Southern Resident Killer Whales

Minneapolis, MN

Contact for rates

Travels up to 120 miles

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Fall Essay (Official Music Video)

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Dreamsong (live performance at 56 Brewing)

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Record shoppin'

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live at 56 Brewing

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post-gig at Unmapped Brewing

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live at Excelsior Brewing

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our sweet logo

Overview

Minneapolis-based craft pop | alternative rock: catchy, cool, and eclectic!

Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) is a four-piece, acoustic-driven alternative rock band that crafts songs seamlessly merging elements of indie pop, alternative rock and indie folk. Their live sets at Twin Cities area breweries, clubs, and open-air festivals are marked by dynamic instrumentation, melodic turns, and moments of quiet reflection alongside bursts of energy.

Easy to work with, and with very reasonable rates!

"makes an indelible mark" - 89.9 The Current
“smart, deliberate songcraft” - Mostly MN Music
organic, eclectic, and elegantly crafted” - Lost in the Manor


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Booking information

Price range: Contact for rates

Languages: English

Gig length: 45 - 180 minutes

What to expect

Southern Resident Killer Whales shows up with a great attitude, a boatload of experience, and ready to go!

We play 100% original material, so there is never a concern about licensing/song rights, but that original music is very easy on the ears. We have been invited for repeated performances at annual festivals, and the experience has always been a great one for festival goers and hosts: the music is catchy, cool, and eclectic!

While we prefer to work with an existing house system and technician we are capable of providing our own sound (with PA, mics, accessories).

Any other questions? Let us know: we're extremely easy to work with!

About

Southern Resident Killer Whales
Minneapolis-based craft pop | alt-rock: catchy, cool, and eclectic!

Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) are a Minneapolis-based quartet known for their genre-blending sound that defies easy categorization. Drawing from a rich tapestry of influences, the band crafts songs that seamlessly merge elements of indie pop, alternative rock and indie folk. Their music is characterized by intricate arrangements, heartfelt lyrics, and a commitment to musical craftsmanship.

“smart, deliberate songcraft” - Mostly MN Music

While SRKW’s 2025 Wave Forms EP introduced many to their lush, evolving sound, SRKW’s live sets bring that same depth to life; performances in regular appearances at Twin Cities area breweries and open-air festivals are marked by dynamic instrumentation, melodic turns, and moments of quiet reflection alongside bursts of energy.

"makes an indelible mark...balancing quirky humor, clever slice-of-life observations, and raw emotion" - 89.9 The Current

At the heart of SRKW's sound is frontman Dan Hylton, whose songwriting ranges from deeply personal narratives to broader social commentary. His lyrics are complemented by the band's versatile instrumentation, featuring multi-instrumentalists Mark Anderson (usually bass) and Krista Johnson (usually drums), alongside guitarist Brian Siegel (always lead guitar). This lineup brings a depth of musical training and theory to their performances, ensuring each show is both dynamic and engaging.

“organic, eclectic, and elegantly crafted, with personal and introspective writing that creates an intimate connection with the listener.” - Lost in the Manor

SRKW is currently beginning recording for their Deep Soundings EP, and preparing their next slate of Minnesota performances.

Additional booking notes

We are a four-piece band (lead singer/acoustic guitar, electric lead guitar, bass amp/harmony vocal, drums/harmony vocal) and here are our requirements:

Electrical:
- PA system
- Bass amp
- Electric guitar amp
- Electric guitar pedal board
- Acoustic guitar amp

Mics:
- Lead singer/rhythm guitarist mic & stand
- Harmony vocal/bassist mic & stand
- Harmony vocal/drummer (input only - we bring our own headset mic)
- Acoustic amp (XLR direct output that goes in right with the mics)

Additional, optional, inputs:
- Bass amp direct input
- Lead guitar amp mic
- Drum mics

Set list

the bulk of our setlist

Play's the Thing
Green Colored Eyes
Checkin’ Out
Let It Go
Failing Fearlessly
Jolene Pt 2
Scarcity
Some Folks and You
Frost
Ten Hours
Killing Time
Dreamsong
Tearing it All Down
Fall Essay
Orange Afternoon
With Love, Always
When You Pull Through
Boy
Faith, Lies, and Promises
Easy Go
I See You When I Can
My Friends, the Brits
I'm a Fake
Last Angry Blacksmith
Duanesong
Artists that Hate Me

Influences and inspiration

Beatles/solo Beatles
Indie-folk/singer-songwriter (Glen Hansard, Paper Kites, Gregory Alan Isakov)
90s-era alternative (Morrissey, Matthew Sweet, Radiohead)
70s era yacht rock (Pablo Cruise, Ambrosia)
Dream-pop (Beach House, Cigarettes After Sex)

Setup requirements

Rain contingency (tent, if outdoors)

Accessible AC power to accommodate our technical needs

Room for a four-piece including full drum kit

House PA/technician preferred (but not required)

Intermission for any show over 2 hours

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