Hot Date

Hot Date is a Saint Paul based duo who share not only their passion of making music together, but also share their real life passion for one another. The duo is Eric Carranza and Nora O’Brien and they create what might just be called “Era” music. Listening to their first full length release was like time traveling the broad history of the United States in the last century. Music that is evocative of speakeasies, chanteuses singing in backwater bars, and sipping something that might burn on the way down.
The couple have contributed to the building of an increasingly vibrant arts community in the Lowertown part of Saint Paul. They support local artists, participate in the Saint Paul Art Crawl, and even have a musical performance series called “Sweet 317.” Collaboration with other artists is key and on the album you will experience their community including Violinist/Vocalist Leah Ottman (LOTT) and Cellist Hilary James with whom Eric joins in the band batteryboy. Joining vocalist Nora there is Tabla player Pratik Singh, Banjo player K.R. Pangburn, Bassist Andy Sanford, Drums on certain tracks by Braden Dickie and Harpist Mattie Ernst all strong players who have made this album quite a feat. Carranza is a multi-instrumentalist who is also in Yeti Steady and batteryboy.A feat of Americana, R&B, Soul, Techno, and Folk-all of these things and none, though cohesive throughout. Perhaps the varied genres explored are due to the fact that several sites and studios were involved in the recording and mixing including: Sweet 317, IPR with the Grammy winning Kevin Bowe, Zachary Hollander at The Pearl, and Honeytone Studio with Patrick Boland and Mark Zbikowski.
The vocals of Nora O’Brien’s alone span time. She has the rare gift of being able to cross genres without losing credibility. A voice that can at one moment sound like Billie Holiday in the languid song ‘The Noise’, while channeling Kylie Minogue on the next with a modern edge. The couple can harmonize as well, especially on ‘The Fall’ a song beautiful with Leah Ottman’s violin and skilled finger picking on the guitar. It was easy to envision a chanteuse singing ‘New lovers’ in a Parisian cafe to the delight of passerby’s. Making a leap across the globe, the tabla on the song ‘Wake’ lent it an otherworldly quality, while what I perceived as a mandolin on ‘The Noise’ was actually a harp that Eric told me he “added an old school dub echo on it, really turned it into a texture.” This album is highly technical and creative, very textural in fact with clever but not overused effects and mixing techniques.
What Hot Date delivers is a smooth piece of work that will not disappoint, yet will leave you wondering what they will try next. Clearly unafraid of experimentation in the search for a taste that they both savor. The last track of “For Lovers’ has the a chorus that repeats “we’ve got some love to show you…’. Yes they do, yes they do. - Rift Magazine

Hot Date | Bedlam Lowertown | Friday, February 13
"I remember thinking, 'Oh, god,' the first time I saw him, but he was talking to my friends, and I noticed him because he was gorgeous," Nora O'Brien of the St. Paul duo Hot Date is sharing the particulars behind her introduction to bandmate Eric Carranza..

"He beelined for me and said 'hi,'" she continues. "That same night, we broke into the basement of an empty building and sang Erykah Badu, and he smelled my hair. That was weird, but I let it happen." Hot Date's debut album, For Lovers, traces lines of jazz and soul and mixes it with infectious pop. Gimme Noise sat down with the duo before their album release at Bedlam Lowertown on Friday.

In their loft/venue (Sweet 317), the wide windows open up to the sparkling lights over Lowertown in St. Paul. O'Brien and Carranza sit around a large dinner table with hands wrapped about mugs of fragrant dandelion tea. Old-school jazz plays over the speakers, and Eric occasionally gets up to turn over the vinyl. The apartment is warm and cozy and has an throwback feel -- just like the couple who draw you into their lives with humor and charm.

The new record has been sitting in incubation for years at this point, waiting for the perfect time to make its appearance, but also because the two never intended to make an album out of their music. The initial goal was mainly to play together and have fun, but at shows people would request CDs or ask about recorded pieces. The earliest recordings were raw and the process was stilted since Nora was splitting her time back and forth between St. Paul and Duluth.

"When I moved here, we got our place and started this massive thing that happens when you move in with someone," says O'Brien while waving her arms dramatically. "All of a sudden, things started dropping out of the sky. What you experience over the course of ten years, we experienced in six months to a year. We had all of these major life events, so we started coping by writing music. That was a big way to acclimate ourselves to our new relationship. Living, working and hosting shows together -- it all came naturally."



