The vibrant music scene in Southeast Minnesota is set to shine with the release of a groundbreaking compilation album. This unique project, spearheaded by local producers Alex Ortberg and Oliver Books, brings together an array of talented musicians from Rochester, showcasing their original compositions in a collaborative effort to elevate the region's musical landscape.

Empowering Local Talent, Fostering Creativity, and Building Community

A Yearlong Journey of Musical Discovery

The Rochester Music Mashup was born from a vision to unite and celebrate the diverse talent within the community. Funded by a $5,000 Advancing Artist Grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, this ambitious project provided eight local songwriters with free studio time at professional facilities. The goal was clear: to foster growth, encourage networking, and inspire new music that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Rochester.The selection process was rigorous, with over 65 applications received. Among those chosen were two teenage bands—Active Transport and B-Side—and six solo artists, including LaSonya Natividad, Pat Egan, Danya Bashier, Dan Conway from Cosmic Orphan, Drew Medin, and Roger Nelson. Both Ortberg and Books also contributed their own original composition titled "If." Over the course of a year, these musicians worked tirelessly, honing their craft and bringing their visions to life.

Transformative Experiences in the Studio

For many of the participants, the experience was nothing short of transformative. Take Danya Bashier, for instance. Prior to the project, she had never set foot in a recording studio or recorded one of her own songs. Her participation in the mashup allowed her to finish writing and record her song "Breathe," an experience she found both eye-opening and empowering. "I didn’t really share my original music before," Bashier reflected. "It was incredible to see how much I could grow as an artist."Similarly, vocalist LaSonya Natividad recorded her first-ever song, "Fear Met Me," inspired by a poem written by her friend Rachel. The process of composing and recording helped her overcome her fear of vulnerability and opened up new avenues for creative expression. "It’s important to give credit where it’s due," Natividad said. "Rachel encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, and I’m forever grateful for that."

Collaboration and Innovation

One of the standout features of the Rochester Music Mashup was the level of collaboration involved. Drew Medin's song "Body & Heart" exemplifies this spirit. Working alongside top-tier musicians like Ellen Sonnier on fiddle, Aaron Shannon on synths, and Blake Bonde on upright bass, Medin was able to explore sounds he had never imagined. "This collaboration pushed me out of my comfort zone," he admitted. "It was exhilarating to create something bold and unapologetic."The final product—a compilation featuring contributions from 22 musicians and two studios—showcases the depth and diversity of Rochester's music scene. Each track offers a unique perspective, reflecting the individuality and collective strength of the artists involved. The project culminated in a capstone performance at Treedome, a local venue known for its eclectic atmosphere. Over 80 attendees gathered to witness stripped-down live versions of the songs, followed by the multi-track studio recordings.

A Legacy of Inspiration

The impact of the Rochester Music Mashup extends far beyond the album itself. For Ortberg and Books, the project represents a commitment to nurturing the local music community. "We wanted to tie as much of the community together as we could," Books explained. "Even though we couldn’t include everyone, we hope this project has inspired others to pursue their artistic endeavors."Ortberg echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of supporting local artists through initiatives like the SEMAC grant. "Art jobs are real jobs," he stressed. "There’s a wealth of talent here, and it’s crucial that we continue to invest in it." As the project comes to a close, the legacy of the Rochester Music Mashup remains firmly rooted in the hearts and minds of all who participated, serving as a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity.