The Current team is always looking out for under-the-radar artists, and to share our discoveries with you. We gets ideas from SXSW, scrolling social feeds, local events, and film soundtracks. Great talent is everywhere, and we are always on the hunt. These are some of the artists we think will have an even bigger 2027.

Vote in The Current's Top 89 poll by Monday, Nov. 16, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a pair of coveted tickets to both nights of Brandi Carlile: Burn the Setlist (The All Request Tour) taking place Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis.

We’d love to hear from you about a music discovery from this past year. Comment below who we missed or your favorites from this list.

Aubory Bugg

In 2026, Aubory Bugg released her debut album, i think i had something once, featuring the single “nosedive.” She also showcased at Americanafest and gained many new followers with her stunning voice. She'll take the stage at 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis on Feb. 23, 2027.

Blessing Jolie

Blessing's debut dropped this past March, and she showcased for radio programmers from all over the country in May during NON-COMMvention. 20nothing had some standout tracks you may have heard on The Current, including “Growing Pains,” or perhaps you caught her Happy Hour set on Sept. 10 in Rochester (her first Minnesota performance!).

CMAT

Elton John collaboration? Check. Mercury Prize nomination? Check. Tiny Desk concert? Check. Irish musician Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, professionally known as CMAT, won the Best Album award at The Ivors. To some, CMAT is well-established due to “When a Good Man Cries,” but to many in the States she's still an unknown name. We think that will change for the Irish singer in 2027.

Girl Tones

Girl Tones makes a lot of fun noise for only being a duo, especially on the song “Volcano.” Don't let their sweet, demure dresses fool you — these are rock stars who will get you jumping in the air. If you saw their Happy Hour set at Surly Brewing Co. in Minneapolis on Aug. 20, then you already know. Their debut album, Precious, just released on Nov. 6.

KELS

KELS' first time taking the stage in Minnesota was at The Current's Happy Hour event on May 21 at Insight Brewing in Minneapolis. And then the “Gone” hitmaker quickly she returned to the Twin Cities for a headlining show in October. She has built a community online by sharing her journey from cleaning houses to being a full-time musician, inspiring fellow artists along the way.

LASALLE

This musical project, led by LaSalle Grant, is a fusion of genre and textures. LASALLE's debut EP was released this past August. Their track "OKAY!" made The Current's Scouting Report List for September 2026. We are looking forward to more opportunities to see them live in 2027.

New Constellations

This Portland-based duo is currently on tour for their debut full-length album, It Comes in Waves. Ahead of their recent St. Paul show at Amsterdam Bar & Hall, they spoke with Jill Riley about their new release and having a viral single.

Related: Interview: New Constellations on "Hot Blooded" and the band's slow, but steady rise

Westside Cowboy

Sometimes The Current's Song of the Day (“Kick Stones [The Boys]”) sticks around on the playlist for many days, and even makes its way onto our hosts' Top Songs Lists (see Jessica Paxton, Bill DeVille, and Gannon’s lists). The Manchester band has a theme of time moving on their debut album, It Goes On. It's a safe bet that their movement will be up this next year.