Looking forward, looking back: The Current celebrates 20 years
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The Current, Minnesota Public Radio’s alternative music station, is marking its 20th anniversary this year.
“The core focus of The Current hasn’t changed in 20 years,” said David Safar, The Current’s managing director. “It’s always been about community. It’s always been about music discovery. It’s always been about reflecting this place — the Twin Cities and the region of Greater Minnesota — and the music that makes up our identity.”
The Current and MPR News are separate entities within the public media company APMG and make independent decisions on content.
The Current evolved into a format offering listeners a blend of local, regional and international artists. “I think if you ask the audience, they often describe it as eclectic. They describe it as having variety. And some of our audience call us alternative,” Safar said.
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Over the years, the methods for curating music have shifted, transitioning from sorting through physical media to using digital tools. However, the programming team’s focus remains the same. “At the core of it, though, it really is about serving the audience and thinking about what do people need to hear this week?” Safar said.
Live programming and events have become integral to The Current’s identity. The station hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including a Happy Hour series, micro shows and annual concerts at First Avenue.
“Convening in space with other music fans is such a part of the human experience,” Safar said. “It’s just part of the mindset here: How do we support not just music fans, but also, how do we give opportunities to local, regional and national artists who want to come to the Twin Cities and connect with this community?”
He acknowledged the economics for artists and the music delivery landscape continue to change, especially since the pandemic. “Our core focus stays the same, but we do have to think about how we serve the audiences of the future and younger audiences who maybe haven’t discovered radio yet, and what does that mean for them?”
Safar emphasized the station’s ongoing commitment to local artists and the community. “The first song played on The Current was a local artist,” Safar said, referring to “Say Shh,” by Atmosphere. “I think that we really carry that spirit forward today, and we haven’t lost sight of it as we think about what’s going to be important in the years ahead.”
The Current is hosting a series of special events and programming. Highlights include two nights of concerts at First Avenue, featuring performances by Frank Black, Beach Bunny, and local groups like Bad Bad Hats. Saturday’s show has sold out.
In addition to live events, the station is launching an online stream celebrating two decades of music and a YouTube channel showcasing exclusive live session recordings.
Throughout the year, listeners can expect anniversary-themed features, expanded events and new digital platforms.
