“You are so old,” said the guy who checked my ID, shaking his head. “Sorry, had to say it!” Welcome to my life as a 42-year-old music writer entering the Pandora showcase last night at SXSW. The Gatsby courtyard has been transformed into a maze of VIP areas; dodging them brought me to a GA pen…

McNasty Brass Band, “Boyfriend Can’t Dance (Live)” McNasty Brass Band sing and play their hearts out to “Boyfriend Can’t Dance” from King Size Life (2017). The music was recorded and mixed by Jason McGlone (remember that name) at the Hideaway Studios, while Rob Schlette did the mastering. Sleeping Jesus, “Cigarette Skies” Director Nathaniel Nelson toys with…

When OK Go first came together as a band, they never thought they’ed end up doing anything else other than music, but once they started releasing their hit music videos, everything changed. OK Go started receiving letters from teachers who used the band’s innovative music videos as a way to inspire students interested in STEM-related…

Sometimes SXSW is about making new friends, and sometimes it’s about reconnecting with old ones. Last night, The Current crew did a little of both. After wrapping up day two of the Pledge House party (which continues today and tomorrow), we walked up to Stubb’s — first to share some BBQ with our colleagues at…

After The Current’s Pledge House party yesterday (follow along again today on our website and Facebook page), our staff celebrated over barbecue in true Austin fashion, then split off to explore SXSW. Without a predetermined plan, I opened the showcase guide and followed my instinct, checking out four artists’ sets and a Dutch-curated “Living Museum.”…

How could we not share this with anyone who’ll listen? Our favorite Minnesota-gone-LA rap star Lizzo guest-hosted on music podcast Switched On Pop last week, and when she wasn’t unleashing her glorious laugh, she was serving up the truth. Throughout the episode, she tells hosts Charlie Harding and Nate Sloan about her own podcast Good…

After much speculation of a follow-up to their 2014 On the Run tour, which lacked a Minneapolis date, fans across North America will have a chance to see Beyoncé and Jay-Z live this summer. They will be coming to Minneapolis on August 8, just several concerts into the On the Run II tour, to perform…

jeremy messersmith, “Purple Hearts” Fingers crossed this lurking creature doesn’t show up at jeremy’s March 30 First Avenue show. Reina del Cid, “Beverly” The character of Beverly pushed Rerun City into being. Reina del Cid explains here — and performs at First Avenue tonight. Manny Phesto, “Young Bro” Southside spitter Manny Phesto deals with his “Young Bro”…

In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting ten talented women on the Twin cities jazz scene. Here’s a diverse mix of performers to check out! Pippi Ardennia Originally from Chicago, Pippi Ardennia began working has been working as a singer when she was 13 years old and performed in some of the city’s most…

Today is International Women’s Day, and the Current is in the midst of a 24-long celebration of influential women artists — find our full day of programming here. As we spend the day reflecting on the issues facing women around the world, it got me thinking about all the incredible, pioneering artists who have broken…