Hennepin County Library launching music streaming service featuring local artists

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and now MnSpin – that’s the name of the new online music streaming and download service the Hennepin County Library is launching this year.

Unlike other streaming services, MnSpin will focus solely on local artists. The collection, which is expected to launch this fall, will feature artists of all genres who are currently performing or based in Minnesota.

Anyone will be able to stream from the platform, and Hennepin County Library cardholders will be able to download songs for free.

To start the collection, a panel of local music experts and library staff will select up to 40 artists to make one album available through the online platform. The artists will sign a license agreement and receive $200.

Starting July 5, musicians can submit one song for consideration. After Aug. 2, the panel will review the submission and pick the artists whose music will be available in the initial launch of MnSpin. The library plans to eventually expand the collection to include more artists.

More information on MnSpin and how to submit music can be found here.