Diverse Emerging Music Organization

MINNESOTA MUSIC: MADE TO LAST

DEMO (Diverse Emerging Music Organization) is devoted to preserving and promoting Minnesota's independent music legacy. To that end, our flagship program, the Minnesota Music Archive (MMA), has the ambitious goal of preserving every obtainable recording by independent and small-label Minnesota musicians.

“One of the most exciting aspects of the DEMO archival project is working with the overwhelming number of artists that haven’t received the recognition and support for their efforts in producing the thing they love to create – MUSIC.” said Steve McClellan, DEMO's Artistic Director. 

About DEMO

Headquartered in the iconic White Castle building in Uptown, Minneapolis (3252 Lyndale Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55408), DEMO is a Minnesota 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was established in 2005 by former First Avenue General Manager Steve McClellan. DEMO has showcased hundreds of emerging and established artists at dozens of venues throughout the Twin Cities. DEMO has also offered educational, scholarship, and internship opportunities to young people, energizing them to enter and transform the music business. 

DEMO believes that music has the power to bridge barriers and that musical diversity is critical to fostering vibrant cultures and communities. DEMO also believes that some of the most inspired music comes from the multitude of passionate, innovative, and hard-working independent musicians who are creating their own paths.