The Minnesota Music Note

William McLeod

5.0 (1)
Arts

The Minnesota Music Note podcasts explores the people, places, and things that make up the Minnesota Music scene. It includes interviews with musicians, venue owners, event creators, and other facets of the fantastic music community across Minnesota.

12h ago

MN Music Note - Ep 79 - Finding Their Own Sound with Michelle Hernick and Kelly Jantz

What happens when experienced musicians step outside their comfort zones, try something new, and discover a whole different side of performing? Michelle Hernick and Kelly Jantz join Will to talk about their musical journeys, how they found their way into the Twin Cities music scene, and why having fun and making music their own matters more than getting everything perfect. From playing together in a laundry room during COVID to building multiple bands and taking requests from audiences mid-song, Michelle and Kelly share plenty of stories about the people, experiences, and unexpected opportunities that have shaped their careers. In this episode we talked about: 🎸 How Michelle and Kelly met through Spin Cycle and turned their smaller duo project, Line Dry, into another musical adventure. 🎤 Michelle's journey from community theater and karaoke to performing with bands, finding her voice, and learning to make songs her own. 🎶 Kelly's decades-long music career, including his first band Options Open and the unforgettable experience of opening for Paul Revere and the Raiders at just 18 years old. 🔥 Why they love taking audience requests, experimenting with unexpected songs, and sometimes figuring things out right there on stage. 🤝 How the Minnesota music community has changed over the years, with more collaboration, more opportunities, and musicians helping each other get gigs. 🎵 Their experiences with original music through Record Profits and why they enjoy blending different genres instead of sticking to one sound. ❤️ Their earliest memories of music, the artists who inspired them, and the moments that made them realize music would always be part of their lives. Watch the full episode to hear more of Michelle and Kelly's stories, their experiences in the Minnesota music scene, and why sometimes the best part of playing music is simply having fun doing it! 🚨 Subscribe to the Minnesota Music Note and keep discovering the artists, stories, and music that make Minnesota special. If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special. The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest! Resources: PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/ Email: william@podcastcrew.online
4d ago

MN Music Note - Ep 78 - Original Music & Rock Influences with Caribou Gone

What makes a band stick with original music, and what does it take to find your place in the Twin Cities music scene? In this episode of Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with Brian White and Gerhard Vogel of Caribou Gone to talk about the band, their musical influences, and what keeps them excited about making music. From the story behind their name and how they came together during COVID to their love of rock and creating original songs, we get to know the people behind the music and what drives them to keep playing. The conversation also dives into the Twin Cities music scene, the difference between playing original music and covers, and why supporting local musicians matters. The guys share stories from their musical journeys, talk about what they're working on next, and offer a look at the experiences that come with being part of a local band. In this episode we talked about: How Caribou Gone came together and developed as a bandThe story behind the name Caribou GoneThe musical influences that shaped their sound, including their love of rock and guitarWhy playing original music is so rewarding compared to playing coversWhat makes the Twin Cities music scene specialHow fans can help support local bands by showing up, buying merch, and spreading the wordWhat's ahead for Caribou Gone, including new music, recording, and future shows🎸 Want to get to know Caribou Gone and hear their story in their own words? Watch the full episode of Minnesota Music Note now! 🚨 Subscribe to the Minnesota Music Note and keep discovering the artists, stories, and music that make Minnesota special. If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special. The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest! Resources: PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/ Email: william@podcastcrew.online
6d ago

MN Music Note - Ep 77 - Enter the New Grind with Kat Perkins

What happens when you go from losing your voice to becoming a finalist on NBC’s The Voice, only to discover that the grind of being a musician never really ends? Singer-songwriter Kat Perkins joins the Minnesota Music Note to talk about her incredible journey from a small town in North Dakota to performing on a national stage, and what it takes to keep building a music career long after the spotlight fades. Kat shares how she got her start in music at just five years old, fronted the hard rock band Scarlet Hayes, opened for Bon Jovi, and overcame vocal surgery before landing on Team Adam Levine on The Voice, where she finished in fourth place. She opens up about navigating the pressures of sudden fame, redefining success, balancing original music with the cover gigs that pay the bills, and finding ways to keep live music alive in a world increasingly hooked on social media. Kat also discusses her work inspiring the next generation of musicians through the Rising Star Foundation, her podcast about life after reality television, and why Minneapolis continues to feel like home despite opportunities to pursue music elsewhere. In this episode, we talk about: - Growing up in a musical family in a small North Dakota town - Losing her voice, undergoing vocal surgery, and finding her way back to singing - How a viral video led to her audition for The Voice and a spot on Team Adam Levine - The reality of life after a national television spotlight and learning to redefine success - Why cover gigs often pay the bills while original music remains the passion - How social media is changing attention spans, live performances, and the music industry - Building the next generation of musicians through music camps and the Rising Star Foundation - Kat's podcast, Aftermath: Life After Reality Television, and the stories behind starting over - Why the Twin Cities music scene feels more like a community than a competition Tune in for an honest conversation about the highs, lows, and realities of pursuing music professionally, staying true to yourself, and finding the next opportunity to keep doing what you love. 🚨 Subscribe to the Minnesota Music Note and keep discovering the artists, stories, and music that make Minnesota special. If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special. The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest! Resources: PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/ Email: william@podcastcrew.online
Oct 26

