The (Local) Fresh Five (The Current’s Scouting Report Edition): Kate Malanaphy, She’s Green, Molly Brandt, Hazelcreak, and Given Names
We recently got to participate in 89.3 the Current’s Scouting Report for Minnesota Music Month (April). The station is crowdsourcing a list of best new local artists by canvassing a number of people involved in music media in the state. It’s sort of like Picked To Click (RIP) but with much better clarity and guard rails. Contributors were limited to selecting bands that released their first record after January 1st, 2022 (ie. actual new artists).
I thought I would spend this particular Fresh Five explaining whom my own picks were and why. Definitely hoping that some of them come out on top but that all depends on whom everyone else chooses to nominate as well. Keep an eye out for the Current’s Scouting Report to publish the results in April.
#1. Kate Malanaphy
Kate Malanaphy being included on this list should come as no surprise given I think her 2023 album (Rock) was one of the best local releases of that year. Malanaphy has a great loud/soft dynamic that combines a kind of delicate piano balladry with a more bombastic rock/pop edge that plays along the more experimental edges of the spectrum. Stream/purchase Rock here.
#2. She’s Green
We’ve been vocal fans of local quintet She’s Green since their excellent debut Wisteria last year. Seeing them perform at First Avenue a few months back and absolutely own the room in a way that usually takes bands years to achieve (if ever) really sealed that deal. Easily one of the best local bands in town right now. Stream/purchase Wisteria here.
#3. Molly Brandt
I really wish I had been able to see Molly Brandt’s album release show for Surrender To The Night last year as not only is she phenomenal, it also featured Pit Stop (another one of our scene’s most excellent bands). Brandt is a country singer/songwriter of a vintage variety, recalling past greats like Emmylou Harris or Loretta Lynn. It’s a genre that seems to be picking up steam again (which is welcome). Stream/purchase Surrender To The Night here.
#4. Hazelcreak
We produce a lot of indie folk in the scene and as a result, I am honestly a bit of a crank about yet another young, white, singer songwriter dude playing sensitive indie folk. Given my proclivity to be a harsh critic, Hazelcreak’s debut Gopher State is probably even far better than I give it credit for. Though I need to give it more listening time, my first impressions of Benjamin songwriter Richter’s project have been very favorable. Richter combines country, folk, and rock, and even jazz into a lovely, hazy kind of dream pop. Stream/purchase Gopher State here.
#5. Given Names
I am including Mankato based Given Names largely on their first and only single “Makin’ Eyes” (which is fantastic). This synthpop quartet consisting of Laura Schultz, Meghan Irwin, Michelle Roche, and Mandy Wirig sound like they could be really, really great. Can’t wait to hear more.
