Spotlight on Twin Cities Indie Music Press
Get to know some of the dedicated music lovers in the Twin Cities working hard to support our local scene.
Minneapolis and Saint Paul have strong music coverage via larger outlets (The Current, MPR, Star Tribune, Pioneer Press). But there’s also a thriving culture of indie journalists (including yours truly) providing coverage and promotion to our rich local music scene. We thought we’d turn the spotlight on them for a change!
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How’d you get into this?
We’re two friends who were missing each other and live music in lockdown, and we wanted a creative project where we could express our love of music and maybe help artists in the process.
Why do you do it?
Promoting and supporting artists, discovering new music, and connecting with other music fans is so fulfilling and exciting.
What’s your day job?
Carol Roth is a full-time marketing copywriter and Jaclyn Nott is a full-time grant writer and freelance web designer.
Media: Show & record reviews, artist interviews, concert pics & video on social media, podcast, performance videos, events calendar
Genres: Americana (broadly defined; includes country, folk, bluegrass, blues, singer-songwriter, and some rock and R&B)
Geography: Mainly the Midwest, especially Twin Cities (but not exclusively)
Platforms: Music Distillery blog, Smouse in the House podcast, North Country Song Sessions videos, Events Calendar, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
Years in the Biz: Nearly 2 years
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How’d you get into this?
A longtime fan; my partner introduced me to some of her musician friends.
Why do you do it?
For my own art, and to contribute what I can to the music scene.
What’s your day job?
I sell camera and video gear; decades in the industry.
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How’d you get into this?
I've always just been a concert junkie and have had a passion for creative writing so I honestly just kind of fell into it.
Why do you do it?
For the love of music and to give smaller bands some press when larger outlets wouldn't bat their eye at them.
What’s your day job?
This is it! Well, this and I own a booking company where I book shows and tours across the country!
Media: Show reviews, interviews, social media
Genres: All of them, but my favorites are metal or nostalgic pop-punk shows
Geography: Mostly the Midwest but looking to expand throughout the country!
Platforms: Girl at the Rock Shows, Facebook, Patreon, Instagram, Twitter, Buy Me a Coffee
Years in the Biz: 5+
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How’d you get into this?
I’ve always liked local music and wanted a way to (hopefully) contribute.
Why do you do it?
I think it’s important to spread the word. Minnesota is so lucky having so much talent. I think it’s really cool people work day jobs but still find the time to practice and play.
What’s your day job?
I’ve been in public safety for 26 years.
Media: Concert photography shared via social media
Genres: I’m pretty eclectic. I love punk rock but am a fan of just about any genre.
Geography: Twin Cities
Platforms: Instagram
Years in the Biz: Just a few months, since I started getting into photography (but I’ve been going to shows for a long time)
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How’d you get into this?
Took up photography in 1977. Brought camera to Iggy Pop concert that year. Shot Ramones and Lou Reed in 78 and started shooting photos of local bands at Longhorn Bar (The Suburbs, Flamingo, Hypstrz)
Why do you do it?
Enjoy trying to get shots capturing the emotion of performers. Kind of a natural high for me when I’m in that zone.
What’s your day job?
Retired
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How’d you get into this?
I've always wanted to be involved in the creation of music growing up. Going to IPR (Institute of Production & Recording) sparked my journey. Getting into photography and writing came down the road. A close friend shared that Music in Minnesota was looking for support and I dove right in.
Why do you do it?
Experiencing live music and watching the development of local artists is fulfilling. I enjoy uncovering the stories, the connections, and feeling like my voice can help their voices be heard and seen.
What’s your day job?
I have a full-time job with an audio-visual company providing services to events.
Media: Concert & portrait photography, show & record reviews, artist interviews
Genres: All genres, with a focus on folk, bluegrass, Americana, pop and singer-songwriters
Geography: Twin Cities (but have covered music throughout Minnesota)
Platforms: Music in Minnesota, The Mojo of Music, Smouse House Photography, Smouse in the House podcast, Instagram, Facebook
Years in the Biz: 17+ (5 as music photographer/writer)
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How’d you get into this?
Like most people, as a fan...I grew up loving/playing music and making mix tapes. When I went to Oberlin College, the first thing I did was apply for a radio show on WOBC and I got one -- hosting a women's folk/acoustic show. The rest is history!
What’s your day job?
EFS Publicity
Media: Podcast, radio, social media
Genres: Folk, Americana, acoustic, blues, bluegrass, old-time, country, Celtic, Cajun, indie, global roots
Geography: The whole dang world but love to spotlight MN music!
Platforms: Womenfolk Radio, Facebook; Back Catalog Listening Party (with Anthony Ihrig), Facebook, Instagram; Ellen Stanley Twitter, Instagram
Years in the Biz: 25
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How’d you get into this?
Always been a music fan and wanted to capture some of the thrill of music performances through images. I've been lucky to have seen and photographed a lot of bands over the years and still not have to work on a deadline. lol!
Why do you do it?
I am always interested in the emotional side of music performance and get personal satisfaction from capturing that emotion in images. For the most part I do not work for any publication but provide images to artists/bands if they request them. It's also thrilling to see a new band that is not well known doing a great set.
What’s your day job?
Until recently I worked in the advertising and print industries.
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How’d you get into it?
Always been super into music and going to shows. Started the page as soon as I got a phone that took relatively decent video of live performances.
Why do you do it?
It's a pure passion project. I find it profoundly interesting to document and promote the local music scene of Minneapolis. The UnderCurrentMPLS YouTube Channel has over 5000 videos of twin cities performances spanning over a decade, and I love being able to add to this extraordinarily robust archive!
What’s your day job?
I am an audio/visual technician for company conferences and events.
Media: Concert photos & videos, frequently updated show calendar, daily show promos on socials
Genres: No rules! But it mostly ends up being punk, alternative, rock, metal, etc.
Geography: Minneapolis/St. Paul and surrounding area
Platforms: UnderCurrentMPLS Show List, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram
Years in the Biz: 11+
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How’d you get into this?
Moved back to Minneapolis and wanted to get reacquainted with the area, events and music scene. Concerts gave me a way to work on my photography skills.
Why do you do it?
Meet new people and potential business contacts. See new venues. Connect with performers and sharing media with them of their events. Enhance photo skills while enjoying music.
What’s your day job?
Financial area for a corporate training company
