Listeners first heard songs by Northern Associates members as far back as 1998,
when work began on an album titled “The Grass That Grows Blue“,
by a group then called The Three Essential Elements.
This album was a very limited and local release, without significant distribution ,
but was well received as a success for it‘s originality and creativity.
Listeners wanted more. During 2001, The Phydeliqs were formed.
Starting out with a focus on the live performance aspect of Hip Hop,
the Phydeliqs began playing venues and events,
gaining local recognition and building networks within the Twin Cities music community.
During the following years, these groups crossed paths with,
and developed relationships with a diverse set of local musical talent.
It was in the winter months of 2005 that these groups combined efforts and resources,
and “The Northern Associates” were established as an independent music label,
and live performance group.
Since early 2006, the Associates have performed together
while growing and developing into an “Umbrella”
designed to include many group and solo artistic and musical projects.