News and InterviewsInterview: Dan Auerbach of the Black KeysJill Riley and Dan Auerbach • Oct 29, 2014Before their big gig at the Target Center with opening act Jake Bugg, Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys chatted with Jill Riley of The Current's Morning Show backstage.
DuluthHaley Bonar on the Beeb: Minnesota singer-songwriter records session at BBC Radio 6 MusicBrenda Tran • Oct 29, 2014On Monday, local singer-songwriter Haley Bonar visited the BBC Radio 6 Music studios to promote the UK release of her album Last War. In an intimate conversation with Lauren Laverne, Bonar discussed a number of things including her beginnings as a musician, the making of Last War, Justin Vernon’s contribution to the record, the empowering…
The Current Music NewsToday’s Music News: Pet Shop Boys’ Always On My Mind voted best cover song everStaff • Oct 29, 2014Whitney Houston‘s “I Will Always Love You” (originally by Dolly Parton) and Johnny Cash‘s “Hurt” (originally by Nine Inch Nails) made the top ten, as did two covers of songs by Minnesota artists: Sinead O’Connor‘s version of Prince‘s “Nothing Compares 2 U” and Jimi Hendrix‘s transformative take on Bob Dylan‘s “All Along the Watchtower.” The best cover version of all time, though—according…
DuluthHalloween 2014: Where to see live music in Minneapolis and St. PaulSelena Carlson • Oct 29, 2014As the 2014 Halloweekend approaches, the Twin Cities will be crawling with shows for every ghoul and boy. Whether you’re seeking spooktacular celebrations or refuge from incessant trick-or-treaters, there are plenty of options to make this a festive Friday night. Halloween Party & Costume Contest First Avenue, Minneapolis 8:00 p.m., $5 advance/$10 day of show/$15…
Local Current BlogJustin Vernon-curated Eaux Claires Festival coming to western Wisconsin in July 2015Andrea Swensson • Oct 28, 2014The Eaux Claires Music and Arts Festival, a new outdoor event dreamed up by Justin Vernon and organized by the production team behind the independent-minded Boston Calling festival, passed through its final round of permit approvals tonight and is officially slated to take place in Eau Claire on July 17 and 18, 2015. The Bon Iver frontman tapped Crashline Productions to…
Coffee Break9:30 Coffee Break: Songs That Creep You Out Oct 28, 2014With Halloween approaching, we thought this would make for a fun 9:30 Coffee Break. What songs with creepy or spooky qualities would you like to hear today?
Local Current BlogChris Koza, Laulu, Dave Ray: This week’s Minnesota record releasesAaron Bolton • Oct 28, 2014Chris Koza: In Real Time Rouge Valley’s Chris Koza has a new album. In Real Time reaches into the past trying to grasp onto something human. On the track “Radio Wave,” for example Koza’s struggle to accept technology’s grasp on the world makes for a compelling theme over rhythmic instrumentation that captures the feeling of…
Local Current BlogKenny Chesney rounds third, follows two previous Target Field appearances with 2015 bookingBrenda Tran • Oct 28, 2014For the third time in four years, Kenny Chesney will be making an appearance at Target Field. The 13-time chart-topping country singer’s “Big Revival Tour” will merge with Jason Aldean’s “Burn it Down Tour,” with a Target Field show on Saturday, July 18, 2015. Ticket info and complete artist lineup will be announced at a later…
Local Current BlogMick Jagger and my dad were right: You can’t always get what you wantAndrea Swensson • Oct 28, 2014One of my earliest memories is so vivid that I can close my eyes right now and picture it: I’m sitting on the brown shag carpet-covered steps that led down into the living room of my childhood home and wiping dried tears from the corners of my eyes while my dad plays the song “You…
The Current Music NewsToday’s Music News: Beats Music to merge with iTunesStaff • Oct 28, 2014As digital download sales plummet—along with sales of physical music formats, excluding vinyl—Apple is focusing on streaming as the future of its music services. According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple will re-launch Beats Music (which it now owns) next year as a part of iTunes rather than a standalone service. On the one-year anniversary…