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.

Creeping Charlie

Creeping Charlie are back with a stunning single, “capricorn,” their first new music since 2021. An electric presence in the Minneapolis music scene over the past few years, the indie/punk group is comprised of sisters Julia (songwriter, vocals, guitar) and Esmé Eubanks (bass), Harry Miles (guitar), and Jack Malone (drums). Julia Eubanks’ beautifully haunting vocals and distorted guitar on “capricorn” perfectly blend musical styles of today and the ‘90s. Fans of Mazzy Star and Patti Smith may enjoy Creeping Charlie. You can catch them live at the Flavor World Experience at Fine Line on Jan. 6, a multi-medium creative celebration featuring live music, live art-making and more. -AD

Aiden Intro

Aiden Intro’s new single “Up Here” sounds like it belongs in a daydream. The music is so airy and delicate that it practically floats in a subconscious dimension. This aesthetic is songwriter/producer Aiden Hengel’s signature sound that has turned him into a rising force in the Minneapolis music scene. An active, popular live performer and collaborator, Hengel also plays with acclaimed hip-hop artist Mati and indie band Ivers. The latter’s singer Megan Fritz is featured on “Up Here.” -Diane

Jaspar Lepak

Jaspar Lepak’s emotionally drenched album So Strong touches on all of the places she has nested: Tucson, Durban, Seattle, and currently Minneapolis. On “My Own Moves,” Lepak’s sharp lyrics land supremely well within the lush, gorgeously laid-back Americana roots sound.  So Strong is comforting and charmingly unpretentious. Lepak will celebrate the album’s release on Jan. 28 at Icehouse with Haley E. Rydell opening. -YV

Rabeca

Rabeca is a Minneapolis quintet with influences from big band jazz and jam bands, complete with floating, improvised melodies and precise jazzy grooves. Tunes such as “2sday” from their new album, Junk, were written in 2020 during the isolation period, during which band members gathered outside for socially distanced jams. Inspired by all the “junk,” anxiety, and loneliness experienced throughout the pandemic, Rabeca still highlights the joy of music and what it means to share it with each other. -AD

Author feat. Henry Breen

Three-piece indie rock band Author team up with Henry Breen (producer, bass, and vocals for local band WHY NOT) to deliver the new single “Why Not.” The track features satisfying, distorted production, exciting drumming, and stunning vocal melodies. The combination of these expertly crafted elements creates an addicting and unique sound. Author has been active in the Minneapolis music scene since 2012 and shows no sign of stopping. “Why Not” was their fifth single released in 2023 and we can’t wait to hear what they do next. -AD

Basement Gang

Minnesota hip-hop collective Basement Gang released their single “500K” in anticipation for their PRESSURE MADE show on Dec. 19, at 7th St Entry. Basement Gang consists of JuneThaKid, $aiku, Righteous Emcee, Craishon, and producer Quasi Uno. Each member has been able to build successful individual careers, and now as a collective, they are a powerful group of storytellers representing local modern hip-hop with a classic boom bap vibe. -NT

Arcwelder 

Arcwelder represented Minneapolis’ alternative scene when distorted, fuzzy guitar and moody-yet-deadpan singing were all the rage — AKA the 1990s. Think Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr., but with a more Hüsker Dü punk rock influence. More than 24 years later, Arcwelder turned their amps back on to record new music. Similar to their old recordings, new songs like “Lafayette” would appeal to folks with an affinity for high-quality underground grunge. Yet “Take It Slow” especially represents a more polished rock sound that experiments with layered harmonies and sonic textures. -Diane

Julia Wheaton

Born in St. Paul to Brazilian parents, Julia Wheaton has an established solo career in Brazil that began at the age of 14. Here in Minnesota, Julia and her siblings started a band called Bloodline separate from her solo project and all in English. She has now started releasing music in English as a solo artist, including her latest single “Rather Be.” The track is mellow pop with hints of bossa nova, highlighting Julia’s vocals. We are excited to see where Wheaton’s career takes her right here. -NT

The Silent Treatment

Don’t let the name fool you; The Silent Treatment are anything but silent. This Minneapolis punk band’s music will collide into your face with a wall of sound. The group, consisting of Keely Lane, Dave Randall, Rob Sells, and Claire Luger, have previously released EPs and return with their first full-length that packs a wallop. Their first single “Cornerstone” is short and sweet and reminds you what it’s like to be in the mosh pit after a couple of drinks. The Silent Treatment will release Suplex in 10 at the 7th Street Entry on Jan. 12 with support from Mad Mojo Jett, The Mood Swings and Loki's Folly. -YV

Hazelcreak feat. Ava Levy

Minnesota band Hazelcreak began as a collaboration between singer-songwriter Benjamin Richter and producer Isaac Levy. This time, Hazelcreak has collaborated with Isaac’s cousin Ava Levy, a Minneapolis-based punk songwriter who is embarking on a solo career after being a part of Sapphire. “Wallowing” is whispery, sweet and melodic. Hazelcreak will be performing at the Cedar Cultural Center with Walker Rider, rosie, and Dark Bunny, on Thursday, Jan. 4. -NT