Is it a record label, a promotions company, an artists collective or just a clique of cool local musicians?
In the case of Minneapolis' Totally Gross National Product, the answer to that question might simply be "yes." Best known for issuing records by Lizzo, Poliça and Marijuana Deathsquads, the musicians-run operation will once again celebrate its unnatural existence with a sixth annual mini-fest Saturday at Icehouse in Minneapolis.
Even for a crew as adventurous and creative as TGNP, six years is a long time to keep a party fresh and interesting. Here are some talking points to add intrigue this year, with help from co-founder (and Poliça drummer) Drew Christopherson.
1) Jason Feathers, an electro-fried rap-rock collaboration between Justin Vernon and Astronautalis, will make its live debut at the party. The duo's wonky 2014 album, "De Oro," earned lukewarm reviews but could be a different beast in concert.
2) Poliça will play its 2012 debut album, "Give You the Ghost," front to back for the first time. It's also the last time the band will perform for a while as it welcomes a new baby to the family and readies a new record.
3) Other new acts stepping out Saturday: Invisible Boy, a solo project by Poliça bassist Chris Bierden; StoLyette, a Russian-language trio with Votel's Ben Clark and his wife, Irene Ruderman-Clark; plus a new Minneapolis-based backing band for New York's JM Airis of Dead Sparrows, who just issued his solo album "Wild Birds" via TGNP.
4) There are several late additions. Lizzo wasn't announced as part of the lineup due to competing clauses, but she'll be there with new songs in tow. Also newly added are a Tickle Torture DJ set and a comedy set by artist Michael Gaughan.
5) Bigger space should be better. The party's boundaries are extending into the parking lot next to Icehouse, making room for both a main stage and side stage outdoors.
