The Band

Watson’s sound has aptly been described as “modern classic rock” with inspiration from both classic and modern rock musicians such as Tom Petty, the Beatles, Wilco and the Black Keys. They have written hundreds of original songs, played numerous shows throughout the Twin Cities, released six full length albums, and have no plans to stop making new music any time soon.

Watson consist of four friends who have been creating original music since the band formed in 2001. Jon Gotreau takes on the primary lead vocals in the band while alternating on guitar, & bass. Brian Weber provides backing (sometimes lead vocals) and plays guitar, keyboard, bass and harmonica.  Paul Feiner also offers backing and lead vocals while playing guitar and bass. Brian Mondl sticks with the drums (no vocals from him) and any aux percussion to fill out the music.

The band released their first studio album, Been Here Before in 2006, followed closely by their second album All I Want You To Know in 2008. Their third album Turn Up The Distance was released in 2011 and their fourth album, aptly titled IV, was released in 2014. In 2017, watson released their fifth album Mouth of the South, a collection of songs loosely inspired by the nostalgia of 90s era WWF and a desire to hoist the championship belt in the air.

The band recently released their sixth album, Long Nights in the fall of 2022. Song writing and recording began in 2019 and continued (both in person and virtual) throughout the pandemic. The band used this time to self-reflect on their lives as husbands, fathers, and friends to create 13 songs that tell the stories of their past experiences while also sharing how recent events in our world have impacted them as people. Regardless of any doubt or frustration caused by the current state of the world, the band continues to find the positives throughout it all to strengthen their bond and get through the long night together and embrace the new day ahead.