The very first Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report is complete. On Minnesota Music Day — Wednesday, April 10 — The Current revealed the top 11 vote-getters. Today, we share the raw data from 93 members of the Minnesota music industry.

In March, we sent a write-in ballot to 270 people around the state. Their task: choose five new Minnesota bands/artists who put their first project out after Jan. 1, 2022. We reached folks who are witnessing new artist development every day in their careers: arts journalism, venues, promotion, music retail, artist representation, manufacturing, and more. The goal was to represent a broad, community-sourced snapshot of Minnesota’s up-and-coming local music talent. (Similar past “best new bands” ventures include Minneapolis alt-weekly City Pages’ Picked to Click and Star Tribune/Vita.mn’s Are You Local?)

The response we got back for our first Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report was inspiring. There were some clear favorites, but 253 unique artists were chosen overall. Each voter named up to five new bands/artists and could either rank their picks (5 points for their No. 1 choice, 4 points for No. 2, etc.) or leave their picks unranked (3 points for each choice). It was pretty evenly divided: 46 people ranked their picks, and 47 left theirs unranked. Some voters included comments — some serious and some glib — discussing their choices.

The ballots are sorted alphabetically, and you will see numbers next to the artists’ names if the voter chose to rank their choices. We have done our best to link out to a quality internet resource for each artist so that you can learn more about them and listen to ther music.

Thanks and gratitude to everyone who submitted a ballot! Didn’t vote this year, but want to in 2025? Drop an email to digitalmusic [at] mpr.org, and tell us a tiny bit about your connection to the Minnesota music industry.

Drew Ailes

Hot Pursuit
Texture Freq
Bermuda Squares
Welt
BUIO OMEGA

Comments: bands in this city need to play faster. quit f***ing around. little richard is the king of rock and roll.

Elijah Awada

Dilly Dally Alley
Mike Kota
Ricki Monique
FènixDion
Beemer

Collin Axell

1. she’s green
2. Lumari
3. Jeweler
4. Loki’s Folly
5. 5cent Reality

Jon Behm

1. Kate Malanaphy
2. she's green
3. Molly Brandt
4. Hazelcreak
5. Given Names

Comments: My votes are weighted both towards artists I think deserve more exposure as well as by amount of music released (i..e ranked higher if you have recorded an album as opposed to single/s). Thanks for the opportunity - I am always happy to help support the wealth of talent we have in the state!

Gigi Berry

1. Riotgrrrldarko
2. Zora
3. SoulFlower
4. Jaki Blue
5. Roc Barboza

Benji Bloom

Omar Abdulkarim
room3
HEYARLO
Ricki Monique
Kavyesh Kaviraj

Andrew Broder

Nat Harvie
KINFU
Lonefront

Laura Buhman

XINA
Cheap Bouquet
Sumer
REIKI
Clare Doyle

The Catties (Manny Castro and Jennifer Andrus Castro)

Unstable Shapes
PALS
Ghost Kitchen
whispered the rabbit
Curve

Al Church

Trash Date
Too Champagne
Timbre Ghost
Bad Posture Club

Malik Curtis

JuneThaKid
Basement Gang
Tailor Briann
Pro Steve
Kaleem The Dream

Comments: Kaleem the Dream is someone I came up with but I feel he is one of the greats that the city has to offer. He has a few project and went on a nationwide tour with me last year and new music on the way. Everyone I named is special.

Emma Deaner

embalmingEva

Doc

1. Christy Costello
2. Luke Callen
3. services
4. taylor james donskey
5. celebrity couple

Comments: good stuff released in 2024 that hasn't been featured yet! (to my knowledge anyway)

Liam James Doyle

1. Joan of Profile
2. Arlo Cristofaro

Anna Devine

1. Chutes
2. Ava Levy
3. Zak Khan
4. FènixDion
5. Big Delicious

Comments: These decisions were so hard to make! The Minnesota music scene is a force to be reckoned with and I'm so lucky to be part of this community. There's a new energy post-lockdown, post-2020 that is really exciting to see, and I see it brewing in these artists I selected.

