I'VE SET OUT TO TAKE INVENTORY of opinions and ideas from four musicians in the Aberdeen area in hope of discovering what the community’s music scene has to offer musicians and music-goers alike. These four individuals operate in different corners of the music making scene but they share many of the same concerns and hopes for Aberdeen.

    Dan Cleberg is the owner of the Red Rooster Coffee House which is a popular venue for many musicians. Dan has opened up his heart and door to musicians that are often unpolished and brimming with raw talent. He is a strong advocate for musical creativity.

    Randee Bender is not only the owner of the Wild Oats Sports Bar and Grill, but also a member of the band Quickdraw, a top 40 country western cover band. Wild Oats has become a hot spot for a wide
variety of bands. Randee hopes to see more outlets for bands to share their talents.

    Dr. Timothy Woods is the professor of choral music at Northern State University. Don’t let his primary love of classical music fool you. Dr. Woods has a love and passion for all music. While attending Harvard, he became familiar with the music scene of Boston. Dr. Woods worked at a popular pub called Gentle Bens where he came in contact with music geniuses such as Buddy Guy.

    Dustin Marks is a guitarist for the band Junebug. On a regular day, he can be found at Pauer Sound, giving a guitar lesson or selling instruments to aspiring musicians.

    Julia Wakal came to Aberdeen from Canada. She is a member of the band Georgette and plays the accordion. Along with carrying a full-time load at NSU, she still manages to find time to sing and write some music along the way.

How do you view the Aberdeen music scene?
Dan Cleberg: We have a great crowd. They like to have fun and support local music and bands that come in. Bands seem happier with the Aberdeen shows than the Minneapolis shows because of the type of crowd we have here. There are more opportunities starting now.

Randee Bender: It seems like we are getting a lot more people out there playing music and a lot more venues are opening up in our area. I lived in Minneapolis for a while and what I see in Aberdeen is that I can do everything here that I did there.

Dr. Tim Woods: It’s receptive but it could be more so. People need to be less reserved and know greatness or be moved by greatness. Their standards need to be higher.

Dustin Marks: There are two worlds: the Red Rooster-YAPA world which thrives on creativity and supporting each other, the way a music scene should be. Then there’s the bar music scene. The bar world strives not so much towards creativity but having a good time. In order for a band that plays original or even semi-original music you have to kick and scream and pull teeth in order to get into a bar in Aberdeen. It seems much harder than it needs to be.

Julia Wakal: Supportive. Whenever Georgette performs, they (the venues) are always really happy to have us. The audience is always great.

Does Aberdeen stand out as a talented community?
Dr. Tim Woods: I think the reason culturally that this is a place where music still exists in all forms and especially coming from the classical background is because musicians here do music more, they share their talent more and get more out of it. In a lot of this country, music is dying.

Julia Wakal: When I decided I was coming to Aberdeen it was last minute. I had no idea what it was going to be like, but I am constantly surprised by Aberdeen.

What Aberdonian-bred musicians have you found exceptional?
Dan Cleberg: Definitely the female duo called Georgette. Their sound has a classical sound because they have old school instruments with an edgy vibe. They cover old jazz tunes and give them a twist.
         Hair Sucker (Altman Studeny) has a great sound. Alex Forred and The Cha Cha and anything with the name Burckhard attached to it. Jeremy (Burckhard) has a great show where he loops guitar sounds over and over again and it really showcases his talent.

Randee Bender: Definitely Pops (Blue Rhythm Band) or anything by Joel and Pete Burckhard.

Dustin Marks: Anything Burkhard, Alex Forred, Boyce Waylen, Georgette or the Urban Revue.

Julia Wakal: I love to see Junebug play. They are always fun, also Alex Forred because he is always evolving and changing.

Where are some good venues for music lovers in and around Aberdeen to go?
Dan Cleberg: The Fallout House is a good place to see art and music parties and music shows. YAPA. It’s a youth show but there are shows you can go to for all ages and during the summer time there are skate competitions at Melgaard Park where the is good music.

Randee Bender: Mostly out of town. Smaller towns tend to go over very well because they are great for bands and crowds alike.

Dustin Marks: The most positive is at the Red Rooster. Without Dan Cleberg, there would be no creative music scene. We (Junebug) have played at Generation Xtreme, YAPA, Eagles and Wild Oats. It’s really all about the crowd.

Where do you find new music?
Dan Cleberg: I find new music at live shows and some on Myspace.com.

Dr. Tim Woods: The New Yorker, NPR (National Pubic Radio), CBCO (an alternative radio station out of Colorado) people, friends.    
    There is so much quality that’s out there, but the quality should not be controlled by payola. Get rid of Clear Channel Radio. Quality is Quality. Artistry is Artistry.

Julia Wakal: Lots of word of mouth. I have a big brother who I am always bothering to find new music. Myspace.com is an easy way to explore new groups. I also use a site called lastfm.com which is a site that tracks what you listen to and makes recommendations and creates personal radio stations.

What are some problems you see in the Aberdeen music scene?
Dan Cleberg: I wish people would give live music a try. They may be pleasantly surprised, and if they aren’t they will still be supportive.    I think most communities our size are limited to bar bands where you have to learn top 40 music or country music to get a gig.

Randee Bender: I see it wanting to grow, but there just aren’t enough community activities. The community needs to be more open.

Dr. Tim Woods: The problem with Aberdeen is that most people who do the artistic stuff also end up being audience for the artistic stuff. I think that’s true if you are in the Red Rooster, or no matter where. People need to set a challenge. Go to one concert a year. Just try it. We always complain we are so far away from culture, that you have to go to the Twin Cities, or Sioux Falls or Chicago. Coffee is great at the Rooster and on top of that you get someone playing and singing their hearts out. GET OFF THE COUCH!

Julia Wakal: Trying to get people to come out to shows. One thing that worries me is that it seems a lot of people who participate (in the music scene) are not planning to stay in Aberdeen.


    What I discovered from my interviews with these individuals is that Aberdeen has a lot to offer to those who are willing to listen, but the scene has a long way to go to reach the status that many musicians and venues want for it. Listen to the advice from those who are out there making music. Get off the couch and support local music. Experience it for yourself. There is a ton of talent floating around Aberdeen! 

 
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