Ally Moerer has been one of the lead archivists for the Minnesota Music Archive (MMA) since she started interning with DEMO in 2024. Passionate about archives and the purposes they serve, Moerer is currently studying to get her master’s degree in library sciences.
While she started working with the MMA to gain experience that supports her degree, Moerer has since become immersed in local music history. She has a passion for preserving music that’s been forgotten and uncovering the stories and artists behind unidentified music. The archive gives tracks like this a second chance to be heard and remembered.
“I especially love working with forgotten music: the music that was never commercially successful, the music that never made it to streaming platforms, the music that was crafted with a lot of DIY (do-it-yourself) passion and drive for a small, devoted audience,” Moerer shares.
The Minnesota Music Archive aims to spotlight all Minnesota music, meaning that, along with forgotten music, there are also unidentified albums and tracks. The mystery behind them is one reason why Moerer’s favorite music to work with is cassettes.
“[Cassettes are] kind of a terrible format, both in terms of audio quality and longevity, but listening to a rare cassette with nothing or next to nothing about it online feels like unwrapping a gift,” she states.
For Moerer, some of the most interesting music she’s come across is the most anonymous.
“One of my favorite finds was a 90’s hip-hop group called Wise Seeds.* All I had to go off of was the Twin Cities phone area code and some cool tracks with interesting samples. Trying to track down the story of an object and solve its mysteries is a big part of the fun for me.”
The Minnesota Music Archive is set to launch next spring, opening a digital home for the local hits you love, the music you’ve never heard before, and the tracks you’ve forgotten about, all of which have shaped Minnesota’s music legacy. The archive’s ultimate goal is to preserve all Minnesota music, new and old, across genres and cultures, for years to come.
“There’s something special about being the first person to listen to an album in decades,” Moerer expresses. “It really feels like I’m honoring the creativity and hard work that went into it by documenting and digitizing it.”
As for the future, Moerer is anticipating the public launch of the archive. “I’m looking forward to the launch of our searchable database next year. Archives exist to be used and accessed, so having a public-facing catalog is really exciting.”
*Archivist’s Note: If you know more about the band members of Wise Seeds, email me at ally@demomn.org. I’d love to give them proper credit.
Archivist's Picks Playlist
Archivist’s Note: These are some of my favorite finds that I’ve come across working at the Minnesota Music Archive (the ones available on Spotify, that is). This music found a home on my personal playlists, music I wouldn’t have heard or thought about otherwise. Some of these are deeper cuts, partially because that’s what I’m drawn to as an archivist and listener and partially because I want to spotlight some lesser-known Minnesota tracks.
You can listen to the Archivist’s Picks playlist on Spotify. Read on for Ally’s notes about how she selected this collection of music.
My Baby, My - Sue Ann Cartwright (1981)
Of the Prince associates I’ve introduced myself to at Minnesota Music Archive, Sue Ann has been one of my favorites. This song’s bassline, synths, and vocals come together on a fun, funky disco track. I’ve really enjoyed learning about the women who came out of the Minneapolis sound, and 19-year-old Sue Ann’s debut self-titled album is a great place to start if you’re interested in lesser-known Prince proteges.
Gas Mask Blues - Sleeping in the Aviary (2008)
One of the first hidden gems I found at the Minnesota Music Archive. With its rough, lo-fi production and raw lyrics, “Gas Mask Blues” is an emo-folk-punk take on generational trauma. Written in response to Panic At The Disco’s Pretty. Odd.‘s perceived inauthenticity, the album Expensive Vomit In A Cheap Hotel has some dark, compelling music on it. Highly recommended, especially if you’re a fan of Midwest emo.
b.e. Son - Joe Rainey (2022)
Merging traditional pow-wow with avant-garde electronic, Ojibwe artist Joe Rainey’s “b.e. Son” has been a unique addition to my daily music rotation. I’m really into niche experimental music in general, so it’s always a delight when I come across a combination of sounds I’ve never heard before. Highly recommend giving the full album, Niineta, a listen.
Fades - Zuluzuluu* (2016)
“Fades” is a chill, funky song about moving beyond small talk and having authentic conversations with people. With its quirky synths and lowkey vibes, Zuluzuluu’s album What’s The Price has become a constant, soothing companion for me whenever I need to run errands, finish up some work, or get chores done.
*now known as Astralblak
Lipstick Lover - Andre Cymone (1985)
Another Prince protege. Andre Cymone has an extensive discography that I’ve worked with a lot, so picking one track for this playlist was a bit of a challenge for me. I eventually settled on “Lipstick Lover” as a good entry point.
Oh. Hi. - Now, Now (2015)
A fun, nostalgic pop-rock rediscovery for me, actually. I listened to Now, Now a lot as a high school student in California, and I was delighted to learn that I’d be working with some of their music. It’s interesting how music from your adolescence always finds its way back to you, sometimes in unexpected ways.
When I Said I Missed You, I Just Meant My Aim Was Off - Zak Sally (2009)
I first listened to former Low bassist Zak Sally’s solo music as a crackly 7” single at the bottom of a cardboard box. I’ve developed a bit of an attachment to it, partially because of how hard it was to get an acceptable digital recording of the vinyl. I do really enjoy the song itself, though. The crunchy, lo-fi production and heavy bassline are delightful.
William - Graveyard Club (2019)
American Dream - Ondara (2019)
Topping off this playlist, J.S. Ondara deserves a special mention for creating my favorite overall album on this list. Tales Of America is a Kenyan immigrant’s take on American society, and its unique, introspective lyrics have really stuck with me in the current political environment. “American Dream” is based on a waterlogged note Ondara pulled from the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. With its mournful violins and Ondara’s beautiful voice, this song, to me, is some of the best music the Twin Cities has to offer.