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AMPLIFYING WISCONSIN MUSICIANS WMPodcast interviews local Wisconsin musicians on their journey from their first group, solo endeavor, hired studio work, local community groups, and more, to their present day activities in the local music scene. We will also talk with music businesses and music organizations. We’ll talk about their origin story, what their influences are, what they do to hone their talents and their skills to be where they are today. What they feel is not only suffocating the local music scene, but, better yet, what they feel is helping push the local scene into the limelight. Also hear about gigs they’ve played that made an impression on them and why. . . and much more.
Episodes
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
WISCONSIN MUSIC PODCAST
AMPLIFYING WISCONSIN MUSICIANS
EPISODE 87 KIRSTIE KRAUS
Kirstie Kraus carries her thirst in her songwriting, in her live shows, and in her everyday connection with other kindred spirits. Nowhere is her appetite more quenched than on a stage in front of her fans, appropriately named “Thirsties”. Her confidence naturally shines under the bright lights, taking concert goers on a well-defined path of self-discovery and bliss. Her writing infuses her own transparent journey with others’ experiences to create sustainable lyrics and catchy melodies. The result is a perfect blend of country, funk, blues, and rock because with Kirstie, there are no boundaries. There’s only the process of “letting go” and letting the song tell you what it wants to be.
It will also tell you WHERE it wants to be and for an intuitive deep thinker like Kirstie, that place is Nashville. Three years ago, the Wisconsin native made the move to Music City and having heavily toured the summer before with her Midwest band, Thirsty Jones, Kirstie made the decision to really focus on honing her craft in town. She immediately began demoing out songs for her upcoming full length record and playing established Nashville venues, like the Listening Room Café and the Bluebird. She also leaned into the production side of her album, gaining great insight from her then producer about arrangements, vocal styling, and mixing. Her first Nashville based single, “Delusional” (2018) fancies a sassy 80s funk groove while 2019’s “Gotta Do” pulls in early 2000s Shania vibes. “Silver”, her July 2020 release, possesses the licks of Joan Jett and attitude of Avril Lavigne, proving that she’s not a one lane roadmap.
In fact, the roadmap has always been paved with perseverance and unwavering support of her close knit family back home. Her strong Catholic upbringing relayed the importance of a greater plan from early on. Growing up in an industrial, blue collar area instilled hard work, community involvement, and social interaction. The popular powerhouse vocals of Mariah, Celine, Gloria Estefan, and Amy Grant nudged the precocious six year old to declare that she too wanted to be a singer, in the form of a homework drawing. Her mother then enrolled her ambitious daughter into every opportunity and outlet she could find. By 12, she was writing songs and by the age of 15, she had picked up a guitar and joined NSAI, which meant frequent trips to Nashville for the next several years to be mentored by the best in the business. Kirstie did what most successful artists of longevity will tell you to do: she built her fan base and relationships back home AND in Nashville before making the big leap.
Wisconsin Music Podcast Link tree : linktr.ee/WI_Music_Podcast
ZTF Studio: www.ztfStudio.com
Tuesday Oct 04, 2022
Tuesday Oct 04, 2022
WISCONSIN MUSIC PODCAST
AMPLIFYING WISCONSIN MUSIC
Episode 86
MotherWind
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
WISCONSIN MUSIC PODCAST
AMPLIFYING WISCONSIN MUSIC
Episode 85
Pop Punk Rock band - The Fall Sound
Tuesday Sep 20, 2022
Tuesday Sep 20, 2022
WISCONSIN MUSIC PODCAST
"Amplifying Wisconsin Musicians"
Season 3
Episode 84
Danny Langton (Songwriter/Vocals/Rhythm Guitar)
Danny was born and raised in London, England. His father was a solo artist and guitar teacher and introduced him to bands like The Beatles and The Kinks at a very young age. In his late teens and early twenties he became a massive Oasis fan and that love for Brit rock is what inspires his songwriting. He has said one of the highlights of his life was meeting Paul Weller from The Jam and The Style Council at a gig in Washington DC. To Danny, rock 'n' roll is about way more than music – it is fashion, mindset and a way of life.
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
Tuesday Aug 30, 2022
WISCONSIN MUSIC PODCAST
Episode 83
The Rogue Electrics
The Rogue Electrics are an independent
original rock band and recording artist from
Milwaukee Wisconsin that sound like a mix of
classic rock, alternative rock, and blues.
The Rogue Electrics name came from the fact that I am
the last in line of a family of electricians. My Grandpa,
dad, and uncles have a family business called Rogahn
Electric. I was never exposed to learning the trade. The
band name is a tribute to my dad and family who were
the ones that turned me onto all of the classic rock
music I now love. I felt that naming this band The
Rogue Electrics was a way for me to carry on my
family’s legacy while serving to be a symbol of the blue
collar type workmanship required to make a good
independent band. The logo design is based on the font
style from the Rogahn Electric work jackets that my
family used to wear on the job.
