Local bands that deserve must-hear status this week

AEG-owned venue up against sightline and capacity challenges

Minnesotan artists like Doomtree, Brother Ali, Trampled by Turtles, Polica, and Howler played countless gigs in Austin, Texas this past week amid thousands of other acts at the annual SXSW music festival. We were on the ground the whole week covering the event from a local angle, and compiled some of the best sets into…

By the time I caught up with Poliça they were just wrapping up their 10th show in five days, many of which were in front of capacity crowds eager to see what the much-hyped Minneapolis quartet are all about. As the band unwound, did laundry, and prepared to head back out on the road for…

Friday was a busy day for Minnesota showcases at SXSW, with both First Avenue and IPR throwing all-local parties down in Austin. First Avenue’s party was especially bustling all afternoon as Brother Ali performed songs off his forthcoming Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color backed by a live band, Doomtree performed a nonstop full-crew set,…

Mould says new record is inspired by playing with the Foo Fighters

Mark Wheat and Andrea Swensson call-in live from Austin

Read about and download their new track "After You"

Sophomore album tentatively due out in September, label TBA

Highlights from Thursday's festivities