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.
April 10, 2008 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on release of “Walk it Off,” the sophmore album from Minneapolis band Tapes 'n Tapes. Roberts interviews band members Josh Grier and Eric Applewick about making the album.
May 16, 2008 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles St. Paul new age musician Steven C. Anderson, who is trying to distinguish himself from thousands of other contemporary piano artists with his new CD, “Signature.”
June 3, 2008 - MPR’s Karl Gehrke profiles Minneapolis jazz musician Gordon Johnson. Gehrke interviews Johnson about his musical background, and other local musicians about Johnson’s playing.
June 11, 2008 - In this special music edition from MPR’s Voices of Minnesota series, the spotlight shines on Minnesota gospel singer Tom Tipton and Celtic music performer Laura MacKenzie, both musicians who have become famous beyond Minnesota's borders.
August 8, 2008 - MPR’s Chris Roberts presents Making the Scene: An Oral History of Twin Cities Rock, a report tracing the evolution of the local music scene from the mid-1960s through the '90s…and through the eyes and ears of key figures from each decade.
October 14, 2008 - MPR's Chris Roberts has a report on the one-man electronic band, Unicorn Dream Attack. The Chanhassen musician has found a way to inject warmth into the genre by emphasizing some of its more robotic qualities.
November 10, 2008 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on the “dark folk” sound hitting the Twin Cities music scene. Groups highlighted are Roma Di Luna, The Pines, Murzik, and Spaghetti Western String Company.
January 5, 2009 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews local folk artist Lucy Michelle. Roberts talks with Michelle about her particular vocal and whistling style. Roberts also interviews producer Mike Wisti and music critic Andrea Swennson about the artist.
February 16, 2009 - MPR’s Dan Gunderson talks with English bluegrass/country musician Johnny Butten. The Fargo-Moorhead resident holds the world record for fastest banjo playing.
February 20, 2009 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on album release of former Jayhawks members Mark Olson and Gary Louris. The songs on "Ready for the Flood" are the culmination of reunion between Olson and Louris, which started in the early 2000s.