Road to Wakarusa: Interview With Electronic Music Producer, Minnesota

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Christian Bauhofer, also known as Minnesota by his many die hard fans, is an electronic music producer and DJ rising from Santa Cruz.

At only 23 years old, Minnesota has spent his career performing and touring alongside huge acts including Big Gigantic and Paper Diamond, and has gained the praise from Bassnectar.

Last year, Minnesota was set to perform at Wakarusa Music Festival, but was unable to make it due to severe weather. This year, Minnesota will be making his way to Mulberry Mountain in Ozark, Arkansas to put on a memorable live DJ set for fans and festival-goers.

Empty Lighthouse recently had the chance to sit down and get to know the young and talented music producer a bit better.

Read further and find out how Minnesota first got his start in music, and what he's most excited for in regards to the upcoming festival season!

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How did you first get your start in music?
MINNESOTA: I started playing guitar when I was 12 years old.

After trying to form a few bands I finally gave up, turned to producing when I was 20 and have never looked back.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Who are your musical influences?
MINNESOTA: Pink Floyd & Led Zepplin

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Who do you listen to in your spare time, other hobbies, etc?
MINNESOTA: I'm always listening to new music, and I try not to listen to the same songs multiple times unless I end up incorporating them in my sets.

As for hobbies, when I'm not touring I'm decompressing at home or traveling with my girlfriend.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What has been your most memorable experience while touring?
MINNESOTA: Most memorable? That's a tough one. When you're on the road for most of the year, everything tends to blur together.

Recently, my sold out show in Atlanta was a blast! After the show I went to a house party and got to hang out with a bunch of fans.

It's always a great time to meet and get to know your fans on a more personal level.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What is the craziest thing you've seen a fan do to get into a show / on stage, etc.?
MINNESOTA: I'm not entirely sure, but fans have tried to jump up on stage and dance more times than I can count.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What advice would you give to other young people looking to succeed in the industry?
MINNESOTA: With anything, starting your musical career is always going to be tough. It's a long journey and the ones who make it are the ones that want it the most.

Don't become a producer because you want the rockstar lifestyle; become a producer because music is your overarching passion. Humility goes a long way.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: When you hit a creativity block, what re-inspires you?
MINNESOTA: Lots of coffee :).

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How do you manage your time between your music and personal life?
MINNESOTA: It's fairly simple really.

Whenever I'm home I treat my music like a 9-5 job: I'm in the studio for 8 hours a day and once I'm done I get to relax and enjoy the rest of the day with my girlfriend.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What are your upcoming plans in regards to more touring, releases and producing new music?
MINNESOTA: I'll be touring with Koan Sound this Spring.

I'm working on my first full length album, which I'll hopefully have done in the next month or two.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: If you could invent anything, what would it be?
MINNESOTA: A warp drive. It would be awesome to visit other stars and planets@

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: If stranded on an island, what 3 things would you want to have with you?
MINNESOTA: A case of beer, pack of gummy bears and phone with service.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Do you have any rituals or things you must have/do before a show?
MINNESOTA: Drink.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What are you most excited for in regards to performing at Wakarusa or festival season in general?
MINNESOTA: I'm really excited that Wakarusa gave me another chance to perform at the festival this year.

I was supposed to play last year, but my set got cancelled due to the weather. It was a huge bummer to disappoint my fans, but I hope to make it up to them this year!