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

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... read more →
  • March 2, 2026
  • Live Music Archive, Portland Music Archives, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Tampa Music Archives, Twin Cities Music Archives

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... read more →
  • July 13, 2025
  • Live Music Archive, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Twin Cities Music Archives

Catching Up With The Past

This post is dedicated to a clever troll - tapesfor2 - who once publicly posted this nice comment about my efforts to preserve the Sonic Archives tape collection: "You shouldn't... read more →
  • February 18, 2024
  • Live Music Archive, Portland Music Archives, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Tampa Music Archives, Twin Cities Music Archives
One of a series of mock First Avenue calendars; circa 1983

Mpls band archives

During the ’70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and early oughts, I worked at The Longhorn Bar, First Avenue, and the Uptown Bar in Minneapolis. Throughout those years, I worked at a handful... read more →
  • January 17, 2024
  • Live Music Archive, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Twin Cities Music Archives

Matisyahu & Wookiefoot • 2004-10-31 • Mpls MN • Cabooze

Matisyahu, on the verge of becoming huge, in a small club, wove his songs into the Wookiefoot set, who then backed him during his own set. [link to audio below]•... read more →
  • May 8, 2023
  • Live Music Archive, Portland Music Archives, Recordings Of Independent Origin, Twin Cities Music Archives

Recent Posts

  • Preserving Some Of The Magic
  • Twin Cities Music Archives
  • Zuzu’s Petals 1992-02-09
  • Zuzu’s Petals 1994-11-09
  • Zuzu’s Petals 1995-01-14

Categories

  • Audio 101
  • Live Music Archive
  • Portland Music Archives
  • Recordings Of Independent Origin
  • Tampa Music Archives
  • Twin Cities Music Archives

Hi, my name is J.Free, and I wear a few different hats!

Get in Touch

E-Mail: info@sonicarchives.com

The Sonic Archives Recording Company:
Small-run lathe-cut records made by hand – if you’re interested in a unique alternative to traditional factory-pressed records for your band or musical project.

Record Rescue Rehab Restore:
For the last 40 years or so, I’ve been buying and selling vintage vinyl records. If you’re looking for a hard-to-find vinyl record; or if you have a collection of records you would like to sell, please get in touch with me!

The DJ Hypnos Sound System:
Not your usual DJ – If you have a special event that calls for something a little different, how about a space-age blast of rhythm, soul, jazz and pop, at all speeds!

While you’re here, why not take a look around and check out some of the bands I’ve played in, and some early writing and visual art from the past few decades. You just never know…

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