Peter Diamond

Riotgrrrldarko
Zora
KC Rae
Durry
Tacklebox

Diane

REIKI
Traiveon
Laamar
runo plum
Anna Graves

Walt Dizzo

1. Derecho Rhythm Section
2. Pronoya
3. Dirtbike Boyfriend
4. Wilbur
5. Bellerpuss

Ali Elabbady

1. SYM1
2. Riotgrrrldarko
3. TIMISAROCKER
4. Jaedyn James
5. EHN JEY

Taycier Elhindi

1. Osa Deraé
2. Qmoe
3. Kion Rose
4. Brandyn Lee Tulloch
5. Bouchet Boys

Comments: Osa Derae is fresh out the gates and on a mission. Bringing a truly unique sound to the Afrobeat genre. He is definitely not one to overlook.

Qmoe, just two years into his career, has already established himself as a multifaceted genre — he can do anything from rap to afro and he's purely fun to listen to. The definition of a force to be reckoned with.

Kion Rose is bringing back that sensual, lover-boy, RnB/pop that we've all been missing... but he's doing it better. Whether you're in your feelings or in the bedroom ;) Kion Rose has something for you! And he can sing his a** off.

Brandyn Lee Tulloch is carrying a torch for reggae in the Twin Cities. Both cultural and generational influences build his unique and fun sound.

Highly talented and multifaceted artist and producer combo, Breezy2Fresh and Ch!nwe come together to form Bouchet Boys. Bringing an elevated sound and depth to trap with their debut project Up2Sum. Incorporating their combined knowledge and experience in genres such as R&B, hip-hop, rap, and Afro, the duo created a uniquely entertaining sound.

Sophia Eris

MAKR AN ERIS
Bigg Kiaa
KINFU
Papa Mbye
Jaki Blue

Tosin Faseemo

1. she’s green
2. Welt
3. Oyster World

Sara Fish

Ber
Durry
XINA
Molly Brandt
SYM1

Jay Gabler

1. Baharat
2. embalmingEva
3. Alan Sparhawk Solo Band
4. Babie Eyes
5. Ross Thorn

Comments: I'd like to vote for "Alan Sparhawk Solo Band." Obviously Alan Sparhawk is not a new artist, but this current project is a new collaboration for him, featuring new songs, and has yet to release its first music.

Maria Gonzalez-Grimes

Maya Marchelle
Tailor Brainn
SOLANA
Bigg Kiaa

Comments: Tailor Brainn is at the top of my list when it comes to female emcees in Minneosta, her lyrical ability is so natural and precise.

Maya Marchelle, is bringing a different sound, a perfect mixture of gospel and hip hop and I cant stop listening to it.

SOLANA, is great R&B listen and really makes you feel.

Bigg Kiaa, one of the most captivating performers and artists I have seen in awhile, coming out of the new generation of music. Bigg Kiaa has the sound, the energy and the presence of a star.

“Gravey” (Matthew Graves)

Scrounger
Mold Wine
Texture Freq
BUIO OMEGA
Closetalker

Comments: "I don’t like ranking or giving scores to music and art. But, here are five bands that I think people should listen to. If you want to know about more things I would recommend - follow @UnderCurrentMPLS for daily show postings, and regular video documentation of live performances in the Twin Cities."

Julian Green

k3ko
she's green
sahn
Shrimp Olympics
killusonline

Cat Grimm

Blu Bone
Ricki Monique
Zora
Mike Kota
Kate Malanaphy

Comments: yay music! team music!

Keith Harris

1. True Green
2. BUIO OMEGA
3. Fend
4. Clare Doyle
5. Prize Horse

Scott Herold

1. Monique Smaz
2. DJ Mickey Breeze
3. Cassandra Cole
4. Cuauhtli Day 
5. Zeta Girl

Dylan Hilliker

Mik Cool
she's green
Beemer
Big Delicious
Psylo

Joe Holland

Christy Costello
El Drifte
Spit Takes
Mary Jam
Super Flasher

Andy Holmaas

1. Clare Doyle
2. Sparrowhawk
3. Raffaella
4. MüLLET
5. Molly Brandt

Sara Horishnyk

1. Mary Jam
2. Big Salt
3. Crush Scene
4. Bev
5. Spit Takes

David Huckfelt

1. Joe Rainey Sr
2. Clare Doyle
3. Laura Hugo
4. Luke LeBlanc

DeCarlo Jackson

1. Rosie
2. Sophia Kickhofel
3. Trash Date
4. KINFU
5. Fairooz

Comments: Sophia is the best musician on this list. Rosie is my favorite artist out of the groups on the list. Trash Date is a band full of arguably the hardest-working musicians in town. KINFU’s sound, and personality are magnetic. Fairooz is lowkey but is truly a slept-on sensation. Might make some tunes with her and then report back to y’all.

