The Current

Great Music Lives Here ®
Listener-Supported Music
Donate Now
Local Current Blog

Hi! I’m Andrea Swensson, the new host of the Local Show

Photo by Nate Ryan/MPR
Photo by Nate Ryan/MPR

by Andrea Swensson

November 10, 2015

Today I'm thrilled to announce that in addition to the work I'm already doing on this blog and as host of The O.K. Show, I will be stepping into the role of host and producer of The Local Show at the beginning of 2016. This isn't a step I'll be taking lightly. Not only do I have quite a reputation to uphold, thanks to the incredible work of my predecessors, but I consider it a great honor and a great responsibility to oversee such a significant platform for the work being made in our community.

Because that's what it is, right? A huge responsibility. To make sure that these two hours of each week that are dedicated solely to the Minnesota music scene actually reflect what's happening in Minnesota, and to help guide a conversation about our scene that we can all take part in. That idea of responsibility, accuracy, and authenticity is something that's driven me through most of my journalism career thus far, and it's something I've kept in my sight line since my earliest days as a freelancer. Who gets the spotlight, and why? And what can we do to elevate all of the different voices that need to be heard?

I would be remiss to go any further without paying tribute to the two men who established the legacy of the Current's Local Show over the past 11 years. I will always admire the show's founder, Chris Roberts, for his intensity, laser-focused interviews, and devotion to listening to every single track that came across his desk. And I have so much gratitude to heap on David Campbell, who is not only one of the most beloved and genuinely enthusiastic personalities in our local music media landscape but also taught me a great deal about myself, my presence on air, and the way we all think about and approach our work.

If you're at all familiar with my work in the Twin Cities, which started over a decade ago and includes stints as managing editor at Reveille Magazine and a four-year run as the music editor of City Pages, you'll know that I can't help but ask lots of questions. (See paragraph two for a recent example.) So while I am not quite sure what my overall vision and plan will be for the show (thankfully they are giving me a few weeks to figure that out! My first show is January 10, 2016), I know one thing for certain: I want it to feel like a conversation. I have no interest in pushing my opinions on unsuspecting listeners without hearing your opinions, too. At the risk of sounding trite, I want to hear from you! I want to know what you are digging, what we're missing, and what you want from your local music programming.

 

Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment
This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.