Rich Mattson and the Northstars

Over the course of his long and illustrious musical career sprouting from the same teal backwater as Bob Dylan on northern Minnesota’s Iron Range, Rich Mattson came up in the '80s learning songs from John Denver to Link Wray with a little Elvis Costello and Neil Young tossed into the mix.  Add in some heaping handfuls of U2, the Replacements, and CCR and blend until the ingredients come splattering in bits and pieces and you have around 500 tunes and this fella’s monster discography (see also Ol’ Yeller, the Tisdales, Glenrustles). Now residing in Sparta MN with his life and love partner Germaine Gemberling, the two have been writing, recording, and performing (among other things) together since 2010. The latest incarnation of the Northstars features retired fireman Chris Petrack on the drums, and new bassist Calvin Lund, also known for his work with the Saltydogs (Duluth MN’s premier jam band). Their 6 albums have received rave reviews and high praise from the indie rock/americana/jangle-core crowd, making them an underground sensation.

The Northstars perform all around Minnesota and beyond and have been invited to share the stage with such notable acts as the Minus 5, the Jayhawks, Drivin’ and Cryin’, and Trampled By Turtles. Rich also co-fronts a Neil Young tribute band with Alan Sparhawk (of LOW fame) on occasion. Somewhat of a Minnesota music staple, Mattson is well known for his songwriting and outstanding showmanship as well as his work with literally thousands of artists at his Sparta Sound recording studio. The latest Rich Mattson and the Northstars album (available on LP, CD as well all streaming) OUT THERE came out in November of 2022 on Poor L’amour/Sparta Sound. A new single, “Rendezvous With a Star” was released May 31, 2024 and is among the band’s finest work. More music is on the way in 2024!