Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
@TheConnellsmusic break down how two brothers and a group of friends from Raleigh built one of North Carolina’s most enduring bands. From local gigs to their surprise overseas hit “’74–’75,” they share stories, studio memories and why music, songcraft and community matter.
Song Performances Featured:
00:00 - Intro
00:33 - "Scotty's Lament"
05:37 - "Carry My Picture"
11:22 - "'74-'75"
17:28 - "Seven"
22:40 - "Over There"
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.
Subscribe to the PBS North Carolina channel: youtube.com/@MyPBSNC
FOLLOW US
Official Website: pbsnc.org/watch/shaped-by-sound
Instagram: instagram.com/MyPBSNC
Facebook: facebook.com/MyPBSNC
Email Newsletter: pbsnc.org/signup
Enjoy full episodes of your favorite PBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS App: pbsnc.org/app
This program is made possible by viewers like you!
Support PBS North Carolina today: pbsnc.org/donate
@TheConnellsmusic break down how two brothers and a group of friends from Raleigh built one of North Carolina’s most enduring bands. From local gigs to their surprise overseas hit “’74–’75,” they share stories, studio memories and why music, songcraft and community matter.
Song Performances Featured:
00:00 - Intro
00:33 - "Scotty's Lament"
05:37 - "Carry My Picture"
11:22 - "'74-'75"
17:28 - "Seven"
22:40 - "Over There"
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.
Subscribe to the PBS North Carolina channel: youtube.com/@MyPBSNC
FOLLOW US
Official Website: pbsnc.org/watch/shaped-by-sound
Instagram: instagram.com/MyPBSNC
Facebook: facebook.com/MyPBSNC
Email Newsletter: pbsnc.org/signup
Enjoy full episodes of your favorite PBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS App: pbsnc.org/app
This program is made possible by viewers like you!
Support PBS North Carolina today: pbsnc.org/donate