Carranza, the more reserved of the two, shares that most of the tracks came from recording them almost the same moment they were written down, making it interesting to hear the newness of a track. The last song "Winter Warmup" was written two days before recording, and the first time the backing band (which includes Braden Dickie, Andy Sanford, Pratik Singh, Hillary James, Leah Ottman, K.R. Pangburn, and Mattie Ernst) heard the track was when it was played in the recording studio.

"It's like when you drink, and you say too much," O'Brien says. "You think, 'I would not have said that if I was sober, but then you listen back to it, and you realize that there's something really truthful to that. I liked that there was something authentic and without forgiveness or perfection or filter. We didn't write all of these songs drunk -- that's not that case. It was more about spontaneity and lack of reservation."

O'Brien came up with the lyrics, but writing seems to be something that is very deliberate for her. The singer has only written with one other performer, blues singer Laura Cheadle, prior to Hot Date, and is very private in what she shares with her music. "Today I was writing something, and I'm nervous to share with Eric," she says. "It's your art; it's intimate. There are some personal moments on the album that I didn't expect in the process. When I write with Laura, there's this veil of someone else representing the lyrics and melody. I wasn't prepared to be up front open for everyone to see. I really wanted to say and tell my story, but it's hard representing yourself sometimes."

He adds, "It's amazing to write a song with someone and also share your home with them."

"It's lucky; we're like conjoined twins," she jokes. "Eric had a twin in the womb, but I think he ate it."

"It didn't survive. It gave me super powers," Carranza says. When prompted if he's the good or the evil twin, he continues, "I don't know yet. I think I'm the good one."

O'Brien cuts in, "I'm the evil one. I will avenge the death of your twin!"

Hot Date will release For Lovers at Bedlam Lowertown with We Are the Willows and the Person and the People on Friday, February 13, 2015.
AA, $5, 8 pm - City Pages

One never knows when they’ll meet someone that’ll change their life for the better. Nora and Eric attended an after-hours party for an artist in 2012 as strangers but left as so much more. After talking all night a spark was ignited and music was made in more ways than one. Soon enough Hot Date was born. Fast Forward to today and they have a new album out, Spaces. Before they announce plans for a spring tour, get to know more about the new music, their connection and more.

Kendra: Do you feel that being in a band together has allowed you to explore more of your own relationship outside of music?

Nora: There is a vulnerability that comes with collaboration. It’s definitely how I process a lot of things. Sharing my ideas with Eric, or anyone is still a very challenging part of making music for me.

Eric: Of course working so closely together on our art adds a whole other dimension to our relationship. It’s a huge thing to share and brings additional purpose to our partnership.

Kendra: Things seem to be working out well on all fronts because you just dropped Spaces at the start of this year. Looking back though, how would you say the other has grown compared to 2015’s For Lovers?

Hot Date: For Lovers, was more impulsive and very much a product of spontaneity. Which was great, I don’t think we knew what we were making at the time. Our second EP, Three Sides To A Story, is a less romanticized version of songwriting. I think it shows more critical thinking. Lately, I’ve been more interested in highlighting reality rather than the dream state of our first album. Spaces is a concept piece that explores mental states and how we feel about where we were, where we are and where we want to be.

Kendra: When y’all started you said red wine was there for your songwriting, but if you had to pair Space with a wine which would it be and why?

Hot Date: A Taittinger, it’s a toasty, dry, crisp wine from France. I think it’s every bit as good as Champagne (but less expensive). It gives you such a great, heady buzz and beautiful to look at too. The bubbles could almost be stars in space. It’s the kind of thing you can drink all night and feel immortal but then, the next morning…Let’s just say, you get the highs and lows, which is something we wanted our audience to feel with this new album too.

Kendra: You seem very proud of your home in Minnesota. Was that part of the reason for the homage “MN Goddess?”

Hot Date: Minnesota is notorious for state pride. It has a way of getting into your soul. The homage to MN was inspired by the relationships I’ve built here. There is a very specific type of woman you meet from Minnesota. They are strong and natural beauties who will love you until the end of time. I grew up in New Jersey and, beyond my relationship with my own sisters, I hadn’t experienced a culture of women supporting each other quite like that before. It’s inspiring and grounding and important now more than ever. In a way, they have helped me connect more deeply with myself. (Although I could easily write a love song about New Jersey beauties too.)

