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.

The modern-day crooner regaled fans at the State Fair with his unique, freshed-up take on classic music and fashion. Folk-inflected singer-songwriter Madi Diaz opened the show.

Performances by The Twins of Franklin, FènixDion and Nur-D lit up the stage in Dan Patch Park during MPR Day at the Minnesota State Fair.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs about school — or going back to it — would you like to hear?

Mitch Miller had a No. 1 single with a song written in 1853; Ringo returned to the Beatles after a little time off; Fats Domino was rescued from post-Katrina New Orleans; Donovan went to No. 1 with a song that became one of the first examples of psychedelia, and Naughty by Natures self-titled album was released on this day in 1991, Today in Music History.

The Doors recorded their first demos; Bjork slept through a house break-in; Kanye surprised Mike Myers on live national television; and the Rolling Stones recorded their cover of a Willie Dixon song, Today in Music History.

Jerry Reed passed away; Atlantic Records bought Ray Charles' contract; Buddy Holly and Bob Montgomery auditioned for radio; U2 released their first record; Mick Jones left the Clash; Tina Turner had her first No. 1 hit; influential punk and new wave act Blondie signed to Chrysalis Records, and Barry Gibb was born, Today in Music History.

The hip-hop artist was known for his breakout track “Be Faithful” in the early 2000s and for lending his gravelly voice to hits by Missy Elliott and Ciara. The cause of his death was unclear.

Angels hit No. 1 with 'My Boyfriend's Back'; Elvis played the last of the only three shows he ever played outside the U.S.; George Harrison was found guilty of 'subconscious plagiarism'; Dire Straits topped the album charts; Gina Schock and Van the Man was born, Today in Music History.

Multi-disciplinary artist XINA performed at Carbon Sound Presents: Minnesota Music Month showcase at Amsterdam Bar & Hall in April, featuring MMYYKK, Zora, and REIKI.