Executive Overview
The vibrant, close-knit independent music scene in Minneapolis has long served as a fertile breeding ground for uncompromising artistic collaboration, genre-bending experimentation, and community-driven solidarity. At the vanguard of this creative ecosystem is the DIY project Chutes, which is poised to make a significant statement with the announcement of their upcoming five-track collection, Brighter than Before. Serving as the direct follow-up to their December 2025 release, Nothing’s Growing in the Yard, this new body of work demonstrates a maturation of sound and a deeper commitment to collaborative synergy.
Central to the evolution of Brighter than Before is the expanded role of fellow Minneapolis DIY luminary Anna Devine. Having previously orbited the project’s core creative output, Devine steps firmly into the spotlight for this release, lending her distinct vocal prowess across the entire record and taking on a starring role in the cinematic visual accompaniment for the lead single, "Star."
Produced by Henry Breen—whose impressive resume features notable collaborations with indie heavyweights such as She’s Green, WHY NOT, and Samia—the EP encapsulates the communal spirit of the Twin Cities music community. Breen’s contributions extend far beyond the mixing board and production suite, as he also anchors the record’s rich sonic textures on synthesizer. The lineup is further solidified by the rhythm and groove section of bassist Chet Goldsberry Hill and drummer Tanner Montague, both of whom bring a visceral, live-band energy to the studio recordings.
As the independent music world increasingly looks to localized hubs for genuine innovation, Chutes and their extended network of collaborators offer a masterclass in how to build and sustain a thriving artistic community. From organizing massive mutual-aid benefit compilations to orchestrating high-profile local release spectacles, this collective of musicians operates not merely as a band, but as a cultural movement. With the lead single "Star" now available for public consumption, the subsequent single "Trace" slated for an October 23 release, and a major homecoming performance booked at the historic 7th Street Entry on December 4, Brighter than Before stands as one of the most anticipated underground releases of the season.
Detailed Chronology: From Grassroots Organizing to Studio Craft
To fully understand the artistic weight of Brighter than Before, one must trace the timeline of creative milestones that have defined the past year for Minneapolis’s underground circuit. The genesis of this current era can be mapped through a series of interconnected projects, community actions, and studio sessions that highlight the relentless work ethic of the local scene.
Early 2025: Community Mobilization and the Melt ICE Benefit
Before turning their full attention to the recording studio, key members of the Chutes orbit were busy organizing one of the most ambitious collaborative undertakings in recent Minneapolis history. Earlier this year, Anna Devine and Kemp, working alongside filmmaker and musician Jonny Darko—who would later direct the striking music video for Chutes’ "Star"—spearheaded the creation of the Melt ICE benefit album.
The project was nothing short of a logistical triumph, successfully bringing together over 100 independent artists from across the Twin Cities scene to pool their talents for a common cause. In an era where streaming platforms and economic pressures frequently atomize local music communities, Melt ICE served as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of DIY solidarity. The undertaking demanded immense administrative coordination, networking, and artistic curation, cementing Devine, Kemp, and Darko not only as talented creators, but as foundational pillars of the regional infrastructure.
May 2025: Anna Devine’s Solo Expansion
As the dust settled on the Melt ICE compilation, the creative momentum within the collective remained palpable. In May, Anna Devine stepped out from behind the collective curtain to release her own critically lauded EP, Paint Me in a Different Light. The record showcased her keen ear for introspective lyricism, delicate vocal arrangements, and textured indie-pop instrumentation.
Critically, this solo endeavor acted as a crucial incubator for her vocal and stylistic development. The confidence, artistic clarity, and command of melody that Devine cultivated during the creation of Paint Me in a Different Light directly paved the way for her expanded presence on the upcoming Chutes release, transforming her from a peripheral contributor into an indispensable co-pilot of the project’s sonic identity.
