'One thing that comes easily to me is having conversations with strangers,' writes Mary Lucia. 'However, after interviewing bands for a jillion years, I have to tell you that there is nothing natural about having your first chat with five or six strangers broadcast for the world to hear.' Mary shares her thoughts about interviewing bands on The Current.

The Smiths have partnered with PETA to create a video game inspired by the band’s song “Meat is Murder.” In the game, “This Beautiful Creature Must Die,” players try to save animals from being ground into meat. An eight-bit version of “Meat is Murder” soundtracks the game. “This game is the biggest social crusade of all,…

On Saturday, August 20, the Local Show’s Artists to Watch event will feature 10 of my favorite up-and-coming acts in Minnesota performing across two stages at the Cedar Cultural Center. As we gear up for the showcase, you’ll be hearing from the performers in segments on the Local Show and here on the Local Current Blog. Word about Tony…

Over in the Oake & Riley studios we are all haunted by a horrifying article from the New York Times that asks you to question whether your friends actually like you. Let's dig into this topic a little. For today's Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear about friends? Bonus points for song suggestions that include friends that might not really be friends.

Bon Iver have been hinting for a while that they’ll be playing new music at this week’s Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival, and over the past couple of days they’ve stepped up the indications that they’ll be premiering much or all of a new album. Among the hints: a new mural in Brooklyn. (Pitchfork)…

Esme Patterson played an in-studio session, and she wielded an ESP Ron Wood model, a guitar modeled after the Telecaster pattern. In addition to talking about her guitar, Patterson also talks about how she approaches songwriting, who some of her guitar-playing influences are, and which effects pedals she really likes. 'I support companies that I really respect and make things in a way that makes sense,' Patterson says.

On Saturday, August 20, the Local Show’s Artists to Watch event will feature 10 of my favorite up-and-coming acts in Minnesota performing across two stages at the Cedar Cultural Center. As we gear up for the showcase, you’ll be hearing from the performers in segments on the Local Show and here on the Local Current Blog. Mankato quartet Good…

Yesterday was International Cat Day, and we missed it. Between Oake, Riley and producer Anna, the morning crew owns no less than six cats. That's six. Cats. We regret this grievous error, and to teach us a lesson, what songs do you want to hear for today's Coffee Break that feature regrets, I'm sorries, and I would have, should have, could haves?

The Minnesota State Fair has announced that Friday, Aug. 26 will be a “Unite in Purple” day paying tribute to Prince. After 5 p.m., stages throughout the fairgrounds will feature Prince tributes, DJ Dudley D will spin tracks for a Prince party in Carousel Park, State Fair landmarks will be lit purple, and a Prince laser show…

Katie Ledecky took home a gold in her 400-meter freestyle yesterday, and minutes later, the United States men's 4x100 relay won gold. To celebrate these victories, what songs that mention swimming do you want to hear for today's Coffee Break?