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The Paper Kites in Minneapolis

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The Paper Kites
First Avenue — Minneapolis, MN
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About The Paper Kites

The Paper Kites are an Australian indie folk band that emerged from Melbourne in the early 2010s, building a devoted following through meticulous songwriting and layered instrumentation. Their breakthrough came with 2012's "Bloom," a sprawling seven-minute track that showcases their ability to build emotional momentum without relying on conventional pop structures. The band—led by Sam Bentley's understated vocals and guitar work—treats songs like architectural projects, adding strings, woodwinds, and subtle rhythmic shifts until what started as a whisper becomes something immersive. Their albums "Twelvefour" and "On the Train Ride Home" established them as craftspeople more interested in texture than flash. They've maintained a steady presence in indie folk circles, occasionally breaking through to wider audiences, particularly in streaming contexts where their patient, detailed approach tends to reward repeated listening. Fans appreciate them for the opposite of hype: they're a band that sounds better the more you pay attention.

Shows are quiet, attentive affairs. Audiences lean in rather than shout. The band's precision translates well to stages—every string arrangement and timing shift lands. Crowds tend to be respectfully devoted rather than rowdy, and the overall vibe is contemplative. Good venue for actually hearing what they're doing.

Known for Bloom, Twelvefour, Electric Worry, Reckless Love, Don't

The Paper Kites + Minneapolis

The Paper Kites have a quiet but steady relationship with Minneapolis. They last rolled through Fine Line Music Cafe in March 2024, delivering the kind of show that rewards people who actually pay attention. The band's folk-tinged indie pop—all fingerpicked guitars and Sam Lacey's restrained vocals—translates well to a room like that, intimate without feeling cramped. They've built their reputation on songs like 'Bloom' and 'Featherstone,' tracks that feel like they were written in a bedroom but somehow contain entire emotional landscapes. Minneapolis audiences tend to appreciate that kind of craft, that refusal to oversell things.

The Paper Kites in Minneapolis News

Live Music in Minneapolis

Minneapolis has long been a town for artists who trust subtlety. The legacy runs from Prince's genre-bending experiments to the indie rock specificity of bands like Replacements and Husker Du. The Paper Kites fit naturally into that lineage—they're thoughtful, meticulously arranged, not trying to fill every space with sound. The city's venues, from First Avenue to Fine Line, have always hosted artists who understand that sometimes less translates to more, and that resonates with a local audience that tends to value musicianship and restraint.

Minneapolis road trip to see The Paper Kites?

Stay in the Northeast Minneapolis arts district—it's where the city's creative energy actually lives, with galleries, vintage shops, and the Mississippi River nearby. Eat at Café Alma in the same neighborhood for restrained, high-quality Italian cooking. Spend an afternoon at the Walker Art Center, which sits on a rise overlooking downtown and has genuine landscape appeal. Grab coffee at Spyhouse, a roaster that takes itself seriously without the performative nonsense. The Stone Arch Bridge is worth a walk if the weather cooperates.

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