Presented by McNally Smith College of Music, Healthy States, and the Current, Dissonance: Mental Health in Music was a refreshingly honest conversation covering topics of mental illness, substance abuse, and creativity. This year’s iteration of the annual forum featured a panel of four local musicians that have been, in some way, affected by mental illness. Adam…

Happy Friday! Here’s your weekly look at the latest in Minnesota music videos, starting off with one of my favorite releases of December… RONiiA I think I’ve watched this video at least five times already; the music and the imagery coalesce to create an ode to nostalgia, coming of age, and the restless ennui of tweendom. RONiiA (which…

Lego’s website has an “ideas” section where fans can submit their ideas for new Lego sets and rally support behind their designs. Over 4,000 users are urging Lego to create a Daft-Punk-themed set. “Through costumes, elaborate stage lighting / structures, and even vehicles, Daft Punk have created a visual history that lends itself to Lego,”…

This morning, Target Center announced that Billy Joel will perform at the Minneapolis arena on May 16. The news came at a press conference preceded by two days of speculation—fueled by a teasing Instagram photo of Times Square in 1999—as to what the venue’s “major concert” announcement would be today. Tickets will go on sale…

“Please bear in mind that I’m just one old girl with arthritis and I have to rest my hands between dolls,” writes British knitter Kate Park, whose handmade Morrissey dolls have become the year’s hottest Christmas gift among music aficionados. Park is so overwhelmed with inquiries that she’s had to stop taking orders, but you can watch…

In an interview with Savannah College of and Art Design (SCAD) president Paula Wallace promoting his upcoming “i feel ya” exhibition, Andre 3000 gave an indirect shout out to Lizzo when he referenced the “I FEEL YOU, ANDRE.” shirt she wore during her Late Night with David Letterman performance in October. Lizzo took to Instagram…

Underlining the national prominence of our local hip-hop scene, Pitchfork’s Paul Thompson has just published a round-up of the best Minnesota hip-hop of 2014. “Minnesota Nice is well established,” writes Thompson, “but 2014 was the year for Minnesota Weird in the Minneapolis-St. Paul hip-hop scene.” Topping Pitchfork’s list is thestand4rd, the group who debuted this year…

Comprising sisters, brothers and cousins, the hip-hop/classical hybrid Nocturnal Unit produces a unique sound. “Nocturnal Unit combines the intellect and precision of classical music with the energy and grittiness of hip-hop,” said Rolf Haas, vocalist and violinist of the group. “I am constantly pushing the boundaries of both classical and hip-hop music.” The members of Nocturnal…

Okay, it’s not actually Saruman, heroic-turned-evil wizard of Middle-Earth: it’s Christopher Lee, the 92-year-old actor who plays Saruman in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films. Among Lee’s many pursuits on stage and on record have been heavy-metal holiday singles he’s released each year since 2012. Previous releases included Lee’s takes on “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Silent Night,”…

Forged Artifacts: The Greatest Of All Time #1 Forged Artifacts label owner Matt Linden told me recently that the idea for The Greatest Of All Time #1 compilation had just popped into his head—and that idea is now available. All the bands on the release fall somewhere in the spectrum of punk, but take a…