WXPR Off the Record

WXPR Music Host Susan Spangenberg speaks with singer and songwriter Billy Bragg about protest music in the U.S., the issues that continue to inspire his work, and his current North American tour.

Erik Koskinen is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, whose music is not categorized by sub-genres. Stylistically he is on his own while heavily influenced by American roots music. The rhythmic integrity and musical tone is as important as the lyrical content and the artistic intent. Koskinen has reverently entered the anthology of uniquely crafted wry songs with the likes of Woody Guthrie and Ry Cooder while speaking as plainly as your neighbor.The Minneapolis Star Tribune calls Koskinen “the real deal” and “The best country songwriter in Minnesota”

Native American Flutist Darren Thompson grew up in Lac du Flambeau and now travels the country sharing his music.He’ll be performing in Minocqua this Friday at the Community Gym at the Minocqua Public Library.WXPR’s Katie Thoresen spoke with Thompson as he was in between shows at the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota.

Webb Wilder was blending roots rock, country, blues, and rockabilly before “Americana” had a name. A true original and a member of Roots Rock royalty, the Hattiesburg, Mississippi native has carved out a nearly 40-year career defined by high-energy performances, sharp songwriting, and a sound he proudly dubs “Uneasy Listening.”WXPR Volunteer Host Susan Spangenberg caught up with Webb to talk about his roots and his music.

Dessa is a rapper, singer, and writer that NPR World Café called “One of the most anomalous artists in music today.”She’s headlining Project North this Saturday, September 21st.

Brothers Page and Jack of The Cactus Blossoms talk about the band's origins from busking on the street and at farmers markets to going on national and international tours. They also discuss their latest projects and more.

Owen and Jacob Mahon of New Salty Dog talk about using poetry in collaborative songwriting, moving to Duluth in their youth, solidifying the band during the pandemic and more in this edition of Off The Record.

Bluegrass Saturday host, Randy Burl, had an opportunity to talk with Josh Rinkel, singer and guitarist of the award-winning and GRAMMY nominated band, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys.

Carl "Buffalo" Nichols talks about recording his new album, his songwriting process, how he finds inspiration from the world around him, and more from inside the mind of this up-and coming artist.

Mae Simpson, frontwoman for the Minnesota funk, soul, and rock and roll band, shares her musical motivation, inspiration, and more.