WYMS-FM (Milwaukee, WI)

1 week ago | radiomilwaukee.org | Element Everest-Blanks

Since the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) began writing its story, Milwaukee has played an important role. With a legacy of vibrant, grassroots venues and a tight-knit creative community, the city's independent stage network not only shapes local identity, but also serves as a blueprint for national advocacy. The wheels have long been in motion for Milwaukee to host NIVA's 2025 conference, which is more than a gathering.

1 week ago | radiomilwaukee.org | Robin Hilton |Stephen Thompson

The latest additions to our running list of the year's best songs pose some big questions this week: What do you do when life pulls the rug out from under you or when things don't turn out the way you expected? How do you manage fear? And what really matters most at the end of it all? We get a lot of possible answers in new music from singer Patrick Watson, the pop group The Beaches and even the twisted dance beats of Fever Ray.

2 weeks ago | radiomilwaukee.org | Stephen Thompson |Nate Chinen

It's Friday, and we're happy to report that a handful of truly great albums were released at midnight. Los Angeles singer-songwriter Annahstasia — who you may have seen as Kendrick Lamar's love interest in the video for his No.1 hit "luther" — blew us away with her blend of gravity and grace. Celebrated jazz guitarist Mary Halvorson, who won a MacArthur "genius" grant in 2019, has a new album produced by Deerhoof's John Dieterich.

2 weeks ago | radiomilwaukee.org | Brett Krzykowski

Last August, beloved jam band Widespread Panic understandably had to let down their fans by cancelling a run of shows, most likely due to health issues faced by lead guitarist Jimmy Herring. Milwaukee got caught up in those nixed shows but will give it another go later this year, when Widespread Panic visits the Riverside Theater for three nights, Oct. 24-26.

3 weeks ago | radiomilwaukee.org | Element Everest-Blanks

I sat down with the queen of bounce, Big Freedia, for a conversation that revealed more than just her signature energy. We dove into her latest project, one that no one saw coming. In the midst of today’s social and societal division, Freedia reached back to moments filled with love, joy and acceptance, ultimately leading her back to the church. With her two new singles, “Take My Hand” and “Sunday Best,” it’s clear that faith remains a powerful pillar in both her life and her music.