Music
Duluth Band Profile: Gaelynn Lea
Gaelynn Lea ventures into her own with All Roads Lead Us Home. She reminds us, struggling musician or frustrated listener alike, that endearment isn’t perfection; it’s knowing how to be perfect on your own terms. Click on the image above to hear the interview.
Portage – “Hold On”
Portage released this gorgeous video shot in Iceland from their upcoming album Creatures, due out May 28.
Upcoming gig:
May 5 at the Reef Bar
Woodblind & Big Wave Dave and the Ripples – “Kom-on-Inn”
Woodblind joins forces with Big Wave Dave and the Ripples on the new song “Kom-on-Inn.” With the help of Myke Dixon and crew, the hospitality of the Kom-on-Inn staff and the participation from friends and fans this video was created. It was shot on Jan. 17, and after a few months of editing it was released on April 5 with performances by both bands and video premiere at the Kom-on-Inn. (more…)
Duluth Band Profile: Emily Haavik
Emily Haavik looks like any other person you could see on the street. But when she’s on the stage, you hear something larger than life. Click on the image above to hear the interview.
Denfeld Lip Dub 2016: “We Run this Town”
UPDATE: As is plainly visible, a copyright claim on the music used in this video resulted in it being pulled from YouTube after one day. Follow this link to see an updated version without the Jay Z track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euwPRIJcASc
Denfeld High School 2016 lip dub project. Full disclosure, I work at Denfeld as some kind of educator. The third annual all-school lip dub dropped today, something students and educators worked on closely for the past couple of months. It’s a mash up of Beyoncé and Jay Z’s “Crazy in Love” and “We Run this Town.”
If this is the future of Duluth, I think we can all be very hopeful and proud. Particularly noteworthy for me is the way that we see strong, confident and successful women portrayed prominently in the video.
Actual Wolf – “Thinking of You”
In this video, WDSE-TV’s The PlayList captures Actual Wolf performing “Thinking of You” as an opener for Trampled by Turtles at Bayfront Park on July 11, 2015.
Upcoming gig: Actual Wolf plays Rex Bar at Fitger’s on Saturday, May 7, during the Homegrown Music Festival.
Duluth Band Profile: Ruthe Kay and Bailey
Ruthe Kay and Bailey are two friends with one big voice. They open up about how performing isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way of life. Click on the image above to hear the interview.
Nick Robin – “Little Red Squirrel”
Music written and produced by Sean Elmquist and Nick Robin. Video by Nick Sunsdahl.
Duluth Band Profile: Glen’s Neighbor
Glen’s Neighbor mixes country rock with plenty of bluegrass hooks. Band members explain how teamwork and criticism produced Behind the Door. Click on the image above to hear the interview.
Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank – “Take This Town”
The new video by local band Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank is illustrated, edited and directed by Truvio Del Sol.
Charlie Parr – “I Ain’t Dead Yet”
In this video from March 20, Duluth’s Charlie Parr shares a powdered toothpaste anecdote and performs “Ain’t Dead Yet” at the Ore Dock Brewing Company in Marquette.
The song is on Parr’s new limited edition EP, a 10-inch record (pressed on green vinyl) set for release on Saturday as part of Record Store Day.
Superior Siren – “Rattlesnake” (Live on The PlayList)
From the April 14 edition of WDSE-TV’s The PlayList, Superior Siren performs “Rattlesnake.”
Duluth Band Profile: Rick McLean
Rick McLean honed his songwriting skills on Coupla Focal. From a Pogues-ish “St. James” to a somber “Son of Luddwig,” he isn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve while making people laugh.
Duluth Band Profile: Mind Control
Mind Control fans the flames of Duluth’s underground community. Band members explain how the group’s self-titled EP could stand a test of time. Click on the image above to hear the interview.
Piano Man and PBS Pioneer Max Morath
The April 7 edition of WDSE-TV’s The PlayList featured this segment on Duluth piano man Max Morath, a member of the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. His ground-breaking work on The Ragtime Era series in 1960 for what is today Rocky Mountain PBS set the bar for television programs nationwide.
Homegrown Music Festival Field Guide 2016
The 2016 Homegrown Music Festival Field Guide is off the presses, with 20,000 free copies piled up at various shops across the Twin Ports. This year’s cover art is by Carolyn Sue Olson.
So far there are two changes to the Homegrown schedule that happened after the Field Guide went to press:
- The Aurora Baer Band will play on Friday, May 6, 10:30 p.m. at Tycoons Alehouse. (Phillip of Nazareth was originally scheduled for that slot and had to withdraw.)
- Brain Bugs will play on Monday, May 2, 10:45 p.m. in the Barrel Room at Fitger’s Brewhouse. (Dad’s Acid was scheduled for that slot until the drummer’s day job wrecked it.)
Duluth Band Profile: Lord Montague
Lord Montague channels blues and acid rock to produce The Cave. The band opens up about the inspiration behind its work and gives fans a valuable life lesson. Click on the image above to hear the interview.
Duluth Band Profile: Ingeborg Von Agassiz
Ingeborg Von Agassiz mixes electronic soundscapes with folk undertones. She explains how her solo project began with a 1990s Yamaha keyboard and audience feedback. Click on the image above to hear the interview.
The PlayList: Virginia City Limits
WDSE-TV’s The PlayList launched its seventh season last week with a special episode shot outside the 218 Taphouse in Virginia. The show features live music by the Christopher David Hanson Band and Rich Mattson & the Northstars.
Welcome to Our City (and the National Regatta of 1916)
The song “Welcome to Our City” appeared in the magazine section of the April 2, 1916, Duluth News Tribune. It was written by two Duluthians — Donald Wade and D.J. Michaud — as a “contribution to the city’s welcome to the visiting oarsmen who will come to the Head of the Lakes next August.”
Duluth hosted the 44th annual regatta of the National Association of Amateur Oarsmen on Aug. 11 and 12, 1916, winning nine of the 12 events entered.
(more…)Michael Novitzki will host The Duluth Local Show on the Current
The Current announced in a news release today that Michael Novitzki will host its revamped version of The Duluth Local Show, which will launch May 1 on the low-power 90.9 FM and air every Sunday at 8 p.m. Also announced in the release: Cecilia Johnson has been named Local Current blogger. (more…)
Duluth Band Profile: Illyrik
Brandon Gordon came into hip-hop when Outkast and other Atlanta powerhouses ruled the airwaves. When he came into his own as Illyrik, he discovered his voice. Click on image above to hear the interview.
Kraig James – “Back in the Day”
Kraig James & the Campfire Stars are releasing a new song each month in 2016 for a project called Campfire Americana: Volume 1. This is the third track, available for download at kraigjames.com/music. Portions of the video were shot at the Aerie Lake Crappie Challenge on March 12.
Duluth Band Profile: Tallulah
Tallulah has been in development for over three years. Band members explain how the song “A Blue Painting” gave them a reason to venture onto the stage. Click on image above to hear the interview.