December 2025: Nothing’s Growing in the Yard
The immediate precursor to the current era of Chutes was the release of Nothing’s Growing in the Yard in December 2025. That release captured the project in a more insular, raw state, exploring themes of stagnation, creative renewal, and emotional wintering. While the release succeeded in carving out a dedicated audience for Chutes within the regional underground, it also exposed a creative hunger to push beyond previous limitations.
The sparse, self-contained methodologies of the past gave way to a vision of collective abundance. Rather than retreating further inward, the creative minds behind Chutes recognized that the next logical step was to fling the doors wide open, inviting a powerhouse roster of players and producers into the inner sanctum of their songwriting process.
Fall 2026: The Rollout of Brighter than Before
The culmination of this creative arc arrives with Brighter than Before, a concise yet expansive five-track collection designed to showcase the project’s newfound collaborative vitality. The rollout commenced with the release of the lead single, "Star," accompanied by a music video directed by Jonny Darko that visually mirrors the song’s ethereal, driving atmosphere, starring Anna Devine as its emotional anchor.
Following the initial immersion into the world of "Star," fans can anticipate the arrival of the second single, "Trace," scheduled for release on October 23. This strategic staggered release schedule builds anticipation for the full five-track sequence—which rounds out with "Halo," "Charm," and the titular closing track, "Brighter"—leading directly into their high-profile live showcase in December.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Anatomy of a Collaborative Masterpiece
The construction of Brighter than Before is a testament to the power of cross-pollination within the modern indie landscape. By bringing together musicians with diverse backgrounds and production credits, Chutes has managed to forge a sound that is simultaneously rooted in the gritty authenticity of the Midwest DIY ethos and elevated by top-tier contemporary production values.
The Production Pedigree: Henry Breen at the Helm
At the center of the sonic transformation heard on Brighter than Before is producer, synth player, and multi-instrumentalist Henry Breen. Known throughout the regional underground for his deft ability to balance technical precision with emotional resonance, Breen brings a wealth of experience to the table. His previous production and performance credits read like a who’s who of modern indie innovation, including vital work with critically acclaimed acts like She’s Green, WHY NOT, and Samia.
Breen’s influence on the EP cannot be overstated. By taking the reins as producer, he helped channel the raw, often chaotic energy of the Chutes songwriting sessions into a cohesive, high-definition auditory experience. His mastery of analog and digital synthesizers adds a shimmering, atmospheric sheen to the tracks, providing a futuristic counterweight to the organic warmth of the rhythm section.
The Rhythm and Groove Section: Hill and Montague
While the vocals and synths provide the emotional and melodic architecture of Brighter than Before, the foundation is constructed by bassist Chet Goldsberry Hill and drummer Tanner Montague. In a genre where drum programming and digital loops frequently dominate, the decision to employ a dynamic, live rhythm section imbues the record with a tangible human pulse.
Hill’s basslines serve as the emotional glue of the tracks, threading the melodic needle between Devine’s soaring vocal deliveries and Breen’s ambient soundscapes. Meanwhile, Montague’s percussion avoids rigid mechanical quantization in favor of a nuanced, pocket-driven approach that nods to classic post-punk, dream-pop, and contemporary indie-rock traditions. The result is a rhythm section that can pivot effortlessly from driving, propulsive momentum to delicate, breath-like restraint.
Visual and Conceptual Direction: Jonny Darko
The auditory experience of Chutes has consistently been matched by a striking visual identity, largely thanks to the ongoing creative partnership with director and musician Jonny Darko. Having previously collaborated on the gargantuan Melt ICE benefit initiative, Darko brings a deeply collaborative, auteur-driven sensibility to the music video for "Star."
By placing Anna Devine at the narrative center of the visual, Darko translates the lyrical themes of Brighter than Before into a cinematic language of light, shadow, and movement. This interdisciplinary approach—where audio and visual art are conceived and executed by a tightly knit circle of trusted peers—ensures that every facet of the Chutes release cycle feels intentional, cohesive, and deeply authentic.
