May 20, 2009 - Nico Muhly isn't 30 yet, but the protege of Phillip Glass is already recognized as a major force in contemporary classical music. The Juilliard graduate has composed for, among others, the Boston Pops, Chicago Symphony, and Bjork. Muhly sees himself and his music as a product of the internet age.
August 13, 2010 - MPR’s Mark Sanchez meets up with composer and Bloomington native Ryan Ingebritsen in Minnesota's White Water State Park, an area that Ingebritsen has fond memories of when hiking as a kid. With help from the American Composers Forum, he was awarded a McKnight fellowship for a project that returns him to those same woods.
September 16, 2011 - The Twin Cities hip hop duo Villa Rosa stands out, as It features two emcees, Maria Isa and Muja Messiah, who both have established identities as solo artists. The male and female tandem share equally in songwriting duties, and that's something rare in rap. The pair talk with MPR’s Chris Roberts about their album "Blue Diamond Island."
May 23, 2012 - As part of Minnesota Mix series, MPR’s David Cazares reports on Malamanya, a Twin Cities band that plays traditional Cuban songs. Cazares interviews lead singer Adriana Rimpel and band leader Tony Schreiner.
February 6, 2013 - Australian guitarist Ben Frost lives and draws inspiration from his home in Iceland, where he creates ambient music. The result is a visceral listening experience.
April 25, 2013 - MPR’s David Cazares profiles acclaimed pianist, composer, and Golden Valley native Craig Taborn. In the jazz world, some listeners might yearn for tradition, while others listen for signs of authenticity. Taborn doesn't worry about such hang-ups. Whether on solo piano, in a trio, or experimenting with electronic music, he tries to reflect an evolving culture.
May 2, 2014 - MPR’s Nikki Tundel profiles soul singer Sonny Knight, who finds himself back in the music scene after decades long absence.
January 20, 2015 - Musician Billy Idol joins The Current’s Mary Lucia to talk about his book “Dancing with Myself,” his career, punk rock, and more.
March 8, 2015 - MPR’s Euan Kerr reports on a group of internationally acclaimed rock artists visiting St. Paul for a unique new music collaboration sponsored by Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s Liquid Music Series. The musicians are coming to perform with Helado Negro, an electronic music group led by Roberto Carlos Lange.
March 16, 2016 - MPR’s Euan Kerr interviews experimental composer and musician Laurie Anderson, who has been on the forefront of musical experimentation in the U.S. for more than 40 years. The two discuss the sounds, imagery, and juxtaposition.