Minnesota has claim to a wealth of creativity; music is no exception. Almost every genre can be heard within our state’s borders. The results range from a simple act of joy, to an influence that reverberates far beyond (the “Minneapolis Sound” is a prime example). The collection below is an introduction to the diverse and talented artists who have called Minnesota home, and the art they share with all of us.
May 3, 2007 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews members of the Minnesota indie music group Best Friends Forever. Songwriters Jessica Seamans and Briana Smith, who go by "Jes" and "Bri," often sing about a love with some staying power…their friendship.
May 18, 2007 - MPR's Karl Gehrke reports that the personal stories of several Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity homeowners have been turned into songs for Minnesota Chorale "Sing Me a Home" concert. The performance is part of the chorale's outreach program called "Bridges."
June 1, 2007 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on "The Mad Ripple Friday Night Hootenanny" at Java Jack's. The event is thrown together by writer and singer/songwriter Jim Walsh, who's stage name is the Mad Ripple. Each week Walsh presents a handful of musicians, usually local, some of them rookies and some established. The artists take turns trading stories and songs, mostly originals.
June 12, 2007 - MPR’s Euan Kerr interviews Laurie Lindeen, member of the group Zuzu's Petals, about her memoir "Petal Pusher.”
June 28, 2007 - MPR’s Dan Olson talks with Minneapolis musician Karen Torkelson Solgard, who has a love for the Hardanger fiddle, an ancient Norwegian instrument. Solgard works on preserving the musical form of instrument, while adding an American influence.
August 13, 2007 - As part of the series “Songs from Scratch,” MPR’s Nikki Tundel profiles Stephen Burt, a poet turned lyricist. Burt shares thoughts on writing lyrics and how they interact with the music.
August 14, 2007 - As part of the series “Songs from Scratch,” MPR reporters Sanden Totten, Larissa Anderson, and Chris Roberts get first reactions from three bands as they get the lyrics from writer Stephen Burt, and begin shaping his words into songs.
August 15, 2007 - As part of the series “Songs from Scratch,” MPR reporters Sanden Totten, Larissa Anderson, and Chris Roberts check in with our three bands as they try to turn the words of Stephen Burt into songs.
August 16, 2007 - As part of the series “Songs from Scratch,” MPR reporters Sanden Totten, Larissa Anderson, and Chris Roberts invite musicians to come in and record the songs they've written based off poet Stephen Burt’s lyrics.
August 17, 2007 - As part of the series “Songs from Scratch,” MPR’s Nikki Tundel meets with poet Stephen Burt to hear what his words sound like in the hands of the musicians. Segment contains audio clips from completed songs.