The Rockford Mules on MTV's Caged

Tune in here around the 19:12 mark to hear The Rockford Mules "Drag the Swamp."

The Rockford Mules on MTV's Caged

Tune in to "Caged" this Monday night on MTV and you'll hear "Drag the Swamp" by The Rockford Mules! Check your local listing for times.

Ghost Towns of the West joins CBFM

"With its widescreen songs, beefy production and ace musicianship — the lineup includes a terrific saxophone player — the album sounds like an old-fashioned major-label production, not the first fruits of a young band. Expect to hear more from these guys." - Ross Raihala, Pioneer Press

"Judging by my initial listening reactions, Ghost Towns of the West qualify as a true find filling an under-served niche on the local scene. Their 6 track debut EP was recorded this past December at Ed Ackerson's renowned Flowers Studio, and it's a smoky and haunted affair with more than a bit of the Doors dark mojo in its lithe keyboard lines." - Rob Van Alstyne, Twin Cities Metromix

"I hesitate to call this a guitar album because of the brilliant mix of instruments throughout the six tracks that makeup up the self-titled debut from Ghost Towns of the West... They also demonstrate the same respect for Neil Young’s influence on grunge music that Pearl Jam championed most notably on 'Tall Green Grass' which pairs Young influenced rhythm guitar with McCready influenced lead guitar." - David Stein, Listener's Guild

“It's almost an aural diary with some of the most complex, mind-blowing music you'll ever hear backing it... A stunning, super-memorable collection of songs." - Tom Hallett, ‘Round The Dial Magazine

The Farewell Circuit on MTV's Caged

Check out Episode 106 of Caged on MTV to hear "Things We Lost" from The Farewell Circuit. Pay close attention around 8:20 when Wes talks about being a father.

Faded Paper Figures on I Just Want My Pants Back

Tune in to episode 3 of MTV's new show "I Just Want My Pants Back" to hear the Faded Paper Figures song "Being There" when Jason yells at Lench.

The Ericksons Join CBFM!

The Ericksons debut album grew out of countless late nights playing in the bars of South Brooklyn. After much urging from fellow musicians, the sisters, Bethany and Jenny, laid down the thirteen tracks making up Middle of the Night, live in a basement studio. This exquisite and haunting album showcases the duo’s soulful vocal melodies and honest songwriting. After releasing Middle of the Night to a sold out crowd at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC they took to the road touring their way back home to the Midwest.

In 2010 The Ericksons met producer and sound engineer Beau Sorenson (Death Cab for Cutie, Sparklehorse, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin) at Smart Studios in Madison, WI with a handful of new material. This trust-filled opening of The Ericksons’ transformative music to an undercurrent of rhythm and bass became the album, don’t be scared, don’t be alarmed. The result is a gift of creativity, beauty and truth that transcends musical genres. Since arriving in Minnesota, don’t be scared, don’t be alarmed has been featured on MPR’s Radio Heartland, KFAI’s Womenfolk Radio, and in MPLS/St.Paul Magazine as a Twin Cities CD of Note.
PRESS

“The Erickson sisters have a sophisticated harmonic connection.”
MPLS/St. Paul Magazine

“The sisters’ unique vocal harmonies make for music that sounds like it tumbled down from a mountain somewhere…The Ericksons cultivate a sound that is sparse and dark, a little Appalachian and a little bluegrass. Their lyrics are humble but with heart and soul, and the sisters share an impeccable intuition for melody.”
Citypages

“don’t be scared, don’t be alarmed,… immediately captures the band’s growth and creativity. The songs here receive a smart, but subtle upgrade in production and a steady dose of welcome percussion which only accentuates the honesty and poignant messages the sisters sing throughout.”
girlysounds.com

“There is something really unique about your sound…your harmonies, I’m hearing Chrissie Hynde, Grace Slick, Stevie Nicks.”
MPR/Radio Heartland

“Box of Letters, which sounds like a cheery pop tune borrowed from the Cities 97 morning programming, quietly carries a theme out of Camus’ Myth of Sisyphus without pouring a bunch of gloom and doom into the listener’s ear. “You’re glad to be alive,” they even sing.”
www.hymiesrecords.com

Kieren Smith Joins CBFM!

Ever since he can remember, Kieren Smith has lived and breathed music. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, he started playing violin at age four; and by age ten, Kieren had picked up guitar and the drums. Even though the majority of his youth was spent writing and playing music, it wasn't until he first stepped on stage with his high school band, Jamestown Story, that he knew he was meant to spend his life committed to playing music. Kieren started touring full-time at age sixteen, completing school-work on the road and eventually graduating high school early to focus on touring.

Shortly after high school, Kieren moved to Minneapolis and formed the band, Sing It Loud. Within five shows, the young pop-rock act signed with Epitaph records and hit the road. Sing It Loud would continue on to release two full-length albums and play over 1,000 shows in four years.

After the group disbanded in late 2010, Kieren was left to establish the next step of his career. With support from his good friend and producer, Jordan Schmidt, Kieren released his first solo album, "The Better Life."

"The Better Life" displays Kieren's vast musical inspiration and skill. Heavily inspired by Third Eye Blind and Goo Goo Dolls, Kieren brings back the youthful and wide-eyed sound of the 90's alternative rock scene. Now 23 years old, he is living and playing music in New York City. After seven years of touring and writing music, Kieren is a seasoned musician at a young age. With a new album on the horizon, things are bright for this young songwriter.

"I've spent my whole life dedicated to music, and I've had my share of ups and downs," says Smith. "Those are the best part. It's not about the end of the road, it's the shows I play and the fans I meet on the way there."

In Our Bones by The Farewell Circuit

Rockford Mules - Merry Christmas, South Dakota

New Verskotzi Video: Fountain