%s1 / %s2

Playlist: Doug MacRostie's Portfolio

 Credit:

I'm like a ninja...but with audio. Here are recent samples of my production both independent and for 91.7 KAXE...

Featured

The Binary Boys Review Petz Saddle Club for the PSP

From Doug MacRostie | Part of the The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review series | 04:35

Get ready for girl oriented happiness...we're grooming and trotting with Petz Saddle Club

Saddle_club_pspboxart_160w_small The Binary Boys are aired regularly on the 91.7 KAXE Morning Show, Monday morning's at 7:55, between Local Sports and NPR Headlines.

Sela Oveson, from Orr, on Centerstage MN

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 24:02

Following your dreams and embracing your passion is something all of us should do - whether you wish you could build your own home or learn to play cribbage, it's never too late. Sela Oveson didn't pursue her dream of being a "rock star" until she was somewhere around 30 and in the last two years has been defining herself as a unique, talented and emotional songwriter and performer. [a video is available]

Csmn-sela-oveson_small Following your dreams and embracing your passion is something all of us should do - whether you wish you could build your own home or learn to play cribbage, it's never too late. Sela Oveson didn't pursue her dream of being a "rock star" until she was somewhere around 30 and in the last two years has been defining herself as a unique, talented and emotional songwriter and performer. Born and raised in the wilderness of Orr, MN, Sela spent much of her childhood enjoying music. The music scene in Northern MN is a much better place since she embraced her creativity. Her voice is powerful and her songs meaningful. She sings in a unique style that can carry you away to the heart of her music, and I am very excited to have her joining me in-studio for some live music and conversation this Thursday night at 6 on Centerstage MN. Seriously, you're going to love this! Sela is performing as part of Iron Range Original Music Association's Winter Warmer on Sat. Feb 27th at Mac's Bar in Mt. Iron along with Mike Drianis, Aaron Kertcher, Mojosaurus Blues band, Swingdogs and more all getting started at 5pm.

The Binary Boys Review Dragon Age: Origins

From Doug MacRostie | Part of the The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review series | 04:46

Join the magical medieval fighting force...(doesn't that sound like a Beatles song?) - this combines Final Fantasy, Oblivion and books... but fun? LISTEN!

Dragon_age_small The Binary Boys are aired regularly on the 91.7 KAXE Morning Show, Monday morning's at 7:55, between Local Sports and NPR Headlines.

The Binary Boys Review Wet

From Doug MacRostie | Part of the The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review series | 04:35

Wet is a vengence-for-money Kill Bill clone...except she's got dark hair. This series is available both pre-intro'd - or with just intro music and a locally read intro, just ask!

Wet_small w000t

MN Psychedelic/Indie Rockers Jake Dilley and the Color Pharmacy on Centerstage MN

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | 35:48

We talk with Jake Dilley of Jake Dilley and the Color Pharmacy about their new psychedelic/indie EP "DeTour."

Cd-jake-dilley-detour_small Centerstage MN shocases the talents of MN musicians.

The Binary Boys Review Linger in Shadows

From Doug MacRostie | Part of the The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review series | 06:10

Linger in Shadows is one of the best arguments to say that video games can be art...but what the hell is going on?

Linger_in_shadows_small This is an example of The Binary Boys during the 91.7 KAXE Morning Show, Monday morning's at 7:55, between Local Sports and NPR Headlines.

The 3rd Annual SisterSong with Shannon Murray

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 16:17

Bemidji singer, songwriter and community organizer Shannon Murray on the 3rd Annual SisterSong: A Celebration of Women and Their Music, March 27th at Wild Rose in Bemidji.

Sistersong_small Showcasing many area musicians, the event is also a fundraiser for a scholarship by the same time. Sister Song is Sat. March 27th at the Wild Rose Theater in Bemidji, starting at 6:43pm. Performers include Annie Humphrey, Brenda Weiler, Yasen Marie, Caleigh, Hattie Peterson and many more. Get more info at myspace.com/sistersongbemidji.

Chisholm's High Drama Blues on Centerstage MN

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 24:41

When I was told, "I'll be bringing a digital piano," to the session for Centerstage MN, I thought it was a fancy way to say "keyboard." Nope. I'll be joined in-studio by High Drama Blues for some live music and conversation this Thursday night at 6 - and it's a REAL digital piano!

From Chisholm, HDB is an original and intricate blues & rock band. In-studio I'll have Gina Nordquist in vocals, Rob Wheeler on guitar and harmonica and Marty Halverson on digital piano and accordion. Their self-titled debut release was recorded at on the Iron Range at Sparta Sound by Rich Mattson - it's a great CD, but there is an energy to them when they play live that you'll want to hear.