Darin Kamnetz

1. runo plum
2. she's green
3. Blu Bone
4. XINA
5. Huhroon

Chaz Kangas

Creeping Charlie
she's green
Lt Sunnie
Barlow
Crowfather

Comments: I'm pretty sure the Crowfather album from 2017 that's on Spotify is a different Crowfather as they sound different and there's such a huge gap of time between then and when the Crowfather I'm referring to started putting out music. They seem to just be grouped together due to Spotify weirdness. That, or it's a random album that Crowfather put out when he was in like early high school so I don't think it should disqualify him.

Joely Kelzer

1. WELT (hardcore/punk)
2. K3ko (jersey club/R&B)
3. seventhirtyatmorning (rap/hip-hop)
4. Worn Mantle (metal)
5. No Cover (twee/shoegaze)

Zakariya Khan

SoulFlower
Huhroon
Philos
Essjay TheAfrocentricRatchet
room3

Lindsay Kimball

Ber
Humbird
runo plum
Raffaella
Mike Kota

dj shane kramer

1. she's green
2. dad bod
3. another heaven
4. muun bato
5. american cream

Comments: The MPLS music scene is thriving and full-on sonic goodness! she's green creates a wonderful shoegaze tapestry akin to the ‘90s, along with ear-pleasing sounds of dad bod, another heaven, american cream, and muun bato’s psychedelic shack sound.

John Kueppers

she's green
sahn
Zora
FènixDion
k3ko

Nikhil Kumaran

1. Prize Horse
2. she's green
3. room3
4. killusonline
5. Haze Gazer

Adam Levy

The Penny Peaches

Comments: The artist/group I’m most excited about are The Penny Peaches. A sister duo. Just finished their second record. Grew up on a farm. Dad is a corn and soybean farmer and a drummer. He plays in a band version of the duo. They both went to college after their first record. Beautiful harmonies. First Aid Kit meets Louvin Brothers. First record does not do them justice. The new record is soon to be released. They are going places. Played with them at Sacred Heart in Duluth. Amazing.

Ryan Mach

she's green
Trash Date
Full Catholic
Brunette
Spaceport

Aaron Mader (Lazerbeak)

Keep For Cheap
MAKR AN ERIS
Demon Marcus
Mack OC
Allie McIntosh

Mike Madison aka BUMP OPERA

1. focal
2. Nazeem
3. Monique Smaz

Comments: focal is a band I'm really into lately. Most of the members are still in high school and started putting music out in 2023. Their song "Birthday Joint" is a vibey-chill instrumental led by a dreamy guitar melody. Looking forward to seeing what they release next in 2024!

Molly Maher

Ty Pow & The Holy North
room3
Clare Doyle
Laamar
Skarlett Woods

Comments: For me in the ’90s, the Cedar Cultural Center and West Bank were my beacon to explore music, be social, and go out dancing with community. I’m thankful it still shines as a beacon for world music mixed in with a new local movement. However, I still want to hear our many different voices being represented on regular radio. It’s important to be able to find diversity outside our own bubbles.

Beth Mammenga, MBA

Laamar
FINICK
The Tossups
Rosie
Chutes

Comments: We are so lucky to have a thriving, diverse music scene in Minnesota!

Michaelangelo Matos

1. Duke & Maris

Kyle Matteson

1. Prize Horse
2. Unstable Shapes
3. Molly Brandt
4. Sparrowhawk
5. Clare Doyle

Stephen Thomas McClellan

Preston Gunderson (and band)
Jack Knife & The Sharps
Rich Mattson & the Northstars
Ukrainian Village Band
Cindy Lawson

Zach McCormick

Closetalker
Bermuda Squares
Time Room
Despondent
Goatroper

Comments: Bent the rules on the “Must be new” aspect of this a bit because there hasn’t been a critic’s poll in this town since before COVID and these bands deserve the shine!