Official Statements and Artistic Vision
While traditional promotional campaigns often rely on slick, detached marketing copy, the narrative surrounding Brighter than Before is intensely personal, reflecting the shared lived experiences of its creators.
Anna Devine’s elevation to a central creative pillar on the record marks a significant philosophical shift for Chutes. In statements regarding the collaborative process, the collective has emphasized that the expansion was not a calculated business maneuver, but an organic reaction to the creative synergy found during live performances and community organizing. When artists spend months coordinating efforts for mutual aid—as seen during the Melt ICE campaign—the trust established in the trenches inevitably bleeds into the recording studio.
Producer Henry Breen has noted that working on Brighter than Before offered a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of organic indie-rock instrumentation and lush, textural electronica. "There is an inherent fearlessness in the Minneapolis DIY community right now," Breen remarked during early sessions for the EP. "Artists aren’t interested in staying in their lanes or adhering to rigid genre tags. They want to see what happens when you combine the urgency of a basement punk show with the meticulous ear of a high-end studio production. That’s the space we lived in while making this record."
Furthermore, the decision to spotlight Anna Devine as the primary vocalist and visual focal point speaks to an ethos of shared authorship. Rather than operating under a rigid autocratic leadership model, Chutes functions increasingly as an artistic collective—a porous entity capable of expanding and contracting to accommodate the talents of its wider community. This fluid approach to band dynamics not only prevents creative burnout, but ensures that every release feels fresh, unpredictable, and charged with collaborative electricity.
Future Outlook: Live Debuts and the Road Ahead
As the leaves begin to fall and the vibrant autumn air settles over the Twin Cities, the momentum behind Chutes is reaching a fever pitch. The immediate future holds a carefully mapped series of milestones designed to introduce Brighter than Before to both local devotees and the broader indie-music landscape.
The Single Rollout: "Star" and "Trace"
With the lead single "Star" currently making waves across streaming platforms and video channels, listeners have been given their first taste of the EP’s expansive sonic palette. The track has already drawn praise for its seamless blend of driving rhythms, dreamy synth pads, and Devine’s arresting vocal performance.
The anticipation will reach its next crescendo on October 23, with the official release of the second single, "Trace." Industry insiders and early listeners hint that "Trace" showcases a more introspective, moody side of the record, offering a compelling counter-narrative to the luminous energy of "Star." These staggered single releases are calculated to maintain public engagement and build a narrative arc leading into the full winter release cycle.
The Live Spectacle: December 4 at 7th Street Entry
No discussion of a major Minneapolis indie release would be complete without looking toward the live stage. On December 4th, Chutes will celebrate the arrival of Brighter than Before with a massive EP release show at the legendary 7th Street Entry—a venue renowned for hosting some of the most important formative performances in alternative music history.
True to their commitment to community building, Chutes has curated a stacked supporting bill featuring some of the most exciting acts currently making noise in the region:
- WHY NOT: Known for their explosive, genre-defying live shows and frequent creative overlap with producer Henry Breen.
- Bird Dog: A project celebrated for its evocative lyricism and lush, atmospheric instrumentation.
- Abalone: A rising force in the local underground, bringing fresh energy and sonic unpredictability to the evening.
This lineup alone guarantees that the December 4th showcase will function as more than a simple album release party; it will stand as a celebratory summit meeting for the contemporary Minneapolis independent music scene.
Looking Beyond the Horizon
As Chutes looks toward 2027 and beyond, the success of Brighter than Before suggests a project hitting its absolute stride. By dismantling the barriers between individual artistry and collaborative collectivism, they have carved out a sustainable, highly creative blueprint for modern DIY survival.
Whether they are organizing benefit compilations for over a hundred artists, crafting meticulous synth-infused indie-rock anthems in the studio, or packing out historic local rooms like the 7th Street Entry, Chutes and their extended family are proving that the heart of American independent music is not beating in coastal corporate boardrooms—it is thriving, bright and unabashed, right in the heart of the Twin Cities.
