The Minnesota Music Note

MN Music Note - Ep 35 - How James Flagg Took Tribute Bands to Another Level

What does it actually take to step into the shoes of bands like Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Alice in Chains… and make fans believe it? In this episode of The Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with James Flagg — the powerhouse vocalist and musician behind Minnesota tribute bands Mad Alice, 10,000 Days, and Stone and Echo. From learning drums on couch cushions as a kid to fronting some of the Midwest’s most respected tribute acts, James shares the wild, funny, frustrating, and inspiring journey that shaped him into the performer he is today. We get deep into the reality of tribute band culture, the pressure of honoring iconic music, chaotic road stories, the evolution of Minnesota’s music scene, and how one Facebook post changed the course of his career forever. In this episode, we talk about: - Growing up obsessed with drums and teaching himself music from scratch - His early bands and the evolution of Bubble Math - The truth about being in original bands vs tribute bands - The insane story of playing to an empty bar in Reno - How Mad Alice became one of Minnesota’s standout Alice in Chains tributes - Auditioning to become the singer of 10,000 Days - Why chemistry matters more than talent in a band - The creation of Stone and Echo, the A Perfect Circle tribute - Recording struggles, DIY albums, and learning music production - His solo project Jaunt and Ghost and love for 80s-inspired music If you’re a fan of Tool, Alice in Chains, A Perfect Circle, Minnesota music culture, or just love hearing real stories from musicians who’ve lived it — this episode is for you. Tune into the full episode now and get an inside look at the passion, obsession, humor, and hard work behind some of the Midwest’s best tribute bands. 🎙️ Are you part of the Minnesota music scene? If you’re in a band, running venues, organizing events, producing music, or helping grow the local scene in any way — we’d love to connect with you and potentially feature you on the podcast. Resources: More of James Flagg’s Performance Videos: 10,000 Days “The Grudge” at The Doghouse (James on Vox) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5grzSgMs1kE Season of the Fly (Original) Music Video “Safe?” (James on Drums and Vox) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZdVk7Tec7E&list=RDTZdVk7Tec7E&start_radio=1 Bubblemath (Original) Music Video “Everything” (James on drums and backing Vox) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtFw8H3AGtA&list=RDQtFw8H3AGtA&start_radio=1 Just & Ghost “Brand New Dawn” (James’ Original solo project) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lL1RU7sUrM&list=RD8lL1RU7sUrM&start_radio=1 Just & Ghost (Original) Music Video “Tomorrow’s a Thief” (From a sound track I did for a short film called “The Guilty Prince of Chinatown” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAsSMhrm0l4&list=RDMAsSMhrm0l4&start_radio=1 Modern Condition (Original) Music Video “Kings of Cool” (James on drums and Vox) Featuring Shawn Q Kroll (From The Hybrid Theory) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoKg-RlmGb8&list=RDeoKg-RlmGb8&start_radio=1 PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/ Email: william@podcastcrew.online

MN Music Note - Ep 34 - 100 Jams Later: How John Sonnek Built Twin Cities All-Stars

What started as a simple idea at Ziggy’s has now become one of the most exciting music communities in Minnesota. In this episode of The Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with John Sonnek to talk about the incredible rise of the Twin Cities All Stars jams, the musicians who found their confidence on stage for the very first time, and how a weekly jam session turned into a movement that’s connecting hundreds of musicians across the Twin Cities. From playing hair metal as a teenager… to building a community 425+ musicians strong… to creating opportunities for people who never thought they’d perform live — this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and a ton of heart. If you love live music, Minnesota music culture, or hearing how communities are built through passion and persistence… this one’s for you. In this episode, we talked about: • How the Twin Cities All Stars jam first started in Mexico on spring break • The story behind the very first jam at Ziggy’s • What it feels like to hit 100 consecutive weekly jams • Why the jam has become bigger than just one person • Stories of musicians performing live for the first time ever • John’s early days playing in hair metal and rock bands • The Minnesota music scene and why it’s exploding right now • Funny stories from gigs, broken feet, and falling off stages • How the jams are helping musicians find bands and lifelong friendships • Why music communities matter now more than ever Watch until the end for John’s advice to anyone sitting at home wondering if they should finally get on stage and play. 🎙️ Are you part of the Minnesota music scene? If you’re in a band, running venues, organizing events, producing music, or helping grow the local scene in any way — we’d love to connect with you and potentially feature you on the podcast. Resources: Twin Cities All Stars FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/twincitiesallstars PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/ Email: william@podcastcrew.online

