Brian Oake Show

Brian Oake is a Minneapolis radio icon. This is a show about music, popular culture, interesting characters, irreverence and laughter, not always in that order.

Ep 575 Fret Rattles 05/14/2026

Ep 575 Fret Rattles This episode we're joined by Sir Chadwick, bass player for Minnesota's premier Action Rock band, Fret Rattles!! They've got a brilliant, bombastic new full-length record out 'As The World Falls Apart. To celebrate, there's a massive rock n roll circus happening under the canopy at The Hook & Ladder. Are you ready? Wake Up Now!!! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/41268870

Ep 574 Glass 05/12/2026

Ep 574 Glass Annie and Kari, both of Minnesota favorites Annie and The Bang Bang, are back to talk about their latest project, Glass. The sound of the project is described as 'minimalist avant pop'. Color me intrigued! Glass has a show coming up and a full-length album on the way. Also, we laugh way too hard on this episode! Enjoy. /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/41267340

Brian Oake Show Ep 573 Harlow 05/07/2026

Brian Oake Show Ep 573 Harlow Sam and Des came by to tell us all about the folk rock stylings of their band, Harlow. We talk about the debut album, upcoming shows/releases, and get a little insight into what it's like being in an up-and-coming band in the modern era. They also bring along some genuinely beautiful tunes. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/41197445

Ep 572 Spit Takes 05/06/2026

Ep 572 Spit Takes Monet and Vanessa from Spit Takes stop by to talk about their debut eponymous LP! The big release show is this Saturday at Cloudland. We also talk about some other upcoming gigs AND! we dive into Monet's new record label Whiplass, dedicated to amplifying the music and voices of femme, trans, and queer punks. This was a fun one. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/41191790

Ep 571 The Long Honeymoon 04/29/2026

Ep 571 The Long Honeymoon Adam and Eric from The Long Honeymoon joined us for a great conversation! We chatted about the history of the band and how they were formed. They have released an EP and an album, but have already written two more albums and partially produced the second album. We felt like total underachievers! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/41064135

Ep 570 Dan and Megan from Minnesota Music Resistance 04/28/2026

Ep 570 Dan and Megan from Minnesota Music Resistance What if there were a way to support the ALCU of Minnesota during these trying times AND rock the hell out with some of the coolest names in MN Music? There is!! Megan and Dan from Minnesota Music Resistance stop by to talk about Mayday! Mayday! A Benefit for the ACLU-MN. It's this Friday at the Hook & Ladder as they kick off their Under The Canopy music series. Venus De Mars, Cindy Lawson, and others perform live to celebrate the release of Bih Hopes Of Mid-America Vol 1. So much music, so much resistance! Enjoy. /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/41049455

Ep 569 Jake Rudh (25th Anniversary of Transmission) 04/23/2026

Ep 569 Jake Rudh (25th Anniversary of Transmission) Jake Rudh brought the heat today. Three great song pulls, we're not surprised. This Saturday at the 1st Ave Mainroom, he'll be celebrating 25 years of Transmission. We had a great discussion about music, his process and his passion. We love Jake and can't wait to celebrate with him on Saturday. /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40989650

Ep 568 Michael Anschel 04/21/2026

Ep 568 Michael Anschel Michael Anschel , principal of show sponsor OA Design Build Architecture, joins us to talk remodeling, community and the importance of exploring and recognizing our place in a wider world. Always a great conversation. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40955950

Ep 567 Mother Banjo (AKA Ellen Stanley) 04/14/2026

Ep 567 Mother Banjo (AKA Ellen Stanley) Mother Banjo is back! Ellen Stanley stops by to talk about her gig with Beth Bombora at the Hook this Sunday AND a huge fundraising livestream next week featuring the likes of Chris Koza and Dar Williams! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40871705

Ep 566 Katy Vernon (Favourite Girl Album Release) 04/07/2026

Ep 566 Katy Vernon (Favourite Girl Album Release) One of our 'favourite girls', Katy Vernon, returns to talk about her latest band's debut release, the big release party this Friday at The Parkway, and the importance of resiliency and staying positive in the face of all the darkness. Pro-Women, Pro-music and Pro-making the most of being alive, Katy is always a wonderful guest. Enjoy!! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40761235

