Minneapolis-born 'sonic genius' behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' has died November 18, 2020 Audio engineer Bruce Swedien, who shaped the sound of several albums with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, died Monday at age 86. He also collaborated with artists from B.B. King to Jennifer Lopez. Read More ›
Flyte Tyme Studios in Edina being demolished today November 18, 2020 We knew this day was coming, and now, it’s here: today, the former Flyte Tyme Studios in Edina is being torn down. Alan Stricklin, a member of our audience and a past Minnesota Public Radio employee, sent photos of the demolition in progress. It’s the end of an era for a Minnesota music landmark that… Read More ›
Wellness Wednesday: Allison O'Toole of Second Harvest Heartland November 18, 2020 Give to the Max Day is tomorrow. Studies have shown that giving, volunteering, and being of service to others can actually boost your physical and mental health. Allison O'Toole is CEO of Second Harvest Heartland, an organization using volunteer power to feed the hungry. Read More ›
Memorable Minnesota music moments: A Sounds Like Home sampler November 17, 2020 Since the coronavirus pandemic has forced live music largely into virtual spaces, we've been working to help keep the Minnesota music community connected through a series of online festivals we call Sounds Like Home. The Current hosts catch up with local artists, who also perform short sets of music that we share with our audiences on YouTube and Facebook. Read More ›
The Current Rewind: April 21, 2016 November 17, 2020 The day Prince passed away, thousands of fans congregated outside First Avenue. Although the street party might've seemed like magic, of course real people made it happen - and we talked to a few of them for this episode. It's the last full installment of our season, and it celebrates Prince, parties, and Minnesota music. Read More ›
Album of the Week: Jeff Tweedy, 'Love is the King' November 16, 2020 While his fourth studio album doesn't stray too far from what you expect Jeff Tweedy, you can hear his use of the studio as an instrument with warm layers of voices and melodies backing his steady voice. Joined by his sons Spencer and Sam, the album is a reassurance that even though recorded in lockdown, we can all re-center ourselves around telling stories from the heart with help from those around us. Read More ›
Chris Stapleton on 'Starting Over' and writing for the moment November 15, 2020 The Grammy winner's new album comes after a false start in the studio, a few personal heartaches and some big adjustments to life as a public figure. Read More ›
Listen to new music from Valerie June November 13, 2020 The Brooklyn-based, Tennessee-born singer-songwriter is back with her first new music since her last album, 'The Order of Time,' released in 2017. 'It's kind of my way of sharing a little positivity after such a chaotic year,' June says. Read More ›
Behind the Scenes: Jeremy Ylvisaker’s virtual variety show ‘Nights for All Time’ November 13, 2020 “I feel like the online version of this show captures the spirit of the people in it,” video artist Ingrid Weise said. “Nights for All Time captures something vulnerable, intimate and real.” Nights for All Time began as an in-person concert series curated by musician Jeremy Ylvisaker at Aster Cafe and has since transitioned to… Read More ›
Interview: Cedar Lounge owner Tim Nelson on hosting 'the best of the best' Twin Ports talent under a harborside tent November 12, 2020 "We're embracing it," said Tim Nelson about the onset of winter in the Twin Ports. "It's what we do." Read More ›
Josh Ritter: Virtual Session November 12, 2020 Josh Ritter joins The Current for a virtual session. Hear songs from his new EP, 'See Here, I Have Built You A Mansion,' plus a familiar favorite. Read More ›
Virtual Session: Deep Sea Diver November 09, 2020 Seattle's Deep Sea Diver join us to catch up with Jade and play a few songs from their latest record, 'Impossible Weight'. Read More ›
Blu DeTiger: Virtual Session October 09, 2020 Blu DeTiger joins us for a virtual session to perform a few tracks she's released this summer, and talks to us about sharpening her skills while playing bass over DJ sets in New York clubs pre-quarantine, finding success on Tik Tok, and what she'll be releasing later this fall. Read More ›
Samia: Virtual Session October 08, 2020 SAMIA shares songs from her upcoming record, The Baby, and talks to Jade about recording in Minneapolis with members of Hippo Campus, getting over fears of being alone, and what it's like to release a debut record during a pandemic. Read More ›
Ondara: Virtual Session October 06, 2020 Jade spoke to Ondara about how growing up in Kenya influences his view of America today, how Carl Sagan has inspired him, and what he'll be working on this fall. Read More ›
#Current15: The Best of The Current in a new stream January 06, 2020 We're celebrating the 15 years The Current has been on the air, so we took your favorite songs from the past decade and a half and made them into a brand new stream. Read More ›
Download The Current app January 29, 2018 Download The Current's app to hear a crisp, high-fidelity stream of our station (and our additional streams) wherever you go! Read More ›
Listen to The Current via Smart Speakers July 23, 2018 Listen to The Current on Google Home and Amazon's Echo devices. Similarly, you can use your smart speaker to listen to Purple Current, Radio Heartland and Rock the Cradle Radio. Read More ›
Prince: The Story of 1999 bonus feature: Dr. Fink, 'When Prince sang live, he was just impeccable' January 03, 2020 Matt Fink - aka Dr. Fink - was one of Prince's first keyboard players and is a member of the Revolution. In conversation with Andrea Swensson, Dr. Fink reflects on performing, recording and touring with Prince. 'He was always transforming himself into something different with every record,' Fink says. 'There was always something new and original and exploratory.' Read More ›
Coffee Break: Leading ladies of rock November 23, 2020 We put the spotlight on Alison Mosshart this morning - lead vocalist of the Kills and the Dead Weather - as she turns 42 today. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what leading ladies of rock do you want to hear? Read More ›
Today in Music History: Happy Birthday, Alison Mosshart November 23, 2020 Alison Mosshart was born; The first jukebox was installed; Elvis Presley got punched; Billy Swan had a one-hit wonder; Rush performed in Rip; Bono and The Edge surprised the audience at a charity gig; and blues legend Robert Johnson began his first recording session, Today in Music History. Read More ›
Coffee Break Suggestions and Archive November 08, 2016 Got an idea for a Coffee Break? Want to see what we did a while back? Read More ›