The precursor to and the future of the Minneapolis Sound share a stage this weekend at the Seventh Annual Roots, Rock & Deep Blues festival, highlighting the unique musical mix put forth in the fundraiser for the nonprofit Firehouse PAC (the group that runs the Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge). Opening the Hook and […]
“I’m pretty new to the neighborhood,” Nancy Musinguzi says as she walks through Northside Minneapolis space New Rules. But since she moved from New Jersey in 2014, she’s made more connections than many long-term residents, especially in the arts community. Both a hip-hop and documentary photographer and a youth engagement professional, Musinguzi now relies on […]
The second night of the The Current’s 12th Birthday Party was greeted by a crowd buzzing with anticipation. Fresh off a successful first night of the birthday celebration, First Avenue concertgoers were excited to see what the sold-out Saturday show would bring, and it did not disappoint. The lineup included three local acts — Monica LaPlante, […]
2016 was the year of ZULUZULUU in Minnesota music. The band — composed by MMYYKK, Proper T, Greg Grease, DJ Just Nine, ∆RT P∆RTÉ and Trelly Mo — actually formed years ago, putting out a song called “Let It Go” in 2014. But soon after they released their debut album in June 2016, they became one […]
ZULUZULUU, “What’s The Price?” (Tiny Desk submission) NPR’s annual Tiny Desk Contest is back, and after Gaelynn Lea’s 2016 win, Afrofuturists ZULUZULUU are striving to keep the prize in Minnesota. Showing off their own tiny desk in hopes of playing at the original one in DC, their submission is a strong bid for NPR glory — and if […]
ZULUZULUU, “What’s The Price?” Picked to Click winners ZULUZULUU undergo a brutal traffic stop to illustrate how dangerous it is to drive while black. It all reiterates the central question: “What’s the price for a young black man’s life?” Har Mar Superstar, “How Did I Get Through the Day?” Har Mar Superstar can turn down the lights without […]
“Check it out,” Sean McManus said from the Entry stage — and normally, there’d be nothing special about that. But this phrase had a particular ring to it. When McManus said “out,” the word sounded more flat than the typical Midwest pronunciation. Along with a few of his colleagues and half of the night’s bands, he hails from […]
ZULUZULUU have been named the top up-and-coming Minnesota band, as chosen by voters in the annual City Pages Picked to Click poll. With 108 points in the poll of local music insiders, the adventurous band whose music ranges from hip-hop to Afrobeat came in a clear first, with runners-up Tony Peachka landing 77 points. The win […]
Over the next four weeks, ZULUZULUU will be playing a residency at Icehouse in Minneapolis, with featured guests to be announced. Each week will also see a music release from the group or one of its members. “We like performing there,” says band member DJ Just Nine about Icehouse. “It’s a great venue.” The series will begin […]
I say I don’t like surprises, but I live for twists and turns in music. Flourishes, hooks, complicated key changes—when done well, they always give me a rush. That said, many of the albums I’ve heard this year have been so run-of-the-mill. When I can predict a song’s rhymes and drum fills, I wonder at […]
