Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Mike Connell and Doug MacMillan of @TheConnellsmusic reflect on growing up with music, discovering The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Monkees, and why they can’t imagine life without music.

Watch the full conversation: youtu.be/WYwGm9lFLwg
Listen to The Connells perform live: youtu.be/QE2NFJDZKHQ

In the band:
Guitar & Vocals - Mike Connell
Bass - David Connell
Vocals - Doug MacMillan
Keyboards & Vocals - Steve Potak
Guitar - Mike Ayers
Drums - Chris Stephenson
Trumpet - Mike Mole

Shaped by Sound
This PBS NC original series, which spotlights North Carolina’s thriving music scene, features artists from a broad range of genres, including indie rock, hip-hop, R&B, alt-country, jazz, bluegrass and folk. Each episode weaves a visually stunning live studio performance by an NC artist or band with an intimate conversation about their creative journey.

Shaped By Sound is a co-production of PBS North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The series is presented by Come Hear North Carolina.

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