Ben Frost
I was floored by Ben Frost’s performance at the Southern Theater last season. His music is the definition of visceral, it completely envelops and consumes the listener. Watching a clip online, doesn’t do the music justice, but try this:
yMusic
One of my favorite chamber ensembles, they’ve just released their own album, Beautiful Mechanical.
Shara Worden/My Brightest Diamond
Shara has a stunning new release, All Things Will Unwind, and has one of the most powerful voices in any genre today.
Dirty Three
Dirty Three is the reason I wanted to start presenting music. The band’s music—drums, guitar, violin—cuts to the heart; it is all raw emotion.
The Cloak Ox
Twin Cities-based band that includes Andrew Broder, Martin Dosh, Mark Erickson, and Jeremy Ylvisaker. The songwriting is smart, Broder’s stage presence is bold, and the music is really invigorating live.
Missy Mazzoli/Victoire
Missy is a composer to watch. Her band Victoire is composed of five women, on violin, clarinet, two keyboards, and double bass.
A Winged Victory for the Sullen
Beautiful music for reflection—strings, piano, and space. I’m co-presenting them in November at the Cedar.
Danielson
“Complimentary Dismemberment Insurance” from Best of Gloucester County is one of my favorite singles of the year.
Corey Dargel
He’s a New York-based composer and singer with a droll sense of humor and smart lyrics. I’m presenting him in November with the Walker Art Center at the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.
TV on the Radio
I haven’t stopped listening to Nine Types of Light since it was released this past spring. Lead singer Tunde Adebimpe has the sexiest voice in rock music.
Feist
New album Metals is her best yet. She hooked me with these video teasers leading up to the album release:
Learn more about music booker Kate Nordstrum in “Music Maven.”