Sean McPherson

HEYARLO
Ricki Monique
Rabeca
Goon Tribune
BZ3 Organ Trio

Comments: What a treat. Music is doing so great in Minnesota right now. This is the tip of an amazing iceberg. Also honorary mention to some great artists who will be on this list when they finish up their records and some artists who are up and coming but have been around a little too long to qualify. Bravo to everyone choosing to wage the uphill battle this is creating music.

Shayna Melgaard

Pine & Fire
minigolf
Libianca
The Champagne Drops
Mind Out of Time

Natalia Mendez

1. Caitlin Angelica
2. BUIO OMEGA
3. Cult Sequence
4. Scrunchies
5. Car Spiders

Comments: Caitlin Angelica's self-titled solo project is raw and full of emotion. Half recorded before and half after the passing of her partner, it's nakedly vulnerable, and her twangy vocals highlight the highs of love and the lows of sudden, unimaginable loss.

Buio Omega is one of the first bands I've seen in a while that left my jaw hanging open. Their FAST and aggressive cadence is punctuated by the growls and screams of lead singer Greer. Their sexy, sleazy rock n' roll is at its best live, but all of their recordings on their Bandcamp are perfect until their next show.

Darkwave band Cult Sequence mesmerized me recently at a show at Hook and Ladder. Their gothy sound got a little heavier at moments and completely sucked me in during their set.

Scrunchies is not new but their 2022 Feral Coast stays on repeat. I can't wait for the upcoming album!!!

Car Spiders is also not new, but they haven't released music since 2018. Their latest All You Can Do is Laugh is a pristine melodic hardcore pop-punk album. The first track on the album "Atrophy" is regularly stuck in my head and in my humble opinion is a perfect local album front to back.

Sarah Morris

1. Nikki Lemire
2. Riley Skinner
3. Kelley Smith
4. Leslie Vincent
5. Laamar

Comments: What a delightful challenge it was to pare this list down to 5 artists! My heart bleeds singer/songwriter, and so that’s what I’ve offered up here. I saw Lamaar open for Turn, Turn, Turn last year and my first thought was “OH WOW”. Listening to his ep, “Flowers”, that continues to be my very eloquent review. Leslie Vincent is such an engaging performer, a powerhouse vocalist, and while she often turns her attention to standards, and excellent covers of others work, her debut album came out last summer and is a joy! Kelley Smith’s EP ‘Moon Child’ was my favorite release of 2022 - impeccable songs, crystal clear production - subsequently, I’ve been lucky enough to share a few stages with her and she is just as impressive in a live scenario. Riley Skinner’s debut album ‘Surrender’ is a beauty. This recent MPLS transplant offers up thought-provoking lyricism, layers of vocal beauty, and I am a huge fan. Nikki Lemire is much beloved for her work in bands like The Foxgloves, The Josh Cleveland Band, THe International Treasures, and more. Her intelligent songwriting, gorgeous voice, and elegant harp playing shine in her solo work. She just released her debut single, a live performance of her song ‘Mend It’, and I cannot wait to hear what’s next. She blows me away on the regular!

Chris Mozena

1. The Placaters

Comments: New MN artist (ep release scheduled for 6/1/24) combining artistic forms (jazz, blues, Americana & rock) to create unique music that conjures eclectic influences like Tom Waits and Morphine simultaneously.

Amy Nelson

1. Ber
2. Heart to Gold
3. Prize Horse
4. Molly Brandt
5. she's green

Nathaniel Nelson

1. Chutes
2. HOLYROSE
3. anni xo
4. NeverWreck
5. Birdcop

Alec Ness

she's green
Zak Khan
Blu Bone
Psylo
Beemer

Mark Nicklawske

embalmingEva
Ross Thorn
Penny Peaches
Roadside Casino
Nolen Sellwood

Comments: Duluth has lots of young talent! Three of these artists performed on the Sacred Heart Music Center stage in the last year and the two others are scheduled to play in 2024.

