There's a Reason They Call it "Greater Minnesota" ;p

by Doug MacRostie

This week on Centerstage MN we've got a lot of Northern MN talent to enjoy. We'll be hearing a recording of a concert by Yasen Marie, a 4 piece "hippie pop-rock" band operating out of the Twin Cities. Three of the four members are from Bemidji.

We'll also hear from Sela Oveson, a very talented and unique singer-songwriter from Orr. I've got a copy of her forthcoming, debut release "Rogue Lightning". Plus Uncle Shurley from Bemidji, an organic roots-rock band with a great vibe. And we'll hear from Aurora Baer - she plays a unique style of blues/folk and is one of my newest fav MN musicians.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

I'll Ask, "Why Aren't You Naked on the Cover?"

by Doug MacRostie

The first time I picked up an electric guitar I was 12 years old (I think)...it was my Uncles "Terminator" (that's all I remember of the name, my cousin might remember the brand...it had a built in speaker that got nice and distorted if you turned it up loud enough :D). Back in high school, one of the albums I sat in my room and learned all the songs on was the self-titled Marcy Playground. Not just "Sex and Candy", but amazing tunes like 'A Cloak of Elven Kind" and "Opium" (one of the best songs EVER). The unique sound and style continued to evolve on Shapeshifter (1999) and MP3 (2004). But I think my favorite album from Marcy Playground is the new release Leaving Wonderland...In a Fit of Rage, and I am SO excited to have John Wozniak on Centerstage MN this Thursday night at 6 to talk about it.

Guitarist and singer with Marcy Playground, John Wozniak's songwriting for the Leaving Wonderland...In a Fit of Rage is his most personal to date. Seriously, I want to ask him why he didn't put himself naked on the cover! There is lost love, found love, self-reflection and pure emotion presented with John's trademark soft-yet-intense vocals & melodic music which twists and jumps through life's experiences through the eyes of John. Marcy Playground songs often sound sad, but hopeful; and I'll ask John about his inspiration for songwriting, where the music comes from and what it's like opening yourself up and sharing in such a personal way.

I'll also be talking with Matt Ray and Rich Mattson, founding members of the Iron Range Original Music Association (I.R.O.M.A.), a non-profit group of musicians working to support and promote original music on Minnesota's Iron Range, where there is a blossoming and growing movement of original music.

We'll also hear new music from the Above the Earth EP by If You Will, an alternative rock trio from St. Paul. Their music ranges from hard-edged rock to progressive-roots music, which is why I'll be playing it along with Bemidji's Uncle Shurley, the areas foremost interpretive roots/rock band :D And, I'll play a song from Roma Di Luna's latest release Casting the Bones, a wonderfully unique and orginal form of roots and Americana music. As their website says, "we make new old music." Tune in for this preview of next week's episode, when I talk with Alexei Moon-Cassell from Roma Di Luna.

And here is a little exciting news for you (or ME)! Most of my interview with The Brothers Burn Mountain has been published in American Songwriter - a 25 year old national publication :D, how cool is that?!?! A BIG thanks to Brian Skinness from Terrapin Station for writing the article and originally introducing me to The Brothers Burn Mountain - an exceptional experimental duo.

If you missed it last week, click the links to hear live music and conversation with Amy & Adams, and Les Crawford talking about EvTAP (Eveleth Venues in Technology, Art and Performance).

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Turn It Up 'Til the Guitars Vibrate In Your Head!!!

by Doug MacRostie

This Thursday evening at 6 on Centerstage MN I'll have an extended conversation with Rich Mattson and Tony Derrick of The Tisdales, an all out rock band from Sparta, MN. We'll be talking about their debut release "Bakers Dozen" which is 14 songs of sing-along choruses, blazing guitars and a general "lets rock" attitude... LOVE IT! Rich Mattson has been playing music in MN for over 20 years and was a founding member of both The Glenrustles and Ol' Yeller and also performs with The Bitter Spills. He also has had a recording studio going since the mid-90's down in the Twin Cities, which is now re-located to an old church in Sparta, MN on the Iron Range. Tony Derrick is from Duluth and played with the Hotel Coral Essex and Giljunko before joining forces with Mattson for The Tisdales. We'll hear one from Rich's solo album and a song from Hotel Coral Essex before the conversation with The Tisdales. Be sure to turn it up, these songs sound the best at high volumes. It's like Rich said, "I just like turning up the guitar really loud & that feeling you get when it's ear-splittingly cranked...I love that feeling."