Kendra: What is the “Nightlife” like in Minnesota for those who’ve never been?

Hot Date: Nightlife in Minnesota…Well, we should say how we have this great arts scene; live music and theater for days, it’s true. However, we aren’t a late night city. Everything (other than after hours artist parties) shuts down pretty early. Minnesotans rely on the modest nightlife we do have because it saves us from going insane from isolation (it’s really freaking cold here and hard to leave the house). Our song, “Nightlife,” is definitely about escapism in that way. It captures the moments you want to run from reality and feel a little number. - ZO Magazine

Not that I need to remind you, but this coming weekend is Valentine's Day. And it's on a Saturday, too, which means every night from Friday through Sunday is fair game for romantics. This is either heaven or hell for you, but the question remains... do you have a date? How about a Hot Date? Whether single or attached, optimist or glass half empty, there is little excuse to miss this Friday's musical affair. With a local all-star lineup of live music supporting new duo Hot Date for their CD release show, set at the Bedlam Lowertown in the most romantic city in the nation, what's not to love?

Their story is, as fate would have it, a romantic one. Eric Carranza and Nora O’Brien "met in a dark alley in the wee small hours of the morning," as Eric tells it, and that's not an exaggeration. Let's set the scene. Enter Nora - talented filmmaker, musician, and above all, storyteller - complete with a gorgeous voice and endearing wit, stage right. Then on stage left, Eric - multi-instrumentalist, musician-about-town, and improv comedian (although he might not describe it that way) - saunters in with a guitar, hands Nora a glass of wine, and suggests they just "see what happens." Nora won't let Eric look at her when she sings, at first. But after renditions of old standards and obscure favorites, a last minute show cancellation sends them onto a stage in real life. Show leads to show, and recordings become part of the picture. Friends and fans are eager to bring a piece of this story home with them, and so something tangible comes together: For Lovers.

This album is Hot Date's first, and is "a reflection of our excitement, that new idea moment and the rush it gives you," as Nora told me. Being a veteran of the local music scene, Eric knows that each band has its own way of doing things. For the novel project Hot Date, he explained that "the songs have been mostly improvised by Nora and myself in moments of joyful play." These concepts are clearly evident in For Lovers, as Nora's sweet and sultry vocals are matched by a myriad of jazz, rock, and blues influences. You can hear the smiles behind their voices, the sass in the strings, the playfulness in percussion. Fresh, fun, and original, it is simply a delight to listen to.

The niche of modern romantic jazz-pop they exemplify is shared by popular groups such as The Bird and The Bee and Bitter:Sweet, as can be heard on stand-out tunes "A Toast" or "Sex and Melodrama." It's not a common style of music being made today, and it's refreshing to set ears on a quality compilation that stands out from the rest. This album is a collaboration of luck, chemistry, close friends, and the best kind of spontaneity. Musical, that is. What were you thinking?

Join the handsome couple Hot Date and special guests (and fellow romantics) We are the Willows and The Person and the People to celebrate the release of their debut album on Friday, February 13 at the Bedlam Lowertown, 8pm - 11pm.*

*date not required.

Special thanks to Eric and Nora for sharing their personal insight on the making of the album. xoxo - The Aural Premonition

It’s easy to romanticize the past instead of remembering it as it was. But on their new EP, Spaces, Nora Targonski-O’Brien and Eric Carranza of Hot Date are realistic about leaving their hometowns and about accepting family members as they are.

The two have incorporated much of their musical life into their studio apartment in Lowertown St. Paul. Carranza’s recording studio is in one corner; another corner houses a large record collection that he picks through and selects music from during our conversation. The walls are lined with black-and-white photos of Carranza’s late father from the days when he performed with his band in Minnesota clubs. As Carranza relates the history behind each photo, his deep voice brims with love for the man with whom he shares an uncanny resemblance.

The couple is constantly coming up with new songs here in their home—Targonski-O’Brien jokes about how one time Carranza bothered her about a song she was singing while in the bathtub. “I just wanted to take a bath in peace,” she laughs. Spaces is only their third EP in three years, so while they’re constantly writing, they’re not always recording. They wait for the pieces to all fit together, which eventually they do.

In the past year, Targonski-O’Brien discovered a new passion: acting. She answered a casting call that led to her landing a role in the independent film In Winter, playing Annika, a young woman whose grandfather is dying—the exact same situation Nora herself was in last year while writing the songs for Spaces.

