Kid Dakota is the musical moniker of Darren Jackson. Formed in 1999, Kid Dakota released two albums on LOW's Chairkicker's Union - “So Pretty” (2002), and “The West is the Future” (2004) - and three albums on Graveface Records - “A Winner's Shadow” (2008), “Listen to the Crows As They Take Flight” (2011), and “Denervation” (2018). His forthcoming album, “Age of Roaches,” will be released on Graveface Records on 10/5/2019.

Darren is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, engineer, teacher, and producer. Although he grew up in a small town in Western South Dakota, Darren cut his musical teeth in Minneapolis. A fixture on the scene there for over a decade, Darren founded two critically-acclaimed bands (Kid Dakota and the Olympic Hopefuls), released nine albums, and won three Minnesota Music Awards including “Artist of the Year.” He toured extensively in the United States and Europe, sharing stages with rock and roll icons such as Soul Asylum and the Violent Femmes as well as indie rock stalwarts like LOW and Black Moth Super Rainbow.

In less than a year, Minneapolis rock quartet Sleep Study has caught the attention of audiences and critics whenever they’ve stepped on stage. Minnesota Public Radio blogger Andrea Swensson dubbed them as one of her “favorite acts to emerge” and “a band to watch in 2012.” A promo video for their song “Flower Girl” amassed more than 50,000 views on youtube in less than two months. And despite not having yet released a record, they were invited to play an official  showcase as well as several unofficial showcases at the prestigious SXSW music festival.

Collectively, the members of Sleep Study have shared stages and played on recordings with Al Kooper, Kid Dakota, Jeremy Messersmith, Owl City’s Breanne Düren, Mayda, Bella Ruse, The Honeydogs, Minor Kingdom, Rogue Valley, and more.

Sleep Study is a natural cooperative of strengths from all members, combining Ryan Paul Plewacki’s (vocals/guitar) brand of Brit flavored rock with Justin Hartke’s (vocals/bass) jazz upbringing and Cory Eischen’s (keys) extensive pop background. The calculated drumming of Alexander Young solidifies their retro sound.

Sleep Study’s unapologetic dedication to their modern take on a 70’s pop sound has snagged an impressive amount of interest, even as the band attempted to fly below the radar to construct their debut record. The group was acknowledged by Minneapolis-based publication City Pages even before their debut performance in June 2011. They’ve since continued to collect press from news outlets in their home state as well as The Austin Chronicle during SXSW.

The fresh, young band has performed at premier venues and events throughout the Twin Cities, contributed to compilation albums with Minneapolis’ finest and established musicians, and completed their debut record with the help of The Honeydogs frontman, Adam Levy.

“Nothing Can Destroy,” the ten-song full-length debut, will be released in summer of 2012.

Sleep Study is following