Jarret Oulman

1. Big Salt
2. Socktopus
3. Loser Magnet
4. Aesha Minor
5. unattractive giant monster

Maggie Panetta

Ivers
killusonline
she's green
Hyooman
Hiahli

Noah Paster

1. Upright Forms
2. Unstable Shapes
3. Tender Comrade
4. Toilet Rats
5. Oliver Phibes

Jessica Paxton

1. The Matt Arthur Contraption
Turbo Pastel
Toussaint Morrison
Zora
Anna Graves

Alexis Politz

1. BUIO OMEGA
2. Kiernan
3. The Briefly Gorgeous
4. Making Out
5. Surrogates

David Priebe

Creeping Charlie
Clare Doyle
Beemer
Muun Bato

Carly Quast

Trash Date
Minigolf
Filthy Kittens

Fatima Rahman

1. Zak Khan
2. sahn
3. HEYARLO
4. In Lieu
5. REIKI

Macie Rasmussen

Ray Gun Youth
Big Delicious
Mary Jam
Virginia’s Basement
Linus

Comments: Ray Gun Youth - New kinda pop punk, kinda fuzzy psychedelic album in February 2024, debut in 2023. Lots of unserious, genuinely entertaining lyrics.

Big Delicious - Josh from WHY NOW wrote to me, “My band @bigdeliciousforyou is currently working on a double lp with half full band songs and half electronic songs made by us, with collaborations from people such as samia and raff.” Super unique debut in 2023.

Mary Jam - Grungy punk, surf rock. They play a lot of shows at bars.

Virginia’s Basement - Call themselves “Emo Trash from MN”

Linus - Call themselves “4 piece alien space rock slowgaze deluxe from minneapolis.” ‘Signs 2002’ was one of my fav local EPs of last year.

Chris Riemenschneider

1. Laamar
2. Molly Brandt
3. Riotgrrrldarko
4. Creeping Charlie
5. Surly Grrly

Shasa Sartin

1. Denaisha
2. biaban (Aram Kavoossi)

Comments: Denaisha is a singer/songwriter/poet making sultry, love-focused alternative RnB, swapping between singing and rapping. A constant in their work is collaboration with storied local producer and friend booboo. They study astrology, and their passion for the practice is a consistent reference in their music (Aquarius Season, 2022), creating a relatable entrée for listeners.

biaban, Aram Kavoossi, is an electronic musician and beatmaker making evocative electronic music with a trip-hop bend and breakbeat focus. He was a 2022-23 Cedar Commissions artist. His beats are wide in sound and incorporate many textures. In his Commission, he collaborated with local multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter Aida Shahghasemi (Sluggish Pulse, Eldritch Wounds, 2023).

Jon Jon Scott

1. The Muatas
2. RRA
3. L.A. Buckner
4. Loser Magnet
5. BLOOD $MOKE BODY

Lydia Smith

1. Oister Boy
2. Derecho Rhythm Section
3. FènixDion
4. Dial Tone
5. Crush Scene

Jesse Stensby

Christy Costello
Ricki Monique
Colin Bracewell
Ber
Dark Bunny

Chris Strouth

1. XKL
2. Anothernight
3. she's green

Comments: XKL is dreamy and weird, a more modern take on the ideas of classic david sylvian projects like Rain Tree Crow, but more full figured

Anothernight is one of the most interesting things I have heard, doom./ drone Folk its intriguing and confusing, the production feels like an afterthought and it doesn't matter, its emotion and sentiment, its powerful bordering on the spiritual

she's green is sort of a band of the moment and deservedly so, they take the mpls shoegaze idea and refine it for a new generation

Carl Swanson

she's green
The Tossups
Chutes
FINICK
Colin Bracewell

Joel Swenson

1. Prize Horse
2. Giallo
3. Clare Doyle

Damien Tank

Goatroper
The Unnamed
Celica
Partial Traces
Bermuda Squares

Comments: My very good band Sparrowhawk is, gracefully, not in my picks. Man, we're good.

Knol Tate

Unstable Shapes
Upright Forms
Wish Wash
Skulpture
Toilet Rats

Comments: These are just some of the newer bands I’ve worked with personally over the past few years but there are SO many fantastic new bands right now in the Twin Cities I couldn’t name them all.

