What happens when you combine 90s rock, wild costumes, nostalgia, and a group of musicians who refuse to just stand on stage and play songs? You get Gen X.

In this episode of The Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with members of Gen X, Brian, Ryan, and Kitty, to talk about the stories, personalities, and pure chaos behind one of Minnesota's most entertaining tribute bands. From rediscovering music after years away from the stage to costume changes, open jams, Prince, 90s rock, and the evolution of their full-production show, this conversation goes way beyond the music.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALKED ABOUT:
🎸 How Gen X evolved from a simple 90s tribute concept into a full-blown live production.
👗 Why costumes and becoming different characters are such a huge part of their show.
🎶 The songs and artists that changed their relationship with music, from Poison and Nirvana to Gin Blossoms and Prince.
👕 The hilarious story behind their legendary T-Shirt Tour and how it turned into a band tradition.
🌆 Why Minneapolis continues to be such an important hub for musicians, venues, and live music in the Midwest.
🤘 How different musical backgrounds within the band help them create a nostalgic experience that jumps from Metallica to Garth Brooks, Britney Spears, hip-hop, and beyond.

If you love 90s music, live shows, or the stories behind the people making Minnesota's music scene what it is, you don't want to miss this one.

Hit play, turn it up, and take a trip back to the music that made us who we are. 🎸🔥

If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special.

The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest!
Resources:
PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online
The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/
Email: [email protected]

At just 15 years old, Fiona Hayes is already doing what many musicians spend decades chasing—writing original music, playing multiple shows every month, recording with a producer, and building a loyal following in Minnesota's music scene.

In this episode, Fiona shares how songwriting became a way to express emotions she couldn't always put into words, why her latest single I'm Losing Again changes time signatures to reflect changing emotions, and what it's like balancing school, performing, and chasing big dreams before even getting her driver's license.


In This Episode
🎸 How Fiona taught herself guitar by writing songs instead of following tutorials.
🎤 Why songwriting became her safe place for expressing difficult emotions.
📝 The fascinating story behind her single "I'm Losing Again."
⏱️ How changing time signatures became part of the storytelling in her music.
🎶 Growing up inspired by No Doubt, Hole, Paramore, KISS, and today's alt-rock artists.
🤘 What it's really like performing 4–5 shows a month at just 15 years old.
🎭 Finding confidence on stage while being naturally introverted off stage.
🚀 Her goals of playing First Avenue, Lollapalooza, Coachella, and beyond.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow music lover. It helps us continue highlighting Minnesota's incredible music community.

🎵 Follow Fiona Hayes, stream her music—including "I'm Losing Again"—and keep an eye out for her upcoming album.

If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special.

The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest!

Resources:
PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online
The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/
Email: [email protected]

What was it like playing the Twin Cities music scene before social media, streaming, and YouTube? Rick Vogelpohl has lived it all—from starting bands as a teenager in the late '70s to playing legendary venues, running live sound, working in recording studios, and helping shape Minnesota's local music community for nearly five decades.

Rick Vogelpohl has worn just about every hat in music: guitarist, sound engineer, studio engineer, jam host, mentor, and lifelong supporter of local musicians. In this episode, he shares hilarious road stories, unforgettable moments from Minnesota's rock scene, the bands that inspired him, and why community has always mattered more than fame. If you love music history, behind-the-scenes stories, or the Twin Cities music scene, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this episode, we talked about:
🎸 How Rick fell in love with guitar after discovering bands like KISS, AC/DC, Boston, and Van Halen.
🎤 What it was really like playing legendary Twin Cities venues like First Avenue, 7th Street Entry, The Mirage, and Iron Horse during the '80s and '90s.
🎛️ His journey from guitarist to live sound engineer and recording studio professional, working with countless Minnesota musicians.
🤝 Why open jams and local music communities have become such an important part of keeping the scene alive.
📼 How musicians used to build careers before social media, streaming, and modern technology changed everything.
😂 Some of the wildest and funniest stories from decades of playing bars, clubs, and unforgettable gigs.
🎶 His thoughts on where the Minnesota music scene is today—and why supporting local musicians matters more than ever.

If you've ever wondered what the Minnesota music scene was like before the internet—or if you're passionate about keeping live music alive—this episode is packed with stories you won't hear anywhere else.

🎧 Tune in, leave a comment with your favorite memory from your local music scene, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss another conversation with the incredible musicians who make Minnesota music special.

If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special.

The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest!

Resources:
PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online
The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/
Email: [email protected]

What does it actually take to build a successful cover band today? It's a lot more than learning songs. From backing tracks and in-ear monitors to finding the right people and creating a show audiences can't stop talking about, Sota Pop shares what really goes on behind the scenes.

