We've mentioned this networking site before, but we had to revisit it because we're excited about its new quarterly songwriting contest called MnSpin. A three-person panel -- Dessa of local hip-hop crew Doomtree, Chris Roberts from Minnesota Public Radio's 89.3 FM (the Current) and Kate Galloway from Compass Productions -- chose the best of 80 tracks submitted this winter. Each week, three new songs are posted at the site. Entries range from newcomers (Bella Koshka, Alison Rae) to established performers (Ellis, Chris Perricelli of Little Man). A listening party and professional workshop are planned each quarter, and there is talk of a compilation CD featuring winning tracks. So far, many winners have been acoustic storytellers, but MnSpin coordinator Rachel Joyce said many genres were represented in round one -- "from electronica dance music to folk to sort of avant-garde electronic compositions. I'm hoping other rounds bring more world music, native musicians, folk and bluegrass."
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