Behind The Sound

Minneapolis music legend Daniel Murphy reveals how a six-year break from guitar turned into one of the most creatively alive chapters of his career. If you love Soul Asylum, Golden Smog, or the kind of songwriting that lives in the tension between melody, mood, and truth, this conversation goes deep fast. Murphy traces the unlikely spark that brought him back into music through a tiny attic studio...

Kat Campbell, aka Kaatwalk, turns music, fashion, and raw life experience into a debut EP that feels both whimsical and deeply human. If you love artist stories about finding a voice, building a sound, and making art that refuses to feel polished for polish’s sake, this conversation is for you. Brian sits down with Kat for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation about how a runway model becam...

The Silverteens turn Minnesota rock history into a living, breathing set of songs—and the result is a rare band story that’s equal parts punk, power pop, and pure joy. Brian sits down with Mark, Steve, and Jerry to trace how a scene built around First Avenue, 7th Street Entry, and the legendary Longhorn became a band that still makes obscure classics feel brand new. The conversation explores the l...

Silver Summer’s Colin Scharf turns a long, DIY, pandemic-stalled record into a full-length debut with Die of Love - and the story behind it is as dramatic, specific, and unexpectedly cinematic as the music itself. If you love indie rock with big hooks, vivid lyrics, and vinyl-era intention, this one is for you. Brian sits down with Scharf to unpack the relief of finally releasing his first full-le...

Ryan Sexton of Customers joins Behind the Sound to talk about the winding road from theater and acting to music, the messy and surprising process of songwriting, and the stories behind Living Like Gods . From saving lyric ideas in a pocket notebook to shaping a five-song release with no filler, Ryan shares how songs evolve—and why the finished track can sound nothing like the first idea. He also r...

Three fiddles, one guitar, and a sound that crosses musical boundaries. In this episode of Behind the Sound , Brian sits down with Rachel, Hannah , and Maura of Triple Fiddle to explore the group’s distinctive blend of bluegrass, jazz, Scandinavian folk, chamber music, and honky-tonk. The musicians share how Triple Fiddle grew from a jam session into a full-fledged group, how they bring their indi...

A debut album 40 years in the making, a self-portrait on the cover, and a story about why local live music still matters. Peter, aka Spike, shares how Spike and the Gandy Dancers turned decades of songs into a bold, fully realized release that’s as personal as it is ambitious. Brian digs into the origin of the band name, the psychology behind Spike’s nickname, and the creative leap from writing “p...

The difference between a song that lands and a song that disappears often comes down to one thing - who’s behind the glass. Gary Spencer breaks down how great records are really made, from the first shaky bedroom session to the kind of production decisions that can completely reshape a track. If you make music, sing, write songs, or just love hearing how records come together, this conversation pu...

The hardest part of releasing your art is not writing it - it's letting the people closest to you hear it before you know whether it lands. Matthew opens up about the vulnerability of sharing his first songs with friends and family, the gut-punch of getting a flat reaction, and the moment a producer’s belief changed everything. Brian draws out the emotional turning point behind Matthew’s early mus...

Three musicians, one basement, and a debut album years in the making - Stone Arch Rivals prove that the best bands are built on chemistry, not shortcuts. Claire Spinti, Morgan Ranstrom, and Jenna bring the full story of how a Minneapolis jam session turned into a soulful rock and roll collective with a sound that fuses rich grooves, heartfelt songwriting, live instrumentation, and the kind of voic...

EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Ready to publish Troy Porchfest is more than a music crawl - it’s a community-built day of discovery, connection, and local pride. Bree and Eric reveal how this free neighborhood festival brings 43 stages, 40+ bands, food trucks, artists, and a full day of live music to Troy, Ohio, and why this year’s event feels bigger, smarter, and more user-friendly than ever. Bree shares...

Behind the Sound featuring Benjamin Fox and Gordon Cooper Brian sits down with Benjamin Fox and Gordon Cooper, the duo behind the instrumental ambient project Irish Lights and the guitar-driven indie rock band the Astronauts. They discuss how the two projects developed, how they collaborate across an ocean, and how lighthouses, space, and shared life experience continue to shape their music. The c...

