Big Hopes of Mid-America, is a compilation resistance album from the Minnesota Music Resistance, and a reminder that music has always been one of our most powerful tools for connection and resistance. In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a member of MMR and I’ve seen how much work and generosity have gone into this compilation.
All proceeds from Big Hopes of Mid-America, Vol. 1 will be donated to nonprofit organizations working to support local communities, defend human rights, and actively resist authoritarianism.
Folks are invited to listen the release with the performers at a listening party at the Hook & Ladder Theater on March 29, 2026 from 1:00 – 4:00pm.
In the meantime, I asked each band the same thing:
What was the inspiration of the song originally? And why did you choose it for Big Hopes?
- Dumptrunk– Meric’
The original inspiration for the song was the terrifying realization in 2016 that enough of the country was susceptible to the “replacement theory” myth that they elected an openly racist, morally bankrupt and utterly incompetent president. At the time we didn’t think he’d last one hundred days, so we were able to have some fun addressing the issue with an ironic Kid Rock style parody of testosterone based patriotism.
We chose it for this compilation because the attitudes it poked fun at are celebrated more than ever now. And sadly a lot of people would love ‘Meric unironically. These days it’s all to easy to imagine Trump’s cowboys cranking it up in their SUV’s before jumpin’ out to round them up some IMMIGRINTS! - Sawtooth Witch – The Hustle
It’s quite the situation we’ve got here in the United States, and Minnesota shined a giant light on it.
They’re lying. They’ve been lying. They know they’re lying and they know we know they’re lying to us…
But just because we’re mad at the government that doesn’t mean we can’t dance!
If I can offer any joy in a time of resistance this song is my best shot at it. - Flamin’ Oh’s – Strange Times
I wrote Strange Times inspired by living through Covid and a Fascist Regime.
I chose it because we ARE living in Strange Times and we half to keep fighting and rising. And we believe in love. - The Muatas – BLM
Our song, BLM, is really just sharing our experience moving through the time specifically after George Floyd was murdered, and the frustration that we continually have around all the inequities we see all around us and asking that fundamental question-when will our Black lives matter?
Even though this compilation is more focused on events surrounding metro surge, we still felt the song is relevant because we are still struggling with not being targeted simply for the color of our skin, which happened a lot during the ice occupation. We wanted to join the effort with other artists to speak out about the injustices and use our voice as creative people to be a part of the change and to shed light on these issues. - The Silent Treatment – Keep Running
A Zinn-esque critique of the notion of the American Dream, the inspiration for Keep Running is the state of our economy, political order, and the societal forces that perpetuate a rapidly increasing inability to simply survive.
This song was chosen because of its criticism of an unjust system and demand for change. - The Heavy Sixers – Long Way To Go
The inspiration for our song and from the general degradation of our democracy and the protestors who are on the front-lines putting their bodies on the line to protect it.
I think I chose this song because it focuses on our current situation. But also acknowledges the fight to keep a democracy never ends. It’s always a struggle. But generations before did it. Hopefully we can keep it. And future generations will need to as well.
Thanks! Steve from The Heavy Sixers - The Flying T – Rabbits With Knives
“Rabbits with Knives” was inspired by Medieval marginalia showing rabbits fighting back against humans and dogs that would hunt them. I got to thinking how the right refers to us as snowflakes and spineless, and think we don’t have it in us to respond to their cruelty.
The attacks on science, knowledge and books. The inhumanity at the border. The continued cancer of guns in our society. These things demand a response and so the lyrics were born from that thinking. These situations feel like the first act of a new Civil War in America, and the fire are burning.
When MMR put out the call for submissions, I wanted to get the song included to reach a wider audience with this sentiment, and do our little part to fight back. - Paul Metsa & Alan Sparhawk – No Kings (No Crown)
I started writing No Kings, No Crown last Spring inspired by a tweet by Alan Sparhawk and actually before the No Kings Rallies were announced. It fits perfectly into this musical collection of solidarity as the last line goes: “It’s good to remember, and times this by ten, there’s way more of us, than there are of them.” Paul Metsa - Jim Walsh & The Dog Day Cicadas – Stand On Every Corner 3:09
I wrote “Stand On Every Corner” to honor the good folks who hit the streets when ICE was putting kids in cages in Texas on the Mexican border at the dawn of Trump. They grabbed their signs, kids, candles, and flashlights and commandeered the corner of Diamond Lake Road and Portland Avenue in Minneapolis every night for two-plus years: Very impressive and inspiring at a time when so many people were shocked and silent. We did a couple Mad Ripple Hoots with ’em. Neighbors waved and honked and joined. The movement spread to other cities.