Targonski-O’Brien wrote “Coal Town” about her hometown, Shamokin, Pennsylvania, where she lived with her grandfather when she was very young. Visiting last year, Targonski-O’Brien realized that though coal mining was a dying industry, the town hasn’t been able to move on. - City Pages

Hot Date is the combination of Eric Carranza and Nora O’Brien, first-time collaborators releasing their debut album “For Lovers” on Feb. 13th at the Bedlam Lowertown. Combining elements of jazz and blues along with O’Brien’s seductive, charismatic, and confident vocals, the duo creates a sound which doesn’t easily fit any single genre. Best described as “Romantic Jazz/Pop” in an article by the Aural Premonition, Hot Date has stumbled upon something that truly stands out. O’Brien’s vocals are the definite highlight of the album, bringing to mind similarities to the local Minneapolis superstar Caroline Smith, both having a unique combination of sweetness and soul, although something about O’Brien remains slightly more mysterious. That being said, you can’t omit the instrumentation by Carranza, who subtly adds layers of depth and texture that are quite impressive.

The opening track “The Noise” sets the stage with a vintage, relaxing, and mellow vibe, with Carranza’s simple yet rich instrumentation perfectly accenting the floating vocals. Other highlights include “Wake,” an ambient/experimental track with worldly percussive aspects, “Winter Warm Up,” containing a pleasantly smooth guitar line/groove, “The Fall,” a folksy tune with well blended harmonies, and my personal favorite track “Do I,” a more upbeat track with an enjoyable back-beat and a more modern feel.

While “For Lovers” experiments with different sounds, the instant the record finished I immediately wanted to hear more, and see what else this duo is capable of coming up with. As they continue to define their sound, there is clearly infinite potential from these two talented musicians. Catch Hot Date along with We Are The Willows and The Person And The People at their release show on Feb 13th (very well planned out being the day before Valentine’s Day) at the Bedlam Lowertown in St. Paul. - Minnesnowta Music

HOT DATE – Cozy lover’s music. Frontwoman Nora O’Brien serves steaming Lizzy Grant teas that harken back to pre-fame Lana Del Rey (sans any creepy thematic content). This is sweet stuff - like She & Him, but with hints of Caroline Smith-style kick to it. The duo’s debut record, "For Lovers," is currently available for digital download. The album-release show at Bedlam Lowertown is on Feb. 13. - Vita.mn

It wasn’t long ago that Eric Carranza was featured on our site as part of a different band, batteryboy. Today, Eric and Nora O’Brien act as our local artist of the week as duo Hot Date. They’ve coined maybe the catchiest tag line around – make your party better by bringing a hot date. If that doesn’t get you to book them at your next event, I don’t know what will. It seems like this pair of elegant artists is willing to play anytime and anywhere. A quick scroll through their bio tells us they’ll let you book them for office parties, picnics, soirees and everything else in between.

Musically, their style is easy going with a splash of sass. Just listen to “New Lovers” and you’ll see what I mean. Their release, fittingly entitled For Lovers, is made for an intimate date night full of red wine and ending in the bedroom. So next time you bring that special someone home, throw on some Hot Date and things just might escalate more quickly than you had thought. - MTIB

Hot Date’s “Three Sides To The Story” is indie rock done right. With a sound reminiscent of much of DFA’s roster, the collection simply gleams brightly. Arrangements feel pitch perfect as they range from a slight dance rock vibe to a more classic rock approach. Throughout it all their attention to detail with their thoughtful lyrics help to anchor the three pieces as they intermingle resulting in something so edgy yet so tender. By opting for a different take with each song the pieces feel absolutely spellbinding, with Nora O’Brien’s satisfying vocals serving as one of the highlights of the collection.

https://hotdate.bandcamp.com/

Beginning everything is the passionate insistent rhythm of “His”. Eric Carranza’s attention to detail with the keyboards and guitar work is extraordinary as the song sometimes appears to simply want to float into the air. When it opts for the dreamier sound it feels completely earned. Loud and bombastic in tone is the powerful sound of “Hers”. Within the heavy rock sound is a slight nod to jazz, as the delicate percussion works wonders as does the bold nature of the guitar. Easily the highlight of the collection is the closer of “Truth”. Sounding reminiscent of Belle and Sebastian the playful vocal delivery and lyricism is perfectly matched by the oftentimes woozy nature of the organ vamps, as the entire piece moves very deliberately, almost stumbling in its approach.

