ReviewsAlbum of the Week: Childish Gambino, '3.15.20'Sean McPherson • Mar 30, 2020Glover has found his way on '3.15.20' by using every ounce of his influences and points of departure to create a record worthy of praise and exploration.
Local Current BlogCaitlyn Smith: ‘I’m keeping my eyes on the future’Darby Ottoson • Mar 29, 2020This week, Jill Riley connected with Caitlyn Smith as we continued to reach out to musicians sheltering at home during the coronavirus pandemic. Jill Riley: We feel a special bond with Caitlyn Smith as she grew up just south of the Twin Cities in Cannon Falls. If you’re not familiar with Cannon Falls, that is…
Local Current BlogVirtual tours, bedroom compilations, and livestreamed concerts: How Minnesota’s musicians are sustaining community in quarantineColleen Cowie • Mar 28, 2020On Wednesday, March 25, Gov. Tim Walz called Minnesotans to “stay at home” to slow the spread of COVID-19. The executive order, which began on Friday night, requires us all to stay indoors, except to access essential needs and services. Although we are physically distant from one another, Minnesota’s musicians are finding creative ways to…
Local Current BlogJoey Burns of Calexico: ‘Write to your friends, your loved ones, your favorite artists’Caleb Brennan • Mar 28, 2020Jill Riley continues to check in with musicians across the country on The Morning Show. She caught up with Joey Burns of Calexico to talk about the music he’s making with his daughters during social distancing, his tour with Iron and Wine, and writing a cathartic letter to Elton John on Instagram. Jill Riley: So…
Local Current BlogMark Mallman talks about ‘The Happiness Playlist’ in unhappy timesCaleb Brennan • Mar 27, 2020On The Current’s Morning Show, Jill Riley got in touch with Minnesota rock auteur and musical wellness advocate Mark Mallman to talk about the psychological and physiological benefits of listening to happy music. Jill Riley: We thought since we’re going to get into the Coffee Break and try to kick off a week with some…
Local Current BlogDessa on staying connected to fans, the music community, and herselfDarby Ottoson • Mar 27, 2020As Minnesota prepared to shelter in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Morning Show host Jill Riley caught up with Dessa. Jill Riley: Calling in from, well, her apartment in Minneapolis, I’ve got Dessa on the line. Dessa, how are you doing? How are you feeling? Dessa: Hey, good morning Jill. I’m…
Local Current BlogPhotos: Twin Cities music venues shuttered by coronavirus pandemicJay Gabler • Mar 27, 2020As the Twin Cities, along with much of the rest of the world, hunker down at home to slow the spread of COVID-19, photographer Lucy Hawthorne visited several local music venues to document closed doors, empty streets…and signs of hope.
Coffee BreakCoffee Break: The Happiness Playlist (part 5) Mar 27, 2020In the final installment of our giant happiness playlist, what songs do you want to hear for today's 9:30 Coffee Break that make you happy?
Local Current BlogColin Meloy of The Decemberists: ‘Music is a balm’Sylvia Jennings • Mar 27, 2020Morning Show host, Jill Riley, has been spending a lot of time chatting on the phone with various musicians to see how they are holding up in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Riley had a chance to talk with Colin Meloy of the Decemberists about how he is coping, performing virtually via social media,…
Local Current BlogJim James of My Morning Jacket: ‘We’re seeing how the dollar has been prioritized over the person’Sylvia Jennings • Mar 27, 2020My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James is one of the many musicians who, due to the spread of COVID-19, are now contemplating how to proceed personally in their careers, as well as how to proceed as industry. James checked in with Morning Show host Jill Riley to talk about the temporary loss of live shows,…
