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IdlFlo is an established Minneapolis garage/alt-rock quartet with a proven track record of high-energy live performances across Twin Cities venues since 2019. This professional all-originals band draws crowds with their dynamic ’90s alternative sound, seamless quiet-to-explosive transitions, and reputation for shows that leave lasting impressions. Founded by skilled songwriting brothers Derek Smith (guitar/vocals) and Lee Smith, IdlFlo delivers tight sets with no technical requirements—no backing tracks, no complicated setups, just four musicians and their instruments creating authentic rock experiences. Their debut EP “A Sudden Burst of Sound” demonstrates strong songcraft and commercial appeal, while their commitment to live performance over studio polish makes them ideal for venues seeking reliable, crowd-pleasing acts that can headline or support touring bands.

“IdlFlo uses meaty/clean guitar tones, thumping bass lines and an up-front vocal style that works seamlessly and in unison. Fluttering between refrains, energy levels and styles – the instrumentation sits nicely behind the lead vocals reminiscent of The Red Hot Chili Peppers.”

– Melodic Noise Media

Upcoming Events

Find Us on Instagram

Mark your calendars! IdlFlo plays @jellybeanjulias in Coon Rapids on Thursday, June 5 at 8pm. @access_otherwise opens the show with their instrumental grooves, then we take the stage for a full set of original indie rock. 

Pull up early, order some of the best BBQ in the Twin Cities, and support your local music scene. Bring a friend.
Yep yep! Spring has Sprung! And so we say - it’s high time we bravely start venturing out of our hibernation dens fellow Norris-folk, and get back to getting out and getting rowdy! 

May we suggest an embrace of the contrarian mindset - this isn’t “flyover country” - in fact, we’re hyper and fiercely loyal - and now that we’re sitting on 6 months of celebrating the return of the orange ball in the sky together - shining down on the greatest built by us / for us music scene in America - we say: Let’s. Get. Rowdy. 

Friday, April 3rd. Come #supportlocal at a MN music institution that still serves mystery shots! @the_terminal_bar_mpls !!!

Along with our friends @faunasauna - we’ll be blasting our original set with non-stop energy and a 90s alt vibe. We’d LOVE to see you there and as always - APPRECIATE all the support! 🩶
—IdlFlo

UPDATE: Happy to announce @access_otherwise will be joining as the opener tonight! 

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We had an absolute blast this past Friday (the 13th) playing for @ladonacerveza It was a super fun night and we really appreciate the opportunity, the kind treatment by the staff, and especially those that caught the show! It was a lovely and lively crowd and you all made it a great night!

An extra loud shout to @longie for kicking off the night! The audience loved your song selections and great voice! Definitely need to get together again!

IdlFlo will be back at it soon - so look for more show announcements and some other chicanery we’re up to. We also have a HUGE announcement coming - but - all in good time! Cheers!

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#bandsofinstagram #mnmusic #localband #livemusic #supportlocal
SHOW ALERT!

IdlFlo is super excited to announce we’ll be playing at @ladonacerveza the Friday after next (3.13.26)! 

As former neighbors, we’ve spent a lot of time handling band strategy while enjoying their fantastic tacos, tap and mix options, and unique, fun and inviting space! There’s something for everyone there and we look forward to playing for the Cerveceria faithful!

Friday, March 13th
8pm
(Special guest news coming)

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#bandsofinstagram #mnmusic #localband #livemusic #supportlocal
One week from today! Thursday - 2.26.26…

We’re super excited to be playing @whitesquirrelbar for the first time! Our friends from Birdland will be opening up and as it will their first live show - we are so pumped to catch their debut! And of course anytime we get to share the stage with @thegrievingpines is awesome - their live set is so fun and energetic! Can’t wait for this one!

So if you’re able to pull up and show some love to the hard-working bands, know you’re also supporting a premiere MN music venue that caters to and features local DIY bands and artists! These types of places are becoming more and more rare and are absolutely vital to the development of bands, artists, and music makers of all types - which positively contributes to MNs worldwide standing as a hotbed of emerging sound and art. So please consider supporting local - it’s always needed and even more, is always appreciated!

🤘

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We’ve been cranking it up in the all new IdlLair this week getting this set loud and tight, and tomorrow at 8pm we bring that noise to @jellybeanjulias. Originals, a few covers you know, real amps, real volume and smoked meat nearby!

