With her first album, the British singer-songwriter gained fans and famous friends. Her second record, Blood, is infused with more intensity

There's something almost magic about the way Bridie Monds-Watson, aka SOAK, discovered the instrument she calls the 'favorite guitar [she's] ever had.' Learn more about SOAK's Gibson ES-339 and the story behind it.

The country artist's chart-topping new album, 'Something More Than Free', comes at a turning point in his life.

When Dawes visited the studio for an in-studio session, bassist Wylie Gelber was playing an instrument he built himself. 'I was unsure of how it would sound,' Gelber says, 'but it's become my favorite bass ever. It's the only one I play now.' Find out more about Gelber's handmade bass guitar.

The American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis is highlighting music this summer with an exhibit of guitars by legendary Swedish guitar-maker, Hagstrom, whose instruments were played by David Bowie, Kurt Cobain, Elvis Presley and others. The ASI is also hosting a number of concerts with local musicians, including Mark Ritsema and his band, Suzie, during which Ritsema will play one of the exhibited guitars.

JD McPherson, who performs on 'A Prairie Home Companion' on July 4, frequently wears a 'Smith Fabrication' shirt while onstage. It turns out the namesake of the shirt is TK Smith, a California-based guitar builder and craftsman. 'All the stuff I build is all technology that was available in the late 1940s to the mid-50s," Smith says. 'They used to make things so much better back then.'

Jim James of My Morning Jacket stopped by The Current's studio to chat with host Mark Wheat before two performances at Northrop June 26 and 27 with opening local acts Hippo Campus and Lizzo.

Minnesota United FC's match against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on Saturday is important not just because it's the final fixture in United's spring season, it's been dubbed 'Alan Willey Day.' Mark Wheat welcomes the former player and current television color-commentator into the studio to talk about soccer, music and what Alan calls 'the best seat in the house.'

Bobb Bruno of Best Coast explains how he came to play an Eastman T386, enjoying the feel and sound of the guitar so much that he made it one of his go-to instruments in Best Coast's live set. Bruno also describes some of the main effects he employs when playing live.

Minnesota native Bill Pohlad sat in the director's chair to make "Love & Mercy," the story of Brian Wilson, the troubled genius behind some of the Beach Boys' hits.