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.

Harlow

You might recognize Harlow from First Avenue’s Best New Bands of 2022. The Twin Cities-based band of Samuel Ketcham, Des Lawrence, Julia Kneen, Jonny Hall, and Jonah Hatten came together in 2020. Harlow’s latest single, “Always Me,” from their upcoming LP, set to be released early 2025, stays true to their melancholic, mellow, “nostalgic folk rock” sound. We can’t wait to hear their upcoming album and see what’s in store for Harlow in the new year. -NT

Your Smith

“She’s back!” seems to be the general consensus in Your Smith’s comments section since releasing her first single in six years. One of the most influential Minnesota music makers of the past 15 years, Your Smith (FKA Caroline Smith) teamed up with fellow distinguished hitmakers Jake Luppen and Nathan Stocker of Hippo Campus. Smith credits the two for  “pulling me out of my musicless hole” over the course of the pandemic. The pop single “Change of Heart” highlights Smith’s effortlessly soulful voice accompanied by playful production techniques, including heavily manipulated harmonizing vocals and bright/bubbly melodic lines. More music to come. -Diane

Black Widows 

Black Widows play quintessential surf rock music with distorted, reverb-laden guitar washing over a steady, but urgent musical pulse. Decked out in glitzy flapper dresses, the three-piece create music reminiscent of Santo and Johnny's iconic instrumental “Sleep Walk” meets the garage punk vibe of the Trashmen and Seattle-based femme dream-gaze band La Luz. Black Widows’ new, mostly instrumental EP, Swamp Rock City, dropped in late December, after a busy year of gigging. Black Widows are working toward a full-length set to emerge later this year. -Diane

Gozie Ukaga

Gozie Ukaga is a Nigerian-American songwriter and producer based in the Twin Cities. He released his debut EP in 2019, titled Shade EP. Five years later, his full-length album, titled Color LP, arrived. Gozie describes his music as “reflective and somber,” and the track “Interstate Ninety Four” is a good example with its heavy reverb, minimal production, and introspective lyrics. “Interstate Ninety Four” also has a short film by the same name, directed by Gabriel Broderick, which was selected to participate in last year’s Sound Unseen Film + Music Festival, and Twin Cities Black Film Festival. -NT

vea vea

vea vea is an experimental techno artist based in Minneapolis. “let me see you” is bubbly and gritty at the same time. vea vea incorporates several influences by sampling “Clear” by Cybotron and “1, 2 Step” by Ciara ft. Missy Elliott. The artist views “let me see you” as a tribute and contribution to the legacies of the techno and R&B genres, as two genres that inspire and intersect in her music. -AD

Favourite Girl

Katy Vernon is constantly reinventing herself and her art, and this time she is at the helm of the new project, Favourite Girl. The group pulls in the talents of Barb Brynstad, Daisy Forester, Alyse Emanuel, Allie Pikala, and Paul Odegaard. Using a phrase heard a lot in 2024, “Not Going Back” is an anthemic track. It raises a fist over a chorus that chases away what “new normal” can mean as we brace for the future. -YV

Yonder

Yonder is a supergroup of Minneapolis musicians. With their first release, “Archives,” they fuse folksy melodies with alternative rock tones. Co-writers Hattie Peach (violin, vocals) and Emma Jeanne (vocals, guitar) started writing songs years ago as roommates in Duluth. The group has since expanded to include Calvin Carrison on bass, Oliver Gerber on lead guitar, and Dylan Hilliker on drums. All members are involved in other local projects and bring their unique style and genre influences to Yonder. They just released another single, “Oil Light,” before they release their debut EP, Momento Mori, on Jan. 24. They’re celebrating with a release show at Can Can Wonderland in St. Paul, joined by fellow Twin Cities acts Kate Malanaphy and Lone Rock Bride. -AD

Anna Devine 

After years of harmonizing with popular indie bands Aiden Intro and Chutes, singer/songwriter Anna Devine (also our Scouting Report contributor) has been slowly, but surely, stepping into center stage. Her first solo release, “Year’s End,” captures the conflicting feelings of starting anew after the holiday fanfare. Devine’s gentle, sensitive musical touch is reminiscent of alternative folk artists like Big Thief and Aldous Harding. -Diane

Big Zach and Mike The Martyr

Since his teenage years, Big Zach has been involved in Minnesota’s hip-hop scene as part of several groups, including his longtime collaboration with rap group Kanser. Over the years, he has hosted Twin Cities MC battles, toured independently, and written and published a handful of novels. His recent project, Music of the Mirror Moves, features the catchy collaboration with fellow local hip-hop artist Mike the Martyr “Rain Light.” Produced by Big Jess, the song includes vocals and instrumentation by Matthew Portwood, Happy Lance Brunious, and Jeni Dalia. The video features footage of a storm happening while the song was being recorded in Minneapolis. -AD

Greg Schutte

Greg Schutte has shared the stage on drums with many Twin Cities bands – including Sarah Streitz, the Neighborhood Quartet, Coloring Time, and Chastity Brown. On “City in Darkness,” he shares more of his talents. The tune was inspired by late-night walks with a dog named Icy. “City” was meticulously crafted, with all instrumentals and vocals composed by Schutte. He recorded at Bathtub Shrine Recording, and mastered by Rob Schlette at Anthem Mastering. -YV