Booking/Contact Email
therogueelectrics@gmail.com
Bandcamp (get our merch/records)
Bandcamp - The Rogue Electrics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therogueelectrics/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therogueelectrics/
Youtube (videos and recorded music)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8RMrgMLWzFbx8S7d2u0ATw
Find us on Spotify, Apple, Amazon as well.
Tuesday Aug 16, 2022
Tuesday Aug 16, 2022
WISCONSIN MUSIC PODCAST
Episode 82: Irish Guitar Virtuoso Shane Hennessy and Milwaukee Irish Festival
Irish virtuoso guitarist Shane Hennessy has established himself as one of the leading guitarists on the world stage, known widely for his fingerstyle, flatpicking, and percussive guitar-playing approaches. His energetic live performances and his cinematically-vivid compositions tie in influences from Bach to Beyoncé – and everything in between! With a unique style of solo guitar playing that encompasses the range of a whole band – covering drums, bass, rhythm and lead lines – Shane builds a complete sonic world entirely on his own.
A musician from a young age, Shane credits his background in Irish traditional music as the base on which he has built his genre-defying musical explorations. Initially a concertina player under the tuition of the renowned Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh, he achieved successes in the Fleadh Cheoil competitions in Ireland. He then turned to the guitar aged twelve inspired by the music of James Taylor. Becoming more interested in songwriting and in music in general, it was when he discovered the styles of Tommy Emmanuel and Chet Atkins that his interest in solo performance blossomed. Since that time, he has toured the world with thousands of shows under his belt, four albums of music, and a proven track record as a performer, songwriter, arranger, accompanist, and session musician.
Billed as “one of the most exciting live performers of his generation, with an ability to move between styles and genres with ease” by Irish Music Magazine, audiences can never be too sure what will come next during the exciting mix of jazz, blues, country, soul, traditional Irish music, and world music he offers. With the addition of some smooth vocals, genre-hopping improvisations, and well-arranged covers, it makes sense why music legend super-producer Nile Rodgers (CHIC) thinks that “his style is killer, it’s really cool stuff”, and why guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel says that Shane “transcends the guitar the same way Muhammed Ali transcended boxing”.
All information for Shane is on his website:
https://www.shanehennessy.ie/
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
WISCONSIN MUSIC PODCAST
Episode 81
ZEROED HERO
Hometown: Madison, WI
Genre: Rock
Sounds Like: Foo Fighters, Rival Sons, Royal Blood
Try on some Black and Blue-Collar Rock & Roll!
Zeroed Hero pours a classic blend of '70s rock and '90s alternative that’s more Muhammad Ali than Mike Tyson, featuring tight, riffy guitars and smart, thoughtful lyrics presented with sweet, memorable harmonies. Their high-energy live shows built on visceral rhythms, immersive grooves, rich melodies, and powerful harmonies showcase the strength of their songwriting and have earned them the title of the Madison Area Music Association's 2020 Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
- Chris Franczek - bass, vocals
- Dean Kesler - vocals
- Katrina Harms - keys, vocals
- Stefan Truesdell - guitar, vocals
- Tony Kille - drums
Infused with an array of badass talent packing more flavor than an artisanal ice cream shop, the band connects with audiences during compelling live shows that are energetic, passionate affairs. Chris seasoned his bass chops through cover bands and blues. Dean extracted his vocal style from powerhouse classic rock and musical theater. Katrina came up on classic rock radio playing piano and writing and performing as an electronica solo artist. Stefan forged his guitar skills in alt-metal and tempered them touring nationally with reggae and funk groups. Providing the tock to our tics, americana & rock veteran Tony anchors the rhythm section on drums.
Like your favorite pair of worn jeans, slide in and wrap yourself in the black and blue-collar rock & roll comfort of Zeroed Hero.
Links:
https://zeroedhero.bandcamp.com/
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
WISCONSIN MUSIC PODCAST
Episode 080
Animal Crackers Music Festival at the Racine Zoo
Invite your friends, grab your folding chairs, and enjoy the scenic view of Lake Michigan while listening to some truly amazing artists from across the U.S. and atop the charts for our 35th annual Animal Crackers Concert Series.
2022 Artist Lineup:
- Wednesday, July 13, 2022 - Roman Street
- Wednesday, July 27, 2022 - Marion Meadows
- Wednesday, August 10, 2022 - Steely Dane
- Wednesday, August 24, 2022 - Down To The Bone
Season Tickets
$90 per person online only
Individual Tickets
$30 per person online
$35 per person at the gate
- Wednesday, July 13, 2022 - Roman Street
- Wednesday, July 27, 2022 - Marion Meadows
- Wednesday, August 10, 2022 - Steely Dane
- Wednesday, August 24, 2022 - Down to the Bone
Ticket Pickup
Tickets will be available for pickup at the Zoo Administration Office (200 Goold Street, Racine WI, 53402) before the concert until 12PM. After 12PM the day of the concert, tickets will be held at "Will Call" at Zoo entrance (2131 N. Main Street, Racine, WI 53402). Please bring your ID.
