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.

Toussaint Morrison and Roz

“Hop N2 Tha Ride” has Toussaint Morrison taking a left turn from his usual hip-hop sound to partner with local singer-songwriter Roz. The sung duet, backed by acoustic guitar, began as a chorus on a napkin at the 331 Club. It’s a tale of hope and a leaving for a brighter future even when the present is so comforting. In between using his social media platform to cover talks of dismantling white supremacy and social injustices, Morrison releases a new album, The Very Best of Ricky & Jane on Dec. 15. Morrison will perform this new material on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 331 Club. -YV

Remo Drive

Remo Drive's new single signals a big transformation. A decade ago, they started as an angsty teenage Twin Cities emo/pop-punk band. But the duo’s latest release, “No, There’s No Hope For You,” despite its pessimistic title, sounds irresistibly sunny and bright. It’s a song with a great message: Life’s troubles cannot be solved simply by finding the “right person.” Mixing pop, indie, and folk-rock, Remo Drive are starting to sound along the lines of Belle & Sebastian meets Of Mice and Men. -Diane

d’Lakes

According to the bio for d’Lakes, they extract the weirdness from forgotten ‘80s new wave. The Minneapolis band’s recently released sophomore album, Heaven Is a Silent Disco, sounds just like you might imagine based on the title, was inspired by a more-realistic and discerning perspective on love. “Dare to Be Bogus” is a loud rock-pop track full of fun harmonies. They say they put on live shows that are “reminiscent of an overblown community theater production.” See d’Lakes open for Alina Maira at 7th St Entry on Jan. 11. -NT

Clare Doyle

The twang and boots are out and ready for the (line) dance floor when Clare Doyle dives into her latest single “Devices.” The singer has been playing tribute shows covering the music of Shania Twain, Tanya Tucker, and John Prine in between releasing singles throughout 2023 to tide us over while she works on new music. Doyle will be onstage next month in the Mainroom as one of First Avenue's Best New Bands of 2023, but 2024 is also shaping to be a busy year as she plans for additional recording and being on the road. -YV

speakeazie

Minneapolis-based indie-pop artist speakeazie released her first album in 2022 called Prohibition Hippie. Fast forward to 2023, she’s back with the EP, Forsaken Melodies. The track “Love Me Wild, Love Me Crazy” stands out with a nostalgic ‘80s sound. The general vibes of speakezie are dark and emotional, with very catchy melodies. You can catch speakeazie live at the ROK Music Lounge + Bar in St. Paul on Wednesday, Dec. 13. -NT

Bain

Minneapolis singer-songwriter Bain returns to the scene after an absence of a few years, with a beautiful collaboration featuring Grammy-nominated producer Nicolay, best known for his work with hip-hop group the Foreign Exchange. “Lifetime” is inspired by the change of season from summer into autumn. The track is a melodic and mellow ballad, showcasing Bain’s raspy vocals. Bain recently released a follow-up single called “If I Lose You”, another collaboration between the two artists, which may mean there is a full album on the way. -NT

Psylo

Psylo was born from band members Mark Idstrom (guitar and vocals), Nicky Steidel (bass), and Dan Crist (drums) sharing musical concepts and guitar riffs across distances while physically separated during the pandemic. They started playing live shows in the spring of 2022 and have continued as an energetic voice in the DIY scene. Psylo’s upcoming EP, Transit, comes out Dec. 8 and leans into what the band has identified as their true sound, characterized by overdrive and distortion guitar effects and strong, belted vocals, which you can hear on their recent single “Realtree.” Fans of Title Fight and the shoegaze genre may enjoy Psylo, and you can catch their release show at Green Room on Friday, Dec. 8, with support from Basketball Divorce Court, Eudaemon, and Odd Prospect. -AD

Humbird

Humbird tells stories through experimental folk songs, tapping into scenes from the Minnesota landscape and fusing them with warm vocals and melodic instrumentation. “Cornfields and Roadkill” takes on a rock ‘n’ roll groove, drawing inspiration from politics, land, and nature.  Humbird describes the tune as “an honest ode to the Midwest in the tradition of legends Neil Young and Tom Petty.” Songwriter Siri Undlin’s angelic voice will surely keep you warm this December. Humbird is performing in Winona on Dec. 15 part of the first annual Sleepy Weekend Music Festival presented by Sleeping Jesus. -AD

Dial Tone

Dial Tone is the exciting new pop-punk project of three honors students at the University of Minnesota: Daisy Forester (lead vocals and bass), Cole Pivec (guitar and supporting vocals), and Henning Hanson (drums). On Nov. 17., the trio released their self-titled debut album, which draws inspiration from the evolution of Minneapolis rock music over the past 50 years. Dial Tone embraces the DIY element of the Twin Cities music scene — they recorded and produced the entire album in the band members’ closets and bedrooms. “Codependency” playfully and expertly alternates between two sections with contrasting rhythms, tempos, and melodies, creating an energetic tune that will surely stick in your head. -AD

Chatham Rise

Chatham Rise unlocked the combined magic of a driving, melodic bassline with reverb-heavy guitar effects in their latest single, “Here She Comes.” Lead singer Collin Axel’s steady Beck-esque vocals ride comfortably over the band’s thick wall of sound. It’s tried-and-true shoegaze music. For roughly a decade, the band has been active, opening for legendary artists like Jesus & The Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine, and getting airplay on national public radio stations like Seattle’s KEXP. -Diane