Welcome to The Scouting Report, a monthly list of 10 Minnesota artists with exciting new projects, as curated by our local music team. If you like these picks, check out The Local Show on Sundays from 7 p.m. to midnight, hosted by Diane, or check out our Spotify playlist, updated every week. In April 2024, The Current compiled the first Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report with votes from the local music industry.

The modern-day crooner regaled fans at the State Fair with his unique, freshed-up take on classic music and fashion. Folk-inflected singer-songwriter Madi Diaz opened the show.

Performances by The Twins of Franklin, FènixDion and Nur-D lit up the stage in Dan Patch Park during MPR Day at the Minnesota State Fair.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs about school — or going back to it — would you like to hear?

The hip-hop artist was known for his breakout track “Be Faithful” in the early 2000s and for lending his gravelly voice to hits by Missy Elliott and Ciara. The cause of his death was unclear.

Multi-disciplinary artist XINA performed at Carbon Sound Presents: Minnesota Music Month showcase at Amsterdam Bar & Hall in April, featuring MMYYKK, Zora, and REIKI.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what favorite songs from this summer would you like to hear?

This week, we celebrate the birthday of hit-making songwriter Don Schlitz — whose name you may not know, but whose songs you definitely will.

“Flea” by St. Vincent lands in the Chart Show Hall of Fame after 10 weeks of votes. Meanwhile, The Heavy Heavy leapfrog 11 spaces in the chart, and Chappell Roan holds on to the top spot.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs from artists considered Britpop would you like to hear?