One of my best friends, Brianna, is a music business major at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. She is the sole reason why I attend all the concerts I do back at home. Being home for less than a week, Brianna and I have already attended one of our favorite local artists’ shows.
It was then that I decided to work with her to come up with our top four must see’s in Minneapolis.
1. Clay Borrell
First, we have Clay Borrell, a singer-songwriter from Minnetonka, Minnesota. Clay recently released his debut EP, “Lifeline.” He is an indie-pop, up-and-coming artist. His well-written songs are relatable to almost anyone’s life.
My favorite, ‘Fair Weather Friend,’ helped me during my times of trying to find my core group of friends. Brianna’s favorite is ‘Sorry for You.’ She wants to send a public apology to all her friends back at Belmont for her obsessive playing of this song for four months straight. I was introduced to him after Brianna first saw him last summer at Time Atlas’ EP release show.
Clay captured Brianna’s attention when he played alone acoustically, making his performance more intimate and giving her a look into his songwriting process. That same summer, she invited me to his next local show. I was impressed by how he was welcoming to everyone during the meet and greet, and his continued support to the other artists by cheering them on from the crowd. At that particular show, he played with a full band. I was able to see he clearly enjoyed what he was doing and his energy transcended into the crowd.
2. Time Atlas
Next is Time Atlas, a band from Minneapolis. The band members are: Grayson DeWolfe, Josh Bening, Kristoff Druva, Adam Feuring, and Aaron Gates. The band has only been around for a year, starting as a group of guys wearing ties and dress slacks under the name ‘Grayson DeWolfe.’
After playing a number of shows together, they decided to make it official and start a project called Time Atlas. Unlike me, who cannot decide on my favorite Time Atlas song, Brianna’s favorite is ‘Too Late.’ They recently re-released an acoustic version their debut EP, ‘Clarity,’ calling it ‘Obscurity’ (free download). Their music is alternative pop. It’s great for whether you want to relax with a cup of coffee/tea or jam out in your car.
3. The Millenium
Thirdly, we have The Millenium, an alternative-pop band from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Although they are technically not from Minneapolis, we have decided to add them to this group because Minneapolis is basically their second home.
The band members are: Kyle Culver, Kyle Featherstone, and Matt Hasenmueller.
They just recently released a new single called ‘Interstates’.
Their songs are well written and poetic-like, allowing listeners to create their own interpretations of the songs. After listening to them for awhile, Brianna’s first time seeing them was in October of 2014 at an Icarus Account Show. My first time seeing them live was this past winter at Quitedrive’s Annual Holiday show. Their energy was contagious and it took me several days to recover.
4. Whosah
Lastly, we have Whosah, a pop band from Minneapolis. The band members are: Spencer Grimes, Dallas Erdahl, Dave Grimes, Mack Grimes, and Nate Flynn.
As usual, I am indecisive and cannot decide which of their songs is my favorite, which speaks strongly about their music. Brianna’s favorite is ‘Forget About It’ from their recent EP ‘Work’. It is an upbeat EP, helping listeners get motivated or endure their workouts.
I have not had the chance to see them live, but Brianna, being a concert addict, has been to a few shows. Brianna has seen them perform so many times, she cannot remember the first time she saw them live. But she can definitely remember their energy and Spencer Grimes dance moves on stage.
If you are ever in Minneapolis, go check out these amazing people. You won’t regret it, I promise!