I look at photos I took from those days, and they could be from these days, with people holding signs reading, “Fascist Coup in Progress,” “Love Thy Neighbor,” “Hate Never Made America Great,” etc. It’s a song about getting up off our asses and standing up for what we believe in, standing up for our neighbors, and doing it with community, all of which bloomed with new purpose in Minneapolis in the winter of ’26.
I wanted it to be part of “Big Hopes” because I wanted to say all this shit in song. I needed to feel part of something that is actually raising a collective voice against these evil bastards and times; also because the band sounds great and for the break, “Gonna protest ’til I die,” which at the moment sounds like a singalong that’s sadly not about to get old anytime soon. - Parishes – God Damn The Man*
‘God Damn The Man’ was written during COVID lockdown when I was trapped in my house with my wife and little kids. For many of us—musicians, families, so many Americans—it really felt like government and other institutions knowingly failed us both in the run-up to the crisis and in their disastrous response.
The more things change … they’re actually still pretty bad! What better way to say ‘fuck the government’ and ‘fuck ICE’ than ‘God Damn The Man’. - Institutional Green – On These Two Pauls
Institutional Green’s On These Two Pauls is a tribute to the heroic efforts of recently departed ‘Front Row’ Paul Engebretson & his oft-times wingman photographer Paul Lundgren as well as the still-very-much-with-us scissor-man & scene-booster, Jon Clifford. Song was born out of our band’s respect and appreciation for all three of these fellas and their relentless scene boosterism.
The song begins with the line, it’s “not a matter of chance or destiny.” An assertion that actual happenings in this world occur because people show up and make them happen. That’s what Lundgren, Engebretson & Clifford did/do for our little piece of the universe. They took/take the initiative, they showed/show up for their community and their impact is still being felt, near and far.
The Pauls and Jon embody the self organizing character of the Twin Cities music scene which shares its roots in the same community solidarity that makes our home a model for mutual aid and resilience movements. “This kinda town, still a few them left around.” - Demolition Means Progress – Pretender
The lyrics are about observing corruption and incompetence at a public-sector job I had back in the day. Despite my best wishes for the material to be irrelevant, events keep making it more on point with each day that passes. The lyrics contemplate what it takes to expose the rot in the system, without being preachy. The music and arrangement express anger but leave room for some joy at doing something. A problem must be identified to solve it.
There’s so much rot the system. This is one of our heaviest and hardest songs. I strongly considered submitting a more sunshiny pop song (Piece of the Sun, Put It All Behind Me, etc.) but kept going back to Pretender. I guess I thought that some cathartic anger might help hope to shine through the fog, but that’s hindsight. At the time it was just a gut feeling, and here we are. BJ Bonin - Birdhole – Names
I am a transplant to Minnesota and moved here weeks before covid and a few months prior to the murder of George Floyd. As a person of color who grew up mostly in southern, rural states, my ideal of Minneapolis as a safe haven of tolerance and acceptance was greeted by reality all too quickly. Systemic racism and bigotry cannot be contained to any one area. “Names” was inspired by seeing the city rally and rise together in spite of everything in the world being upside down. Pushing for something more impactful than “thoughts and prayers” in the wake of hate fueled tragedy. The song was a show of solidarity with those that have fallen to a system that was built to hate them and those who stood to make sure their names and stories are not forgotten.
Despite being born of something tragic, I believe songs like “Names” exist because hope is never gone. Creativity in a cold world is irrefutable proof of the existence of hope in spite of all the reasons to abandon hope. “Names” helped me release my own anger, sadness, frustration, heartbreak, and rage for what I saw unfold in my city and it gave our band a unifying message to share with our live audience. Almost 6 years since it was written, the lyrics still ring true; both in that the problems we faced then are here today but also that the perseverance and hope we felt as a community is as strong now as it ever has been. - 13 Howell – Nice*
Nice began as an experimental dabbling in Nü Metal after watching a documentary on the craziness of the last Woodstock and the line between that eruption and our current polarization. Neil (bass and vocals), inspired by his morning news peruse, wrote a bunch of lyrics on the looming headlines in the country. Chris (vocals and rhythm guitar) added some nonsense words he had written for a nonsense song about monster boots. Deidre (lead guitar) added growl and Scott (drums) added pulse and Nice was born. The band worked with producer Steve Price who captured the right feel and drive of the song. The song tries not to be hateful in the clown show that it is the present moment.
