In 2020, Third Man Records released a compilation album that rediscovers the shoegaze acts of Detroit in the 90s. Now, the follow-up album, Southeast of Saturn Vol. 2 has been released. This time, music from Midwestern groups beyond Michigan are being revisited. The compilation includes groups spanning Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Jill recently had a conversation with Rich Hanson, a shoegaze fanatic who contributed to both compilations. Hanson credits Minnesotan bands Colfax Abbey and Shapeshifter for exposing him to the shoegaze scene of the Twin Cities. Third Man describes Southeast of Saturn Vol. 2 as cementing the Midwest’s status as a breeding ground for the space-rock and shoegaze subgenres.

Shoegaze is a subgenre of indie and alternative rock characterized by its ethereal mixture of obscured vocals, guitar distortion and effects, feedback, and overwhelming volume. The name comes from the heavy use of effects pedals, as the performers were often looking down at their pedals during concerts. Most artists in the genre drew inspiration from My Bloody Valentine on their late 1980s recordings, as well as bands such as Dinosaur Jr., The Jesus and Mary Chain, and Cocteau Twins. Early 90s shoegaze was pushed aside by the American grunge movement and early Britpop acts, but we’ll be bringing it back this morning. For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what shoegaze songs do you want to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

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Songs Played:
My Bloody Valentine – When You Sleep
Lush – Sweetness and Light
Colfax Abbey – Feel
The 27 Various – You’ve Got It Bad
Cocteau Twins – Lorelei
Ride – Vapour Trail
Pale Saints – Kinky Love (Bonus Track!)