#LiveMusic #Minneapolis #GarageRock #AltRock #TwinCitiesMusic RockShow AllAges BBQ
First show of 2026! We’re really excited to be making not only our debut at @jellybeanjulias but this will also mark the first time they’re hosting an original band!

#idlflo will take the stage at 8pm and play 2 sets. And we’ve got some fun planned: Expanded setlist ✔️ Brand new originals (super pumped to trot these out) ✔️ Some cool covers with a twist ✔️

IdlFlo - Live
Jellybean and Julia’s
2501 Coon Rapids BLVD
Coon Rapids - 55433
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7th
8-10p

Now, of course everyone is invited!! But we’re really hoping to see a bunch of our rowdy North-Siders come support not only us - but this awesome restaurant! These folks have some of the most KILLER smoked bbq/meats you’ll ever taste! The brisket is amazing, the pulled pork is to die for, they’ve got wings and spicy corn bread balls - and - the holy trinity sauce! SO much more. 

So come hungry and be ready for some bangers to accompany the graze! Rock fists + Meat-sweats fully encouraged! 🤘🏼+ 🍖 = 😅

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#bandsofinstagram #rockmusic #mnmusic #supportlocal
We’ve been hard at it with Clay back all healed up - and with a BUNCH of awesome shows coming. Check back soon for updates on those!

Anywho….

Walked out from last practice to fresh snow and this unfortunate scene. We hope the days leading up to the coming Holidays are going better for you than “BugSy.” 

You and your automobile parts stay safe out there, everyone! 😀 

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#bandsofinstagram #mnmusic #supportlocal #localband #winter
Things have been a little quiet here lately. You may have noticed. No fun practice pics of late, no zany announcements shared, no wacky updates on the this’s and that’s of good ol’ IdlFlo. Radio silence. 

What gives, you ask?

Well, we’ve been unappendaged. Cut down a quarter. Reduced to just the treble half of our usual trouble. We’re like a tripod. A loud but sad tripod without our boom. The musical equivalent of a chair missing one leg. Still standing, but… wobbly.

You see, Clay is gone. 

What happened, you ask?

He was taken. Knocked down a peg by men and women in smocks and allergen free gloves. One moment shredding basslines, the next - surrounded by beeping machines and dressed in a garment that offers negative armor protection. 

There is good news though…

The docs say he’s recovering quickly. Which is important… we’ve got to stop writing basslines with our mouths.

So jokes aside - we do miss @claydough2k and all the joy and sound he adds! He’ll be fine, his frequencies are just currently on injured reserve.
	
Until then, IdlFlo is running at a courageous 75% capacity and 200% determination. And ready to get back to our power quad sound - and getting you fine folks the fun practice pics, zany announcements, and wacky updates you’ve come to expect from us!

#brb 

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#bandsofinstagram #rock #music #rockmusic #indie #indierock #indiemusic #alternative #altrock #minnesota #mnmusic #twincities #twincitiesmusic #mpls #mplsmusic #stpaul #stpaulmusic #local #supportlocal #localband #friday
New music?! We may have a little something in the works…!

#bandsofinstagram #rock #music #rockmusic #indie #indierock #indiemusic #minnesota #mpls #mnmusic #mplsmusic #supportlocal #localband #local #alt #altmusic #altrock #garageband #garagerock #new #newmusic #idlflo
What a fun night @elmcreekbrewing !!! 

Thank you SO much to all of the lovely people that came to check out the show! Your support means the world to us - so thanks again!

Also a huge thanks to Mitch, Kayla, Ashley and the rest of the #ecb staff for working with us to put on the event! We battled the weather and made it happen - and truly appreciate your hospitality and flexibility!

And of course, a huge shout to our stage mates @dashedmpls who put on a killer opening set! You guys sounded great! Surf-punk is super fun!!

So yeah! There it is! We’ll do a media dump later this week from the show so check that out - and pop back soon to hear about the next #idlflo adventure…we have a LOT in the works!!

👊🏼💙🤘🏼 

#bandsofinstagram #rock #music #rockmusic #indie #indierock #indiemusic #minnesota #mpls #mnmusic #mplsmusic #supportlocal #localband #local #alt #altrock #livemusic #taproom #beer #saturday #appreciation
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