Scenic Route

After several years away due to the pandemic, Cloud Cult makes their triumphant return to Papa Charlie's for their annual February show, playing two sold-out concerts at the venue that was the location of their last show before the world shut down in March of 2020. Lead singer Craig Minowa joins Will Moore from his woodland studio in Viroqua, WI to talk about the band's upcoming album Metamorphosis, their upcoming tour, and delves into some some fact-checking of the band's Wikipedia page.

Morningbird, the acoustic duo of Jill Burkes and Rob Wheeler from the Hibbing area, return to the Scenic Route with a fresh virtual performance. They talk with host Will Moore about what's been keeping them busy this winter, collaborating with St. Cloud songwriter Charlie Roth, and more.

Eric Athey hails from Lancaster, PA, and has been producing music since the early 2000s. He says he comes out with a record "about once every 5 years" and when he does, he often collaborates with Twin Cites based artist Dave Boquist. Recently, the two of them recorded a song called "Grand Marais" ahead of Athey's trip to the Boundary Waters. They chat with Will Moore on what made this song so unique, and why it's a long time dream finally coming to fruition.

You can listen to the song on Youtube here.

Jaspar Lepak's musical journey began in Minneapolis and has now returned there after stops in South Africa and Seattle. The singer-songwriter speaks with Will Moore about her return to Minnesota, her 2021 album Desert Ghosts, and two new singles called "One Brave Life" and "My Right to Choose" on the Scenic Route.

Liz Mathias is a guitarist hailing from the Ironwood, MI area who's known for playing throughout Northern Wisconsin. She is currently working on her debut album of original music. She makes her WTIP debut on the Scenic Route talking with Will Moore about her inspirations and favorite tunes.

Tony Thomas is a drummer and guitarist from the Twin Cities who's been involved in the metro area music scene since the late 80s. After a hiatus from music he returns with a solo album called Only Love Resides under the moniker Dog and Tony Show. He tells host Will Moore about his songwriting process and the tender stories behind many of the tracks, writing songs for his family and to remember loved ones who have passed.
 

Local hip hop artist Dre AKA Jamaican, the moniker of Andre Robinson, has come out with his second record in under 6 months. Minnesota Dre is a more personal album that he says showcases how his music making skills have grown. Robinson talks about his early days performing, growing up with music in Jamaica, and writing more songs with the kids at Great Expectations School.

Christopher David Hanson returns to the Scenic Route talking about his latest album Simplify. He talks about making music videos for the new songs, inspirations behind them, and as always his dog Minnow. You can find the self-produced claymation music video for the song "Jetus of the Forest" here on Youtube.

Spinning Voices is the moniker of David Boeser, a St. Louis Park based electronic musician who uses analog synthesizers and the 8-bit sounds of a classic Game Boy to make music. His album from this summer called Tusen Tack reimagines traditional Swedish folk songs he learned as a child at the American Swedish Institute into fully electronic compisions. He speaks with Will Moore on the Scenic Route about the project and how he makes music. 

Mark Joseph is a longtime Minnesota-based songwriter known for being part of the Big Wu and frequent trips to the Cook County area performing with his band American Soul. His most recent album is called Vegas Motel and is the most acoustic and Americana-style of his records to date. He talks with Will Moore about the themes of the album, working with producer JT Bates, and more.