We chose this song for MMR’s Big Hope release because it is our snapshot of this period from 2020 to today. It seemed like the right song to add to the beautiful chorus of local musical resistance. Malice holds no power, is not leadership and will always be exposed for what it is. Niceness will always touch another heart, and in turn warm your own. Surrounding yourself around nice creates peace. And we deserve peace. - Leslie Rich and the Rocket Soul Choir – Revolt
It wasn’t conscious. I was playing a riff on the sofa and Donald Trump had been saying something about a revolt on the news, and I shouted at the TV that I was for sure revolted.
I was thinking about this cycle of one leader (for any country really) after another with false promises and the words just came. The song itself is about leaders pretending to be your friend, but having their fingers crossed behind their backs.
We’ve been playing it for a few years now and it’s as relevant as it was in 2019. - M.A.Y. – going v*
Personally , Going V was written about navigating my relationships both as a woman and transwoman- romantic relationships, friendships, family.. but It’s written to be ambiguous enough for anyone to make their own interpretations.
For me its about embracing adversity, hardship, misunderstanding- like, f*ck worrying how others see me- “I’ll be your shipwreck at the bottom of the sea” for all I care. And if anyone thinks I’m broken for being me, I say “boys like you think you can fix a girl like me”…
This song is my first release of a politically driven EP Ive been writing and recording for a few years now. A lot of that inspiration came from knowing Front Row Paul. Who made time to empower me when he could, and invite me to the early days of MMR- Essentially, trying to inspire me to become a force of political activation- not just an entertainer. The short few years I knew Paul were very, very formative.
So Going V ended up sounding like a dance/pop song at glance, but its highly resistance coded between the lines. Like this marketing polish over a genuinely complex & frustrating reality. Which is its own kind of poetry. It felt right to include it as part of this powerful compilation filled with Twin Cities friends & artists who were all literally just as inspired by Paul as I was. - Mary Strand – Ditch Your Fate
“Ditch Your Fate” was a co-write, so it had to speak to and reflect both of us. Also, the album we were recording (Mary’s second album, I Don’t Need Your Permission) was focused on empowerment and speaking out, so it represented a change from the storytelling on Mary’s first album and became more about addressing current life and world issues. With all of the changes happening in the world, a lot of people feel concerned and angry, but our song focuses on not being complacent. Go out there and DO something.
“Ditch Your Fate” is all about doing what it takes to find hope and to make this a better world, both individually and collectively. It felt perfect for the MMR and Big Hopes, and we’re delighted and grateful to be included! - Edie Rae Baumgart – Sister Susie Sunshine
I was and still am so angry at all the gun violence and lack of any change to correct this that I needed a release.
It also occurs to me that we (people) create our own problems – the environment and animals all suffer for our actions and mistakes.
It reflects a point of view that I hope people see and can possibly relate to….. - Jim Gruidl – Freight Train To A Better Tomorrow*
Re: Freight Train to a Better Tomorrow. The inspiration comes from the the fact that I see organized religion, a lack of empathy, and a critical view of intellect (science, critical thinking, common sense) as a super highway to our destruction.
I picked this song because I believe if we don’t “get on board” with a new approach to life that we are doomed. Your Fatalist, Jim Gruidl - Fret Rattles – Wake Up Now
Written as a agnostic call to action that can be relatable to anyone’s shared experience.
We are using this song as our shared experience of living in Minneapolis and the community response as a “wake up call” to the rest of the country and world! - Cindy Lawson – I’m Loaded
My song “I’m Loaded” was inspired by George Floyd’s killing and the anger I felt at the institutional racism that made these murders so commonplace in our society.
I’m proud to be included in the “Big Hopes” compilation because when we stand together, we do have the power to change things and our songs of resistance need to be heard. - MILITZËR – What Is It Good For? (Say It Again)
This song “What Is It Good For? (Say it again)” was written in Jan 2020 when I was out in LA during the felonious flunk’s first term when it looked like he was going to send us to war with Iran – the first time. It’s an improvisational meditation on the costs of war via slide guitar.
I chose it for Big Hopes even before the current conflict started. The title is more than a little bit of a nod to Edwin Starr. Always loved that song. - Adam Levy – Tent City*
‘I wrote “Tent City” a few years ago when we saw these impromptu communities forming near highway off-ramps, under bridges and in city parks. Politicians were busy trying to figure out “what to do” without really looking at the underlying reason why so many people were struggling with addiction, under employment, lack of affordable housing, and a system designed to strip meaning from work and treat people in inhumane ways. Homelessness is treated like a blight or urban embarrassment. These are all people with stories, and family and pain. I tried to capture that in this song.’
