventually catapults a listener into a crashing tune. -MR

Ideas By Ab

Minnesota-born Ideas By Ab is a songwriter and producer with an ethereal sound pulling from the electronic and IDM (intelligent dance music) genres with addictive breakbeats. His latest song, “Fin Thread,” was released via the Los Angeles record label R&R (which currently represents artists such as Dijon, Boyish, Mk.Gee). “Fin Thread” is about facing your fears, the “final thread” holding you back from sharing your art or being vulnerable. -AD

The Daüggers

The Daüggers are a Minneapolis indie rock band comprised of Dylan Korman, Jackson Ocel, Gabe Sturz, and Jerrik Miller. In 2025, the band released their debut album, She’s Alright, and the single “Dewey” followed this year. The track is full of energy and hints at the energy that the band brings to live sets in backyards, bars, and clubs. The Daüggers are very active on their Instagram, and their next performance is Saturday, July 11, at Kieran’s Irish Pub in Minneapolis. -NT

Leslie Perez

Leslie Perez is a faith-based R&B singer from Minneapolis. Perez is currently signed to Gotee Records, a contemporary Christian music label based in Franklin, Tennessee. For fans of artists like Olivia Dean or even Amy Winehouse, Perez has similarly soulful voice. On the verge of applying to law school, Perez decided to pursue a career in music and has since released three EPs, and recently released the single “Back To My Love.” Keep up with Leslie on her Instagram for more music releases. -NT

Cruvell

Written and produced by James and Jade Patrick, Cruvell’s “People” turns a basic lyric into a hypnotic, almost mesmerizing experience. The phrase “We’re all just people trying to be people” loops over and over like a chant, drifting through strange, warped music that sounds both eerie and beautiful. The track is part of an 18-track album, Crushed Velvet for Your Ears, which was released in June. “People” ignores genre boundaries, blending acoustic folk vibes with surprising sound effects and a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere. Instead of building up to a big climax, the music spins in circles, inviting you into a different state of consciousness. As the words repeat through the noise, they start to make perfect sense. -YV