One of the greatest features of live music is its ability to organize fans to help a group of people or raise awareness for an issue (Live Aid anyone?).  So, when Alex Smith of the band Flip Rushmore found time to come up from Nashville to play a show, the band wanted to make it something more than a low-key bar gig.  They initially planned on playing an all-ages show, but things grew from there and Give Sound 2019 was conceived. "We thought it might be a good idea to plan a charity show, and we really wanted to play an all-ages show because we haven't been able to play one of those yet," Smith told Ear Coffee. "We've got younger siblings and fans who haven't been able to come to a bar and see us play." Alex went on to explain that the charity connection led them to look for other band's Flip Rushmore hadn't played with before, and they enlisted the help of the Minneapolis punk band Gramma , who took the lead in adding Mister Wes and ...

(Photo courtesy of Silent Agency's Facebook) It takes a lot for a band to reunite. On the macro level, money is usually the primary incentive (LCD Soundsystem who?). But when it comes to local bands, I can't imagine there's any reasoning other than pure passion. The band members miss thrashing around on stage with their friends and playing the music they wrote. It's a rush unlike any other. Silent Agency is an indie trio from a Minneapolis who played their last show in Minnesota six years ago. By the grace of the local music gods, they're coming back for a charity gig (which very well may be the first of several reunion shows). To celebrate their momentous reunion, Wes talked with vocalist/guitarist Evan Bakker, who lives in New York. They discussed the band's now-lengthy history, how the scene has changed, and why he's excited for the forthcoming show. Listen below. The charity event that Silent Agency will be playing is Give Sound 2019. Plann...

DIY music spaces are a staple in any underground music scene. They are an expression of true freedom because they operate outside of the traditional channels used to book shows used by typical venues. The concerts at house venues are often curated by people (or bands) who live there. The Paperhouse is one such venue located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It has found itself as the focus of an episodic documentary titled,  Paperhouse, Ask A Punk filmed by SWA Media Production . The documentary is shot in a style reminiscent of the 1981 documentary  The Decline of Western Civilization . Paperhouse, Ask A Punk features interviews with bands who are prominent in the Minneapolis punk scene. These interviews are filmed in various parts of The Paperhouse and are broken by footage of live performances. You can watch the first, three of six episodes of  Paperhouse, Ask A Punk  below.