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 6 to 8 p.m., hosted by Diane. Also, each Thursday, The Current's music director Jade picks great new tracks from around the world.

REIKI

Born in Chicago, REIKI got his name after his mother was warned of a high-risk pregnancy. She was advised to try a touchless healing technique called reiki, which means “life force energy” in Japanese. After a healthy birth, REIKI started singing at three years old, kept a close relationship with his mother, and grew up to be especially attuned to his own path, purpose, and life force energy. This past July, he was one of the artists picked for First Avenue’s Rock Lottery, and he fulfilled a dream of performing on the mainroom stage. Check out this rising star’s latest single, “chaos,” if you love a Frank Ocean-esque acoustic, vulnerable vibe. -Natalia Toledo

Oister Boy 

With playful instrumentals, emphatic lyricism, singable melodies, and youthful energy, Oister Boy are on their way to underground pop-punk stardom. The band recently sold-out 7th Street Entry to an enthusiastic crowd of devoted followers. Their new record Wycliff St. combines guy-and-gal lead vocals; singing and screaming in unison and harmony; and fuzzy, dynamic, and technically savvy guitar riffs. “By The Lake” is an especially catchy single, made strong by the band’s undeniable spirit. -Diane

Rebel Queens

Who says rock is dead? Minneapolis-based Rebel Queens is an all-women band influenced by ‘70’s and ‘80s rock. Self-identified as a combination of “the gritty soul of Led Zeppelin with the rebel spirit of Joan Jett, and the electric energy of glam metal,” the Rebel Queens tap into a nostalgic sound with a refreshing current twist. Members Tiffany Xtine (lead vocals), Danielle Pearson (drums/vocals), Katie Wyrd (guitar/vocals), Jocie Christine (lead guitar), and Lou (bass guitar) released their EP, Pretty Feral this year, featuring the guitar-heavy track “Bad Bones.” Check it out and get transported to a different time reminiscent of the Runaways. -NT

Ivers

Ivers are keeping busy this summer dishing out new music that’s been in the works for two years now. Brimming with nostalgia, “Lexus” is a single from their Best Behavior EP, which was produced by Hippo Campus’ Whistler Isaiah. Buttery, blended layers of gorgeous acoustic and electric guitar encapsulate the glowy feeling of Minnesota summers, making it the perfect tune for cruising. Vocalist Megan Fritz says it herself in the second lyric, “Driving through Uptown in my grandpa’s ride with the windows down.” Ivers released the Best Behavior EP on July 28 and will celebrate on Friday, Aug. 4, at the Fine Line with local support from Why Not, Aiden Intro (Note: I perform with them), and Parachutes. -Anna Devine

Righteous Emcee & Ace P

Rapper Righteous Emcee and producer Ace P team up on a new joint project, Mount Olympus IV: The Pantheon. Both artists have been involved in the Twin Cities hip-hop scene for some time, building community via different events and collaborations. Righteous Emcee is a part of Basement Gang collective. Just this past January, Ace P organized the release show of his project Things I Can’t Speak About at 7th St Entry, with an impressive lineup of artists from the local hip-hop scene. Their ongoing support of each other and constant collaboration is reflected on this project as well. The track “Wrestlemania 20” features Vinny Crooks and JuneThaKid, and is marked by a boom-bap beat and laid-back energy. Check it out if you love a classic hip-hop vibe with witty raps. -NT

Mae Simpson

With trumpets and a full band, Mae Simpson returns with a rocking and raucous new tune, “Cap Guns.” At times Simpson’s voice recalls Brandi Carlile as she weaves her way through a tale of growing up and reliving childhood through a song. It vibrates with drive, kinship, and the echoes of dozens of great Americana rock songs. What Simpson does differently though is breathe a fresh breath of air into your lungs, and the music creeps and crawls into the spaces in your heart that you thought were long dead. Simpson and her band will release their new album Chandelier & Bloom at the Fine Line on Saturday, Sept. 9, with Nur-D and The Get Together. -Youa Vang

Shrimpnose

Experimental lo-fi artist Shrimpnose moves in a new direction with his fresh single “Relief!” This glitchcore track features sugary beat drops, bouncy synths, and sharp, chopped-up samples. Shrimpnose, born Riley Smithson, began playing music as a way to express himself despite a stutter he developed at around age five. He started playing drums when he was four, followed by guitar, piano, bass, and then he moved into digital production. Shrimpnose is set to release a new LP, As It Seems, in October under L.A.-based label Friends Of Friends. Fans of the hyperpop genre who enjoy SOPHIE, Bladee, and 100 gecs may enjoy “Relief!” and presumably more tracks from the upcoming album. -AD

Rachael Kilgour

Rachael Kilgour writes songs that reach deep into your heart and squeeze so hard you think you’re about to burst. Her new song “Dad Worked Hard” has Kilgour’s soulful vocals over a delicate acoustic guitar. She remembers her father and the paths in his life as she traces a timeline to his death. This single serves as an introduction to her dad and to the collection of soon-to-be-released work about his life due in in September of 2023. It centers around the age-old tale of a proletariat and how he found ways to provide and show love to his family. -YV

Mike Kota

Mike Kota is living a dream summer. The emotive vocalist opened for Hozier at a sold-out First Avenue show in late May, and just played ahead of Lucius and Shakey Graves at Bauhaus Brew Labs. The singer has been sharing outstanding new work as well. “Shutter Speed” is a low-key tune — part introspection, part rejection of reality, and part trying to find sense in being frustrated with the healing process and stubborn patterns. “Shutter Speed” follows the single “Little Tugs,” which could be part of a new EP, mentioned in a recent Instagram post. -YV

Babie Eyes

Babie Eyes formed after visual artist Heidi Feroe had a spiritual awakening that led her to write songs. Also a singer, she joined forces with Duluth-based veteran folk musicians to channel her music into compositions that have gone on to develop a loyal local fanbase. If “far out” and “groovy” are in your vocabulary, you may especially dig Babie Eyes. The music is pleasantly mellow, led by Feroe’s voice that sounds a lot like Michelle Phillips of the Mamas & the Papas. The song “Feel Alright” is a perfect anthem that lives up to its name. -Diane