‘I chose “Tent City” for this compilation because we are living in a time where those in power are trying to erase marginalized people—by de-nationalizing trans people, ethnically cleansing immigrants and people of color, calling political Opposition “domestic terrorism,” and creating laws and policies which make being unhoused criminal behavior.’ - Craig Teiken – Gun and Courage
I live four blocks from where George Floyd was murdered. My office is four blocks from the 3rd precinct. I am a coward. Smelling our town burn while protecting my Son.
I chose this song because it is one of the only songs I have written that expresses the hopelessness of one person in times of horror. - Amerikan Junk – Burning Bridges
Our song “Burning Bridges” was inspired by by the “anti-woke” movement. It’s about accepting that you can’t moderate your feelings and positions on issues to keep the peace. Be true to yourself, for your own mental health, even if it means burning bridges with those who stand against your views.
We submitted this song because we felt this is a universal experience currently. People are asking themselves if they should keep quiet to keep the peace. We want to say it’s not the time to be quiet, it’s time to wear your politics and positions on your sleeve even if it means burning bridges.
Amerikan Junk – Support DIY music and visit us at https://amerikanjunk.com/ - The Daring Dew – We Will Not Back Down
In spring of ’25, ice agents appeared to begin acting more secretly and more aggressively. I found this incredibly disturbing. Though frustrated that the only thing I do very well is write music, (It felt like an ineffective way to spark change) there was no not trying. I was further inspired by how many musician friends were willing to come to the studio on a Wednesday night in June to record it. (I hadn’t even finished writing the song!) Community is EVERYTHING! Thanks!
After the murders in January, the 1st verse needed to be rewritten, vocal rerecorded. (no, I’m not clairvoyant)
Why I chose this for Big Hopes…it seemed like a good fit, thanks Edie! I’m willing to do anything I can to help the resistance. Jim May on behalf of The Daring Dew - High On Stress w/Danny Murphy – Tethered
Dan Murphy (Soul Asylum/Golden Smog/Scarlet Goodbye) came by my studio to play guitar and sing backing vocals on my solo record “Detours”. We had a good time and decided to write something together. I went over to his house for some writing sessions and we wrote “Tethered”. Our text messages tend to be political in nature so lyrics came naturally.
We got the guys from my band High on Stress involved and released it as a single. The good folks at MMR reached out and asked if we’d be interested in lending it to their cause. The answer was absolutely. Down with the king. - Favourite Girl – Not Going Back
“Not Going Back” was written about our collective experiences and need for community in 2020. Inspired by the rise in kindness and consciousness coming out of the pandemic and the social justice uprisings of 2020. That momentary pause and acknowledgment that we are all connected and need to help each other was politicized, cut short, and revealed a divisiveness that we are all still reeling from. This song is a refusal to normalize individualism and selfishness. It has since grown to become a rallying cry against a hostile regime.
This song was performed at the first No Kings rally in St. Paul and hearing thousands of people join in on the chorus was humbling and emotional for Katy. Showing the power of a song to capture a moment in time. Favourite Girl is a new band but Katy Vernon is a long established songwriter in MN and is grateful to have found a new outlet. - Zach Ewald – Strike A Match*
“Strike a Match” is a call to action to bring an end to puppy mills and mass breeding facilities.
I decided to submit it to the Big Hopes compilation because through our music we can connect people to a variety of different social issues and hopefully effect change.
Punk Rock opened my eyes to the plight of animals and hopefully this collective soundtrack will empower listeners and concert attendees to go out & organize. - The Buffalo Weavers – Hidden Falls
Buffalo Weavers song: Hidden Falls, lyrics from a poem by Strong Buffalo
“I wrote this piece in 2019, Ben Weaver and I were down at Hidden Falls for a Wilder Buffalo Ride. That’s where it got it’s name. I wanted people to care about the earth, the piece is stark as the circumstances are, encouraging people to stand up and do something. It is not just a protest song, but a call to action, to get them to do something about the earth, all of us who are progressive need to be more progressive rather than retreating to the white wash and the backlash, we need to stand up to it.
Why now, why this compilation? All these dark things are happening we need to stand up and do what we can. Resisting does not mean standing still in front of opposing forces, it means going beyond them to change.” – Strong Buffalo
Mostly Minnesota 