MN Music Note - Ep 76 - The Cyclones: Playing for the Love of Music

What happens when old friends reconnect, pick up their instruments, and discover they still have plenty of rock left in them? In this episode of Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with The Cyclones, a seven-piece classic rock band made up of longtime Anoka connections who reunited about three and a half years ago. From playing music in the early '80s to getting back on stage in their 60s, the guys share how the band came together, how they've grown as musicians, and why the friendships and fun matter more than making it big. We also get into how the Minnesota live music scene has changed over the decades, why local bands face new challenges getting booked and building an audience, and how social media has become an important part of getting noticed. In this episode we talked about: - How The Cyclones came together after decades of friendship and musical history - Getting back on stage in their 60s and rediscovering the fun of playing live - Why practicing individually and showing up prepared makes a huge difference - Memories of the Twin Cities music scene in the '80s and the legendary venues that shaped it - How changing audiences, venue economics, and an oversaturated live music scene affect local bands - Why social media, followers, and audience-building matter more than ever for musicians - Finding the balance between making money, improving as musicians, and enjoying the ride If you love classic rock, Minnesota music history, or hearing stories from musicians who've been doing this for decades, this one's for you. Watch the full episode now and get to know The Cyclones! 🚨 Subscribe to the Minnesota Music Note and keep discovering the artists, stories, and music that make Minnesota special. If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special. The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest! Resources: PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/ Email: william@podcastcrew.online
Oct 23

MN Music Note - Ep 75 - Inside The Flying V, a Safe Space for Young Musicians with Jenn

What happens when a music teacher turns her love for helping kids into a space where young musicians can find their people, play loud, and chase their dreams? In this episode of Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with Jen Van Riper, better known as Miss V, the founder of The Flying V, a youth-centered, straight-edge music venue and nonprofit in Minneapolis. What started with buying instruments for students at Edison High School has grown into a community where young bands can practice, perform, and build their confidence. Miss V shares how The Flying V came to life, how the venue supports young musicians through instrument loans and affordable shows, and why creating a safe, welcoming space matters. With 65 guitars in its inventory, a growing network of local bands, and a community that pitches in to keep things running, The Flying V is helping the next generation of Minnesota musicians find their voice. In this episode, we talked about: - How The Flying V started with a music teacher buying instruments for her students - Creating a safe, substance-free venue where young musicians can perform - How the nonprofit provides instruments and practice space to kids - The young bands who have grown from practicing at The Flying V to touring - Building a music community where teenagers can take ownership - Miss V’s journey as a music teacher, musician, and mentor - The future of The Flying V and its mission to help young musicians thrive Watch the full episode to meet Miss V and get a look inside The Flying V, a space built around giving young musicians the chance to make noise, find community, and have fun doing what they love. 🚨 Subscribe to the Minnesota Music Note and keep discovering the artists, stories, and music that make Minnesota special. If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special. The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest! Resources: PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online The MN Music Note FB Page: / minnesotamusicnote Email: william@podcastcrew.online
Oct 22

MN Music Note - Ep 74 - The Business of Rock ’n’ Roll with Tim Kletti

What does it really take to turn a passion for music into a career that lasts? From touring with a record-deal band in the ’90s to building Rival 5 into one of the Twin Cities’ in-demand live acts, Tim Kletti has learned that being a great musician is only part of the equation. Behind every unforgettable performance are the business decisions, sacrifices, relationships, and relentless planning that make it all happen. In this episode, Tim gets real about the highs and lows of the music industry, stepping away from music for 13 years, finding his way back, and why treating a band like a business can change everything. Plus, he shares how he ended up playing alongside some of his Minnesota rock heroes in Slave Raider and tells the wild story of meeting Motörhead’s Lemmy on his first night in Los Angeles. In this episode, we talked about: - From Small-Town Wisconsin to the Minneapolis Rock Scene: How - - - - - Tim’s early love for KISS and hard rock led him to Minneapolis and landed him a spot in Morticia. - The Reality of Life on the Road: Why the performance is only 10% of the job, the sacrifices touring musicians make, and what happens behind the scenes. - Walking Away from Music for 13 Years: How becoming a husband and father changed Tim’s priorities, and what brought him back to the stage. - Building Rival 5 from the Ground Up: How the band found its unique sound with ’80s pop hits, grew its audience, and became a highly in-demand live act. - Why Musicians Need to Think Like Business Owners: The importance of planning, clear communication, accountability, marketing, and having the right team behind you. - Joining Slave Raider and Playing with His Heroes: How a childhood fan of Minnesota rock found himself sharing the stage with the very musicians he once looked up to. - The Wildest Rock ’n’ Roll Stories: From playing legendary Los Angeles venues to unexpectedly meeting Lemmy at the Rainbow Bar & Grill, Tim shares the experiences that made his journey unforgettable. If you think making it in music is all about talent, think again. 🎸 Tim Kletti pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a lasting career, create opportunities, and keep chasing the dream without losing sight of what matters most. Whether you’re a musician, a music fan, or an entrepreneur trying to build something of your own, this conversation is packed with lessons you won’t want to miss. Watch Episode 74 of The Minnesota Music Note now and discover what happens when rock ’n’ roll meets the business world. 🚨 Subscribe to the Minnesota Music Note and keep discovering the artists, stories, and music that make Minnesota special. If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special. The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest! Resources: PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/ Email: william@podcastcrew.online
Oct 19

