As the sun takes longer to set, the music scene in Minneapolis is starting to wake back up, and University of Minnesota students in bands are ready.
With many bands scattered throughout the cities, it is not uncommon for house shows or gigs at bars to pop up, allowing students to take the stage. From playing shows on the weekend to taking exams during the week, these students juggle their passions for music and pursuing their academic careers.
Many such students started playing instruments when they were younger and joined up with other musically-inclined friends and peers to play music together and entertain their audience.
Students like Jack Urtucuastegui and Isaac Schroeder started playing together in high school and now play gigs around the city under the name APHID.
The group plays alternative rock music inspired by bands like Dinosaur Jr. and Superchunk.
Both students are in their first year in college and said playing in and around campus has been great for APHID because of the city’s healthy and encouraging environment for up-and-coming bands.
“We’re super fortunate that a bunch of house venues in Como and Dinky have started to pop up this year,” Schroeder said. “So, it really all stems from that. We talk to other bands and make relationships, they’re our friends.”
Urtucuastegui said the bands they met have all been supportive and want to see success for each other.
“When I’ve met people that have new bands at house venues or other venues, I’ve never heard somebody put another person down for the music they create,” Urtucuastegui said.
Ethan Neid, a fourth-year student studying cinema and media culture, plays the drums for the band Honey Tree. Honey Tree has played in and around the city for more than four years, and Neid said he has enjoyed seeing the Minneapolis music scene evolve over that span.
“We’ve kind of seen the music scene really come back because it didn’t really come back until 2022 or 2023 after COVID lockdown,” Neid said. “It’s been interesting to see the sound change and what bands are more prominent and what sound is more prominent, even though there is kind of a consistent sound for the metro area for younger bands.”
Another essential component of Minneapolis’ music scene is the energy the crowds bring to shows.
Thomas Schroeder, a fifth-year student at the University, said the fans and their energy are a big part of what motivates his band, Polivon, to play well.
“Seventh St. Entry is a rocking venue,” Schroeder said. “There’s this energy about the place, as soon as you get called to play, it’s the most exciting thing because it’s at First Avenue and that means all your fans are going to want to catch that one show. As soon as they come out, the energy is there, the music really thrives in that room and we got to do that.”
The members of APHID said that if there are students considering starting up or joining a band, they should do so. They added APHID is currently looking for a drummer.
“Make music you want to play,” Schroeder said. “If you like what you’re playing, chances are someone else is going to like it too. Don’t try to be anyone else, just have fun doing it.”
Urtucuastegui said the most important part of starting up is having fun and putting your effort into becoming a better musician.
“One of the best pieces of advice I got when I first started out as a musician was even if you’re playing the most out-of-tune chord, no one cares as long as you look like you’re having fun,” Urtucuastegui said. “So have fun and do something that is fulfilling to you and work hard. Put your effort into it.”