Music

So now what?

May 17th, 2017

By Sabrina Hornung and Tom Bixby

When we had the pleasure of catching up with The Shins indie rock mastermind James Mercer, the band was in Virginia. Featured in the movie “Garden State” in 2004, their single “New Slang” was endorsed by Natalie Portman’s character as a song that would “change your life.” 13 years and five albums later they’re bigger and better than ever with a few new tricks up their sleeves.

HPR: When did you develop your musical…

Locals unite!

May 10th, 2017

To the outside world, Fargo, ND is possibly thought as nothing more than a boring, redneck infested, frozen tundra, or a flyover between coasts. In other circles, we are likely thought of as violent, odd speaking caricatures of Midwesterners because of how we’re portrayed in modern pop culture thanks to THAT little movie and tv series you may have heard of. Most will not think of us as a growing epicenter for artistic expression, but this is swiftly becoming the reality. Locals on…

What makes a band a band

May 3rd, 2017

The Human Element of Fargo started off as a cover band by the name of Matty J and Friends in the winter of 2014. Originally the band only consisted of three members -- Matt Johnson, Andrew Overby, and Seth Holden.

But then they played a gig with Kari Marie Steen and everything just fell into place. The group became a new band with their own original sound and now they have their debut album coming out May 5.

I was able to sit down with them and talk about their experiences with the band…

Sidestreet Jam: 2003 reunion show

April 26th, 2017

By Sabrina Hornung and Tom Bixby sabrina@hpr1.com

Going back in time for one night only, the Sidestreet Grille presents a powerfully nostalgic show. You’ll remember where you were and what you shouldn’t have done!

And how to describe Pat Lenertz? Congenial and approachable, a staple and a stalwart of the music scene, producer and organizer, and all-around good citizen. We were lucky to run into him!

High Plains Reader: How long has the reunion been in the works?

Pat Lenertz: I had the…

Pump up the juice

April 19th, 2017

High Plains Reader: Jucifer is incredible and unique for so many reasons, one being your longevity as you’ve been around since the early 90s, known for your never-ending tour schedule and decibel-crushing, high octane performances juxtaposed with quieter Americana-infused songs. What advice do you have for musicians who are just starting out - about finding their sound, niche, and audience?

Amber Gazelle Valentine: First of all, thank you! And really, the main thing I want to tell…

D Mills & the Thrills talk writing, their new album, and sensuality

April 19th, 2017

High Plains Reader: Can we start by talking about finding your beginnings in music, how you guys got started?

Diane Miller: I grew up with pop music, as a little kid, always was drawn to it. I guess I got my start rapping in college. I’ve always been able to rap, had the ability to do it.

HPR: Freestyling or putting it together first?

DM: Writing. A tiny bit in high school, but then I got my start writing in college. But I could always rap over a track that I liked, since I was very…

Township

April 12th, 2017

I'm currently in the back of a hot, cramped van driving through the middle of nowhere, Kansas, with the Wisconsin indie rock band Township.

Matt Weinberger, their guitarist, is driving and choosing the music (it's Alistair Hennessy right now). Nicki Halverson, (vocals) is playing Breath of the Wild on his Nintendo Switch, something he has been doing pretty much this whole tour. Ben Wittlinger (bass) is staring out the window watching the countless corn and cattle farms go by. Andy…

Knuckle Puck to play all ages show

April 12th, 2017

Nobody knew what happened at first. Pop punk group Knuckle Puck began playing the final song of their set at So What Fest in Dallas, TX when their vocalist Joe Taylor disappeared off the front of the stage. I was standing off to the side of the stage so I was able to see him being carried away from the stage with a trail of blood following him. With a quick "thank you" spoken into the microphone, the remaining members of the band dropped their instruments mid-song and rushed offstage to…

Spring is a riot in the orchestra

April 12th, 2017

Even though the intention of the 2016-2017 season was to create a more “down to earth” and “personal” experience than the “blockbuster”-themed prior season, it has still been quite the adventure. Whether it was the amazing pieces of music, guest performers galore, or the return of Mr. Peter Schickele, AKA PDQ Bach, to watch his own newly commissioned work performed by his hometown orchestra, this season offered more than its share of excitement.

And now that this season draws…

Party on with Gorgatron

April 12th, 2017

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to interview local metal band Brutalur about one of their upcoming concerts. Their guitarist Nathan ‘Natanic’ Pehler gave me the great idea to get more exposure for other local heavy metal acts. Recently I had the opportunity to do just that as I sat down with three of the four members of Gorgatron at Duffy’s.

Gorgatron is slated to perform at the Aquarium on April 20 with Brutalur, Benefactor, and Jucifer in what’s sure to be an…