So Saint Paul

What if your entrepreneurial journey could be shaped by cultural heritage and a passion for meaningful change?

Join us for a conversation with Shanee Soulier, the inspiring force behind Big Spirit Inc., a marketing company dedicated to cultural consciousness. Shanne shares his transition from a corporate career at Target and a digital agency to creating a business that champions nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies.

We discuss how Big Spirit Inc. stands out by offering high-end marketing solutions rooted in cultural relevance and purpose-driven strategies. We also uncover the importance of comprehensive brand design and the hurdles businesses face in maintaining brand consistency. Whether it’s about the challenges of accessing design files or the value of understanding your target audience, this conversation is packed with insights. Don't miss out on learning how Big Spirit Inc. is making waves and how you can connect with their impactful work.

On this episode of So Saint Paul, we hear from talented young musicians, Boogie, Salim and Pres. These three extraordinary rappers and singers are a part of St. Paul's Get Down program, where they learn music and performance skills and showcase their talents at concerts throughout the summer. You don't want to miss this episode!

Meet Ka111, the sensational 16-year-old singer-songwriter from the Twin Cities who's making waves in the music world.

Join us as she shares her inspiring journey, starting from her early days of guitar strumming at 14 to releasing her emotionally charged debut single, "Not What I Asked For."

Ka111 uncovers the exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experiences of performing at iconic venues like Paisley Park and 825 Arts, offering a glimpse into how she conquered stage anxiety. Alongside her role in the talented collective Saturn's Orbit, she spills secrets about her creative inspirations drawn from musical giants like Frank Ocean, Billie Eilish, and Lana Del Rey.

Ka111's story takes an exciting turn with her involvement in the St Paul Get Down, a collaboration that has truly shaped her as an artist. Hear how a chance introduction by her high school gym teacher led her to this transformative program, boosting her stage presence and merchandising know-how. With personal anecdotes and reflections, Ka111 opens up about the balancing act of pursuing her passion while managing school life.

Don’t miss her thoughts on the paradox of sharing art amidst fear of judgment and her thrilling anticipation for an upcoming performance at Harriet Island. Get ready to follow Ka111's incredible journey as she captivates audiences with her storytelling and mesmerizing vocals.

From the halls of the High School for Recording Arts (HSRA) to the stages around the Twin Cities, young artists 08Pablo and Stone Williams are making their mark. But their story isn’t just about music — it’s also about the friendships and mentors they found at HSRA. For 08Pablo, the school helped shape his sound. He loves using samples from soul, gospel, and jazz to create something fresh while still honoring the past. Stone, on the other hand, is dealing with the mixed feelings of graduating. Leaving HSRA feels like leaving family, but he’s still staying close with the people he met there.

Both artists have different styles, but they share a deep love for music. Influenced by artists like Justin Timberlake, J Dilla, and Tyler, the Creator, they bring different sounds and vibes to their tracks. 08Pablo started with beat-making but now writes lyrics that reflect on the past. Stone uses emotional moments from other songs to fuel his own music, creating tracks that hit hard and stick with you. They also talk about how they deal with writer’s block and give us a preview of “Say That” by 08Pablo — a track with a catchy beat that’s sure to get stuck in your head.

We also follow Stone’s recent trip to Austin, which inspired his song “Austin Yes Okay.” The trip was full of creative energy and reminded him how important it is to live in the moment. The episode also dives into a collab track with both artists that touches on feeling stuck in everyday life. Through all of it, 08Pablo and Stone Williams stay real and focused on growing as artists.

Tune in and see what’s next for these two as they keep leveling up and sharing their stories with the world.

Tune in to explore the vibrant pulse of St. Paul’s youth music scene with Javone, a dynamic young artist who's reshaping the local soundscape.

Javone is a singer/songwriter that has originated in Saint Paul, Minnesota. His vast percussive and melodic influence are results of his inspirations such as Dijon, Bon iver, and king krule and their own blend of folk, rnb, and indie rock. From Javone's discovery of guitar and singing to performing at the Winter Get Down, Javone shares how St. Paul's Right Track program has been pivotal in their artistic growth.

