Minnesota brings melodic side of EDM to Songbirds

Christian Bauhofer — the musician who named himself Minnesota after the state with 10,000 lakes — has been a force on the bass scene for nearly a decade. Original tracks like “Push It,” “HiLow,” “Float,” “Thunderdome” and “Colors” are dependable festival favorites and crush the dance floor time and again.

Minnesota returns to Songbirds on Wednesday, March 11, for a 9 p.m. electronica show.

“Certain electronic music does very well in this market. Minnesota was here a little over a year ago and came close to selling out, so we’re looking for another good crowd,” says Mike Dougher, Songbirds entertainment coordinator.

Although he’s made a name in electronic music, Bauhofer’s musical journey started with heavy doses of classic rock and emo. He was heavily influenced by the psychedelic style of rock legends Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, and cites them as inspiration for what would become his own sound.

“The songs were journeys, and I really like the epicness and the trip the song took you on,” he says.

During his college years in Santa Cruz, California, he discovered the underground electronic music scene via renegade parties that would be thrown in the woods.

“That community/ subculture was really my main influence into the music. A lot of other artists were immersed in the Santa Cruz community like Bassnectar, The Glitch Mob and Eprom. They would bring out a generator with CDJs and play music. We were really blown away,” says the musician.

Bauhofer would soon throw his own renegade parties in Santa Cruz to provide himself with a forum to DJ.

“I wanted to DJ, but nobody knew who I was, so I threw my own parties. We were very lucky to get into the space before everything blew up,” he says.

As Minnesota, his rise has been steady and impressive, leading the charge on the melodic dubstep scene. Be on the lookout for new music in the coming months to be released via his label, Outer Realms.

SONGBIRDS CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Minnesota