Quietdrive

Quietdrive is a Minneapolis based punk/pop/rock band. Quietdrive is made up of Kevin Truckenmiller supplying the vocals and frontman presence of the band, Matt Kirby plays guitar and sings backup vocals, Justin Bonhiver is another guitarist, Droo Hastings plays bass and the band is kept in sync by drummer Brandon Lanier. Quietdrive has been a busy band as they have performed over 900 shows since 2005. Kevin Truckenmiller comments on Quietdrive's website (to visit the official website click here) that "We never had more than 3 consecutive days off while touring on our last record, and there were days where we did 4 performances, starting at the radio station at 7 AM and ending at 11 PM at a club show." Quietdrive's determination and work ethic has led to over 60,000 record sales on their debut album "When All That's Left Is You." 

Quietdrives first album "When All That's Left Is You" is a good example of the bands punk/pop/rock style. A review from emotionalpunk.com states that "Quietdrive is able to slightly distinguish themselves above the rest with music that sticks to your ribs." This rib sticking goodness is what has led to success for the band. Quietdrive also helps to distinguish themselves in the often cliche and repetitive genre of punk music by being diverse in their artistry with softer ballads such as "Rush Together" and "I Lie Awake." This diversity in song writing and musical ability has helped keep Quietdrive's fans coming back for more. 

In the fall of 2008 Quietdrive released it's second album called "Deliverance." The band states on their website that they plan to dedicate another year to touring and they embarked on their 9th national tour this past fall and are currently over seas on an international tour. As Quietdrive continues to promote their music both nationally and internationally they are sure to have a crowd of fans in Minneapolis ready and waiting to give them a warm welcome home. 

Below is a music video from Quietdrive, the song is called "Rise From The Ashes" and is found on Quietdrives first album "When All That's Left Is You." To visit Quietdrives myspace click here.

Mainstay

The Minneapolis based rock band "Mainstay" started from humble beginnings as the four piece group composed of front man Justin Anderson, drummer Ryan DeYounge, guitarist Scott Campbell and bassist Dan Ostebo started as a suburban garage band. However, the band matured into a respectable local band while they were all in college and released their first album "Well Meaning Fiction." After some initial success with their first album "Mainstay" went back into the studio to record and release their sophomore album "Become Who You Are" in the fall of 2007. 

John DiBiase of jesusfreakhideout.com reviewed "Mainstay"'s most recent album "Become Who You Are." A highlight from the review comes near the end as DiBiase states that "Become Who You Are" is undeniably more daytime pop radio friendly, with a little rock thrown in for good measure, but the honesty and sincerity the guys brought with their debut is what will make this particular pop album stand out from the rest. Fans may or may not accept the band's new direction, but for what they've set out to accomplish with "Become Who You Are," Mainstay is holding true, not just to who they feel most comfortably being, but also to who they feel God is calling them to become." To read the whole review click here. 

"Mainstay" focuses on writing about the struggles of life and the hope that they have in Christ. As they take their music to the masses they are constantly aware that they are nothing without Christ. Frontman Justin Anderson comments on the bands myspace that "If we're going to do this, it has to be about God, about the deeply intimate relationship we're experiencing. Otherwise, it's not worth it." It is refreshing as a Christian to hear words and thoughts like these from a rock band because those types of ideas are rare amongst the often self-gratifying and individualized culture of rock and roll bands. 

Below is a music video from "Mainstay" off of their first album, the song is called "This Could Be." 

Backstories

According to Websters dictionary the phrase 'back story' means "a story that tells what led up to the main story or plot." If the name "Backstories" doesn't say it all then I don't know what else would. Backstories is a Twin Cities Americana/Folk/Gospel band made up of four passionate and creative guys that love to, well, tell stories of course. 

Backstories is headed by acoustic guitar player and singer David C. Johnson and is backed primarily by electric guitar player and background v

ocal signer Chris Frost. When playing larger live shows Backstories is joined by drummer Matt Decker and bass player Chris Erickson. 

                                              

Playing venues from Starbucks Coffee shops to opening for national touring acts at the Fine Line Music Cafe and to winning the Bethel University Battle of the Bands at club three degrees and even playing the Varsity Theatre Backstories has proven their versatility and ability to stay true to their roots. 

David C. Johnson puts it best as he explains on Backstories myspace that "we really like to tell stories. There is something timeless and endearing about a simple narrative that takes someone from where they were...to where they are. We're in the business of sharing those stories." As you listen to the lyrics of Backstories songs you can feel the emotion, the highs, the lows, the pains, the joys, and in each song you are able to find something that connects with you in your own life and in some sort of magical way seems to bring of all us and all of our stories together, as one. 

To get a glimpse into what Backstories is all about watch the music video below, it was recorded by David C. Johnson and Chris Frost. The song is called "All That History Has Done."

 

Owl City

Owl City is a project by Adam Young of Owatonna Minnesota. Young released his first EP with Owl City in June of 2007 called "Of June." In 2008 Young released a full-length album titled "Maybe I'm Dreaming." Young has other projects such as Port Blue and Swimming With Dolphins. 

Young's most recent album "Maybe I'm Dreaming" received positive reviews from absolutepunk.net. The review states "It is distinctly obvious that Young has potential surpassed by few in his genre, and Maybe I'm Dreaming is an effective portrayal of how Young has progressed. The emotion is almost touchable, and the way 

Owl City picks you up, takes you on a journey of the sky and other surreal and abstract worlds, and then gently

sets you down again, is amazing." To read the whole review click here. 

Owl City is a mix of moving electronica pop beats, catchy loops, metaphorical lyrics and singable melodies that are sugarcoated just enough to keep you coming back for more. 

When Owl City plays live the band consist of Adam Young playing his

keyboard/synth/computer/other various electronica gadgets and the lead vocals. He is joined by Austin Tofte playing keyboard/synth/acoustic guitar/

computer and background vocals. Owl City is

anchored by live drummer Matt Decker. 

I have to admit that ever since I saw Owl City perform live at the Varsity Theater to a sold out crowd on February 13th I haven't been able to stop myself from soaring over to the Owl City Myspace to get my fill.

When it gets down to it Owl City is definitely worth more than just a hoot. 

In Harbour

The local rock, ambient band In Harbour started writing and playing music in the fall of 2007. Their first single "Storms Cloud Break" was made available on their myspace on Christmas day of 2007. The band is made up of four solid and creative musicians headed by front man Brian Seidel (guitars and vocals) and supported by Andrew Schiblla (guitar), Tommy Knautz (Drums) and Andy Frost (Bass). 

In the fall of 2008 the band put out their firs

t EP titled "The hardest part is learning to swim." the EP received a strong review from absolutepunk.net. According to absolutepunk.net "It's no surprise that In Harbour is seeing glimpses of bigger things. With barley a year under their belts, this group of youngsters shows a boatload of promise." Click on the absolutepunk.net link above to read the whole review. 

In Harbour has shared the stage with other local Twin Cities bands such as Red Fox Grey Fox, Backstories, Swimming With Dolphins and Weaver At The Loom. The band also recently reached number one on 97.7 WVOE's "Top 20" for the month of January. 

With a promising future ahead for In Harbour all of us in the Twin Cities should keep our eyes on the horizion for the powerful, passionate and dynamic group that is In Harbour. 

Welcome to the Twin Cities Local Music Blog

The Twin Cities are home to some great music and some huge talent. I hope to express some of my local Twin Cities favorites as well as highlight some of the new up and coming acts. The Twin Cities are home to a great variety of venues and what seems to be an unending amount of talent. The Twin Cities music scene is sure to impress and entertain all.