Highdramablues1_small Having met at Open Mic nights, HDB started working on original material right away, with Gina writing the lyrics and songs coming from impromptu jam sessions. The music is great and the vocals powerful. They are part of I.R.O.M.A., The Iron Range Original Music Association. Rob Wheeler has been heard on the show before with both The Wheeler Dealers and the Gypsy Prophets. They have a good thing going and it'll be a lot of fun to have them on Centerstage MN.

John Wozniak of Marcy Playground on Centerstage MN

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 33:36

The first time I picked up an electric guitar I was 12 years old (I think)...it was my Uncles "Terminator" (that's all I remember of the name, my cousin might remember the brand...it had a built in speaker that got nice and distorted if you turned it up loud enough :D). Back in high school, one of the albums I sat in my room and learned all the songs on was the self-titled Marcy Playground.

Marcyplayground_cd_small The first time I picked up an electric guitar I was 12 years old (I think)...it was my Uncles "Terminator" (that's all I remember of the name, my cousin might remember the brand...it had a built in speaker that got nice and distorted if you turned it up loud enough :D). Back in high school, one of the albums I sat in my room and learned all the songs on was the self-titled Marcy Playground. Not just "Sex and Candy", but amazing tunes like 'A Cloak of Elven Kind" and "Opium" (one of the best songs EVER). The unique sound and style continued to evolve on Shapeshifter (1999) and MP3 (2004). But I think my favorite album from Marcy Playground is the new release Leaving Wonderland...In a Fit of Rage, and I am SO excited to have John Wozniak on Centerstage MN to talk about it.

Guitarist and singer with Marcy Playground, John Wozniak's songwriting for the Leaving Wonderland...In a Fit of Rage is his most personal to date. Seriously, I want to ask him why he didn't put himself naked on the cover! There is lost love, found love, self-reflection and pure emotion presented with John's trademark soft-yet-intense vocals & melodic music which twists and jumps through life's experiences through the eyes of John. Marcy Playground songs often sound sad, but hopeful; and I'll ask John about his inspiration for songwriting, where the music comes from and what it's like opening yourself up and sharing in such a personal way.

Pat Surface, from Ely, about "Holy Wind" on Centerstage MN

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 17:21

Pat Surface has been creating music in Northern MN for over 30 years and his new CD with The Boundary Water Boys is called Holy Wind - an album inspired by Pat's deep spiritual beliefs with a mix of original and interpreted material.

Csmn-holywind_small Pat Surface has been creating music in Northern MN for over 30 years and his new CD with The Boundary Water Boys is called Holy Wind - an album inspired by Pat's deep spiritual beliefs with a mix of original and interpreted material. What got my attention right away about this CD was the integration of Pat's religious beliefs with some classic songs. How do you feel about Bob Marley re-written to sing, "Stir it up...for Jesus, Stir it up..."? I got beaned by that curve ball... But when I told some of my co-workers about the concept of this album and some of the unexpected twists, Bob Dylan's "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" with the words of "Amazing Grace" got the most riled up response. Mark Tarner said, "what ever happened to 'Thou shalt not bear false witness'?" I'll ask Pat about these "holy-oldies" this week on Centerstage MN, Thursday night at 6. And I'll be talking with John Wozniak of Marcy Playground.

The Urban Hillbilly Quartet on Centerstage MN

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 26:52

Erik Brandt and the Urban Hillbilly Quartet are a St. Paul based Americana roots-rock band who just released their 7th album, "Bring in the Sails," after starting as a jam session back in 1995.

Csmn-uhq-2_small
Erik Brandt and the Urban Hillbilly Quartet are a St. Paul based Americana roots-rock band who just released their 7th album, "Bring in the Sails," after starting as a jam session back in 1995. Their music ranges from traditionally influenced Americana to modern rock, often blending these and other styles together for a unique and engaging, story-driven presentation. They've also been traveling with a projector and artist doing live and original art during performances - making this the first time a multi-media presentation is being performed on Centerstage MN in the air-studio.

Willie Murphy

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 37:31

We be talk with MN Legend Willie Murphy about his latest CD “A Shot of Love in a Time of Need.”

Willie Murphy helped define the sound of blues and R&B in the 60’s and 70’s with Willie and The Bees and Willie and the Angel Headed Hipsters

Williemurphy_small
Willie Murphy is one of the most influential musicians ever from Minnesota; he was one of the original three Charter Members of MN Music Hall of Fame (along with the likes of Bob Dylan and Prince) and he helped define the sound of R&B and Blues since the 70's through today, including his work with The Angel Headed Hipsters and Willie and the Bees, not to mention his other solo projects and releases. His new double CD is called "A Shot of Live in a Time of Need / Autobiographical Notes" and Willie will talk with me about it this Thursday night at 6 on Centerstage MN.

