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.
July 25, 1988 - MPR’s Euan Kerr reports on KTCA-TV documentary “The Minneapolis Sound.” Kerr interviews producer and host Emily Goldberg about the project.
July 27, 1988 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy reports on young musicians striving to make it in the Twin Cities music scene. Mulcahy interviews members of The Stragglers about recording/finding gigs, and director of Metro Studios about the changes in audience over last decade.
September 15, 1988 - MPR’s Bill Wareham talks with Gary Eichten about Prince’s September 14th concert at Met Center in Bloomington. Wareham shares his thoughts of experience and of the Minnesota artist.
December 28, 1988 - MPR’s Euan Kerr presents a profile on the breakup of Twin Cities band, The Wallets. Kerr interviews band members Max Ray, Steve Kramer, and Jim Clifford on the reasons behind band’s demise.
January 24, 1989 - MPR’s Bill Wareham presents a profile on Minneapolis band The Trashmen. Wareham interviews guitarist Tony Andreason, who discusses the band’s sound and developing its own style. The song “Surfin Bird – Bird is the Word” is highlighted. DJ Bill Deal, is also interviewed about the break out song.
March 20, 1989 - MPR’s Bill Wareham profiles new Replacements album. Wareham interviews lead singer Paul Westerberg about the band’s third major label album release, “Don’t Tell a Soul.” Wareham also speaks with John Lassman, music director KQRS, who discusses how single “I’ll be You” and the new album as a whole, are more radio accessible (mainstream) than previous Replacements work.
June 6, 1989 - MPR’s Dan Gunderson reports on the Carlisle Band, a community band in small town Carlisle, MN. The band is known as the longest continously active band in the Midwest. Gunderson interviews members of the band.
June 13, 1989 - MPR’s Mike Mulcahy reports on rock star Prince's theatrical songs for the Tim Burton movie “Batman.” Mulcahy interviews individuals in the music industry about album release.
May 25, 1990 - Mainstreet Radio’s John Biewen interviews renowned classical double bassist James VanDemark about the formation of Upper Midwest Chamber Music Festival being held in Owatonna.
July 9, 1990 - On this hour of Midday, Michael Steinberg, artistic director of the Minnesota Orchestra Sommerfest; and his wife Jorja Fleezanis, a concertmaster, take listener's questions about Sommerfest in Minneapolis.