James Taylor

Clare Doyle
Adam Bohanan
MüLLET
Luke Enyeart
rosie

Luke Taylor

1. Laamar
2. KC Rae
3. Ber
4. Anna Graves
5. Colin Bracewell

Comments: Laamar, the music project of Geoffrey Lamar Wilson, emerged on the scene in 2023 with the single, “Home To My Baby.” Immediately striking is the warm tone of Wilson’s guitar ostinato, and then the lyrics tell a socially conscious story about the experience of being Black in America. As he and his band continue to release new music, Wilson is definitely an artist to watch.

KC Rae: KC Dalager has been on the scene a while, most notably as part of the band Now, Now, which traces back to the early 2000s. It’s cool to hear Dalager stepping out as a solo artist with this new effort, Think I’m Gonna Die. The lead single, “Blockbuster,” immediately jumped out a me, reminiscing about a long-extinct video store; a bit of nostalgia that’s also very danceable.

Ber: After long stretches of studying and music-making in Norway and in England, an expired visa brought Ber back to Minnesota, and her songwriting has exploded since resettling in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Ber performed at The Current’s 19th Anniversary Party at First Avenue, and her warm, confident stage presence accentuated her songs, whether straight-up bangers or more introspective ballads.

Anna Graves: With just a handful of singles released, Anna Graves’ embrace of acoustic guitar and upfront vocals is already gaining her deserved attention.

Colin Bracewell: Originally from Ontario, Colin Bracewell cut his teeth as a performing musician while attending the University of Minnesota. Since graduation, his enterprising spirit, his ambition, and his drive to perform have served him well. Whether he remains in Minnesota long term remains to be seen; the grants available to Canadian artists may ultimately prove irresistible.

Erik Thompson

Loser Magnet
Keep For Cheap
Christy Costello
she's green
Parishes

Comments: With so many new independent music venues in the Twin Cities, the local music scene is truly flourishing. Innovative collaborative projects have sprung up as a result of bands sharing bills so often at these clubs that they decide to start bands together — with imaginative results. And longtime music scene veterans continue to create vital, fresh new music that continues to push their sound and our scene forward.

Natalia Toledo

Goon Tribune
SoulFlower
Willow Waters
Proper-T
Dilly Dally Alley

Ann Treacy

1. The Briefly Gorgeous
2. Dilly Dally Alley
3. Leslie
4. Speakeazie
5. Molly Brandt

Youa Vang

anni xo
Landon Conrath
Zak Khan
Papa Mbye
Cryote

Krista Vilinskis

1. Ber
2. she's green
3. Anna Graves
4. Kelley Smith
5. Matt Arthur

Comments: We are are so lucky to live here in the Twin Cities! Honestly it was seriously hard to just pick just 5 new artists there is so much amazing MN music here! Other honorable mentions are d'Lakes, Nolen Sellwood, Creeping Charlie, Mae Simpson, Colin Bracewell and Thomas Abban.

Karen Wells Verlander

Maygen & The Birdwatcher
The Holy North
Clare Doyle
Hemma
Red Thread

Comments: We are blessed to have so many fantastic and diverse artists in Minnesota! I am honored to have a great relationship with all of the artists listed above. The diversity of their original song craft and performance styles make it that more exciting. The Current does a phenomenal job supporting the rising stars in every way from airplay to the special programming. Shout out to Diane Miller and Mike Pengra too!

Timothy Wilson

1. Blvck Madonna “Ain’t No Fun When The Rabbit Got The Gun”
2. Junethakid “Just Get Home Safe”
3. Juice Lord “8th Inning: Luv vs. Passion”
4. Ace P “Things I Can’t Speak About”
5. Righteous Emcee Mount Olympus IV: The Pantheon

Yasmeenah

1. sahn

Comments: sahn is fresh as hell… my favorite new artist in this city.

Zach Zurn

1. Toilet Rats
2. HOLYROSE
3. Texas Toast
4. she's green
5. SoulFlower

Thanks and gratitude to everyone who submitted a ballot! Didn’t vote this year, but want to in 2025? Drop an email to digitalmusic [at] mpr.org, and tell us a tiny bit about your connection to the Minnesota music industry.

Related: Minnesota Music Month Scouting Report 2024: The top 11 new local artists