Ep 565 jeremy messersmith 03/31/2026

Ep 565 jeremy messersmith Finally! After years of trying, we actually got jeremy messersmith into the cozy confines of the SmartStartMN studio. He has a brand new full-length album, Fox/Coyote, coming out tomorrow, April 1st. We talk all about the new album, his love of house concerts, and his somewhat dubious tenure as a temp at a nuclear waste storage facility. No joke. He also brought along his guitar to serenade us LIVE with the world premiere of a brand new song! This one was worth the wait. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40683350

Ep 564 Peter Jesperson (2nd Visit) 03/31/2026

Ep 564 Peter Jesperson (2nd Visit) We could talk to Peter Jesperson for hours! We covered a ton in sixty-two short minutes: Today we talked about the epic Suicide Commando's final show, the Slim Dunlap 44 song new release "Every Little Word", the Let It Be double album, we heard three great song picks, and so much more. Enjoy this show! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40676630

Ep 563 Fancy Ray McCloney! 03/25/2026

Ep 563 Fancy Ray McCloney! You got that right! It's the return of the Best Lookin' Man in Comedy, Fancy Ray! The mayors of both Twin Cities have declared this Saturday, March 28th Fancy Ray Day! Come celebrate with a huge comedy showcase at the Spring Street Tavern this weekend! If you need a little love, light, and life right about now, this episode has got exactly what you need! Enjoy!! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40620495

Ep 562 Flutes & Low 03/24/2026

Ep 562 Flutes & Low This time, we are joined by Cambria and Ben of Duluth band Flutes & Low. They have a lush new album called 'Lay Fallow', and a big album release celebration in NE on April 1st. Here we get to meet the young duo and find out just where this dreamy, evocative music comes from. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40607165

Ep 561 Sue Scott -Island Of Discarded Women 03/18/2026

Ep 561 Sue Scott -Island Of Discarded Women The legendary Sue Scott (A Prairie Home Companion, etc.) joins us to share the details on her incredible live show/podcast, The Island Of Discarded Women. It's all about the music, stories, and voices of women doing amazing things for our community. The upcoming show on April 1st at Crooner's promises to be full of song, laughter, and hope. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40527305

Ep 560 John Cosgrove St. Patrick's Day edition 03/17/2026

Ep 560 John Cosgrove St. Patrick's Day edition Happy St. Patrick's Day!! Once again, we are joined by our favorite Irishman, John Cosgrove. Affable, knowledgeable, and he always picks out the best Irish music to play. Join us for our annual look at what it means to be Irish in the modern era. Slainte! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40513675

Ep 559 Chatham Rise 03/11/2026

Ep 559 Chatham Rise This Friday, The Parkway Theater will feature three incredible bands (Magic Castles, Chatham Rise, and Lana Leone) for the Stand With Immigrants Benefit. If you love shoegaze and psychpop, you will LOVE this entire evening dedicated to raising money for, and awareness of, Immigrant Defense Network and Community Aid Network. Collin and Mike of Chatham Rise stop by with the details. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40398520

Ep 558 Six Appeal 03/10/2026

Ep 558 Six Appeal Jordan Roll and Jeff Gavin of Six Appeal join us to talk about their history, and the way they do the things they do - which is deliver jaw-dropping a cappella vocal performance! We hear atheir songs and share the details on the their next upcoming performance here in town. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40385570

Ep. 557 Cosgrove 03/04/2026

Ep. 557 Cosgrove This week, it's just me and John Cosgrove. Sure, we talk a little about his native Ireland, but we do our best to avoid any blatant shamrockery. This epi8sode is mainly about the music. May the road rise to meet ye! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40315365