Concert Times
Doors open: 5:30PM
Shows begin: 7PM
Please Note
- Concerts held rain or shine.
- Online ticket sales will conclude at 12PM the day of the concert.
- There is no discount on individual tickets.
- Only purchase tickets through the Racine Zoo website or in person at the Zoo. All other places tickets may be sold are a scam.
- ALL PURCHASES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
- Proceeds benefit the animals and programs of the Racine Zoo.
Nestled on the sandy shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, the Racine Zoo is home to some of the world's most remarkable and endangered wildlife. The walk is easy for kids and seniors, making the Racine Zoo a great way to enjoy the outdoors with the family.
Voted #1 "Best Place to Take Kids" in Racine County 2021
Voted #1 "Best Place for Summer Jobs" in Racine County 2021
Voted Hometown Favorite for "Best Place to Work" in Racine County 2021
Voted Hometown Favorite for "Best Family Fun" in Racine County 2021
Voted #1 "Top Place to Take Kids In and Around Milwaukee" 2021
Voted #1 "Most Loved Place to Go" 2022
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
WISCONSIN MUSIC PODCAST
Episode 79
Kenosha Opera Festival
The mission of the Kenosha Opera Festival is to create high quality art and provide accessible, excellent classical and operatic music experiences to the greater Kenosha community.
he Kenosha Opera Festival is a new opera company in beautiful Kenosha, Wisconsin. We bring professional operatic performances to Kenosha, and we strive to complement and uplift the various ethnic and cultural communities here. Joining with our strong local partners, we are excited to bring some of the best stage repertoire there is to Kenosha’s own shores.
The Kenosha Opera Festival is dedicated to a summer opera but facilitates or hosts a variety of both free and ticketed musical events, such as recitals or concerts, during our festival. Please check out our upcoming events, or events of our partners, today!
The Kenosha Opera Festival is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
https://www.kenoshaoperafestival.com
(262) 288-0707
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
Wisconsin Music Podcast
Episode 078
Gold Steps
Alternative Press has named them in their “10 unsigned bands to keep an eye on in 2021" and
aptly called their music a fusion of pop-punk and post-hardcore, with "cathartic emo vocals and
lyrics" that make for an eclectic blend all their own. For a band that says they've never felt like
part of the in crowd, this is just one of many accolades ringing throughout the industry.
The band has been featured in Rock Sound, had several features in Alternative Press, a spot
on San Antonio's Warped Tour, So What?!, Summerfest, and SXSW official showcases.
They’ve even shared the stage with acts like Belmont, As It Is, Forever Came Calling, The
Ataris, Aaron Gillespie (Underoath, The Almost), and more through regional and national
tours.
Self-proclaimed Warped Tour Kids who found refuge in bands of the 90s and early 2000s
pop-punk scene, Milwaukee’s Gold Steps brings a playful, energetic mood to all that they
create, with a sound that teeters between influences like The Wonder Years, State Champs, and
Neck Deep to create impassioned lyrics and hard-hitting, emotive songs.
”In creativity, there are no rules,” says the band. “We’ve written songs in many different ways.
Sometimes we jam something out and it just blossoms into an actual song. Sometimes it starts
with a vocal melody. We’ve even written a song by trying to emulate a specific feeling. Anything
goes; All creation starts with just... starting! Somewhere, however, wherever or whatever
inspires it..”
“Made up of married duo Liz Mauritz (vocals) and Zach Duarte (guitar), with Ryan Rivas (bass)
and Mike Britz (drums), the foursome have a slew of releases lined up for 2022. Up first is “Stay
The Same” a collaboration with Nick Thompson (Thief Club, Hit The Lights), who not only
shares vocals on the track, but appears in the music video as well.
“We shot at Four Seasons, this legendary warehouse skatepark in Milwaukee that's peppered
with murals by local artists, and asked the CIB Milwaukee chapter crew to skate and show off
their mad skills,” explains Liz. “We goofed around on this old toy tractor that's been in my family
for generations. And that was it! There were some mishaps pre-shoot, and the shoot was almost
derailed an hour before we were scheduled to start...but that's a whole other story."
The video achieves what all of Gold Steps’ music hopes to achieve—a feeling of belonging. Of
being part of the family, even if you’ve felt like an outcast. For these four friends, it’s all about
making music they believe in, and hoping that reaches a community of peers who, like Gold
Steps, have never been one of the cool kids; but who couldn’t possibly care less—so long as
they’re surrounded by the people and music they love.
For Fans Of: The Wonder Years, State Champs, Neck Deep
Follow Gold Steps:
Website I Instagram I TikTok