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.

Cassieopia

Multidisciplinary artist and DJ Cassieopia — the official DJ for Lady Midnight — has been in the scene for nearly a decade. She recently released a new track called “P.L.T. (Pretty Little Thing).” It’s an anthem celebrating women’s empowerment and unity across diverse communities. The single is produced by Cassieopia and features verses by heavy hitters Rozay Bella, Jada Brown, and The Lioness. According to Cassie, “The message of the song is about being unapologetically authentic to who you are and what you stand for.” A collaboration between talented women this powerful is always inspiring and we definitely need more of it. -NT

Pullstring

Twin Cities newcomers Pullstring have an “everyday man rock band” sound that has gotten them gigs seemingly every day this year. They’ve toured the Midwest, played Twin Cities staples venues like Turf Club and 7th St Entry, and have opened for established names like the Melismatics, We Are Scientists, and ALEXSUCKS. Pullstring’s latest single, “What If,” is almost uncannily reflective of the voice and sound of ‘90s mellow-rockers Gin Blossoms. (Think “I’ll Follow You Down” with a 2000s pop-punk twist.) Check out Pullstring’s album release show on Nov. 2 at Green Room with the Dalmatian Club, Motherwind, and Callback. -Diane

Eric Mayson

Known widely for being a master on the keys, Eric Mayson has played with artists like Lizzo, Caroline Smith, Aby Wolf, Big Cats and many more. Effortlessly blending genres like electropop, R&B, soul, hip-hop, jazz, and more, Mayson is back with a brand new single called “Nevermind.” The track’s unique arrangement and rhythm are paired with questions like “Are you really listening, or are you just hearing?” He invites us to be more present and perhaps play the track again and again. Mayson has a new album set for release in November, and he’s hosting a residency at Icehouse with Toby Ramaswamy with events on Oct. 23 and Nov. 27. -NT

MaLLy

MaLLy is a hip-hop artist born and raised in south Minneapolis. His smoothly delivered, thoughtful lyrics explore experiences in love, spirituality, and social justice, and he has toured with artists such as Atmosphere and Brother Ali. Not only is he established as a performer in the Twin Cities music scene, but he is also an educator who is passionate about mentoring and guiding creatives in their careers. MaLLy’s fifth album, The Sweetest of It All, is a collaboration with Minneapolis-based DJ and producer Last Word. The album drops Oct. 15, with a release show on Nov. 8 at Icehouse in Minneapolis. Joining MaLLy and Last Word will be DJ Just Nine and Medium Zach. -AD

Sister Species

Minneapolis chamber-pop band Sister Species’ fourth studio album, Lena in the Bog, is out now. Written between March of 2020 and January of 2023, the album was inspired by songwriter Emily Kastrul’s best friend’s dog Lena, who reached the end of her life. The beautifully written track “Take Everything and Scatter It” shows the extremes of life and death with vivid imagery. The song feels like a sunny, breezy day on the prairie, and inspires reflection on life’s unpredictability. Sister Species will celebrate the album’s release with a show at the Cedar Cultural Center on Thursday, Oct. 24. -NT

Happy Apple

Minneapolis-based Happy Apple’s new studio album, New York CD, is the jazz trio’s first in 17 years. Best known for their engrossing, mind-bending live performances, the nearly 30-year-old group agreed this work “finally captures the essence of Happy Apple.” Saxophonist Michael Lewis (Bon Iver), drummer Dave King (The Bad Plus), and bassist Erik Fratzke (Zebulon Pike) combine their distinctive, intellectualistic personas to create free-form, yet highly composed music. New York CD is loaded with satisfying and seemingly endless melodic and rhythmic concepts that any fan of improvisational music would relish in. Catch Happy Apple’s album release at Dakota on Nov. 8. -Diane

honeygrl

Abbey Doerre, hailing from Rochester and currently in Minneapolis, performs under the moniker honeygrl. The artist has laid out their musical career with a fusion of post-punk energy, psychedelic guitar riffs, and cheeky references. On “HE LIKES A GIRL!!!” honeygrl is reminiscent of iconic acts like Blondie and New York Dolls with a dash of Soccer Mommy. Her sound resonates with rebellious spirit. Catch honeygrl performing on Nov. 17 at Peace Plaza in Rochester. -YV

Fend

Fend is a Minneapolis-based band comprised of Josie Villano (vocals and guitar), John O’Brien (guitar), Kate Malanaphy (vocals and bass), and Abe Anderson (drums). Each member hails from a different stylistic pocket of the Minneapolis music scene. Their latest album, Disc, artfully and excitingly incorporates influences of sharp math rock, acoustic folk, and Midwest emo. Despite drawing from a handful of different genres, the album feels very cohesive and brings forward a new sound. Floating vocal melodies and harmonies, rich guitar tones, and complex instrumental rhythms showcase the band’s tight-knit talent. You can catch them live at Pilllar Forum in Minneapolis supporting Rigby at their EP release show on Oct. 4. -AD

New Primitives

Self-proclaimed as “Minnesota’s best-kept secret,” New Primitives have been making music for more than two decades. Drummer, singer, and songwriter Stanley Kipper started the band in 2003 and has collaborated with Minnie Riperton, and the Bee Gees. The band’s melodic and poetic new single “All Night Dancin’” combines funk and soul. Catch them at Shaws Bar & Grill in northeast Minneapolis on Oct. 10 as they prep to release their new album, Primitive Road, on Nov. 9. -YV

Taylor James Donskey

“Green Sweater” is a folksy fall tune by Taylor James Donskey, a Minneapolis-based songwriter and multitalented musician. Inspired by the nature of the Driftless Area in his hometown of La Crosse, Wisconsin, his lyrics are full of natural imagery. “Green Sweater” has a lush, lo-fi production style which adds to the coziness, making it the perfect track for the transition from summer to fall. Dedicated to building community in the music scene, Taylor James Donskey participates in several other musical ventures, including instrumentation as a sideman in various bands and as the organizer of the Twin Cities Songwriter Rounds, a monthly gathering that showcases emerging songwriters of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Fans of Father John Misty and Wilco may enjoy Taylor James Donskey’s project. -AD