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Friday Five: Videos from MUNQS, Toki Wright, more

by Andrea Swensson

January 11, 2013

Happy Friday! And welcome to the new blog design—whaddya think?

As with every Friday, I've gathered up a handful of my favorite videos by Minnesota artists, most of which surfaced in the past seven days. If you have suggestions for videos or other newsy tidbits you'd like to see featured in this space, leave a note in the comments (also new!) or drop me a line at aswensson@mpr.org.

1. MUNQS gets remixed

While the lineup for tonight's Best New Bands showcase is quite strong this year, there are a few artists who I'd nominate as runners-up. MUNQS is one such artist. When I saw him perform at the Kitty Cat this year (opening for Van Stee, another band who's set to make waves in 2013), I was impressed with just how fully formed frontman Corey Lawson appeared as an artist. This remixed song, which appears as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of his The Thoughts EP, finds him toying with Auto-Tune and adding a dance element to his dreamy, Postal Service-meets-Prince aesthetic. The video, directed by Ryan Melling, ain't half bad either.

2. Andy Elwell is ready to fight

I can't remember the last time I saw a video give "special thanks to the WWE." Andy Elwell channels his inner professional wrestler in this new video for "Your Will," which was directed by Alex Bowes. It provides quite the stunning contrast to his somber, sparse folk music.

3. The Starfolk and the sky

This clip is simple, understated, and ultimately beautiful—a lot like the Starfolk's music. See them live at the Korda Records showcase tomorrow night in the Entry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=k1_dJFvYcWE

4. Toki Wright needs no gimmicks

I've always been a fan of Toki Wright's music, but I'm especially excited by the direction he's taken recently with the addition of his live band This Debris and a new layer of depth in his sound. This cut is off of the Faders mixtape and was shot by Adam J. Dunn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6Xfau7QYCA0

5. Meet Elskavon

Bora York fans, take note: band leader Chris Bartels has also been making music in this new project Elskavon. Sample "Fine Years" from their Movements in Season here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=G0kbSvsOzfg

 

Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment
This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.