I'll also be playing Meredith Fierke from her debut solo release "The Procession." Her music is a mix of of alternative, rock, and old-world murder ballads.

And we'll hear from Stellar Echoes, the lastest record from Uncle Shurley out of Bemidji. They'll bring their unique style of roots-rock to KAXE's Annual Meeting and Dance. The meeting and potluck starts at 4 and is free. It's $10 for the Uncle Shurley concert, KAXE members get a $5 discount and the concert starts at 7pm under the Rotaty Tent at KAXE's Amphitheater on the north bank of the Mississippi River in downtown Grand Rapids. This is definitely a performance not to miss!!!

Next week my guest will be The Brothers Burn Mountain for some live music from the KAXE Studios before they kick off the northern MN branch of their midwest tour (they are actually out of WI, but have spent time in MN and it will be a blast having them back on Centerstage MN :D).

You can read more on my blog: myspace.com/macedelic.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evening's at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Full Speed Ahead w Two Many Banjos!!!

by Doug MacRostie

Thursday night at 6 on Centerstage MN on KAXE I'll be talking with Marc Gartman, lead songwriter, singer and banjo player with Two Many Banjos out of Duluth. Their new CD is called "Can't Slow Me Down" and TMB continue to push the limits of bluegrass/folk music. It's their 4th CD in 2 years (with another due out later this year) and Marc's songwriting is in full stride with "Can't Slow Me Down." Marc has been on Centerstage MN a couple times before and he always has interesting/entertaining things to say about his music.

And, Heidi will tell the story of taking Alex Kelly (from StoryCorp) to Hibbing to meet one of Bob Dylan's earliest influences, BJ Rolfzen.

I've also got new music from Clawthroat, The Magic Castles and The Darbuki Kings:

From Grand Rapids, Joseph Downing is the singer and guitarist with Clawthroat and he'll join me in studio next week to talk about their new EP "Know Yr Roots" - and I asked him to bring his guitar along and the word on the street is he'll debut a brand new song LIVE for us next week! w00t!

The Magic Castles first CD, "The Lore of Mysticore" was a self-produced, self-released dirge into psychedelic rock - some of it more slow-moving than others, all over it floating out at the limits of musical-space, and I am glad to say nothing has been lost with their sophomore release "Dreams of Dreams of Dreams." In fact, I think they've only gotten better! While the songs may be a little shorter and the hooks a little clearer, they stuck with their unique sound and presentation and took it to another level! These guys screen their own album covers on recycled paper board by hand, and there is definitely a high level of art and presentation beyond the music.

The Darbuki Kings new CD is called "Been Laden You Too Long." Antone and Adnan are at it again, connecting with the inner rhythms of the universe and using them to transport their listeners through the cosmos with multiple world drums, Bouzouki and Octave Mandolins, Indian Tabla and Flutes and more. I leave their connection with Boiled In Lead for you to figure out ;)

Oh, and I'll be starting the show off with the title track to Uncle Shurley's debut CD "in Bemidji" from back in 2005. Uncle Shurley will be performing at KAXE's Annual Meeting and Dance on Saturday, June 6th. The Potluck Diner and Meeting starts at 4 and is free, the Uncle Shurley concert starts at 7p and is just $5 for members of KAXE, or $10 for the general public. This is going to be f***ing awesome, be sure to come out and enjoy!

Centerstage MN is Thursday evening's at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Stellar Echoes reverberating through northern MN

by Doug MacRostie

This week on Centerstage MN (Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live at KAXE.org) I'll be joined in the studio by Norwood Hall and Caleb Fricke of the Bemidji experimental rock band Uncle Shurley.

Uncle Shurley's latest CD "Stellar Echoes" was recorded at Gary Burger's Studios in Turtle River, and it's a great album from cover to cover. Their interpretive style and experimental flare, along with creative melodies and vocals, combine to create unique and engaging tunes to move to. With songs like USS AAA, Kellers and Ghost in the Machine, it's sure to be some interesting conversation.

Just a reminder that this will be during KAXE's Stay Warm Fundraiser. We're an independent radio station and our single largest source of funding is from listeners just like you - so you haven't pledged yet, you can show your support for local music by pledging during Centerstage MN.