Mother Soki, Lana Leone, Chutes

Mother Soki is among a generation of new artists forging their paths and creating music that attracts fans seeking a soul connection. That creativity led her to sign with independent label Mom+Pop early in 2025. A bit farther back in her trajectory, Mother Soki wasn’t even clear about how to pursue music. Carving her way through adolescence with a fierce artistic drive, though, the Minneapolis-based musician discovered her passion for making music while attending college in Chicago. Attempting to pursue other forms of art and avoiding what was her true calling, Mother Soki says, “I realized it was far more fulfilling than any art medium I had tried (and I’ve tried a lot), from beginning to end, and even after. Something about the process of music felt so natural to me, even when I did not know how I was doing it, I was just doing it.” Now immersed in her passion for music, Mother Soki gravitates toward the dreamy textures of Dream Pop and the sonic nostalgia of the ’90s. Drawing daily inspiration from her surroundings, she channels her creativity through classic influences: The Sundays, Imogen Heap, and Cocteau Twins. Lana Leone combines heavy distorted guitars and ethereal vocals to create shoegaze soundscapes reminiscent of dark starry nights. Based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lana Leone started as the bedroom project of singer/guitarist Alana Christen, later adding lead guitarist Josh Frenier, drummer Brandon Tang, and bassist Brandon Burmeister. Lana Leone now plays regularly in the Twin Cities music scene and across the Midwest, favoring DIY venues and basements. Chutes is the Indie Rock project of Minneapolis artist Ryan Kemp. First forming as a solo project during quarantine, Chutes soon assembled a full live band that began playing in the summer of 2022. Since their first show at 7th St Entry, they have found their place in the Twin Cities music scene with their energetic and captivating performances. Chutes blends many genres, mixing Indie Rock energy and intimate lyricism wrapped in a layer of fuzz and saturated nostalgia. Chutes melodies feel timeless, like a song you’ve always known, yet fresh with its forward thinking and DIY spirit.