The Minnesota Music Note

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.

The Minnesota Music Note is a arts podcast hosted by William McLeod, with 58 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

William McLeod hosts The Minnesota Music Note, a arts show with 58 episodes published.

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  The Minnesota Music Note

  MN Music Note - Special Episode: The Story Behind Tribute Fest with Lou Campbell

  Aug 20, 202639 min

  What happens when you combine incredible live music with a mission to help homeless veterans? You get Tribute Fest. In this special episode of Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with Lou Campbell, the man behind Tribute Fest, to hear the story of how an idea born from one veteran’s struggle grew into an 18-year tradition bringing music lovers, tribute bands, volunteers, and veterans together in Duluth. And with Tribute Fest coming up August 28–29 at Bayfront Festival Park, this episode is the perfect way to hear the story behind the festival before you experience it for yourself. In this episode, we talked about: - The personal story that inspired Lou to start Tribute Fest and the veteran who changed the direction of his life. - How Tribute Fest grew from a small idea into an 18-year tradition supporting homeless veterans. - Why Lou chose tribute bands and what makes the festival's lineup so special. - What it takes financially, logistically, and personally to put on a two-day music festival. - The incredible community of bands, volunteers, sponsors, and businesses that keep Tribute Fest going. - How veterans and their families can attend the festival completely free, including access to the Military Cafe. - This year's lineup, with tribute acts covering everything from Elton John and Billy Joel to Skynyrd, Aerosmith, Metallica, Ozzy, Alice in Chains, Seether, and Linkin Park. - Why Tribute Fest is about much more than music, and how the entire event is built around community, gratitude, and giving back. If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of Tribute Fest, this is the episode you need to hear. Come experience it for yourself August 28–29 at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. Grab your tickets, bring your friends, support the veterans, and get ready for two days of seriously good tribute bands. Listen to the special episode, then we'll see you at Tribute Fest! 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: The Tribute Fest: thetributefest.com Lou Campbell email: lou@chartermi.net PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/ Email: william@podcastcrew.online

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  Episode #58

  MN Music Note - Ep 58 - From Rock Camp to the Big Stage: The Journey of Halfway There

  Aug 17, 202653 min

  What happens when a group of musicians meets at Rock Camp, decides to keep playing together, and somehow makes it all the way to the big stage? Halfway There is proof that you don't have to start as lifelong musicians—or even know exactly where you're going—to build something special. What started as a Bon Jovi tribute project grew into a high-energy 80s rock band that's now five years strong. In this episode, we get into the laughs, the chaos, the jams, the lineup changes, the massive stages, and the relationships that have kept this group going. It's a fun conversation about music, friendship, growth, and why sometimes you just have to say yes and see where it takes you. What we talked about: - How Halfway There originally came together through the Rock Camp Experience - The musical backgrounds that brought each member to the band - How a Bon Jovi tribute evolved into a full-blown 80s rock experience - Their first gig at The Driftwood and the early days of building the band - How local music jams helped them make connections, find musicians, and grow - Playing TributeFest in Duluth and finally making it onto the massive main stage - Why saying yes to gigs—even the small ones—can lead to unexpected opportunities - The importance of having fun at practice, supporting each other, and treating the band like family This one is packed with funny stories, great music memories, and some seriously good advice for musicians trying to build something that lasts. Tune in and hear how Halfway There went from Rock Camp to the big stage—and why they're still having a hell of a lot of fun along the way. 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