Sota Pop may only be a year old, but they've already gone from a brand-new project to playing casinos, packed dance floors, and some of Minnesota's biggest venues. In this episode, Jess and Buzz pull back the curtain on everything that goes into building a modern band—from the money, gear, and endless rehearsals to creating a show people actually want to come back and see. Along the way, they share stories about growing up with music, finding confidence on stage, and why making people forget about life for a few hours is what it's all about.

IN THIS EPISODE WE TALKED ABOUT:
🎤 How Sota Pop went from a brand-new band to landing casino gigs in their very first year.
🥁 The surprising amount of work, money, and planning that goes into starting a successful cover band.
🎶 Why they built their show around getting people on the dance floor—not just playing songs.
🎧 How backing tracks, in-ear monitors, and modern technology have completely changed live performances.
🤝 Why finding the right people is just as important as finding talented musicians.
❤️ Jess's emotional journey from overcoming stage fright to discovering music as a form of therapy.
🎸 Buzz's evolution from heavy metal drummer to building one of Minnesota's most entertaining live bands.
🚀 Their vision for the future, the venues they hope to play next, and where they see Sota Pop heading.

If you've ever wondered what it really takes to build a band from the ground up—or you're just a fan of live music—you won't want to miss this conversation. Watch the full episode to hear the stories behind Sota Pop's journey, the lessons they've learned, and what it takes to keep audiences coming back for more. 🎶

If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special.

The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest!

Resources:
PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online
The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/
Email: [email protected]

What happens when chasing success nearly costs you your life? D.Santos shares the wake-up call that changed everything—and how it led him to discover his true purpose through music.

From growing up in Brazil to building a new life in Minnesota, D.Santos has lived a journey filled with resilience, sacrifice, and purpose. In this episode, he opens up about surviving burnout, becoming a preschool teacher, finding healing through conscious hip-hop, and why every song he writes is meant to leave people better than he found them. This is an honest conversation about choosing purpose over hustle and creating music that truly means something.

In this episode, we talked about:
🇧🇷 Growing up in Brazil and eventually moving to Minnesota.
💥 The health scare that completely changed his outlook on life.
🎤 Why he makes clean, conscious hip-hop instead of following trends.
👶 Balancing life as a preschool teacher while pursuing music.
🌅 His disciplined 4 AM routine for writing and producing music.
🎶 Bringing the sound of 90s boom bap into today's hip-hop.
🧠 How music helped him overcome some of the darkest moments in his life.
🚗 The unbelievable real-life story behind his upcoming song inspired by an AirTag found on his car.

If you've ever felt burned out, questioned your purpose, or needed a reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your story, this episode is for you.

Watch until the end—you might walk away inspired to make a change in your own life.

If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special.

The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest!

Resources:
PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online
The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/
Email: [email protected]

What keeps someone playing music for over 30 years? It might not be what you think.

In this episode of Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with Rob Carlson—musician, owner of The Shred Den, and member of multiple Minnesota metal bands—to talk about what it's really like building a life around music.

Rob shares why the best part of being in a band isn't actually playing shows, how his wife convinced him to get back into music after he quit, the reality of chasing the "rockstar dream," and why the Minnesota metal scene continues to thrive. From opening a guitar shop born out of a lifelong passion to balancing family, business, and music for decades, this conversation is packed with honest stories and insights every musician can relate to.

Whether you're a lifelong metal fan, a local musician, or someone chasing a passion outside the spotlight, this episode is a reminder that success in music isn't always measured by fame—sometimes it's measured by the people you create it with.

🎸 In this episode, we discuss:

• Why playing shows isn't the best part of being in a band

• The reality behind the rockstar dream

• Building The Shred Den guitar shop

• Growing up in the Minnesota metal scene

• Balancing family, business, and music

• Why musicians always seem to come back to music

• His current bands and upcoming projects

• Favorite venues, festivals, and memorable performances

• The importance of community in local music

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to help us continue highlighting the incredible musicians making up Minnesota's music scene.

If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special.

The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest!

Resources:

The Shred Den: https://www.theshredden.net

PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online

The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/

Email: [email protected]

What happens when you stop chasing fame and start chasing the joy of making music?

In this episode, Wayne Zerr shares how a life built around passion—not popularity—led him to play in multiple bands, forge lifelong friendships, and find purpose both on and off the stage.

From skateboarding the streets of San Diego to becoming one of Minnesota's most recognizable bass players, Wayne's journey is anything but ordinary. We dive into the rise of tribute bands, the changing music industry, the importance of staying true to yourself, and why the best musicians aren't always the ones chasing the spotlight. Along the way, Wayne shares hilarious stories, unexpected life lessons, and a perspective on music that's guaranteed to make you think differently.