Polished and sophisticated, Hot Date’s trilogy of “Three Sides To The Story” weave a careful narrative, one that gives their songwriting true heart.

https://www.facebook.com/WeareHotdate/

By Beach Sloth - Skope Magazine

If you're in the cities and looking for something to do this weekend (and you aren't already going to see WALK THE MOON at the Palace), I would highly recommend making your way down to the Kitty Cat Klub in Dinkytown to check out Hot Date's EP Release Party on Feb. 24th. Hot Date is the beautiful accidental duo of Eric Carranza and Nora O'Brien - their indie-pop/chill sound is honestly the perfect thing to listen to on an early morning with tired eyes or on a late night when you just need to stop overthinking.

I was fortunate enough to catch up with Hot Date and ask them a few questions ahead of their EP Release Party!

Chris Cartwright: A new EP release, woo! What can you tell us about Spaces?

Hot Date: Spaces is a concept piece that explores the way our outer landscape effects our inner landscape.

Chris Cartwright: You've performed in a wide variety of venues - which has been your favorite show you've played?

Hot Date: We have an annual tradition of putting together a Dia De Los Muertos show which collaborates with scores of artists, musicians and poets. Usually we only preform two numbers, each of which has a special meaning for us. The night is filled with stories and expressions of joy and love. It’s magic.

Chris Cartwright: What can people expect at a live Hot Date show?

Hot Date: One thing we like to do is lean into the vibe of the place and night. (Who doesn't love a good stripped down set at a dive where you can curse and do obscure covers?) Our upcoming shows at The Kitty Cat Klub (Feb. 24) and MIA (March 15) are incorporating projected visuals and, almost exclusively, our new songs. We want to bring people into the mood of Spaces entirely.

Chris Cartwright: What do you like most about the Minnesota music scene?

Hot Date: There are tons of diverse little pockets of artists creating a wide volume of output. It’s really inspiring to be in a network that is constantly working hard.

Chris Cartwright: Anything else you want people to know about your EP or your upcoming show at the Kitty Cat Klub?

Hot Date: Our CD release show is featuring entirely women led groups. You can find our new music videos here https://youtu.be/l33_BRY-YeE & https://youtu.be/elXrt_GQ034
You can download the album here: http://www.hotdate.us Stalk us casually @wearehotdate

Hot Date plays the Kitty Cat Klub alongside Tabah (First Avenue's Best New Band of 2016) and Jillian Rae (The Current's 33rd Best Local Song of 2017) this Saturday. Only a $5 cover!

Tune into The Home Stretch tonight on KORD from 11pm-midnight. Matt Carson and I will be spinning some Hot Date, Frank Sinatra, Ryan Adams, Hippo Campus, and so much more.
As always...

Stay spicy,

Chris Cartwright - Minnesota Music Musings

MN music duo Hot Date have released their third EP Spaces with the lead single being the luminous track “MN Goddess”. The nearly spiritual vocals of Nora O’Brien and the full sweeping instrumentation by Eric Carranza are just the aural supplement to get one through the dregs of winter.
Does it matter that O’Brien who penned “MN Goddess” and who also has acting and producing credits to her name is not a Minnesota native? Maybe someone who landed here from another place is just the right person to observe just what makes Minnesota women so captivating? I asked her about it.

Rift: How was the idea for “MN Goddess” conceived?

O’Brien: MN Goddess came from a moment I had hiking alone. The melody and lyrics just kind of flowed out from a place of gratitude. I was in this beautiful solitude but feeling so connected at the same time.

Rift: Nora you aren’t originally from these parts–does that give you a unique insight into what makes women from Minnesota so special?

O’Brien: I grew up in a matriarchal house in Southern New Jersey. My mom really wanted to raise my sisters and I in the Mid-West. As a result, I think I’ve always idealized this vision of the Mid-Western woman as strong leaders who can claim their own place in the world while holding you up as well. In my mind, there is a balance to the Midwest women.

Rift: The women of Minnesota aren’t necessarily the type to brag about just what makes them so great, are there particular qualities that make them “Goddess-like”?

