We’ve been following Burning Blue Rain for a few years now; it’s been fun to see them draw inspiration from blues legends while infusing their sound with innovative, genre-bending elements, that sort of frame them as emerging legends, especially to their contemporaries. Big thanks to band cofounder, Louis Tessman Stanoch, for answering a few questions about their new album, Blue Frame – which you can hear live tonight (Jan 29) at the 7th Street Entry, featuring Salty Dog and Lighter Co.
Last time we “talked” via a 5 Question Interview, you were about to start a residency at KJ Hideaway. You followed it up closely with a residency at the Green Room. What have these residencies taught you about your music and audience?
Louis: Hosting residencies has been a game-changer for us. Sharing the stage with other talented local bands is a privilege and gives us a chance to connect with the vibrant Minneapolis music scene. These shows have helped us refine our live sound and grow closer to our audience. We’ve also collaborated with guest musicians, which has brought fresh layers and energy to our performances. It’s been a great way to experiment and evolve while building a loyal fanbase.
Blue Frame offers a wide range of musical flavors. What influences helped shape the songs on this EP?
Louis: Oliver and I are huge fans of old recordings. Our music draws from blues and jazz legends from the ’40s to the ’70s. You’ll hear Delta Blues influences alongside the vivid, abstract imagery of Jimi Hendrix’s lyrics and the innovative slide guitar of Derek Trucks.
We played every instrument on the EP—guitar, keyboard, bass, drums—and even engineered, mixed, and produced it ourselves. Recording drums was a challenge I really enjoyed. I studied drummers like Art Blakey, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, and Elvin Jones to capture the presence and depth of their sound. Those influences helped us shape a rhythmic backbone that carries the listener through the experience of Blue Frame.
You and Oliver have been friends since grade school. How has your friendship shaped Burning Blue Rain?
Louis: Oliver and I have a deep connection that goes way back, and it’s the heart of what we create. For example, our grade school naturalist, Larry Wade, taught me so much about storytelling through observation and connection with nature, and that definitely influenced my lyrics on this EP. Our childhood experiences—trips to my family lake home, school concerts, even goofy jam sessions—have all played a part in our sound. There’s a trust and a shared language between us that makes collaboration feel effortless.
Blues has traditionally been associated with older audiences, but your shows bring in a younger crowd. How do you see Burning Blue Rain fitting into the local blues scene?
Louis: It’s been exciting to see younger people getting into blues. There’s a revival happening, with local bands leaning into blues elements in fresh ways. Our psychedelic influences bring a modern twist that resonates with younger audiences, but I also think people are coming to the shows because blues, at its core, is universal—it’s raw, emotional, and real. Whether it’s their first time hearing blues or they’re lifelong fans, we want everyone to feel welcome at our shows.
Tell us about the new EP release. Are there any events planned?
Louis: On January 29th, we’re celebrating Blue Frame with a release show at 7th Street Entry, featuring Salty Dog and Lighter Co., which we’re so excited about. The party doesn’t stop there—we’re also hosting another release event on Saturday, March 15 at The Green Room, where Dilly Dally Alley, Pierre Lewis, and Vinny Franco will join us. We want these shows to feel like a true celebration, not just of the music but of everyone who’s supported us along the way.
Mostly Minnesota 