Willie Murphy creates thought-provoking, fun music and"A Shot of Love in a Time of Need" (his first release with Redhouse Records) is a sizzling soul, funk and R&B album complete with horns, funky rhythms and grooves beyond all boundaries. While this album doesn't have as much political content as some of his other work, the theme of caring for each other and helping each other is strong. "Autobiographical Notes" is a collection of mostly folky miscellaneous tunes he's collected over the years that never seemed to quite fit the project he was working on at the time, and it definitely shows another, and perhaps more personal, side of Willie. With this double CD featuring soul, jazz, funk, rock and folk, this wildly eccentric album embodies the best of Willie Murphy and is sure to be an instant classic.

The Sharp Ears of Peter Ostroushko

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 33:32

Ostroushko is actually two Ukrainian words put together: Ostro and Ushko which mean Sharp and Ear, and as one of the most accomplished instrumentalists and gifted composers of his generation, it's no surprise that Peter Ostroushko is from the Sharp Ear family of Ukraine. I'll be talking with him this week on Centerstage MN about his long and productive music career that started in NE Minneapolis and what made him into the songwriter he is today. A multi-instrumentalist who began his professional career in high school, he concentrates on fiddle and mandolin and his first recording session was on Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks.” Since 1985 he has released 16 albums and has worked with the likes of Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal, Greg Brown and many others. It's going to be a real treat talking to him.

Csmn-peterostroushko_small Centerstage MN showcases the talents of MN musicians.

Aaron Kaercher on Centerstage MN

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 25:08

I'm joined in-studio by Aaron Kaercher from Ely for live music and conversation.

Userfriendlyradio_small
Aaron Kaercher is a singer/songwriter from Ely who writes unique music that blends many different styles. He released his first solo CD, "User Friendly Radio" last year, and while there definitely is a thread that ties all the music together, the range of sounds and genres is impressive. From the friendly and fun "smile" to the moody and edgy "She," the album covers as many emotions and feelings as it does styles. It's going to be a lot of fun having Aaron in-studio.

The Binary Boys Review Battlefield: Bad Company 2

From Doug MacRostie | Part of the The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review series | 04:25

This time the Binary Boys aren't the vulgar ones with a contemporary warfare simulator...

Badcompany2_small

The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review is an edgy, fast-paced and humorous delve into the world of electronic gaming. This is a richly produced short feature that uses excerpts from games, editorial asides, jabs and satire.

Hard to believe it's been over 3 years now.

Heard regularly on the 91.7 KAXE Morning Show at 7:55, between Local Sports and NPR Headlines.

The Binary Boys Review Brain Challenge

From Doug MacRostie | Part of the The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review series | 03:33

Get ready to expand your brain power...

Brainchallenge_small

The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review is an edgy, fast-paced and humorous delve into the world of electronic gaming. This is a richly produced short feature that uses excerpts from games, editorial asides, jabs and satire.

Hard to believe it's been over 3 years now.

Heard regularly on the 91.7 KAXE Morning Show at 7:55, between Local Sports and NPR Headlines.

Roma Di Luna on Centerstage MN

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 31:21

The band name Roma Di Luna translates to 'Gypsies of the Moon' - the name is a mish-mash of different languages and cultures; 'Roma' references the gypsy life-style and the sound in Eastern European folk music, and 'Di Luna' meaning 'the moon' in European and American cultures. This combining of cultures and styles serves as a perfect name to represent the unique and exciting sound that is Roma Di Luna, who take influences from all over the world and combine them into a new style of folk song story telling.

Romadiluna-newl_small I am very excited to have Channy and Alexei Moon Casselle of Roma Di Luna on Centerstage MN. Husband and wife, Alexei and Channy are the songwriting core of RDL. When I heard their debut release Find Your Way Home back in 2007 I was floored - such moving and compelling vocals with a genuine, bare-bones style of 'new old music.' For their latest release Casting the Bones they expanded to a full band which only served to enhance and elevate the sound further into new sonic territory. Channy's beautifully haunting vocals combined with Alexei's songwriting create a truly original sound that I look forward to talking with them about.

MN Underground Hip-Hop with Alex Aldrich

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 14:06

Something about falling in love with music while stationed in Iraq strikes me as profound... The other day a young man named Alex Aldrich came into the KAXE Studios inquiring about volunteering. It didn't take long to figure out he was very passionate and engaged with music. When I asked him about it, he said he especially likes the MN underground hip-hop scene, so I asked him to join me on Centerstage MN for a Pick 3 of MN Favs.

Csmn-alex-and-doug_small Alex is 24 years old. He joined the military when he was 17 and served in Iraq. He told me that when he was young(er), he didn't have a huge emotional connection with music. His older sister started sending him music while he was overseas, which helped to fill the long voids of staring out at the desert on duty and waiting during down time. This is when his passion and connection with music was born. I can't imagine the situation, but I can understand developing an intimate connection with music, which we'll be talking about.