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  Episode #56

  MN Music Note - Ep 56 - Fiona Hayes: Building a Music Career at 15

  Aug 7, 202633 min

  At just 15 years old, Fiona Hayes is already doing what many musicians spend decades chasing—writing original music, playing multiple shows every month, recording with a producer, and building a loyal following in Minnesota's music scene. In this episode, Fiona shares how songwriting became a way to express emotions she couldn't always put into words, why her latest single I'm Losing Again changes time signatures to reflect changing emotions, and what it's like balancing school, performing, and chasing big dreams before even getting her driver's license. In This Episode How Fiona taught herself guitar by writing songs instead of following tutorials. Why songwriting became her safe place for expressing difficult emotions. The fascinating story behind her single "I'm Losing Again." ⏱️ How changing time signatures became part of the storytelling in her music. Growing up inspired by No Doubt, Hole, Paramore, KISS, and today's alt-rock artists. What it's really like performing 4–5 shows a month at just 15 years old. Finding confidence on stage while being naturally introverted off stage. Her goals of playing First Avenue, Lollapalooza, Coachella, and beyond. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow music lover. It helps us continue highlighting Minnesota's incredible music community. Follow Fiona Hayes, stream her music—including "I'm Losing Again"—and keep an eye out for her upcoming album. 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

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  Episode #55

  MN Music Note - Ep 55 - Nearly 50 Years in the Minnesota Music Scene with Rick Vogelpohl

  Aug 3, 202651 min

  What was it like playing the Twin Cities music scene before social media, streaming, and YouTube? Rick Vogelpohl has lived it all—from starting bands as a teenager in the late '70s to playing legendary venues, running live sound, working in recording studios, and helping shape Minnesota's local music community for nearly five decades. Rick Vogelpohl has worn just about every hat in music: guitarist, sound engineer, studio engineer, jam host, mentor, and lifelong supporter of local musicians. In this episode, he shares hilarious road stories, unforgettable moments from Minnesota's rock scene, the bands that inspired him, and why community has always mattered more than fame. If you love music history, behind-the-scenes stories, or the Twin Cities music scene, this is an episode you won't want to miss. In this episode, we talked about: How Rick fell in love with guitar after discovering bands like KISS, AC/DC, Boston, and Van Halen. What it was really like playing legendary Twin Cities venues like First Avenue, 7th Street Entry, The Mirage, and Iron Horse during the '80s and '90s. ️ His journey from guitarist to live sound engineer and recording studio professional, working with countless Minnesota musicians. Why open jams and local music communities have become such an important part of keeping the scene alive. How musicians used to build careers before social media, streaming, and modern technology changed everything. Some of the wildest and funniest stories from decades of playing bars, clubs, and unforgettable gigs. His thoughts on where the Minnesota music scene is today—and why supporting local musicians matters more than ever. If you've ever wondered what the Minnesota music scene was like before the internet—or if you're passionate about keeping live music alive—this episode is packed with stories you won't hear anywhere else. Tune in, leave a comment with your favorite memory from your local music scene, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss another conversation with the incredible musicians who make Minnesota music 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

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  Episode #54

  MN Music Note - Ep 54 - The Secret Behind Sota Pop's Packed Dance Floors w/ Jess and Buzz

  Jul 31, 20261h 12m

  What does it actually take to build a successful cover band today? It's a lot more than learning songs. From backing tracks and in-ear monitors to finding the right people and creating a show audiences can't stop talking about, Sota Pop shares what really goes on behind the scenes. Sota Pop may only be a year old, but they've already gone from a brand-new project to playing casinos, packed dance floors, and some of Minnesota's biggest venues. In this episode, Jess and Buzz pull back the curtain on everything that goes into building a modern band—from the money, gear, and endless rehearsals to creating a show people actually want to come back and see. Along the way, they share stories about growing up with music, finding confidence on stage, and why making people forget about life for a few hours is what it's all about. IN THIS EPISODE WE TALKED ABOUT: How Sota Pop went from a brand-new band to landing casino gigs in their very first year. The surprising amount of work, money, and planning that goes into starting a successful cover band. Why they built their show around getting people on the dance floor—not just playing songs. How backing tracks, in-ear monitors, and modern technology have completely changed live performances. Why finding the right people is just as important as finding talented musicians. ❤️ Jess's emotional journey from overcoming stage fright to discovering music as a form of therapy. Buzz's evolution from heavy metal drummer to building one of Minnesota's most entertaining live bands. Their vision for the future, the venues they hope to play next, and where they see Sota Pop heading. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to build a band from the ground up—or you're just a fan of live music—you won't want to miss this conversation. Watch the full episode to hear the stories behind Sota Pop's journey, the lessons they've learned, and what it takes to keep audiences coming back for more. 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

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