The Current

Great Music Lives Here ®
Listener-Supported Music
Donate Now

Erik Koskinen chats about his new album

  Play Now [24:28]

by Mike Pengra

June 26, 2015

erik koskinen mic
Erik Koskinen performs in the Radio Heartland studio
MPR photo/Nate Ryan

You can play a song multiple times in a recording studio, but sometimes you can never match the energy of a live performance. Erik Koskinen has been playing around the upper Midwest for years and has released many of the songs on his new live record on previous albums.

But the live recordings on the new record took place during many of the Real-Phonic Radio Hour monthly shows at the historic James J. Hill Library in St. Paul, in a four-story room lined with books. Erik says the acoustical oddities in the room make for a wonderful recording, and the level of excitement from the audience and with the band members make for some exceptional performances.

Erik and his wonderful band are celebrating the release of Erik Koskinen: Live at the Real-Phonic Radio Hour on Friday, June 26, at the Turf Club in St. Paul, Minn. Before the show, Erik stopped by Radio Heartland to chat about the new record.

Tracks played


"Crying On The Inside"
"Will You Feel My Love"
"Detroit Detroit"
All tracks from Erik Koskinen: Live at the Real-Phonic Radio Hour.

Erik Koskinen
Erik Koskinen - Live
Courtesy of the artist