Steve Kaul of The Brass Kings

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 34:39

The difference between seeing a band live and hearing a band on CD can be night and day. The reason for this is simple: it's hard to recreate the energy that flows between an artist and audience when working in-studio. So, bands often release live albums - sometimes good, sometimes bad. In the case of The Brass Kings new release "Live Humdinger," it's very, very good - and singer/songwriter Steve Kaul will be my guest this week on Centerstage MN to talk about it. He writes music that looks at the world from a different direction, "I try to focus on the characters and the situations that aren't in the mainstream. Things that are behind the scenes, things that are maybe looked down on or just the invisible people on the street... Everyone's got a story, and I see stories everywhere with these kinds of people - I don't find them in the normal places."

Brass-kings-live-humdinger-_small Steve Kaul is the caliber of guitarist you compare with the likes of Doc Watson, Leo Kottke and Bruce Cockburn. From Bemidji and operating out of the Twin Cities, Steve has been playing music since he was in grade school and records/performs both solo and with The Brass Kings. The BK are a trio playing authentic Americana and folk music with Steve on Acoustic and Resonator Guitars & Vocal, Mikkel Beckmen on Washboard, Refrigerator Door, Butter Dish and Djembe and Brad Ptacek on Washtub Bass. On Live Humdinger they are joined by many guests performers including Molly Maher, Nate "Sonny" Sipe, "Baby" Grant Johnson and more. The sound of the CD is warm and inviting; you can feel as much as hear the crowd grooving to the music and it captures some stellar performances.

The Binary Boys Review Jurassic: The Hunted

From Doug MacRostie | Part of the The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review series | 04:27

Join us in ancient Bermuda as we travel time and kill dinosaurs...

Jurrasicthehunted_small

The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review is an edgy, fast-paced and humorous delve into the world of electronic gaming. This is a richly produced short feature that uses excerpts from games, editorial asides, jabs and satire.

Hard to believe it's been over 3 years now.

Heard regularly on the 91.7 KAXE Morning Show at 7:55, between Local Sports and NPR Headlines.

Courtney Yasmineh on Centerstage MN

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 27:39

While dreams of being a rockstar and performing around the world are in the hearts and minds of many aspiring songwriters, the reality of the music industry can be a cold, hard place. Through hard work and dedication Courtney Yasmineh has taken her music not only all over the U.S., but around the world and her latest release, "Beautiful Lonely" has taken her revealing and emotional songwriting in more of a rock direction sonically with highlights of pop, and she'll be joining me in-studio to talk about it on Centerstage MN - plus, she'll have her guitar along for some live music.

Courtneyyasmineha_small Having started playing guitar at the age of 8, Courtney Yasmineh releases music on her own label, "Stupid Bitch Records" and she does all her own management and promotion. This hands on approach may be too time consuming and hectic for some, but Courtney embraces it and puts in her all. As she describes in on her website, "I used to be a person, and when I was a person I liked nature, reading and writing, romance and friendship. Now I'm a musician and I am consumed by my musician-ness. When I come up for air, I hope a person I will again be."

Centerstage MN 0143 - Mayda Feature

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 56:43

This week on Centerstage MN we’ll be featuring music from “Eyes on the Water,” the latest EP from the very talented Mayda – she is a singer/songwriter from Minneapolis.

And this week we’ll hear music from Trampled By Turtles, the Darbuki Kings and Paul Metsa with Sonny Earl.

Centerstage MN with Doug MacRostie showcases the talents of MN musicians every [day and time]

Mayda3_small

Mayda: Please Pierce Her to My Earlobe

by Doug MacRostie

I listen to a lot of music. All kinds of CDs come into the KAXE Studios and I spend much of my commute sliding discs in and out of the stereo. A couple weeks ago one of our volunteers left a Mayda EP on my desk - I had never heard of her. As I was drifting through the haze of generally unremarkable music (anything can get on CD these days...) I put in Mayda and instantly heard something special. By the end of the EP her powerful and emotional voice and clear, intricately-tuneful guitar work had reached out of the dashboard and grabbed onto my face and made it rock. Perfect :) It's so emotional and consuming, so intimate and personal. It's like there is a wildfire blazing away inside of her, and it burns through her music setting anyone who listens ablaze. This week on Centerstage MN I'll be featuring music from Mayda's "Eyes on the Water." AND - I am very excited that she will be performing LIVE on Centerstage MN a week from Thursday, on June 24th, and you can be part of our studio audience!!! When we open up the station like this it's a very intimate venue - the perfect way to experience Mayda! It's a free concert during KAXE's "Come to Your Senses" summer fundraiser so come out and enjoy on Thursday the 24th at 6pm! (Click here to rsvp on Facebook).

I've also got a new song to play from Mason Jennings, inspired during a 2007 trip to Patagonia to check out the filming of 180° South: Conquerors of the Useless. The DVD just recently hit stores and the soundtrack also features Ugly Casanova, James Mercer and Jack Johnson.

I've got some Dalia and More Than Lights, both with a clear and in-your-face (in-a-good-way) style that will go well with Mayda. And the out-of-this-world music of The Darbuki Kings and Jake Dilley and the Color Pharmacy. And more music from Trampled By Turtles' "Palomino."