In this episode of Behind the Sound, Brian sits down with Wayne Nelson of Little River Band for a deep dive into the craft behind the band’s signature harmony-driven sound. Wayne shares how he evaluates musicianship and personality in auditions, how the group shapes its layered vocals, and why that mysterious “ping” in the room tells him the blend is right. They also talk about the fine art of per...

Brian Johnson sits down with Minneapolis artist Finick, also known as Josie Hasnick, for a conversation about the path from childhood piano lessons to a more serious songwriting life. Josie talks about finding a voice on guitar, drawing inspiration from family, the Twin Cities music scene, and the feeling of making albums that work as complete, cohesive stories. They also dig into the album, Weeke...

Clarence Tilton on Brotherhood, Boredom, and Building Queen of the Brawl Brian Johnson talks with Chris Weber and Paul of Clarence Tilton about the band’s long-running chemistry, the stories behind Queen of the Brawl , and how boredom, family history, and shared trust shaped the songs. Quick summary Clarence Tilton is an Omaha Americana band built on friendship first, with songs that grow from rif...

Behind the Sound welcomes singer-songwriter Corduroy Brown for a deeply personal conversation about music, mental health, family, creativity, and the road that shaped his sound. In this episode, Corduroy opens up about learning guitar in 2008, growing up around church music, and finding his early influence in rock and worship before building the comforting indie-pop sound he’s known for today. He...

Join us for a special live episode of Behind the Sound, recorded at Crafted and Cured in Troy, Ohio, where host Brian sits down with Shannon Clark for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about music, songwriting, family, and the stories behind the songs. Shannon opens up about his early days making music, the role his wife Brittany played in his band history, the artists and genres that shaped hi...

In this deeply personal conversation, Amanda takes us behind the scenes of her latest album List of Lovers , released late in 2025 . You'll discover how her songs are inspired by diverse chapters of her life, each representing a different lover with its unique flavor—whether Latin-inspired guitar, cinematic ballads, or pop-rock anthems. Amanda shares how her songwriting process — starting with mel...

Most bands dream of that perfect blend of chemistry, creativity, and fun — but Dan and Sal of The Peppermint Kicks make it look effortless. Their secret? Trust, spontaneity, and a shared love for music that’s as playful as it is powerful. On this episode, discover how two legends from Boston’s vibrant scene turned a pandemic chance encounter into a musical partnership that’s redefining what a band...

Most bands dream of breaking into the scene, but few pull off what Paid Leave did — winning a fierce battle of the bands against 26 competitors in just 20-minute sets. They share the inside story of how they went from a casual Dayton group to a band with a winning streak, a killer EP, and big plans for the future. Join us as these young rockers reveal their journey — from the chaos of their first...

Most bands shy away from stepping into persona and parody simultaneously — USPOP turns that on its head with unapologetic British swagger plus a surprising Minnesota twist. They’ve crafted a Britpop experience filled with fake accents, real music, and a playful arrogance that screams confidence while keeping it polite. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when Minnesotans embrace British culture w...

Uncover the secrets behind the iconic sound of Grand Funk Railroad with legendary drummer Don Brewer—an artist who's been redefining rhythm for over 57 years. Ever wonder what it takes to make a song like "We're an American Band" unforgettable? Or how a drummer manages playing complex beats while singing lead vocals? This episode goes deep into the mind of a rock legend, revealing how Don's unique...

Unlock the secret to a sustained, independent music career that defies the odds. Brian Lehighton—frontman of G.B. Lehighton—shares how he's sold over 100,000 albums without a label, performs 200 shows a year, and stays true to his own path. You won’t believe how he kept growing through countless personal struggles, including surviving cancer, and what it truly takes to connect with fans deeply in...

Unlock the raw, inspiring stories behind a Grammy-caliber artist who went from a farm in North Dakota to performing on Nashville’s legendary Ryman stage and beyond. If you've ever wondered what it’s like to stand in awe at a venue where legends have played, or how genuine humility and relentless dedication shape a music career, this episode is your front-row seat. Andra's journey is anything but t...

Unlock the unexpected journey from classical jazz roots to ambient and meditative soundscapes with award-winning multi-instrumentalist Bryan Schumann. Inside this episode, Bryan reveals how a shy kid from a small town transformed into an eclectic creator blending electric guitar, orchestral strings, and improvisation — all while balancing a busy career in music production and composition. Discover...