Get ready to be inspired by Javone's journey and tune in to hear Javone's music and be amazed!

Meet 22 Carri, a rising star in the vibrant Twin Cities music scene, as he sits down with us on "Getting Down with the Get Down." Listen as Dacarri Hood, better known by his stage name 22 Carri, shares his inspiring journey from the halls of the High School for Recording Arts (HSRA) to the bright lights of live performances. Inspired by friends and mentors, 22 Carri talks about harnessing his talents through the Get Down summer program, which has been instrumental in honing his performance and production skills. Get ready to be inspired by 22 Carri's creative process and how the community and opportunities around him have fueled his artistic growth.

We also explore the dynamic environment of HSRA, where students receive hands-on experience in music, photography, and business, fostering a tight-knit community that supports personal and professional growth. The strong bonds formed there lead to ongoing collaborations that are as much about personal support as they are about creative expression. 22 Carri opens up about my personal life, juggling the role of eldest among 10 siblings and his dreams of creating future opportunities for them. Tune in to hear 22 Carri's amazing music and be part of a conversation that celebrates youthful creativity and the communities that uplift it.

Meet the band Milk, an exceptional group of high school seniors making waves with their radio debut on WFNU Frogtown Community Radio!

We sit down with Frank, Carmine, Diego, and Nyla to uncover the fascinating story of their musical evolution. From starting out as "The Food Fighters" in fourth grade to their current identity as Milk, the band has developed a compelling blend of jazz, folk, and Midwest emo, drawing inspiration from the likes of Stevie Wonder and the Grateful Dead. Their journey is marked by a spirit of creativity and camaraderie, highlighted by their inventive use of interpolations in their music.

Discover the unique paths each member took to find their musical calling. From necessity-driven instrument changes to newfound passions, their stories paint a picture of artistic growth and determination.

The band shares tales of memorable road trips to jam band shows, revealing their deep-rooted love for live performances and the influence of the Grateful Dead on their sets. Through their engagement with the Walker West music community and the St. Paul Get Down program, Milk has not only honed their skills but also formed meaningful connections within the vibrant St. Paul music scene.

Tune in for a celebration of Milk's creative spirit and the energy of St. Paul's music community!

On this episode of SO Saint Paul, Getting Down with the Get Down, we hear from a spectacular young woman, Gabrielle Ruffin, or known musically as Mariee23xclusivee.

Mariee23xclusivee is a talented young artist from the Rondo neighborhood. She discusses her participation in the Get Down program, her journey into music, and her debut performance at the St. Paul Pride Festival. She shares her experiences at the High School for Recording Arts and the impact of mentors and influences such as Lil Wayne and Tupac.

Join us as we debut her song 'Trouble' on Frogtown Radio and learn about her creative process, spirituality, and motivational journey from adversity to success. Get down with us!

Join us on WFNU Frogtown Community Radio's So Saint Paul series - Getting Down with the Get Down!

We celebrate the incredible young musical talents of the Twin Cities. This episode features an inspiring conversation with Dreeco, a rising artist from St Paul, who shares a loss fueled his passion for music. Specializing in drill and pain music, Dreeco opens up about his creative process and the local resources that have supported his journey.

Discover how his involvement with the St Paul Get Down, a collaboration with St Paul Parks and Rec and Compas, is nurturing the next generation of artists. With guidance from local rapper Carnage Terrell X, Dreeco and other young musicians are honing their skills in preparation for performances around St Paul, culminating in an exciting grand finale at Harriet Island. Tune in every week this summer to keep Getting Down with the Get Down!

On this episode of So Saint Paul, we hear from childcare advocates Celeste Finn, Leslie Rumsey, and Angela Clair who emphasize the challenges faced in sustaining childcare centers, including high costs and the difficulty of paying fair wages to staff while maintaining quality standards.

Minnesota's Day without Childcare aims to raise awareness about the critical need for affordable childcare and the importance of high-quality early education. On March 3, at Wilder (911 Lafond Ave, St. Paul), from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, parents, teachers, and advocates will gather to learn more and advocate for better policies. This event seeks to influence legislators and secure better funding and policies to support families, educators, and children. More information can be found at kidscountonus.com