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on Pioneer 90.1 in Thief River Falls, Saturday nights at 11pm and on KFAI at 90.3 FM Minneapolis & 106.7 FM St. Paul Tuesday nights between 8 and 10pm.

Centerstage MN 0144 - Mayda Performing Live in Concert

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 52:27

This week on Centerstage MN we're joined by the very talented Mayda for a live concert. From Minneapolis, Mayda is very talented singer/songwriter. Centerstage MN with Doug MacRostie is every [day and Time]

2010_06_june_109_-_mayda_live_on_centerstage_mn_small

Mayda Live in Concert Tonight

by Doug MacRostie

Her voice is clear, emotional, powerful. Her music is clever, engaging, intimate. Her name is Mayda, and she'll be performing live on Centerstage MN - be ready to be WOWED by Mayda.

An adoptee from Korea, "her music is so emotional and consuming, so intimate and personal. It's like there is a wildfire blazing away inside of her, and it burns through her music setting anyone who listens ablaze." Don't let the 4' 10" fool you - this is going to be huge!

Minneapolis Soul-Pop Artist Keri Noble

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 25:24

This week on Centerstage MN we’ll be talking with Keri Noble, an acoustic soul-pop singer/songwriter from Minneapolis about her latest, self-titled, CD.

Keri_small

The Scintillating Soul-Pop of Keri Noble

by Doug MacRostie

I had never heard of the term "soul-pop" before listening to Keri Noble, and with her clear and powerful voice and catchy, melodic music she introduces the genre very well. Her music falls into the pop category, but her vocals definitely have that soulful edge. With a Pastor father, Keri was raised in a religious home in Detroit and you can hear the gospel influence in her music. As she grew older in Minneapolis she started questioning the judgment and exclusion side of religion and wondered why there wasn't more prominence of love and acceptance - something she sings about in her amazing song "Born Again". When she heard Joni Mitchell's album 'Blue' in her late teens it inspired her to start writing songs and expressing her emotions through music. "My songs are about relationships, and not just the romantic kind...it's like therapy, you have to feel music." Keri will be my guest this week on Centerstage MN to talk about her new self-titled CD.

Mark Olson and his new CD "Many Colored Kite"

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 40:46

A conversation with MN Legend Mark Olson about his new solo CD “Many Colored Kite.” Mark Olson was the founding member, and principle singer/songwriter with The Jayhawks – who were on the forefront of the alt-country scene in the mid 80’s and 90’s.

Mark_olson_2_small

The Many Colors of Mark Olson

by Doug MacRostie

This week I'll be talking with Mark Olson about his new solo CD "Many Colored Kite." That name should be familiar, Mark was the founding member and principle singer/songwriter with The Jayhawks. One of the most acclaimed bands to come out of MN, the Jayhawks were on the forefront of the Alt-Country scene during the mid-80's through mid-90's and you can still hear their impact and influence in music today. This is Mark's 2nd solo CD, and it's a bit more upbeat than "Salvation Blues" which came out in 2007. Other than being a world-class singer, songwriter and performer, he's a very good speaker too, and we will talk in-depth about his music - this is going to be a great interview on Centerstage MN this Thursday night at 6.

For example, I asked Mark Olson what inspires him, "The basic struggle as far as family, friends, earning a living, existence, our place in the would - just the basics that I think most people struggle with in their lives, that inspires me to try and express myself about it. Things that are obviously wrong - I don't think that I can change the world or make anything better... if I can express myself in a way that points out something wrong and if there's a solution out there...I don't know. But that inspires me, there is so much wrong in the world right now. If you sing a song you can help someone feel better or even yourself. What also inspires me, this is really true; I like the physical aspect of playing music, I like how it feels to move the arms and sing and get into it - there's just something about that I've always enjoyed." See what I mean?

The Binary Boys Review God of War III

From Doug MacRostie | Part of the The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review series | 04:29

Make mincemeat of Mount Olympus...

God-of-war-3-ps3-boxart_small

The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review is an edgy, fast-paced and humorous delve into the world of electronic gaming. This is a richly produced short feature that uses excerpts from games, editorial asides, jabs and satire.

Hard to believe it's been over 3 years now.

Heard regularly on the 91.7 KAXE Morning Show at 7:55, between Local Sports and NPR Headlines.

Premiere Blues and R&B Vocalist Janiva Magness

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 36:12

Janiva Magness is one of the premiere Blues and R&B performers in the world today. She has a rich and soulful voice that can take an audience from deep sorrow to overwhelming joy. The story of her life is one of extremes and hardships. In her teens, both of her parents committed suicide and she bounced from foster home to foster home around the Twin Cities. She was the kind of "at risk" youth that typically doesn't survive. As she describes it, that was the Fate she was born to. But, through the kindness of others she was able to discover her Destiny: music. She will be joining me on Centerstage MN to talk about her new CD "The Devil Is an Angel Too."

