Cloud Cult

Cloud Cult is one of those bands that will blow you away whether you are listening to them on your iPod, or watching them onstage in a crowded and smokey bar. The lyrics (mostly written by lead singer Craig Minowa) are inspiring on their own, and the music accompanyment (complete with a violin, cello, and moving drumbeat) fills the words with even more passion. It's impossible to listen to this band without pictures being painted in your head.

The stage show is also interesting with Minowa's wife, Connie, and Scott West painting pictures throughout the set. These paintings are usually then bidded on throughout the set, and given to the highest bidder.

We did an interview with lead singer Craig Minowa via e-mail, and was able to ask what it's like to tour with a larger group of people, and how it was touring with his wife, Connie.

Who plays what in the band?
CM: We have a full list of who does what here: http://www.cloudcult.com/about.htm
[Craig Minowa (Singer/Songwriter)
Connie Minowa (Visual Artist)
Sarah Young (Cello)
Scott West (Visual Artist)
Shannon Frid (Violin)
Shawn Neary (Bass)
Arlen Peiffer (Drums)]

How did everyone come together as a band, and where is the band mainly based?
CM: Most of the musicians responded to ads they saw looking for certain instrumentalists. Most of the musicians are from Minneapolis. Connie and Craig are from northern Minnesota.

Where did the name come from?
CM: A sect of prophecies discussing the necessity of paying attention to the fine lines between spirituality, technology, and the natural earth.

How did the idea of having visual artists come up?
CM: Connie and Scott often painted while Craig wrote, so then that became a live thing.

Do the paintings ever end up being the same, or are they always a one-of-a-kind piece?
CM: They are always unique and improvised.

I saw you guys in Ann Arbor mid-April with Mason Proper, and you were touring with The Forms at the time. What was it like touring with The Forms and playing with Mason Proper?
CM: Mason Proper was very energetic and professional. The Forms have really creative time signatures and are very cool guys.

It was also noticeable that you are all very passionate about what you're doing. When did you all first notice your passion for making and performing music?
CM: My total love for it came in early high school.

What is the idea behind the eye mask?
CM: It connects me with the other side.

Does it ever get crowded on stage with 6+ people on stage at a time? Any hazards to this?
CM: Yes, it gets crowded, but we've gotten pretty good at being in tight quarters since we all have to pack in a van and live in that practically for weeks at a time.

It's also got to be crowded traveling together, is there any clashing?
CM: It's a great crew of respectful people, so no clashes with this crew.

What's it like being in a band with your spouse?
CM: It's great to be able to work and travel together. We can't get enough of each other so it's nice to not have to be split when we're on tour.

The lyrics to your songs are beautiful and also pretty great to just read on their own. Who writes most of the songs and where does the inspiration come from?
CM: Thanks. I (Craig Minowa) write the songs. They are inspired by life and the afterlife.

What's in the future for Cloud Cult?
CM: We have a DVD coming out in the fall and some interesting new projects to announce shortly after that.

Check out paintings and music from Cloud Cult at myspace.com/cloudcult.

-Courtney 'tum here' Kaz.