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Country music is in the air in Detroit Lakes this week. One of the nation’s largest country music festivals starts Wednesday at Soo Pass Ranch just outside town. Big names like Lainey Wilson and Brooks & Dunn will take WE Fest’s three stages to play for tens of thousands of fans. 

The lineup includes a couple local artists, like Zach Thomas, who’s from the western Minnesota town of Wendell and now lives in Fargo. He joined MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon to talk about his upcoming gig, why he writes sad songs and what it’s like to witness the explosion of pop country’s popularity as an independent artist. 

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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WE Fest starts Wednesday outside Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Zach Thomas is from nearby Wendell, Minnesota and will play a set at the festival for the first time Thursday. 

WE Fest starts Wednesday outside Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Zach Thomas grew up in nearby Wendell, Minnesota and will play a set at the festival for the first time Thursday. 

Fargo-based country musician Zach Thomas to make debut at giant Detroit Lakes festival

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