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 6 to 8 p.m., hosted by Diane. For more music discovery from The Current, watch for Jeffrey Bissoy's The Come-Up, highlighting new local hip-hop and more. Also, each Thursday, The Current's music director Jade picks great new tracks from around the world.

Hear all 10 artists played on The Current’s Local Show on May 14.
 

Barlow

If Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds had a modern-day Minnesota-based comparison, Barlow's new self-titled record would line up quite well. With dance-worthy tracks and sultry falsetto vocals, this newer under-the-radar musician, also actor, found the just right team to create a noteworthy funk-disco-R&B album. Producer/musician all-stars Bionik (Lizzo) and Eric Mayson (Your Smith, Aby Wolf) dial in minimalism, syncopation, note-swells, and swagger, especially in tracks like “Suite” and “Original Heretics.” -Diane

Malina Moye

Internationally acclaimed singer and upside-down, lefty guitarist Malina Moye’s new single “F.I.N.E” (F’d up, Insecure, Neurotic, and Emotionally Unstable) is an oxymoronic reflection on America’s recent political turmoil. This slow-tempo instrumental is rhythmically bound by the sound of stomps and chains that create a foundation for Moye to bend, slide, and shred guitar notes like the gifted musician she’s been raised in the Twin Cities to become. Today, Moye has established partnerships with distinguished brands like Fender and Dean Markley. Her list of accomplishments is far too great to include in one paragraph, but you can see and hear for yourself at Dakota on June 27. -Diane

Gut Czech

Gut Czech have come up with a song that slows the world down and forces you to take a deep breath to meditate on life. The atmospheric, acoustic/electric “Counsel” might make you dizzy with emotions. It occupies a special shoegaze/lo-fi space — moodier, slower, and fuzzier than a teenage boy’s chin. Gut Czech makes music that is almost beyond ambient — only one step beyond the sound of a band warming up, and one step behind true comprehensibility. -Youa Vang

FruitPunchLoverBoy

FruitPunchLoverBoy return after a few years with their new single “Fancy Coat” released mid-April. The song was produced by Zak Khan and features an epic guitar solo by him as well. “Fancy Coat” is a perfect mix of a funky bass line, a solid hip-hop beat, and smooth vocals by lead singer Christian Johnson with a bit of a nostalgic tone. It is also extremely catchy. We are definitely looking forward to hearing what 2023 has in store for this band of talented artists. You can read more about who FruitPunchLoverBoy is here on an article from early 2020. -Natalia Toledo

Sweet and Lonely

Sweet and Lonely is the side project of Nick Elstad from the prolific Sleeping Jesus. “Ghost,” the first single from Elstad takes a left turn from the indie rock sounds he usually crafts and is directly pop. The track is so fun and upbeat that you can’t help but wonder what is currently bringing him joy. Their happiness bleeds joyously into the song, casting everything into an ultra-positive perspective. -YV

Sarah Morris

Here are two perfect words to describe Sarah Morris — warm and lovely. This veteran singer/songwriter has consistently provided comfort to people with her music and in-person presence. Her fifth album Here’s to You, out this week, showcases her delicate singing voice that melodically speaks thoughtful words about personal, intimate relationships. Fans of classic songwriters like James Taylor or Judy Collins may especially find a liking to Sarah Morris’ aesthetic. Catch her live at Icehouse on May 5 with special guest Emily Haavik. We also recommend her YouTube series Toilet Tunes, where she interviews and performs with other local songwriters. -Diane

Proper-T

Former member of local collective Astralblak, Proper-T makes a triumphant return with his latest single “Silk.” The track was produced by himself and Sehaj, and according to Proper-T himself, “it is a collection of words and melody that are intended to activate the inner survivor in the listener.” The track was born out of a time of deep self-discipline and determination for survival, and that emotion comes through. There’s a simplicity of the track that also stands out, that allows the raw sounds of the piano and voice shine on their own. Proper-T adds that the song is “a reminder that even though told otherwise, I can personally not just survive but thrive and walk in power as a Black man, with the right support and community.” This track personally really moved me with its vulnerability, and I hope to hear more from Proper-T on this new journey. -NT

Har-di-Har

After taking a break to grow their family, Andrew and Julie Thoreen of Har-Di-Har have reemerged with a genuinely delightful new song in “I Am For You.” The song gives way to how they have grown in their songwriting, with lush layers of melodies and vocals over dense instrumentals and punchy guitar riffs. “I Am For You” is a sample of as many sounds possible, before it sends you home, ears ringing with the combined mish-mash of harmonies. Enjoy Har-di-Har’s work while you still can, because Done Done All Done is their final album — although the duo is leaving the door open to be rendered into something new. -YV

Sarah Bonneville

Not much is known about Sarah Bonneville… yet. Her song “Better Believe” will catch the ears of those who love unique, layered and complex electronic music. Sarah is a Minneapolis-based real estate agent with a background in choral a capella. She says her journey into creating this EP (out on Bandcamp and Soundcloud now) was born out of a three-month winter sabbatical in Thailand. “I set myself up in a little apartment in Chiang Mai and put myself to work. Completely removed from anything familiar or distracting, I lost myself in the music-making portal and couldn’t get enough.” The willingness to explore and play is what comes through with this song and makes me want to hear more. Sarah is currently working on EP number two. -NT

vlush

Get your dancing shoes on for vlush’s track “Chicago.” The song bleeps and bloops its way into your ears and gets your feet moving. Born from synths, it’s bathed in glorious downtown lights — unnervingly warm, bright, and cozy. It takes sweet and gentle pop music and skewers it with shards of crackling weirdness, clasping you softly, yet firmly. “Chicago” comes from vlush’s upcoming album Mad For No Reason that will be out on May 5. -YV