MSPtv Quarantine Sessions
Being a musician is tough right now. With no gigs booked for the foreseeable future, and the ones artists had planned either cancelled or postponed, it might be a while before we can congregate at a concert again.
That's why we're launching a new channel on our IGTV to continue promoting the work of our scene's talent, even if we all are stuck at home. We'll be sharing songs recorded from local musicians practicing social distancing, in the hope that even while we're apart, we can stick together.
Consider donating to the Twin Cities Music Community Trust or the Springboard for the Arts emergency relief fund, tipping an out-of-work bartender for a drink, and using the artists' links below to offer support and buy music and merch to keep our music community thriving.
The Trappistines
Watch The Trappistines perform their song "Everything" while apart from each other.
Tapes 'n Tapes
Watch Josh Grier of the indie-rock band Tapes 'n Tapes perform a cover of Elvis Presley's "If I Can Dream"
Humbird
Join Humbird, the moniker of folk musician Siri Undlin, around the campfire as she sings the tender "On the Day We Are Together Again."
Lazenlow
Lazenlow perform a cover of the Dirty Vegas song "Days Go By."
Dosh
Martin Dosh covers Peter Gabriel's instrumental and percussive "Lead a Normal Life."
Lady Lark
Lady Lark's song "Right Kind of Love" radiates warmth and joy with healing energy.
Mark Mallman
The Minneapolis musician of happiness brings a ray of light with his new song "Peace on Earth."
Gully Boys
From the porch, watch Kathy from Gully Boys perform an acoustic version of the band's song "Neopet Graveyard."
John Swardson
From his kitchen, the Americana-folk artist John Swardson plays his acoustic song "A Million Butterflies" off his upcoming record.
Yam Haus
Watch Yam Haus, the guitar-pop band from Hudson, WI, perform their sunny new single "wOw!"
Lady Midnight
Bandcamp | Facebook | Night Stone
Lady Midnight serenades us with "Echo Love," her song with the collaborative project of Lazerbeak and ICETEP called Night Stone that has a new album out May 15.
Lunch Duchess
The band Lunch Duchess covered the Pixies' "Where Is My Mind" keeping social distance in the backyard.
Dwynell Roland
MN rapper @DwynellRoland waxes lyrical about the "Good Life," spitting fire in the process.
PaviElle French
We can all use music to raise our spirits. Thankfully, PaviElle French is here to deliver with her soulful song "Disbelief".
Dessa & Lott
Website | Dessa Venmo | Lott Venmo
Singer, rapper, and writer Dessa graces us with a fiery rendition of her song "5 out of 6" with some help from Lott (who's also her neighbor down the hallway). On Thursdays at 7:45 cst, check out Dessa's Instagram for her weekly Show of Force Majeure, featuring live readings and music. Dress code: cocktail attire from the waist up.
Monica LaPlante
Minneapolis garage pop artist Monica LaPlante performs a drum machine assisted version of her song "Tinted Light".
David Huckfelt
Website | Kickstarter | Paypal | Venmo
David Huckfelt, the singer behind The Pines and the father of a newborn who came into this world in the midst of a pandemic, graces us with "Better to See the Face Than to Hear the Name," bringing us together in isolation.
Ranelle LaBiche
Bandcamp | Paypal: ellepfmusic@gmail.com | Venmo
A certified music therapist, Ranelle LaBiche leads the "orchestral art-rock" band Elle PF and plays the keys in Lunch Duchess. Here she is performing "Don't Think Too Much" off Elle PF's forthcoming record.
Invisible Boy
Invisible Boy is the project of Chris Bierden, who also plays the bass for Poliça. He's performing a dreamy rendition of his song "Boat of Gold," fit for a backdrop in Twin Peaks.
Katy Vernon
Website | Paypal: katyvernon@gmail.com | Venmo
The coronavirus crisis hits especially close to home for the ukulele songbird of the Twin Cities Katy Vernon. Her oldest brother in London is dealing with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and is in quarantine. She says, "He’s doing okay thankfully but it is of course a stressful and sad situation. I’m so grateful to live in a supportive community, and to have working internet, and a sensible Governor. We will emerge from this more compassionate I believe and hopefully the losses can be minimized. It’s such an overwhelmingly difficult time for everyone." She's also been performing live on her Instagram and Facebook at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Chris Koza
Americana artist Chris Koza has a voice that's both gentle and reassuring for what we're collectively experiencing. The singer-songwriter performed a more stripped-down take on "Shoulder to Shoulder Around the Fire" from his band Rogue Valley's catalogue, a song with a soothing reminder that we still have each other in times of uncertainty. His last release, Sleepwalkers part 1 from last year, is the peaceful first chunk of a forthcoming double album that can keep your ears at ease.
Lazerbeak
Aaron Mader, the Doomtree CEO/jack-of-all-trades who works as Lazerbeak, made his last album Luther with relieving stress in mind. Needless to stay, it's required listening for the times, in addition to his Tuesdays with Lazerbeak Podcast about wellness and mental health. Watch him perform a cheery acoustic cover of "Get Back Up Again" from the Trolls soundtrack (originally performed by Anna Kendrick) with a little help from his kids.
