Laura Sellner, aka Superior Siren, has been on my radar for a very long time. Superior Siren exemplifies how to put a mood and character to music, with the natural environment of Lake Superior looming large as the heart of her music. We discuss how Sacred Heart music venue influences Duluth artists with its sound and the importance of being surrounded by other creatives and living in a community that values art. So grab your headphones and take a trip “up north” with us for our season 6 finale!

There was a moment right away in recording this podcast that gave me goosebumps. Sitting in an empty church outside of Mahtowa, Josie Langhorst pointed to a space up front and shared that her first public performance was right there. Being in a place where an artist first found their voice is extra special, especially when we get to hear two new songs recorded live in that same exact spot. You can hear the love of music in Josie’s voice and the way her mind thinks to connect lyrics and emotion. It was an absolute joy to discover this young artist and I can’t wait to watch her find a much deserved larger audience.

In a short time, Clare Doyle has garnered a lot of buzz and praise for her music. Clare’s creative journey from childhood to when the pandemic reawakened her interest in songwriting is movie material. Her ability to share without boundaries, feel without holding back, and authentically reveal herself in her songs is a talent every musician aims to achieve. Our discussion on how songs come together, and how one long road ended up becoming a theme in her debut EP Stranger, is fascinating. If you haven’t already discovered Clare Doyle, this is the perfect time to get aboard!

Listening to Kevin Kniebel and Justin Bruhn bring up names and bands from the Twin Cities Americana scene (past and present) shows just how much Pert Near Sandstone respects and understands heritage. They’ve collaborated with and influenced so many artists over their two-decade run as a band, I had to ask just how they keep it rolling. Their answer is based in the spirit of family and leaving egos at the door. That’s rare in almost any profession, let alone music. 

Pert Near Sandstone continues to cement their legacy with creative ways to write music, collaborate, and uplift all the bands that have come before and after them. 

Magnetic. That’s the way I felt the first time when playing McKain Lakey’s album Somewhere. Half way through the podcast I had to figure out where that magnetic lure came from, which turns out, is baked into the Seattle production of the album. Getting to know more about McKain, where they’ve lived and their own appreciation to the various genres that make up their own music is fascinating.

It's been an absolute joy to to witness the evolution of local indie-folk duo The Twins of Franklin. From their debut release Low in 2020, to their new gorgeous release This Life, best friends Laura Lou and Becky Shaheen share their lives through their songs. These chapters of their life, good and bad, are bravely presented and easily resonate with so many fans. My sides hurt from laughing every time we chat, and my eyes water up almost every time I see them perform. In this episode, The Twins of Franklin premiere their new  song, “The Space Between A Dream.” 

In some ways, talking with Matthew French felt like I was reconnecting with a long-lost brother. Matthew has a gentle warmth, kindness, and comforting presence. His music has always given me a sense of security in life, knowing I’m not alone in difficult times, and finding solace and advice deep in his lyrics. This podcast gives us a look into Matthew’s family by discussing “Sweet Ohio Soil”, as well as his prior life as a pastor. We also chat about his newest (freshly released) album Circles and hear two of his songs--one older and one brand new. Matthew French is a voice worth following to find some guidance in all your good and bad days. 

If you’re like many of us, the harp has always been a mystic mystery. We rarely see it or hear it, and struggle to even understand the complexity of playing it. But when you see Nikki Lemire perform, she makes it look effortless and easy. The same is true when talking to Nikki about her music and life; there’s an ease and comfort as she shares her musical journey. I felt profoundly connected to her story and family heritage of music that has trickled down to her own children, which is the most beautiful form of love — being able to share in the joy of music with her family and her community.

Brainerd, MN-based singer-songwriter Kelley Smith’s debut album Moon Child found an immediate audience and plenty of exposure. Reconnecting in the lull after hearing about that experience, and how she’s processing and planning the next chapters of her life and music career, gave our host Tom Smouse a special inside look into what many artists go through. Experiences like sitting in Kelley's kitchen and hearing how her surrounding environment has influenced her songwriting are the exact reason this podcast was created. 

Just blocks away from the 3rd Police Precinct that burned down during the 2020 protests, Minneapolis country-folk band The Gated Community saw many of their recordings lost due to a power outage. But being in the center of burning buildings, gunshots, and neighborly concern, Sumanth Gopinath was compelled to write about it in new songs, which fit perfectly with their existing songs and socially conscious perspective as a band. Sitting around one table, Tom got to hear about the evolution of a band without egos, part of what makes The Gated Community so special.