In This Episode, We Talked About:
🎸 How skateboarding unexpectedly led Wayne into a lifelong career in music.
🤘 What it's really like playing in eight different bands and balancing it all.
🎤 Why tribute bands are booming—and why audiences can't get enough of them.
🧠 Finding "flow" through music and why passion matters more than fame.
🎶 How the music industry has changed, and what today's musicians need to know.
❤️ Why creating music for the love of it leads to a more fulfilling life.
😂 Funny stories from decades in Minnesota's music scene, plus the musicians Wayne thinks everyone should know.

Whether you're a lifelong musician, weekend warrior, or simply someone who loves hearing incredible stories from Minnesota's music community, this conversation is packed with wisdom, laughs, and fresh perspectives.

You might come for the stories about playing in eight bands—but you'll stay for Wayne's outlook on life, creativity, and why the best music is made when you're doing it for all the right reasons.

If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special.

The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest!

Resources:
PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online
The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/
Email: [email protected]

What happens when a musician loses everything... walks away from music for 10 years... and decides to come back?

Scott Zimmerman has lived through nearly every chapter of a musician's journey—from teaching himself guitar and building his own instruments, to playing major festivals, opening for legendary bands, surviving devastating setbacks, and stepping away from music entirely. Now, after a decade away from the scene, he's back with a fresh perspective and a brand-new mission.

This episode is packed with unforgettable stories, hard-earned lessons, and an honest look at what it really takes to keep chasing music after all these years.


🎙️ In This Episode We Talked About...
🎸 Teaching himself guitar and building his own custom guitars from scratch.
🔥 The homemade guitar that survived a house fire when everything else was lost.
🎤 Playing Moondance Jam, opening for Boston, and life in Minnesota's music scene.
🎵 Why he stepped away from music for nearly 10 years—and what brought him back.
🤘 His journey through original bands, tribute bands, and unforgettable performances.
🎛️ How the music industry has completely changed over the past decade.
🚀 His exciting new Bryan Adams tribute project and what's next in his musical journey.

Whether you're a lifelong musician, a weekend warrior, or someone chasing a dream after years away, Scott's story is proof that it's never too late to come back to what you love.
Watch the full episode to hear the stories behind the music, the setbacks that shaped him, and why his next chapter might be his best one yet. 🎸🔥

If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special.

The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest!

Resources:
PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online
The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/
Email: [email protected]

What does real dedication to music actually look like?

For Eric Trombley, it meant teaching himself keyboards to better serve the band, driving four hours each way for gigs after moving out of state, and treating every performance—no matter the venue—as if it were an arena show.

Eric shares the story behind his journey with Anthem, the lessons he learned from opening for Hairball, why professionalism mattered more than ego, and how passion—not timing—can lead to an unforgettable music career.

In this episode, we talk about:
🎸 How Eric went from guitarist to keyboardist—and taught himself along the way
🚗 Driving hours for every show to honor his commitment to the band
🎤 The hilarious microphone mishap during Anthem's very first performance
🤘 Opening for Hairball and some of the biggest milestones in Anthem's journey
🎹 Recreating iconic keyboard sounds and the obsession with getting every song right
❤️ Why Anthem's fans convinced the band to reunite years later
🎶 Eric's advice for musicians chasing their dreams—no matter when they start

Whether you're a musician, a live music fan, or someone chasing a dream later in life, Eric's story is a reminder that success isn't always about talent—it's about showing up, putting in the work, and never cutting corners.

🎧 Watch the full episode and discover the dedication behind Eric Trombley's musical journey.

If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special.

The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest!

Resources:
PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online
The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/
Email: [email protected]

What keeps someone playing guitar for over 40 years?

For Tim Butler, it wasn't fame or fortune—it was a lifelong passion that carried him through life's toughest moments, led him to leave a 20-year desk job behind, and eventually become one of Minnesota's most respected guitar players.

From learning every note of Sultans of Swing and Rush albums by ear to playing Rock Fest, collecting 30+ guitars, and performing in everything from classic rock bands to a Rob Zombie tribute, Tim's journey is packed with stories every music fan will appreciate.

In this episode, we talk about:
🎸 How losing his father at 12 made music his escape
🎵 The bands and guitarists that shaped his playing, from The Beatles to Van Halen and Rush
🎼 Teaching himself guitar by learning entire albums note for note
💼 Why he walked away from a 20-year career to pursue music full time
🤘 Playing Rock Fest alongside major national acts
🎤 Life in multiple bands, solo acoustic shows, and Minnesota's thriving jam scene
🎸 Why, even after 40+ years, he still gets nervous before stepping on stage

Whether you're a guitarist, a musician, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind the people keeping Minnesota's music scene alive, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

🎧 Watch the full conversation and discover why, after four decades, Tim Butler is still just as passionate about music as the day he first picked up a guitar.

If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special.

The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest!

Resources:
PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online
The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/
Email: [email protected]