Tagged: twincities

I've been highlighting a new local artist of the week for about four months now and I thought it would be a good idea to put together a recap of who has all been spotlighted thus far.  The list below includes a stream of an album or EP from each artist.  Looking back on it, that's an impressive lineup of artists to come out of one city.  The best part of it all is that most of these artists are still considered up and comers.  The Princes, Atmospheres, Replacements of the world haven't even been talked about.  Talk about job [...]

• Crankshaft - "What You Gonna Do?" - Worldwide digital release February 5th!

Hungry Kids Of Hungary: You're A Shadow - Anyone in the mood for infectious pop songs that you can feel good about? There's a hope contained within this album that is undeniable. If you've listened to any of Hungry Kids Of Hungary 's previous albums, you may be surprised to notice a bit of a rise in their general demeanor... by that I mean they seem happier. I can't imagine someone listening to this album and not feeling slightly better about life. The major themes of this album seem to be relationships and the [...]

• Hungry Kids Of Hungary - Wasting Away

Andy Bothwell , better known by his stage name,  Astronautalis , is more of an adopted member of the Twin Cities music community.  After stints in Seattle and Dallas, the hip-hop journeyman has settled in Minneapolis and has wasted no time fitting right in.  His 2011 release,  This Is Our Science , featured appearances from Doomtree members P.O.S. , Sims , Cecil Otter , and Lazerbeak .  Also still in the works is a full length effort in collaboration with P.O.S.  Something I think not just fans of Twin Cities hip-hop are looking forward [...]

This six piece, folk infused, indie-rock group is bound to make a big splash in the Minneapolis music scene within the next few years.   Portage , who made their debut in 2011 with the release of their debut album The Unsalted Sea , are only two albums young and already sound like a polished act belonging on a big stage with bright lights and screaming fans. Their newest album,  Landings, shows obvious evidence of rootsy northern Minnesota influences. The six piece crew boasts powerful crescendos ("Over Your Head") as well as acoustic breakdowns ("Thick Skin") [...]

The very talented and thankfully local band, American Revival   is back with a new lineup and new EP called Thank Ya Kindly.  Folks, the lads have done it again. It's a North Woods corker! From the first few wonderful seconds of the opening track's acoustic guitar, I fell head over heels in love with their new EP. "953 opens up the record by firmly planting an alt-country flag in the ground and it's very, very deep. The track also has a Byrds-like feel to it that I found refreshing and inspiring to the point of [...]

Valentines Day week has arrived! Whether you plan on celebrating Valentines Day with a special someone, alone, or with your multiple cats, be sure to check out Lucy Michelle & The Velvet Lap...

The second week of February is already underway with some great shows. Didn't get tickets to Lady Gaga? Have no fear. The Amsterdam will be hosting a Born this Way After Party with Lady Starligh...

The Twin Cities is starting to thaw out as January comes to an end. Friday night is especially busy. Retribution Gospel Choir plays the Turf Club while Minneapolis pays tribute to Joe Strummer i...

The New Standards bring a refreshing sound to some of my favorite tunes.   Chan Poling , John Munson , and Steve Roehm  first formed the jazz trio in 2005 and all have years of musical genius to their names.  Most notably, Chan Poling is a former member of Semisonic and in the past has brought in Dan Wilson , another Semisonic member, to produce their 2005 self-titled release. The group is best known around the Twin Cities for their annual holiday show now on its sixth go around.  In 2012, they [...]

The new single from Hungry Kids of Hungary, 'Twin Cities' flew under the radar a bit for me. It was probably the mid December release date. But man, glad I've finally wrapped my ears around it. I think the clip's staggered and choppy editing of the pretty mundane daily actions suit the track to a t. The clip [...]

• Hungry Kids of Hungary - Twin Cities

Dessa is best known for her work with Twin Cities based hip-hop group Doomtree , but recently she's surrounded herself with an all-star cast of musicians and has hit the road to promote some of her solo work.  Most noteably, Sean McPherson of Heiruspecs and electronic/experimental artist Aby Wolf are joining in as support for the tour as well as Dustin Kyle and Joey Van Phillips . "The Man I Knew" will be on her forthcoming album, her third full length solo release, and is due out [...]

How timely... Our current local artist of the week, Asker , released this acoustic tune less that 24 hours ago and couldn't wait to share it with the masses. It's a nice one to close your eyes to and just unwind.  Check it out below and let us know what you think.  You can check out my previous featured post on the band HERE .  Also, follow the link below to their Soundcloud page to pick up a free download.

• Asker - I Want To Disappear

The hot bed for fresh new music, better known as Minneapolis, seems to be spitting out talented new artists on the daily.  I only discovered Asker a few days ago but from what I've heard so far, it's warranted them the artist of the week spotlight.  Formed by three University of Saint Thomas students in mid-2011, they've so far released a demo and an EP.   The Escape Room EP brought a smile to my face as I could hear hints of Remy Zero and Phantom Planet as well as Elbow [...]

This week marks a rare opportunity to catch our purple legend in action. The main event everyone is buzzing about is Prince's three night stay at The Dakota Jazz Club. If you aren't prepared to...

Taylor Nelson and Alaine Dickman began Wiping Out Thousands as friends and collaborators.  Today, they're not just a fast rising electro-pop group but lovers, too.  In an interview with vita.mn , Nelson casually suggests, "I guess the music brought us together."  The McNally Smith alums have been collaborating since their formation in 2010 and have already put out an EP and made their full length album debut with This Came First in October of last year.  Their work is the perfect amount of electronic vibes mixed with pop and rock [...]

It's the first weekend of the new year! January gets kind of slow, but that's no reason not to brave the cold for your favorite local acts. The Big Pink performs their 8th annual tribute to The ...

With so many bands in the Twin Cities recording great psychedelic rock, it's hard to keep track of them all. One that may have been lost in the purple haze is Panther Ray, who quietly released t...

I can't even remember how many times I have seen Heiruspecs perform in the past five years.  They have one of my favorite live shows in the Twin Cities and always seem to find some other local acts to make guest appearances with them as well.  For the past seven years they have done a holiday show and this year is no different.  This is definitely a show you don't want to miss.  For the price, it will be the best bargain in town.  For only $12 you'll get a full night of local music entertainment.  Heiruspecs should [...]

Sometimes I don't give bands their due diligence simply because I don't like a single word in their name, song, or album.  When I first saw the name Thee Evil Creatures I got a vision in my mind of some hardcore rock band with mosh pitting crowds.  Well, once again, my prejudgments were absolutely wrong.  Instead I found myself a group who knows how to cover all the bases in the rock world.  I can't even begin to put these guys into a genre.  They have songs resembling alternative, punk, classic, and nearly every other kind of rock.  It's pretty remarkable [...]

It is much easier for me to explain what all went on with this track by just quoting the Rhymesayers site.  So here it is: Hip Hop Essentials is a college level course at IPR The Institute of Production & Recording in Downtown Minneapolis. Every quarter the students get to work with Rhymesayers artists and other indie artists to learn techniques, recording/studio processes and also witness songs getting created live in the class! "I AM" is a track that was done in our Spring 2012 Quarter. Medium Zach (of [...]