Rich Mattson and the Northstars

Hailing from the great northwoods of Minnesota, Rich Mattson and Germaine Gemberling have been writing, recording, and performing together since 2010. Their latest incarnation of the Northstars (with drummer Keely Lane and bassist Kyle Westrick) released their fifth album, Skylights, in February of 2021 to rave reviews and high praise from the indie rock / Americana / jangle-core crowd. With influences ranging from the Byrds, Neil Young, Petty, X, and Link Wray, the group’s original “cosmic folk” has cycled back to a more rocking sound in recent years. The group performs all around Minnesota and beyond and has been invited to share the stage with such notable acts as the Minus 5, the Jayhawks, and Trampled By Turtles. 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.