The Minnesota Music Note
The Minnesota Music Note podcasts explores the people, places, and things that make up the Minnesota Music scene. It includes interviews with musicians, venue owners, event creators, and other facets of the fantastic music community across Minnesota.
Episodes
39 episodes
The Minnesota Music Note - Ep 39 - Studio Owner, Gear Addict & Metalhead Will Maravelas
Think running a recording studio was always part of the plan?Think again.This week on The Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with Will Maravelas — musician, studio owner, gear addict, content creator, and the man behind 1459 Studios....
MN Music Note - Ep 38 - From Small-Town Minnesota to the Metal Stage: The Story of Slag
What does it take to keep a metal band alive when every show starts with a 3-4 hour drive?In this episode of The Minnesota Music Note, Will sits down with the members of Slag, a thrash metal band proving that passion, persistence, and a...
MN Music Note - Ep 37 - A Lifetime Of Metal, Guitars & Minnesota Music with Wally Borgan
Ever wonder what it takes to stay passionate about music after decades of gigs, bands, rehearsals, and changing trends?In Episode 37 of The Minnesota Music Note, Wally Borgan joins us for a raw, honest, and entertaining conversation abo...
MN Music Note - Ep 36 - From Choir Boy to Rock Band CEO: Alain Nisam’s Wild Music Journey
What happens when a lifelong musician combines creativity, technology, business, and pure obsession into one project?This episode with Alain Nisam is an inside look at how Shredding Flannel became one of the most unique and ambitious liv...
MN Music Note - Ep 35 - How James Flagg Took Tribute Bands to Another Level
What does it actually take to step into the shoes of bands like Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Alice in Chains… and make fans believe it?In this episode of The Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with James Flagg — the powerhouse ...
MN Music Note - Ep 34 - 100 Jams Later: How John Sonnek Built Twin Cities All-Stars
What started as a simple idea at Ziggy’s has now become one of the most exciting music communities in Minnesota.In this episode of The Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with John Sonnek to talk about the incredible rise of the Twin Citi...
MN Music Note - Ep 33 - From Minnesota to Australia: Scottie Miller’s Musical Journey
In this new episode of The Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with Minneapolis musician and songwriter Scottie Miller while he’s touring Australia with Grammy-winning artist Ruthie Foster.From starting piano lessons at six years old to s...
MN Music Note - Ep 32 - The Sound Behind The Scene with Rick Dobbelmann
In this episode of Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with Minnesota sound engineer and live audio tech Rick Dobbelmann, one of the key people behind some of the biggest tribute bands and live shows in the local scene.Born and raised in ...
MN Music Note - EP 31 - From Teacher to Minnesota Music Advocate with Allisen Merrill
What makes someone dedicate their life to supporting local music?Allisen never planned on becoming one of the biggest champions of Minnesota’s music scene… but through photography, writing, live shows, and genuine connection, she’s buil...
MN Music Note - Ep 30 - 9 Years Old Playing Rush Like a Pro with Maxwell and Bob Locke
What were you doing at 9 years old?Because Maxwell is out here playing Dream Theater, Rush, and Mastodon…and not just messing around… actually playing them.In this episode of Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with Maxwell, a...
MN Music Note - Ep 29 - Army Drummer to Lead Singer with Kacie Beatch
What if the person you see owning the stage today…spent 21 years as a musician in the Army National Guard?In this episode of Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with Kacie Beatch, a familiar face in the Twin Cities music scene, to tal...
MN Music Note - EP 28 - The Story of a Bass Player Who Never Took a Lesson
From picking up a bass at 18 to becoming one of the most consistent players in the scene, we sat down with Thomas Moga to hear how he built it all without ever taking a single lesson.Everything he knows came from feel, repetition, and a ...
MN Music Note - Ep 27 - From Air Guitar to Real Stages with Shad Christensen
From air guitar in the mirror to sold-out local shows, this is what happens when passion turns into obsession.In this episode, Shad Christensen shares his journey from teaching himself guitar by ear to leading multiple bands, including S...
MN Music Note - Ep26 - Reviving Our Local Music Scene: Inside Max's Social House
This interview explores the vibrant music scene in Minnesota, focusing on Ziggy's transition to Max's Social House, the importance of live music, and how to revive community engagement through music and events.#minnesotamusicscene #minn...
MN Music Note - Ep25 - Bass Was Always the Plan with Shane Twohy
Some musicians play bass because the band needed one. Shane Twohy chose bass because it was the only instrument that felt right from the very beginning.In this episode, Will sits down with Shane Twohy to talk about the decades-...
.jpg)
MN Music Note - Ep24 - The Real Reason He Started Minnesota Music Note with Will McLeod
In this episode, the mic flips as the host of Minnesota Music Note steps into the guest seat to share the real story behind the show. From his early days in garage bands and overseas gigs to building deep connections through open jams, he br...
MN Music Note - Ep23 - Gordy Nelson - The Unplanned Music Path with Gordy Nelson
In this episode, Gordy shares his unconventional journey into music and how an unplanned path led him to become a working musician in the Minnesota music scene. From starting in choir to picking up instruments later in life, his story is a r...
MN Music Note - Ep22 - Blue Rain - 40 Years, One Friendship, Hundreds of Songs: The Story Behind Blue Rain
In this episode, two lifelong musicians share the story behind their decades-long collaboration, from high school songwriting sessions to producing hundreds of original songs and evolving with the music industry along the way.K...
MN Music Note - Ep 21 - Scott Otis - The Rhythm of Life: Scott Otis' Musical Journey
SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Scott Otis, a talented drummer from Minnesota, shares his musical journey, influences, and experiences in the music scene. He discusses his transition from playing guitar to drums, the nuances...
MN Music Note - Ep20 - Nate Burge - The Journey of a Minnesota Drummer
In this conversation, Nate Burge, a seasoned drummer from the Minnesota music scene, shares his journey through music, from his first gig at a young age to his current projects and collaborations. He discusses the importance of live performance...
MN Music Note - Ep19 - Nate Gerard - From Party Pranks to Music Passion
In this engaging conversation, Nate Gerard shares his journey from college life to adulthood, reflecting on the perceptions of aging, the changing trends in alcohol consumption among younger generations, and the power of music in building commu...
MN Music Note - Ep18 - Johnny Williams - The Art of Storytelling in Music
In this episode of the Minnesota Music Note, Will engages with Johnny Williams who shares insights into their journey in music, influences, and the vibrant local music scene. They discuss the importance of storytelling in songwriting, the exper...
.jpg)
MN Music Note - Ep17 - Beth Norris Hill - Star Struck
SummaryIn this episode of the Minnesota Music Note, Beth shares her journey through the music scene, discussing her various projects, including her original music and the formation of her new band, MegaBeth. She reflects on the ch...
MN Music Note - Ep16 - Jon Stunn Magnuson - Music is Life
This conversation explores the musical journey of Jon Stunn Magnuson, delving into his early influences, the rise of his band Avalanche, and the evolution of the local metal scene. The discussion also covers his experiences with various bands, ...
.jpg)
MN Music Note - Ep15 - Mad Mike - Don't Steal the Fries
In this episode Will engages in a lively conversation with Mike, a local musician and entrepreneur. They discuss Mike's journey into the music scene, starting from his childhood in Fridley, Minnesota, to his experiences with various bands and t...
