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Sonic Archives Sonic Archives
  • Sound
  • Touch
  • Smell
  • Taste
    • Reviews
    • Interviews
    • Op-Eds & Cheap Comments
  • Sight
  • Blog
Apr 25

12Rods

This is about 12Rods, a band from Minneapolis by way of Oxford, Ohio, who have existed in various incarnations from 1992 to the present day in 2026. What follows is a handful of live recordings which the band has graciously allowed me to share on Live Music Archive with other... read more →
  • April 25, 2026
  • Live Music Archive, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Twin Cities Music Archives
Apr 24

Arcwelder

This is about Arcwelder, a band from Minneapolis, who have existed from 1987 to the present day in 2026. What follows is a handful of live recordings which the band has graciously allowed me to share on Live Music Archive with other past, present and future fans. There are still... read more →
  • April 24, 2026
  • Live Music Archive, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Twin Cities Music Archives
Apr 22
Zuzu's Petals • Mpls MN • Uptown Bar • photo: J.Free

Zuzu’s Petals

This is about Zuzu's Petals, a band from Minneapolis, who existed between 1989 - 1994. A heartstring-tugging line from the classic film, “It’s A Wonderful Life”, transcends it’s initial message of realization and redemption and is reincarnated in three talented young women from Minneapolis who have adapted the phrase as... read more →
  • April 22, 2026
  • Live Music Archive, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Twin Cities Music Archives
Apr 14

The Summer People

This is about The Summer People - a Minneapolis band that existed between 2003 - 2006. Why this desert blues rock psychedelic infused outfit didn't get more attention is a mystery to me, especially since their three CDs were released on the locally renowned Garage D'Or record label, run by... read more →
  • April 14, 2026
  • Live Music Archive, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Twin Cities Music Archives
Apr 13

The Pins

This is about The Pins, a band from Minneapolis who existed between 1995 - 2001. Dreamy melancholy space age pop laden with more infectious guitar breaks per song that on their own are worth some dream-pop bands entire careers. It would be easy to prattle on about this lot, but... read more →
  • April 13, 2026
  • Live Music Archive, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Twin Cities Music Archives
Mar 02

Preserving Some Of The Magic

This piece may be somewhat redundant if anyone has read any of my previous blog posts, or been in touch with me over the past few years, regarding the Twin Cities Music Preservation Project, but it seemed like as good a time as any to bring things up to date.... read more →
  • March 2, 2026
  • Live Music Archive, Portland Music Archives, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Tampa Music Archives, Twin Cities Music Archives
Jul 13

Twin Cities Music Archives

Remember when shows cost $5 and someone was always taping in the back? That was me. Since the '80s, I've recorded live performances of Twin Cities bands on whatever gear I had at the time, preserving the magic of the moment. Just about any genre of music you can think... read more →
  • July 13, 2025
  • Live Music Archive, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Twin Cities Music Archives
Aug 28

Borrowed Time • Listening Party

Here is an advance Screening / Listening Party for the Borrowed Time album, In A New Land. Welcome to the Listening Party! This is a Private Party - Invitation Only - but feel free to bring a guest, if you're willing to vouch for them.This album was recorded in 1985,... read more →
  • August 28, 2024
  • Recordings Of Independent Origin, Twin Cities Music Archives
Aug 27

Colt Vista 2008-06-29

I was asked to record this show alongside a film crew at Holocene, so the audio mix could be digitally synced with their video. [originally posted in 2008] Colt VistaPortland, OregonHolocene29 June 20084-channel / stereo audience recording16/44.1 analog > digital transfer from master This was a good opportunity to try... read more →
  • August 27, 2024
  • Portland Music Archives, Recordings Of Independent Origin
Aug 26

Horde Of Two 2009-06-26

Hailing from Vancouver, B.C., Horde Of Two is my new favorite band that is *not* from Portland, although their ties with the PDX music scene run deeper than most would probably be aware of. [originally posted in 2009] Horde Of Twolive at HOMEland GalleryPortland, OR26 June 2009 One of the tracks on bassist Wendy... read more →
  • August 26, 2024
  • Portland Music Archives, Recordings Of Independent Origin
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Hi, my name is J.Free, and I wear a few different hats!

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