MN Music Note - Ep 73 - Behind the Keys: Joe Vitullo’s Life in Music

What happens when music follows you through every stage of life, no matter where you go? Joe Vitullo is a keyboardist and vocalist who has spent decades playing in bands, exploring different genres, recording solo albums, and building connections throughout the music scene. From learning piano as a kid in Philadelphia to playing paid gigs at just 15, Joe's musical journey has taken him through Philadelphia, Dallas, and eventually the Twin Cities, where he continues to perform with bands like Mudcat Melby and collaborate with other local musicians. In this episode, Joe shares how he got his start in music, the stories behind his early gigs, and how he developed a passion for recording and creating his own albums. He also talks about bringing together 12 female lead singers from Twin Cities bands for his album North Star Harmony, the differences between music scenes across the country, and why he appreciates the collaborative spirit of Minnesota musicians. Whether he's playing classic rock, experimenting with different musical styles, or working behind the scenes in his home studio, Joe's story is a reminder that music doesn't have to be your full-time career to be a lifelong passion. In this episode, we talked about: - How Joe discovered his love for music as a kid - Getting his first paid gig at just 15 years old - The unexpected ways he found musicians in different cities - Recording six solo albums and experimenting with different genres - Bringing 12 female vocalists together for North Star Harmony - The differences between the Philadelphia, Dallas, and Twin Cities music scenes - Why the Twin Cities music community feels more collaborative than competitive Watch the full episode of Minnesota Music Note to hear Joe's story and get to know another musician helping shape the Twin Cities music scene. 🚨 Subscribe to the Minnesota Music Note and keep discovering the artists, stories, and music that make Minnesota special. If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special. The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest! Resources: PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/ Email: william@podcastcrew.online
Oct 16

MN Music Note - Ep 72 - From Church Bassist to Rock Stages with Steve Hill

He spent decades playing bass in church. Then, around 2020, he stepped into the local rock scene and never looked back. 🤘 What happens when a lifelong musician finally finds the rock scene he’s been missing? For Steve, it started with an open jam at Mad Mike’s and turned into new bands, lifelong friendships, and even meeting the woman he’d eventually marry. In this episode, we get into Steve’s journey from corporate sales and business ownership to playing with Hellion and the Megabeth Project, his love for ’80s metal and progressive rock, and the surprisingly wild chapter of his life spent street racing. We also get real about the challenges facing local rock bands today, from playing to nearly empty rooms to finding opportunities for the next generation of musicians. If you’ve ever wondered how to find your people through music, there’s a lot to take away from this one. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALKED ABOUT - How Steve went from playing bass in church for decades to rocking out at local open jams. - Why Mad Mike’s became the place where he found his musical community, new opportunities, and lifelong friendships. - The story of how he met Beth through Route 47, eventually leading to marriage and the creation of the Megabeth Project. - His transition from corporate sales and international business travel to owning a metal fabrication company. - His love for ’80s metal, progressive rock, Heart deep cuts, and the technically challenging songs he loves playing. T- he street-racing days that included high-speed runs, a close call, and the moment he decided he was done. - Why local rock bands are struggling to draw crowds and how the live music scene has changed since the ’80s and ’90s. - Where young musicians can find opportunities to play, meet other musicians, and build their place in the local scene. Whether you’re a seasoned musician, a local rock fan, or someone looking for your place in the music community, this conversation is a reminder that it’s never too late to find your next chapter. 🚨 Subscribe to the Minnesota Music Note and keep discovering the artists, stories, and music that make Minnesota special. If you're part of the Minnesota music scene—or know someone with a story worth sharing—we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us and let's shine a spotlight on the artists, bands, venues, and creators that make Minnesota music special. The Minnesota Music Note is always looking for the next great guest! Resources: PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/ Email: william@podcastcrew.online

The Minnesota Music Note podcasts explores the people, places, and things that make up the Minnesota Music scene. It includes interviews with musicians, venue owners, event creators, and other facets of the fantastic music community across Minnesota.

Creator

William McLeod
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

81
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 The Minnesota Music Note
Show Website

The Minnesota Music Note