Janiva told me, "I really believe people deserve the truth. People work really hard for their money and if I'm going to expect them to spend money to see my performance or buy my CD, then I damn well better give them something worth spending on....My job is about human connection, and the gift, or vehicle is the music, but the stories are about human connection. In order to do my job I have to be able to tell the truth and bring myself to that story...if someone understands by the end of a song, or end of a show, that they're not alone in their experience - if I can accomplish a piece of that, then I've done my job. I feel like the world is full of mediocrity and people are B.S.ing out there, and on records there is a lot of B.S. out there, and I can't serve that...it's a glorious gift that this is my world and this is my job."

Beyond her internationally acclaimed music career, Janiva is proud to be a spokesperson for National Foster Care Month and Ambassador of Foster Care Alumni for Foster Care Alumni of America. "For me it's sort of 'paying it forward,' by talking about the early part of my life, it turns out that it helps other people that are still in the struggle, that are still in that part of their journey - and I want to serve that, I want to serve that. It's so amazing." And so is she.

Janiva_smile_small Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Eden Prairie Singer/Songwriter Deb Harley

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 27:44

Some artists "own" a style. They eat sleep and breath it. Their entire career is dedicated to it. That's cool and all, but it didn't work for Deb Harley, a singer-songwriter from Eden Prairie. Her new CD, "Flung Wide Open," broke the mold of her previous work and brings many different styles into the mix. "I decided to give myself the freedom to touch on any genre because I love them all," she told me, and it rings very true on this new CD. It's upbeat contemporary folk music with more than a twist of blues, country and swing, and she'll be joining me in-studio this week on Centerstage MN to talk about it.

"I felt completely open to everything," Deb went on to say, "I felt like this is it, this is how I want to stay: open." She will also have her guitar along to perform some live music during our conversation. While a lot of writers are drawn to sad and morose topics, "Flung Wide Open" is pleasantly positive with occasional giggles. Deb said, "I want to write music that promotes healing and hope."

Cd_debharley_small Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Aurora Baer, Singer/Songwriter from Aitkin/Duluth

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 32:34

I had been hearing about this really good songwriter from the Iron Range. A young girl. Musicians who stopped by the station would mention her name. From Aitkin. Promoters of festivals would be excited to have her. Also plays the harmonica. Producers would expect her to, "not be around here long, this girl is going places". And they were right. I am very excited to have Aurora Baer in-studio this week on Centerstage MN. Trust me, you're going to love this :)

On her way to 22 years old and still new to the being a professional musician, Aurora is breathtaking. She has a very emotional and powerful voice and writes a unique style of acoustic soul-blues. When asked about music and songwriting as a form of therapy, she said, "Definitely I consider it for me and for the listener. But isn't that the point, isn't that the point of music? I mean, that's kind of a broad question but: what is the point of music? Isn't it... to help people deal with things and process emotions, you know. Big part of it. Why do you go see live music? Because it makes you feel better and allows you to move stuff in your mind and deal with things. Or teach lessons, tell stories, you know. "

2010_08_august_231_small Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

The Binary Boys Review Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned

From Doug MacRostie | Part of the The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review series | 05:05

Get ready for 2 wheeled motorized mayhem

Grand-theft-auto-iv-the-lost--damne_small

The Binary Boys Legendary Video Game Review is an edgy, fast-paced and humorous delve into the world of electronic gaming. This is a richly produced short feature that uses excerpts from games, editorial asides, jabs and satire.

Hard to believe it's been over 3 years now.

Heard regularly on the 91.7 KAXE Morning Show at 7:55, between Local Sports and NPR Headlines

Bemidji Musicians Lance Benson and Mark Bauer

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 44:39

By Doug MacRostie.

Lance Benson and Mark Bauer are two Bemidji musicians who have been musical all their lives. While they were friends and knew each other for a long time, it was within the last 3 years that they consistently started performing together.

Lance writes personal music inspired by experiences in his life in a friendly, acoustic style. From the subject of an email to failing Art class, Lance's music is a window with a crystal clear view of life, love, friends and emotion. His voice rings true with honest and soulful lyrics and his fingers slide effortlessly and lovingly on his guitar.

When Mark first started joining Lance for sets on stage, it was just as much as a fan than friend. They're musical relationship has grown and Mark is now definitely the foundation of Lance's music. Left to his own devices at a construction site, Mark is the kind of percussionist who will start banging on studs searching for notes to turn the entire structure into one huge drum. Cool.

Around our conversation, we'll hear a recording of Lance and Mark's opening set for the Danny Schmidt concert at the KAXE Amphitheater earlier this summer - a great performance as the sun set with Lance on vocals and guitar, and Mark on percussion.

Lance_and_mark_small Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Jam-Folkers Kazyak Interview / Acoustic Performance

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 50:59

By Doug MacRostie.

