Conversations with a wide variety of musicians about their newest releases, upcoming performances, and their latest tours.Off the Record is funded in part by a grant from the Northern Arts Council.
WXPR Music Host Susan Spangenberg speaks with singer and songwriter Billy Bragg about protest music in the U.S., the issues that continue to inspire his work, and his current North American tour.
20 Mar 2026
Off the Record with Erik Koskinen
Erik Koskinen is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, whose music is not categorized by sub-genres. Stylistically he is on his own while heavily influenced by American roots music. The rhythmic integrity and musical tone is as important as the lyrical content and the artistic intent. Koskinen has reverently entered the anthology of uniquely crafted wry songs with the likes of Woody Guthrie and Ry Cooder while speaking as plainly as your neighbor.The Minneapolis Star Tribune calls Koskinen “the real deal” and “The best country songwriter in Minnesota”
3 Sept 2025
Off the Record with Darren Thompson
Native American Flutist Darren Thompson grew up in Lac du Flambeau and now travels the country sharing his music.He’ll be performing in Minocqua this Friday at the Community Gym at the Minocqua Public Library.WXPR’s Katie Thoresen spoke with Thompson as he was in between shows at the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota.
15 Jul 2025
Off the Record with Webb Wilder
Webb Wilder was blending roots rock, country, blues, and rockabilly before “Americana” had a name. A true original and a member of Roots Rock royalty, the Hattiesburg, Mississippi native has carved out a nearly 40-year career defined by high-energy performances, sharp songwriting, and a sound he proudly dubs “Uneasy Listening.”WXPR Volunteer Host Susan Spangenberg caught up with Webb to talk about his roots and his music.
17 Sept 2024
Dessa talks music, poetry, and different outlets of expression ahead of Project North
Dessa is a rapper, singer, and writer that NPR World Café called “One of the most anomalous artists in music today.”She’s headlining Project North this Saturday, September 21st.
18 Jan 2024
The Cactus Blossoms: Off the Record
Brothers Page and Jack of The Cactus Blossoms talk about the band's origins from busking on the street and at farmers markets to going on national and international tours. They also discuss their latest projects and more.
12 Jun 2023
New Salty Dog: Off the Record
Owen and Jacob Mahon of New Salty Dog talk about using poetry in collaborative songwriting, moving to Duluth in their youth, solidifying the band during the pandemic and more in this edition of Off The Record.
7 Feb 2023
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys: Off the Record
Bluegrass Saturday host, Randy Burl, had an opportunity to talk with Josh Rinkel, singer and guitarist of the award-winning and GRAMMY nominated band, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys.
3 Feb 2023
Buffalo Nichols: Off the Record
Carl "Buffalo" Nichols talks about recording his new album, his songwriting process, how he finds inspiration from the world around him, and more from inside the mind of this up-and coming artist.
19 Jan 2023
Mae Simpson: Off the Record
Mae Simpson, frontwoman for the Minnesota funk, soul, and rock and roll band, shares her musical motivation, inspiration, and more.
5 Dec 2022
Five for Fighting: Off the Record
John Ondrasik, the songwriter and performer known as the platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated, Five For Fighting, talks about his career, his inspirations, and his music.
5 Dec 2022
The Empty Pockets: Off the Record
Josh Solomon and Erika Brett of The Empty Pockets talk about the inspiration behind ‘Outside Spectrum,’ their newest album.
5 Dec 2022
Moors & McCumber: Off the Record
James Moors and Kort McCumber talk about how formed their musical partnership and their latest tour.
5 Dec 2022
Don Mclean: Off the Record
Don Mclean talks about his lengthy music career and the 50th anniversary of his biggest hit ‘American Pie.’
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