MN Music Note - Ep 33 - From Minnesota to Australia: Scottie Miller’s Musical Journey

In this new episode of The Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with Minneapolis musician and songwriter Scottie Miller while he’s touring Australia with Grammy-winning artist Ruthie Foster. From starting piano lessons at six years old to studying at Berklee College of Music, touring with Bo Diddley, and building a successful independent music career, Scottie shares the full story behind his musical journey. We talk about growing up in Minnesota, the artists and genres that shaped his sound, life on the road, balancing creativity with the business side of music, and the incredible process behind his new orchestral album, Hello Pain. Scottie also shares unforgettable touring stories, the surprising moment he discovered long-lost family roots in Norway, and why Minnesota continues to inspire his music after all these years. Topics Covered: • Touring Australia with Ruthie Foster • Growing up in Minnesota’s music scene • Berklee College of Music • Playing with Bo Diddley • Independent artist life & music business • Recording with the Budapest Scoring Orchestra • The story behind Hello Pain • Creativity, songwriting & staying inspired Resources: Scottie Miller's Website: scottiemiller.com PodcastCrew website: podcastcrew.online The MN Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote/ Email: william@podcastcrew.online

MN Music Note - Ep 32 - The Sound Behind The Scene with Rick Dobbelmann

In this episode of Minnesota Music Note, we sit down with Minnesota sound engineer and live audio tech Rick Dobbelmann, one of the key people behind some of the biggest tribute bands and live shows in the local scene. Born and raised in Saint Paul, Rick shares how he first got into audio through car stereos and basement band rehearsals before stepping away from music for nearly 18 years to build an online auction business and study web development. But in 2018, something pulled him back into live music, and since then, his journey has completely exploded. We talk about: • Running sound for bands like Hybrid Theory, Queen of the Reich, Exit Stage Right, and Arch Allies • What it’s really like touring and working behind the scenes in live music • Building PA systems, mixing huge festival stages, and handling massive live productions • Why loud cymbals are every sound engineer’s nightmare • The rise of AI in music, business, and content creation • How he uses AI daily for websites, eBay listings, graphics, and more • The reality of burnout, reinvention, and finding your way back to music later in life • Why passion matters more than money in the live audio world • Minnesota venues, festivals, tribute bands, and the local music community This episode is a deep dive into the people behind the curtain, the ones making the music sound incredible while rarely standing in the spotlight themselves. Also, at the end of this episode we are doing a giveaway for free tickets to The Legends of Rock event happening June 6, 2026. Be sure to watch until the end of the episode to find out how to enter. Resources: Minnesota Music Note FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamusicnote PodcastCrew YT Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastCrew-MN/podcasts Legends of Rock Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2024521578116577

MN Music Note - EP 31 - From Teacher to Minnesota Music Advocate with Allisen Merrill

What makes someone dedicate their life to supporting local music? Allisen never planned on becoming one of the biggest champions of Minnesota’s music scene… but through photography, writing, live shows, and genuine connection, she’s built a platform that uplifts artists across every genre. From teaching English and studying poetry to spending five nights a week at concerts, jam nights, and showcases, her story is really about the power of community, creativity, and saying yes to the things that inspire you. In this episode: • How music helped her through difficult seasons of life • Why lyrics and poetry shaped the way she experiences music • The unexpected start of Metro Music Mentions • Going from teacher to music photographer • Learning to step outside her comfort zone and perform live • Why she supports artists across every genre • The hidden magic of Minnesota’s local music scene • The importance of kindness, connection, and amplifying others 🎧 Watch the full episode now and hear why Allisen has become such an important part of the Minnesota music community. 🎙️ Are you part of the Minnesota music scene? Whether you’re a musician, photographer, promoter, sound engineer, venue owner, or creative — we’d love to have you on Minnesota Music Note. Reach out and let’s tell your story.