From the Andrews Sisters to Atmosphere, from Bob Dylan to Prince, from Cantus to Jimmy Jam, and Bobby Vee to the Minnesota Orchestra, many great musicians have launched from Minnesota to the world.

Hennepin County Library is in search of Minnesota musicians to feature on MnSpin, a new online music streaming and download resource that will launch at the end of the year. 

Submit a song

Minnesota musicians and bands of all genres are encouraged to submit one song for consideration by August 2, 2017.  A panel of local music experts and library staff will review all submissions, and invite selected artists (up to 40 for now) to make one album available through the online platform. Artists will sign a license agreement and receive $200. The library plans to expand this pilot project to offer additional submission opportunities.

Thanks to a grant from the Friends of the Hennepin County Library, music lovers will be able to connect to this new collection through www.hclib.org/arts-culture. Anyone can stream from the platform, and Hennepin County Library cardholders can download songs free.

“Minnesota is such an incubator for musical artists,” said Hennepin County Library Director Lois Langer Thompson. “MnSpin is an opportunity for the music community to have its music heard and for all music lovers to have access to the rich talents of local musicians.” 

A diverse collection

Hennepin County Library will strive to create a collection that reflects the diversity of our community. Music in MnSpin will follow the same genre guidelines as in the general collection: 

Americana, bluegrass and country

• Blues, jazz and soul
• Classical
• Christian and gospel
• Folk, ethnic and world
• Pop and rock
• Rap, hip hop and R&B
• Children's 

MnSpin is open for submissions July 5-August 2, 2017.  For more information, visit www.hclib.org/arts-culture.