Minnesota brings melodic side of EDM to Songbirds

Minnesota / Songbirds contributed photo
Minnesota / Songbirds contributed photo

Christian Bauhofer - the musician who named himself Minnesota after the state with 10,000 lakes - has been a force on the bass scene for nearly a decade. Original tracks like "Push It," "HiLow," "Float," "Thunderdome" and "Colors" are dependable festival favorites and crush the dance floor time and again.

Minnesota returns to Songbirds on Wednesday, March 11, for a 9 p.m. electronica show.

"Certain electronic music does very well in this market. Minnesota was here a little over a year ago and came close to selling out, so we're looking for another good crowd," says Mike Dougher, Songbirds entertainment coordinator.

If you go

› Where: Songbirds Guitar Museum, 35 Station St. (South), 41 Station St. (North)› For more info: 423-531-2473AN EVENING WITH DAR WILLIAMS› When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 6 (N)› Admission: $30RUBIK’S GROOVE› When: 9 p.m. Friday, March 6 (S)› Admission: $15 in advance, $18 day of showTHE DOYLE AND DEBBIE SHOW› When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 7 (N)› Admission: $20ROAD TO NIGHTFALL FINALS› When: 9 p.m. Saturday, March 7 (S)› Admission: $10KIDS TALENT SHOW› When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 (N)› Admission: $10MINNESOTA› When: 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 (S)› Admission: $18 in advance, $20 day of show

Although he's made a name in electronic music, Bauhofer's musical journey started with heavy doses of classic rock and emo. He was heavily influenced by the psychedelic style of rock legends Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, and cites them as inspiration for what would become his own sound.

"The songs were journeys, and I really like the epicness and the trip the song took you on," he says.

During his college years in Santa Cruz, California, he discovered the underground electronic music scene via renegade parties that would be thrown in the woods.

Road to Nightfall Finals at Songbirds March 7

After five rounds of preliminary contests, five finalists have emerged to battle for the chance to headline a show in the Nightfall summer concert series.Mojo Whiskey, Stereo Feet, The Smoky Night, Telemonster and We Are Us were preliminary round winners. These five will compete in the finals at Songbirds South for $1,000 cash and the Nightfall gig.The winner also receives a free promo video valued at $1,500 from Beckett Films, 25 hours of professional recording time from Soundry Studio, two free tickets to Songbirds for each participant and $40 discounts to Wonderpress.Show time is 9 p.m. Tickets are $10.

"That community/subculture was really my main influence into the music. A lot of other artists were immersed in the Santa Cruz community like Bassnectar, The Glitch Mob and Eprom. They would bring out a generator with CDJs and play music. We were really blown away," says the musician.

Bauhofer would soon throw his own renegade parties in Santa Cruz to provide himself with a forum to DJ.

"I wanted to DJ, but nobody knew who I was, so I threw my own parties. We were very lucky to get into the space before everything blew up," he says.

As Minnesota, his rise has been steady and impressive, leading the charge on the melodic dubstep scene. Be on the lookout for new music in the coming months to be released via his label, Outer Realms.

Upcoming Events