A couple months ago, three young guys came strolling into the KAXE studios with a new CD they'd just recorded and produced. Introducing themselves as Kazyak they left a copy of "A Beautiful Brontosaurus" and continued on their trip from visiting family in Northern MN to the Twin Cities.

They struck me as being very friendly and down to Earth, and also very passionate and proud of the music they'd produced. The cover artwork was great and I put the CD in right after they left and loved it instantly. The first song, "Join the Band" kicks it off perfect and it just builds and grows from there - one of my favs is the 11+ minute "Don't Let's Be Silly". It's folk music at it's core, with elements of jazz, soul, rock and jam.

I remembered them mentioning they would be back in the area in Sept. and invited them to come to the studios to talk about their music, and I am very excited to have Jed, Peter and Danny in-studio this week on Centerstage MN. We'll talk about their lives and their music, and they'll be performing some acoustic tunes - and while the CD is based mostly around electric instrumentation, the scaled-down acoustic set-up only makes their 3 part harmonies shine even brighter. They've got a bunch of gigs in Northern MN and beyond, so check out their schedule!

Talking with them, they'll go from some lighthearted humor to something profound in the blink of an eye - which is also represented in their music. Many different styles, influences, emotions, thoughts and ideas all coming together as one thing: Kazyak.

Kazyak2_small Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Mark Olson, of the Jayhawks, Guest DJs Some MN Favs

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 28:03

When MN music legend, and founding member of The Jayhawks, Mark Olson came to KAXE for a house concert, I asked him to join me and a microphone in the MN section of the KAXE music library for him to pick out some of his favorite MN musicians. It's a fine mix, from Paul Metsa to Martin Zellar, Boiled in Lead to Koerner, Ray & Glover. You can enjoy Mark's ramblings as he flows through the alphabet of MN musicians this week on Centerstage MN.

Mark_olson_small Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Duluth's Danny Friedman and the Beastman Band

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 32:44

By Doug MacRostie.

Everyone once in a while you hear something that truly stands out; it'll get into your head and make your inner-animal instinct cryout with pure emotion. That happened last week to me with Danny Friedman and the Beastman Band, a 3 piece hybrid of rockabilly, R&B, Country-folk and hard funk out of Duluth MN. They've just put out their self-titled, debut album. I'll be talking with Danny Friedman about the many layers to their music on Centerstage MN.

Cd_beastman_small Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Singer/Composer Katie Corning from Bagley

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 31:52

By Doug MacRostie. Something about an emerging performer from a small town really appeals to me, and Katie Corning from Bagley is just starting to spread her creative wings and share her talent - which is a very good thing. Originally from East Bethel, MN, Katie moved to the Bemidji area to attend BSU. She has a very powerful and dynamic voice that conveys emotion and feeling at a very deep level. Blending an eclectic mix of indie alternative and acoustic music on both keyboard and guitar, her style is very hard to classify. She'll be joining me in-studio this week on Centerstage MN to talk about, and perform, her music.

A classically trained musician and accomplished vocalist, Katie works with Matt Glenzel for lyrics. He has a blog of his poetry that he has given Katie full access to. It's a very interesting collaboration where he just keeps writing and writing poems, and Katie checks it for words or rhymes that appeal to her.

Some of these collaborated songs are 'simple' love songs, others touch on sensitive topics like God and religion. Katie says her philosophy is, "Stop worrying about the afterlife. Love where you are right now, love life. Just look at what's around you; the skies and everything, and the trees and all that. It's like 'hey embrace that, don't worry about this high power so much, just try to love the life you're in right now'."

Katiecorning_guitar_large_small Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 10, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursdays at 4pm. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul. Often featured on MNartists.org.

MN Music Legend Lonnie Knight

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 33:58

By Doug MacRostie. Lonnie Knight was there for the first digital recording. Yes, I'm serious. He was working as Staff Guitarist at Sound 80 when 3M built the first digital machine and he was on the very first recording sessions to test it. That's just one of the numerous examples why this Minneapolis singer-songwriter with mutliple MN Music Awards rightly is a legend in MN music. Picking up his first guitar back in the 60's, when he was 12, Lonnie started out as a folkie, then played in some of the Midwest's seminal bands like Jokers Wild,. Neilson-White Band and The Hoopsnakes. His professional career went beyond being a studio musician - he was also a producer for a while in Nashville. His most recent work has gone back to his acoustic roots, and Lonnie Knight will be joining me on Centerstage MN to talk about his new album, "So We Jump," which is an excellent release of clever acoustic music bringing together many of the best aspects of Lonnie's music.

