Music Community Saddened by Closure of Duluth Electric Fetus

Reactions Ring Online, Throughout Downtown District As Duluth Electric Fetus Announces Closure After 33 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – The reaction is pouring in online, and through the downtown district of Duluth after Electric Fetus announced Tuesday the permanent closure of their Duluth location.

Those with the local radio station, KUMD, say the closure deals a large blow to the local music scene in the Northland.

They say not only did the business provide a wide selection of vinyl records and other gifts; it also gave local musicians a chance to perform, sell, and connect with listeners in the region.

Christine Dean is the music director at the radio station. She expresses the importance of supporting local businesses if you want them to stick around.

“There are music communities online and you can communicate with likeminded people online, but I don’t think it’s quite like the same as having that physical space and being able to gather with people in your community that are passionate about music or the same things that you are,” said Dean.

As for the Greater Downtown Council, President Kristi Stokes says the closure is simply sad.

With many local businesses weathering the effects of the pandemic, she remains optimistic heading into the summer and has high hopes for the future of downtown.

“To lose a fixture like this is a real challenge, but we’re also going to have to be thinking about how we bring back more businesses into our downtown,” said Stokes. “We’re optimistic about what we’re going to be seeing this summer and we look forward to being able to showcase what we do have and try to encourage more activity.”

As for KUMD, they hope to continue partnering with the Electric Fetus location in Minneapolis to showcase local talent.

Electric Fetus was a staple in the downtown area for the past 33 years.

FOX 21 reached out to Electric Fetus for comment, but have not heard back.