Southwire performs live in the studio

The Duluth band Southwire released its self-titled debut album last year on the North Shore's own Chaperone Records. The recording earned instant praise from critics far and wide, and the band was chosen as one of City Pages' "Picked to Click" prospects for 2013.

Descriptions of Southwire have ranged from gospel to folk and hip-hop — all of which are apt. The dual lead singers, Jerree Small and Ben Larson, set the tone and ring out over piano, acoustic guitar, stand-up bass and drums. Genres aside, a Southwire song demands attention; it's not so much that you're being preached to as that there's a palpable gravity to the music.

Southwire will perform at the Amsterdam in St. Paul Saturday, April 12, along with The Honeydogs and Ana Tuiran, as part of the Minnesota Music Summit. Check them out first here on The Daily Circuit as they play a few songs and chat with Tom Weber.