Cd_lonnieknight3_small Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 11 & Wednesdays at Noon, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursdays afternoons at 4. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Sela Oveson & Her Intimate Debut "Rogue Lightning"

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 37:53

Sela Oveson: Her Music's In My Bones, by Doug MacRostie. I have been quoted saying "Sela is one of my favorite MN musicians - she has a fire that burns within her, a voice that's powerful and songs with meaning. She sings in a unique style that can carry you away to the heart of her music." She was "a wonderful surprise when I had her in-studio" and "The music scene in Northern MN is a much better place since she embraced her creativity." And all of that was before she even released her first full-length album! I am very excited to welcome Sela Oveson back to Centerstage MN to talk about her debut album "Rogue Lightning." It's powerful stuff. As a solo artist her music is already commanding, but she invited many of her favorite Iron Range musicians to join her on this CD. When a song starts with her delicate guitar and then a bass note slides in, a drum pounds and you hear the pull of a violin the music wraps around you, inviting your mind to sail through the great unknown. Sela has captured Rogue Lightning in a bottle.

Sela_2_-_large_small Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 11 & Wednesdays at Noon, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursdays afternoons at 4. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Wahwahtay Benais, Hip-Hop Artist from the Leech Lake Rez

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 42:17

Wahwahtay Benais: The Thunderbird Within the Northern Lights
by Doug MacRostie.

The oppression, hardship and discrimination that Native Americans have lived for the last 500 years is something that is very difficult to put into words. The same pain and struggle they continue to face today while fighting to maintain who they are as a people.

Using music, Wahwahtay Benais has captured and expressed that plight in a very powerful way. From the Leech Lake Rez, living in Ball Club, his name references the Thunderbird that comes from within the Northern Lights. Wahwahtay is a hip-hop/rap artist with an intense and emotional message, and it is a true honor to have him join me in-studio this week on Centerstage MN.

I first heard him thanks to a video for his song Indigenous Holocaust (included below). It took my breath away. It brought tears to my eyes. It made me want to change the world. In a time of dumbed-down raps and wearing riches as robes, Wahwahtay is a much needed breath of fresh air working to empower youth and preserve Annishinaabe traditions and language. Do NOT miss this.

Doc4ce58daadf1bf319400673_small Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 11 & Wednesdays at Noon, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursday afternoons at 4. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Genre Defying Jazz Guitarist Todd Clouser

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 36:09

"Music is Todd Clouser's Second Language" by Doug MacRostie. Todd Clouser's "A Love Electric" is an instrumental album with a lot to say. For some people music is a first language; there is a channel to the soul where music flows out, expressing more feeling and emotion than words ever could. Todd felt that connection the first time he strummed a guitar when he was 11 years old and I am really excited to talk with him this week on Centerstage MN.

From Minneapols, and recently relocated to Baja, Mexico, Todd Clouser is a genre-defying guitarist bringing 70's rock and modern jazz into a new realm. Todd told me, "When I did discover jazz it was a similar feeling to when I discovered Bob Dylan or Tom Waits; music didn’t have to sound a certain way, and you didn’t have to write your lyrics a certain way. Like a Dylan tune could be 6 minutes long with 7 verses, it didn’t have to be in the 'verse-chorus' digestible pop formula. And that’s how I felt when I listened to Jazz – all these things that I’d been feeling and wanting to express earlier but the form of the music felt restricting – jazz opened the door to get that out." Todd wrote the music down in Baja, but came back to Minneapolis to record this fiery, high-flying album.

Todd_2_small Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 11 & Wednesdays at Noon, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursday afternoons at 4. Often featured on MNartists.org.

The Women of Roller Derby

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Culturology series | 35:15

Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby has exploded across northern MN, with the Babe City Rollers in Bemidji, and the Iron Range Maidens. Derby is a very physical sport, known for hard hits and short skirts. Producer Doug MacRostie wondered, ‘who are these derby girls, and what draws them to this sport?’, and it isn’t who he expected. Doug set out to find a dominatrix derby girl, and instead discovered The Women of Roller Derby.

Womenofrollerderby_small The Women of Roller Derby is an intimate view into the life of derby girls. Produced by Doug MacRostie of Northern Community Radio for Culturology on 91.7 KAXE.

The Limns about the new album "Move Around Robots"

From Northern Community Radio - KAXE & KBXE, Minnesota | Part of the Centerstage Minnesota series | 24:31

When The Limns performed at the Blue Ox in Bemidji for KBXE's Spread the Love party, I sat down with them before the concert and recorded a conversation about their new album "Move Around Robots". From Minneapolis, with strong ties to the Bemidji area (Zacc and Zeke of The Limns are younger brothers of Caleb from Bemidji's Uncle Shurley), The Limns are hard to classify..., a high energy rock band with influences of reggae, pop and funk. Or as Javon said during our conversation, "...if The Beatles and Bob Marley had kids". With a couple EPs under their belt, their first full length album "Move Around Robots," is an excellent piece of work that not only shows a maturity and cohesiveness in the band, but also great ears for writing catchy tunes. It's a fun and insightful conversation - don't miss it!don't miss it!

2011_02_feb_046_small Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 11 & Wednesdays at Noon, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursday afternoons at 4. Often featured on MNartists.org