O’Brien: You’re right, it’s not typical to brag about Minnesota women. Part of the reason for that may be because Minnesota women are not braggarts. They do not tell you, they show you. They are family oriented without losing their identity. The women I know here work from the inside out in a time where social norms make it difficult to stay balanced. Specific inspirations were friends like Deb Huke of Huke Guitars a Luthier and Engineer (in the 70’s no less) or Cassandra Moe, the taxidermist (Trophy Room Taxidermy) who in her 20’s, started her own business in a male dominated field. These women know their shit and do it well. They are subtle visionaries. (Plus, when have women ever gotten too much credit?)

Rift: The video for “MN Goddess” is a like a joyous love note–a real breath of fresh air against the difficult aspects of daily life, was that purposeful?

O’Brien: The first MN Goddess I ever knew was my Great Aunt Jean, she supported my single Mom in a lot of ways growing up and was an important figure to me. She had her own sense of style and was radiant and warm. She and her sisters were a great example of how to hold up the other women in your life. I wanted the video to be a reflection of how it feels to be with the kind of down to earth beauty you find out here. It’s grounding and inspiring at once. Right now we really need to band together to support each-other.


Rift: Both “Manic” and “Nightlife” address the issue of mental health, seemingly from both views-the outside in and the inside out. In the “liner notes” of the EP you reflect on the “ebb and flow of mental health.” That is something that a lot of artists and the general public deal with on a daily basis, is there a personal connection to that topic, or are you challenging the stigmas that have caused so much suffering?

O’Brien: I’m glad that mental health is becoming a less taboo subject. I wanted to write an honest take on some of my own struggles. In the past, I’ve written from an overly romanticized point of view and I felt pressure, as a front woman, to put on this persona, but I’m just kind of over that. Alfred Adler talks about the ability to be imperfect and as an artist it’s more compelling and adventurous to write about my vulnerabilities right now. It’s also important to talk about how your own mental health effects those who love you and I wanted to hit both sides of that experience.

Rift: In general your lyrics are emotionally sophisticated and this EP tackles some very challenging aspects of who we are as people. Spaces has some very topical notions on it as well that lie very closely to the state of our current politics. In particular the track “Coal Town” which has a very haunted feel, like a sad goodbye to a time and place that is disappearing. It seems like you prefer to address the emotional toll of the situation, rather than the politics themselves which can be so intertwined. Do you intentionally prefer to comment on the human condition rather than the political headline?

O’Brien: Initially, with Coal Town, I just needed to contend with my idyllic version of the past verses reality. After visiting spaces from my childhood and seeing the conditions from an adult perspective, I found myself shocked, even though not much had changed. That song was a coping mechanism while taking a mirror to something that I hadn’t looked at straight on before. In some ways, I’m talking about a literal space, in other ways it’s about facing the things that aren’t serving me anymore and trying to find a way out of that pattern. Which is a very relatable struggle at this moment and one that will lead to solutions faster than any political headline.

Rift: I have always enjoyed the positivism that Hot Date exudes, onstage and off the two of you inhabit the world with such grace and dare I say–LOVE? If you had a message for the people of this earth what would it be?

O’Brien: Right now my mantra is: Run towards the things I’ve run from, if only to save myself from going in circles. (Plus, I’m a really poor runner.)

Rift: Finally, what plans have you for the release show at The Kitty Cat Klub on February 24th with Jillian Rae & Tabah

O’Brien: The show is going to be pretty special! I love that we have all female lead groups on the bill. We even have some friends who are getting married that day and heading out to the show afterwards. So, if you see Preston or Mel that night, buy them a drink.

https://hotdate.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/WeareHotdate/

~Rebecca Marx - Rift Magazine

From Spaces, out January 19 on Bandcamp.

Hot Date is a Saint Paul, Minnesota duo featuring Nora O’Brien on vocals and Eric Carranza on everything else. “MN Goddess” is an airy song about a certain type of midwestern woman (“if you’ve seen one you know what I mean”). While the video was shot in the summer, the song has wintery chill.

She doesn’t dress like all those ladies
That you see in magazines
Still when the north wind claws around us
She’ll be doing alright by me

Those of us in the Upper Midwest are very familiar with the north wind. Especially this time of year.

And of course Hot Date sells its own line of well-designed Minnesota Goddess merch. - Glorious Noise

Hot Date- the indie pop duo of Nora O’Brien and Eric Carranza — just released an EP called Spaces, and Cobey Rouse shot and edited a video to the first track. “Will you get better?” the chorus asks. Hot Date play the Kitty Cat Klub with Tabah and Jillian Rae on Feb. 24. - The Current