They released two assertive, high-energy EPs; they worked with über-respected producers; they showed just how quick and commanding women can be; now, they’re about to say goodbye. GRRRL PRTY — rappers Lizzo, Manchita, and Sophia Eris, plus DJ Shannon Blowtorch — are breaking up this month, aiming to keep up with their artistic growth and their…

Justin Vernon had some news for Bon Iver fans: the band “will be playing a set made of NEW music” at August’s Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival, he tweeted Thursday. All new music? Some new music? An album? We shall see — and hear. (Pitchfork) U to honor Prince The University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents…

Today in 1990, Wilson Phillips went No. 1 with "Hold On." Twenty-five years earlier to the day, Wendy and Carnie Wilson's father, Beach Boy Brian, was at No. 1 with "Help Me, Rhonda." So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear from the children of famous musicians?

For this episode of the O.K. Show, it’s going to get loud. We’re talking to Natalie Grace McKay, the ferocious frontwoman of Twin Cities hardcore band Naive Sense. I’ll be honest: hardcore is not an area of expertise for me, but it’s something I’ve always been fascinated by. There is something so raw, so primal,…

As disco died, the venue at 701 First Avenue North changed its name from Uncle Sam’s to Sam’s and finally — on Dec. 31, 1981 — to First Avenue. The illuminated dance floor was removed, revealing checkered terrazzo tile — much to the surprise and delight of club management, who had expected to spend a hefty…

After Prince died on April 21, those who knew him had to figure out how to respond. What would help them process the loss personally? What should they do in the public eye? How should they honor their loved one? A little over a month later, each one is still answering some of those questions. For…

Thanks to Explore Minnesota, you can take a Google 360-degree tour of First Ave. Go downstairs, head backstage, check out the upstairs (there's even owner's box access), and see some familiar faces along the way. See how quickly you can find the twelve items in our scavenger hunt.

Mary Lucia shares her thoughts about rising musician Barns Courtney. 'If I had my way and could predict the future of rock and roll, Barns Courtney would be huge.' See why Mary thinks the singer-songwriter may have a big future ahead of him.

Chance the Rapper and Skrillex joined Stephen Colbert on The Late Show this week to “remix” Colbert’s monologue about Tiny Toast: a new cereal from Golden Valley food giant General Mills. Later, the two appeared with Hundred Waters to perform “Show Me Love.” (Rolling Stone) See Chance in the company of 9,900 more waters on June 18 at Rock…

New York has a gritty music history – underground punk shows in the Lower East Side, rap battles burgeoning in the Bronx, rock legends starting as childhood friends from Queens. New York is a scene of grit and grime, but undeniably, it’s rock and roll at its core – which I have been dying to be a…