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Beyond the Label: September albums that stretch and defy boundaries

Sturgis native David Hersrud brings his years in the music industry and lifelong interest in discovering new music to this episode of Fresh Tracks. David and Larry Rohrer introduce you to some music sales stats and new music from GA-20, the Cactus Blossoms, and Ozamatli.

On September 9, we have some new albums that should be easy to label. But labels sometimes don’t tell the whole story, particularly when artists and bands stretch the boundaries.

GA-20 released its third full-length album, "Crackdown," on September 9. The band is named for a Gibson amplifier popular in the 1950s and is now used only with antique instruments.

"Crackdown" puts GA-20 in a place where traditional blues, country, and rock n' roll intersect. It's what makes this album so fascinating.

Minneapolis band Cactus Blossoms has released its third studio album, "One Day." Cactus Blossoms has been compared to the Everly Brothers with a touch of JJ Cale.

Ozomatli is an American rock band whose music covers a range of musical styles. Listeners will hear echos of salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, and hip-hop. The band formed in Los Angeles in 1995 and is known for its embrace of social issues like immigration reform.

Ozomatli's ninth studio album is called "Marching On."

Larry, although retired as Assistant General Manager for SDPB, continues to write, host, and do media production and voice work for SDPB.
Carl Norquist is a producer and writer for In the Moment. An EMMY-winning producer, Carl previously worked for KTIV News 4 in Sioux City, IA. Carl is a Minnesota native and graduate of Augustana University with majors in Art and English.