Ep 556 Heartland Souvenirs 03/03/2026

Ep 556 Heartland Souvenirs This time, we are joined by 2/3 of Heartland Souvenirs, an incredible MN music collaboration featuring nuanced playing and gorgeous vocal harmonies. They have an intimate gig coming up this Saturday at the 318 in Excelsior. Listen, learn and enjoy! Cheers! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40299705

Brian Oake Show - Ep. 555 Christy Costello 02/25/2026

Brian Oake Show - Ep. 555 Christy Costello Christy Costello is back for her 5th visit on Episode 555! Dude, cosmic. She's got such great energy for this city and the music she plays. Speaking of, she's headlining the 7th St Entry this friday with a killer lineup of supporting acts. I'm already looking forward to having her back again soon. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40230220

554 Ross Willits 02/24/2026

554 Ross Willits Ross Willits is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Association. He swings by to talk about the modern state of Bluegrass in the Upper Midwest and to share all the details of the upcoming 46th Minnesota Bluegrass Winter Weekend. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40152725

Ep 553 Jillian Rae 02/19/2026

Ep 553 Jillian Rae Jillian Rae has always been one of our favorites. She's out now with a very timely and jaunty protest song 'Fuck ICE'. We talk about her music, day-to-day life in a city under siege and her long-gestating new album. This one felt good. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40141220

Ep 552 Sean Snow 02/17/2026

Ep 552 Sean Snow For the last several weeks, I've been reading these posts on FB that were so informative, so concise and so hopeful that I had to get the author on the 'cast. Sean Snow is an ameteur curator journalist who believes in information, honesty and decency. He also brought along a few great songs. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40139465

Ep 551 Obadiah Gamble 02/11/2026

Ep 551 Obadiah Gamble MN singer/songwriter Obadiah Gamble may still be in high school, but his voice and his critically-acclaimed new album 'Notice' speak to a voice and heart that were always meant to make music. A great conversation with one of the youngest voices we've ever had on the show. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/40075865

Ep 550 drone not drones 02/03/2026

Ep 550 drone not drones the 11th Annual drone not drones event is happening this Friday at The Cedar. drone not drones is an annual 28-hour continous sound collage featuring more than 70 artists/bands. Sound interesting? Mind-bending? Imortant? It is. Alex Bissen (IOSIS) and Zak Sally (Low) stop by to bring us the details, and some excellent music. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/39983590

Ep 549 Ed Cohen (SmartStartMN) 02/01/2026

Ep 549 Ed Cohen (SmartStartMN) Ed Cohen, owner of SmartStartMN, and our dear friend, was on the Brian Oake Show. Ed has been to more shows than Brian or Sean combined. He's passionate about music and tells great stories about the gift his kids gave him and his wife, Joan and the band that changed his life. Listen and subscribe. /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/39953245

Ep 548 Sarah Larrson 01/30/2026

Ep 548 Sarah Larrson Just another excellent conversation with a terrific artist, Sarah Larrson! She's a big part of Red Thread! Listen for the release of her remix of Wild Mountain Thyme with LazerBeak at the end of the show. It's released on BandCamp today. Look up Red Thread (Artist) to purchase. /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/39930405

Ep 547 Kathleen Johnson 01/27/2026

Ep 547 Kathleen Johnson Kathleen Johnson has done it all. From being a long time member of Soul Tight Committee to performing/recording with the likes of Alexander O' Neal, Keri Noble, Billy McLaughlin and Prince, Kathleen has a genuinely incredible voice. She's also the co-producer of 'The Greats Gone 2 Soon' who have an evening of 'The Spirit Of Whitney' coming up this Sunday. Listen and enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/39898445

Ep 546 Eric Tretbar 01/20/2026

Ep 546 Eric Tretbar MN-based filmaker Eric Tretbar makes his first visit ti the SmartStartMN studio to talk about his 30+ year career as a filmmaker AND the 25th anniversary showing of his critically-acclaimed film SNOW at the Parkway Theater in mid-february. Pers usual, we ran out of time long before we ran out of stories and insight. We will definitely have him back. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/2c3149eb-e075-4bf7-a90e-a1757bb1e030/id/39800385

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