RESOURCES FOR SONGWRITERS AND BANDS
A Free Venue Database for Independent Artists
The Minnesota Songwriter Sanctuary's Small to Mid-Sized Venue and Festival Database is a free resource of ~1,000 venues (and counting) that book small to mid-sized songwriters and bands – with a special focus on unique venues, rural bars, listening rooms, barn dances, park pavillions, house shows, arts and cultural centers, and small town spaces. Whether you're looking to hit the road and don't know where to start, or you're a touring artist looking for more gigs along the way, this list was made for you!
Session Work: Opportunities for Musicians & Engineers
Interested in earning money or free recording time while helping other artists bring their musical visions to life? We are building a network of skilled musicians and audio engineers available for session work at the Minnesota Songwriter Sanctuary. If you are a strong player — or a vocalist interested in contributing harmonies or background parts, we’d love to hear from you. We also welcome audio engineers who may be interested in recording projects at MSS in exchange for studio time on their own work.
MN Local Radio Weekly Schedule: Submit Your Music!
Minnesota is full of incredible original music — and some of the best places to discover it are on local radio. From KAXE’s Minnesota Mixtape to Minnesota Nice on KMSU, we’ve gathered a calendar of weekly radio shows across the state that regularly feature Minnesota artists, songwriters, and bands. Whether you’re looking for your next favorite local act or trying to find the right show to submit your music to, this guide is your starting point for Minnesota’s best local music programming.
Want to Throw a Music Festival in Your Community?
Minnesota bands with a compelling, well-developed event plan may qualify for our nonprofit rate — 70% off the rental of our mobile festival stage. We prioritize bands and songwriters who have previously worked with MSS, but intriguing concepts will also raise your request to the top of the list. To be eligible, the event must be open to the public, free (or inexpensive) to attend, and clearly designed to bring people together through live music.
Behind the Music: MN Music Gear Makers
Gibson and Fender are great... but, Minnesota musicians have an extraordinary community of local craftspeople building distinctive instruments and equipment by hand, right here in our state. The directory below introduces makers of amplifiers, effects pedals, drums, guitars, harps, banjos, and other specialty instruments, with links to explore their work. Connecting with a Minnesota builder gives musicians the chance to know the person behind the instrument and play something created specifically for their sound, style, and personality. There is a special sense of pride in performing on an instrument made just for you by a skilled craftsperson in your own state. From innovative boutique gear to traditional craftsmanship, Minnesota makers are helping musicians create a sound that is personal and distinctly local.
PLAYLIST: Minnesota + Upper Midwest Music
Are you looking to discover new artists, expand your musical community, find your next collaborator, or develop like-minded gig and touring partners? MSS’s regional music playlist features a couple of songs each from about 150 artists, and already includes more than 18 hours of original music from our talented musical friends and neighbors — and will continue to grow and evolve over time. Give it a listen, connect with artists whose work inspires you, and share it with other musicians who want to become more connected to the incredible music being made right here in Minnesota and across the Upper Midwest.