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.

Emily Bjorke

Emily Bjorke is a singer-songwriter who splits time between Minnesota and Los Angeles. “Little Time” is a warm indie pop love song with a touch of folk influence. If her name looks familiar, Bjorke previously led the Minneapolis surf-punk band Last Import. Her solo debut album, Are You Going to Heaven or Hell releases Friday, Oct. 16, and she’ll be celebrating the release with a headline show at 7th St Entry in Minneapolis the same evening with support from local indie acts anni xo and clovers daughter. Fans of Waxahatchee and Olivia Rodrigo may enjoy Emily Bjorke’s discography, including recent singles “No Angel” and “Skeletons in Toronto.” -AD

Clayton Ryan

Minneapolis-based Clayton Ryan’s “Killing Time” sets up camp at the bottom of a heavy glass, dragging a country-blues shuffle through the haze of an end-of-the-night barroom. Ryan’s voice carries a deep clarity, cutting through the bluesy grit with the unvarnished weariness of someone who knows his coping mechanisms are failing. Instead of sinking into pure melodrama, the track relies on a steady, swinging pulse — transforming a well-worn story of drowning memories into something sharp and understated. Ryan plays Icehouse on Friday, Oct. 30. -YV

Disposer

The self-titled debut EP from Disposer is a goth-leaning indie rock project that incorporates soft melodies for a dreamy listen. Based in Minneapolis and Rochester, the band features Kevin Goff (guitar, synths, percussion), Josh Brundige (vocals), Jordan Morantez (bass, guitar), and Ben Neitge (drums). “Time and Again” immediately begins with jangle-pop guitar hooks and smooth synthesizers — think of the recognizable sparkling opening chords on the Cure’s “Just Like Heaven.” The upbeat drumming, paired with a lighthearted chorus, “Dance with me, baby / Take my hand,” could get some bodies moving. Disposer’s sparse online presence makes the music even more mysterious. - MR

Bev

“Soft T-Shirt” is the first single from Minneapolis rock quartet Bev’s forthcoming record, Expectations. It explores predictions versus reality and societal pressures versus a person’s genuine self. The buzzy alt-punk track is the group’s first release since 2021’s sophomore album, Crusher. Moody undertones linger alongside the cheerful lyrics from bandleader Niki Beverly, “City views with so much to do / I wanna do it with you / I wanna do it all with you (Go!).” More than anything, Beverly’s voice holds hope and a vision of a situation’s potential. Expectations is out Nov. 6 and the band celebrates that night with a release show at Cloudland in Minneapolis. - MR

Luutsön

Minneapolis-based indie shoegaze band Luutsön combines the talents of Enrique Ibanez, Tim King, and Seth Boström. Lead vocalist and songwriter Boström shared on socials that their latest single, “Haven’t Left,” is about grief and seeing his father in his dreams. “I think that’s what this song became for me. A reminder that the people we love don’t just disappear, they stay with us… like they haven’t left.” The band is back together after a four-year hiatus and there is more music in the works. Follow Luutsön on Instagram for all the latest updates. -NT

Uchaye

The pop-punk singer and guitarist Uchaye has grown a significant social following with just three songs out on streaming services. The latest track from the Nigerian-Zimbabwean artist based in Minnesota is “Currency.” In it, hip-hop beats join the strong pop-punk hooks in a song that is a direct confrontation. On the chorus, she bluntly sings, “You don’t ever make no time for me / So imma indulge in your currency my love.” She continues, sick and tired: “Live my entire life in luxury / ‘cause money makes me happier / Than you do.” Early in her career, Uchaye comes out swinging unapologetically. Look for the WAR IS OV3R EP out October 23 . - MR

Dojo

Dojo is an indie pop singer-songwriter based in Minneapolis, who is new to the scene, with a growing following on TikTok. Dojo has been posting videos playing guitar and singing, and also a range of content with his original music in the background. Earlier this year, he released a debut album, cowboy. The track “walk away” has an ’80s New Wave feel that is very catchy. Find Dojo on Instagram to keep up with all the latest releases. -NT

Uzzah

Uzzah is a multi-instrumentalist originally from Wisconsin who began his music career in the Twin Cities in 2020 and made his live debut in 2023. Uzzah has an active following on Instagram, sharing his current journey as he continues to work as a truck driver, and pour into his music career simultaneously. A combination of vulnerable songwriting and a powerful voice definitely make Uzzah an artist to watch. Uzzah will perform Wave Fest on Sunday, Oct. 11, at The Cabooze in Minneapolis, as well as Icehouse on Oct. 23. -NT

Wren + Wilde

Wren + Wilde’s “Caverns” leans into a back-porch bluegrass groove, anchored by Hilary Yoder’s close, worn-in vocal delivery. Her voice is a steady balance of tenderness and gravel, framed by lingering harmonies that give the arrangement room to breathe. There’s an unhurried, tactile quality to the track — acoustic textures and tight harmonies carry the emotional weight. “Caverns” avoids sentimentality by trusting the quiet strength of its performance, offering a subtle, rewarding listen. The band will celebrate the release of their new album, Serial Dreamers, at Icehouse in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Oct. 7. -YV

One Big Quilt

One Big Quilt is a math rock fusion duo based in Minneapolis. Their recent album, Vertical Farming, was released in September on all streaming platforms except Spotify. “Summit,” one of the album’s singles, incorporates intricate guitar riffs to build intensity that ebbs and flows throughout the song. You can catch them live in the Twin Cities this month on Oct.. 9, 11 and 24. See their Instagram for show details. -AD