Spotlighting Twin Cities' Music from the Basement Up.
Have You Tried Being Happy surpasses the size of the emcee’s last two projects in the first-days-of-lockdown experiment of The Social Distance and the chilly, late 2019 release of Winter Tape Vol. 1. Oknice’s effort to make a feel-good record falls short on this album, but that goes without saying it’s not filled with heavy doses of dopamine.
Read MoreDesecration of the Whispering Salamander proves to be just as eclectic as its name. Guitarist and vocalist, Anita, describes their work as “musical ADHD”, while bassist and vocalist, Andrea, chooses the words “chaotic and fun.” These descriptions are spot on, as Alien Book Club manages to weave aspects of numerous genres seamlessly into each song to create an exciting and entertaining listening experience.
Read MoreThe Minneapolis four-piece returns on October 13th with History's Contagious, their first proper release in six years. The 25-minute album demonstrates maturing songwriting craftsmanship that hasn't faltered in the years since 2015's Sunrise Compromise, with lead single "VIgorous PHantasy" showcasing the group’s brand of garage pop through a refined lens.
Read MoreMatthew French Delivers a Sermon of Calmness and Introspection on New Two Sides (Side 1) EP
Read MoreLoser Magnet's debut EP "Empty Year" was recorded on one of the coldest days of this past winter in a DIY studio above a garage with no heat. You can almost hear how cold the band is, but it plays perfectly into their sound. The EP is full of distressed textures, wistful melody, and crafty songwriting. Thematically, it's an album about change.
Read MoreThis Time It’s Personal. Zaq Baker’s newest album is all about personal revelations, and it’s brimming with personality. Where past albums had more about storytelling, Zaq’s focus is on self-reflection here. This album is emotive musically as well, with a lot of the songs having a heavy focus on Zaq and his piano.
Read MoreOne artist is at the caliber of Cardi B and Lil Nas X. Their name is Mama Knoz, who recently released two singles, “Toes,” and “Black the Rich” off their new album, Black. Femme. Masc. This is an examination of an artist whose beginnings are in the 2021 gay club scene.
Read MoreThis is Wannabianca, the relatable sludge band you didn’t know you needed.
“Family” is the second project by Sludge-Pop Minneapolis icons Wannabianca. In this EP, two truths oscillate around the thesis “Family.”
Trading turntable scratches for bruises and broken necks, Glass Eyes and their inaugural EP “Liminality” is a story about the resurgence of original inspiration and influence.
Glass Eyes is a freshly formed nu-metal band in the Twin Cities, but the band members' experience in the genre dates back over a decade. Out of the five members of Glass Eyes, four of them are currently part of the St. Paul-based hip-hop label B&E Music.