McStine & Minnemann
The duo initially met in 2018 while working with other artists, but as they discovered their shared passion for an assortment of Rock, Pop, and Punk artists, they began to talk about embarking on a collaborative project together. As both men are prolific multi-instrumentalists and writers, they have created a space for each other to showcase their incomparable instrumental talents, while infusing them with an incredible mix of melodic and lyrical depth. Since then, McStine & Minnemann have released 2 physical albums in 2020, a digital EP in 2021, and a digital single so far in 2022. There were surely be more to follow. McStine & Minnemann will be featured on Cruise to the Edge in May 2022.
Randy McStine is an acclaimed guitarist, bassist, and vocalist, whose initial work under the name Lo-Fi Resistance led to collaborations with members of King Crimson, Joe Satriani, Porcupine Tree, King’s X, Tears For Fears, and more. McStine’s work embraces genres such as Rock, Progressive, Blues, Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Pop, and Ambient. Towards the end of 2019, McStine released an album called ‘Idle’, which coincided with a 20-date North American tour as support for The Pineapple Thief. He will be hitting the road again in April 2022 as the opener for the Canadian dates on Riverside's North American tour.
Marco Minnemann is one of the world’s most respected drummers, having recorded and performed with diverse artists such as Paul Gilbert, The Buddy Rich Big Band, Steven Wilson, Necrophagist, and U.K. His own band, The Aristocrats (featuring Guthrie Govan and Bryan Beller), is a hugely sought-after touring act all over the world. Marco is also an accomplished guitarist and composer, which is evident throughout his vast catalog of solo albums. His most recent album, ‘My Sister,’ was released in 2019.
“McStine and Minnemann continue to prove they are all-stars. Amidst all the concept albums and lengthy songs that dominate Prog Rock, this set of shorter but highly engaging and entertaining songs definitely has a place to shine.” ~ The Prog Report
“This pair obviously have the chops, but they also understand the power of sophisticated pop and are adaptable enough to deliver this often quirky material in a direct way. It’s punchy and fun with all the instrumental pizzazz that any self-respecting enthusiast would wish for, but with a sense of melody and a poppy ethic that is often alien to ‘muso’ albums. These guys can pen a good hooky melody while twisting it in any direction they want, or just playing it straight – as that’s what won’t be expected!” ~ The Progressive Aspect
“McStine & Minnemann finds the pair achieving a brilliant new chemistry amidst fulfilling the promise of their requisite individual specialties. It’s an essential listen for fans of either artist—as well as progressive rock aficionados in general.” ~ Rebel Noise
“Anyone familiar with either artist’s solo recordings will be aware of their range and mastery on multiple instruments. Together they are a formidable force. “ ` Sonic Perspectives