The Better Oblivion Community Center opened its doors for one night in Minneapolis, and a sold-out crowd rushed in. Better Oblivion Community Center is a collaboration between Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst, both successful rock artists in their own right. Their debut self-titled came out in January of this year. This project isn’t Bridgers’ first…

“50°! We did it!” KARE 11 meteorologist Sven Sundgaard tweeted yesterday afternoon. “Last time was Nov. 1.” So if you see Minnesotans lounging outside rather than hurriedly slip-sliding from place to place, you know why. Take a breath of spring air before sitting down to watch these videos. Brianna Kočka – “Kindness” Brianna Kočka enjoys friends,…

In her short career as a musician, London-based artist Nilüfer Yanya has already grown into her own sound. After spending the first few years winning over fans with her jazzy pop tunes, her debut album, Miss Universe — out today — shows her transition to a more minimalist rock vibe. Her music is both crisp and…

Before Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s sold-out show at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul last month, I met up with Sam Melo (lead vocals and keys) and Charlie Holt (bass). The North Carolina band have been on the fast track to success in recent years, their first two albums gaining enough support that they began playing…

Good morning from sunny St. Paul, the city enjoying a compliment bath on my Twitter. Before I head into work this afternoon, I wanted to tell you about a few music videos I’ve enjoyed this week. Here we go. Sleeping Jesus – “Lay” This new Sleeping Jesus video is enjoyable but grim. Frontperson Nick Elstad…

As Brandon Leu began playing his cello, his body seemed to become more and more relaxed. His facial expressions almost implied a music-induced trance. As the prelude to Bach’s first cello suite came to an end, Leu finished with a proudly raised cello bow after an almost flawless performance. He finally smiled as he continued to perform his hand-picked…

“The band Dirt Train has been a mainstay on our stage this past year,” wrote Minneapolis’s Aster Cafe in a Facebook post this morning. “Yesterday, their leader, Tucker Jensen, threw the final punch in his valiant fight against cancer.” Jensen is also being mourned by his father, local rocker Mick Sterling. “Tucker,” Sterling wrote on…

Grief can unexpectedly rear its sometimes ugly head at moments many of us are not prepared to handle. Grief can choose to manifest itself in ways that we may not expect and at a time when we may think we’ve beaten the storm. For many dealing with grief, anxiety and panic attacks are not uncommon…

Anna Marie Carey – “Spaceman” When I say Anna Marie Carey‘s new video is a production, I mean that in the best way possible. Carey worked with a crack team including director Carsten Johnson, producer Jared Myers, cinematographer/editor Christopher Behnen, and art director Dena Winter, who made a gorgeous video to accompany her glimmering song.…

This year’s harsh winter has brought sheets of snow and ice to the Twin Cities, creating dangerous conditions for homeowners. Last week, local singer-songwriter Channy Leaneagh (Poliça, Roma di Luna) fell and broke her back while trying to clear ice dams from the roof of her house. A GoFundMe campaign is raising money to cover…