Podcasts about vocalo

Swedish-American artist Yukimi is the co-founder and vocalist of Grammy-nominated band Little Dragon. Last month, the musician began a new chapter with the release of her debut solo album: 'For You' explores "love, loss, feminine energy and innate resilience" with a fusion of jazz, soul, electronic pop, roots and hip-hop. The artist stops at Chicago's Thalia Hall tonight on her North American tour in support of the album. In a conversation with Vocalo, she said fans can expect a journey through sound and emotion during her show. She also delved into the easiest ("Sad Makeup") and hardest ("Make Me Whole") songs to record on the project and the importance of embracing sadness. This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Thursday, April 24. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Elizabeth Landt. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok.

Chicago's Dreamer Isioma is not just a musician, but a creative director. Their new cosmic-themed album, ‘StarX Lover,' is accompanied by otherworldly visuals and a new sound Isioma calls “Afropop rock.” Taking inspiration from classic psychological thrillers, the 2000s pop-punk era and their Nigerian-American roots, the project is both deeply personal and supernatural. Isioma sat down with Nudia Hernandez to discuss the making of the album, including recording the single “Find Some Space” with fellow Chicago musicians, Adan Diaz, Victor Internet and Brooklynn Skye. Their North American ‘StarX Lover' tour launches on April 24, concluding in Chicago on May 31, 2025 at Lincoln Hall. This segment was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It originally aired on Vocalo 91.1 FM during Nudia In The Afternoon on Tuesday, April 8. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca.

Bookclub is the new live music venue and community space inside what used to be the Elbo Room. Begun as a DIY project by high school friends Cam Stacey and K.O. Weakley in 2021, Bookclub became a legitimate venue earlier this year — and they're already booking shows and welcoming neighbors every week. Stacey and Weakley sat down with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez to discuss Bookclub's journey and their hopes for the future. This segment was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It originally aired on Vocalo 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Wednesday, March 5. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca. Find more info on upcoming shows at bookclubchi.com!

Chicago disco-funk musician and activist Ric Wilson has a personal style inspired by vintage, his international travels and people he's met across different eras of his life. He's performed alongside acts like Chromeo, Black Pumas, DRAMA, Yellow Days and more. Wilson sat down with Vocalo for our "Getting Dressed" series to talk all things style, share takeaways from living in London and give us the breakdown of how he packs for international tours. This segment was hosted, cut and mixed by Morgan Ciocca. It was engineered and produced by Dave Miska, and edited by Cassie Walker Burke. Special thanks to Mendy Kong and Jessica Martens. Keep up with Vocalo @vocalo on most platforms, and subscribe to our newsletter at wbez.org/vocalo-thegoods.

With the 97th Academy Awards rapidly approaching on March 2, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder paid a visit to the Vocalo studio to help us break down the races and films we need to look out for. He gave us his take on the film he thinks will claim Best Picture, plus his predictions for Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Director and more. He also highlighted what he feels was the biggest snub this year, and his feelings about some standout movie scores. Keep up with Reggie Ponder @TheReelCritic on most platforms. This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Wednesday, Feb. 26. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Vocalo @vocalo on most platforms, and subscribe to The Goods newsletter for a weekly film recommendation (and more) every week at wbez.org/vocalo-thegoods.

Nonprofit Black Alphabet and Center on Halsted present a Black History Month Mini Film Festival this Saturday, Feb. 22, celebrating Black and queer stories at the LGBTQ+ community hub with several short film screenings and a brief talkback. Organizer Joshua X. Miller of Black Alphabet stopped by Vocalo to discuss the film fest and its mission with host Nudia Hernandez, and we heard from filmmakers Gio Johnson and Kin Marie about their featured works. Find more info at blackalphabet.org. This segment originally aired on Vocalo 91.1 FM on Wednesday, Feb. 19. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and it was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with more Chicago happenings by subscribing to The Goods weekly arts and culture newsletter at wbez.org/vocalo-thegoods

Two-time Grammy-winning producer Ian Fitchuk has had a hand in music you've probably heard, from Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' to Kacey Musgraves' 'Golden Hour.' This Sunday he's up for two more Grammys (one for Producer of the Year), but first he hopped on a call with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez to break down his Chicago roots and the importance of using real instruments in his production process. This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM on Tuesday, Jan. 28. It hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Morgan Ciocca.

Chicago vocalist and songwriter Senite will take the stage tonight, Jan. 16, at Space in Evanston, supported by fellow local talent: alt-R&B singer Gayun Cannon and whoisaubry of rap duo Stranded Civilians. Senite has had a busy 2024; she made appearances on projects from SONNY and Kaicrewsade, opened for Saba's ‘Comfortzone' 10th anniversary show and says new music is on the way. She sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss the show, new music in the works and balancing artistic versatility. This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Jan. 14. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Find tickets to see Senite at evanstonspacemusic.com.

Chicago hip-hop artist Cassius Tae will take the stage at Schubas Tavern on Sunday, Jan. 19, to close out locally-run, multi-venue festival Tomorrow Never Knows. The artist plans to perform his November 2024 album ‘Moments in Desire,' which was the culmination of four years' work — and set back by a crashed hard drive. Known for his freestyling skills, Tae noted many of the raps on Moments were improvised in-studio. He met with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to talk about the performance, his passion for freestyle rap and the meaning behind ‘Moments in Desire.' This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Jan. 15. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Find tickets to see Cassius Tae at lh-st.com.

Looking ahead to his New Year's Eve dance party, Chicago musician and activist Ric Wilson hopes that disco ideals will reign supreme. Wilson is wrapping a busy 2024 that brought domestic and international tours with DRAMA, Black Pumas, Yellow Days and Chromeo. But Chicago's “Disco Ric” will have one grand finale: “America Runs On Disco,” a year-end celebration, at Lincoln Hall. Wilson's new single also is called “America Runs on Disco,” and it's out Dec. 17 (an EP of the same name is due out in 2025). The song reflects Wilson's thoughts over the past two years on escapism and paying homage to disco's inclusive ethos. Stopping by the Vocalo studio last week, Wilson spoke with host Nudia Hernandez about his love of Chicago house music, his secret for thriving on 7-hour flights to London and his penchant for civic engagement. This segment was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited by Morgan Ciocca. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org, and follow us @Vocalo on Instagram, X and Facebook, or @Vocalo.radio on TikTok.

Chicago-based Latin artist Aksel is turning up the heat for the new year — and his last drop of 2024, single “Unica,” gives listeners a taste of what is to come. Looking toward 2025, Aksel teases he's curating new vocals and visual elements for a project with “tropical vibes.” Aksel sat down with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez to discuss all things “Unica” and his plans for the new years. This segment was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Vocalo on Instagram, Facebook and X @vocalo, and on TikTok @vocalo.radio. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.

On Dec. 7, WBEZ and Investigative Project on Race and Equity — in collaboration with several other community groups — will host “Green Light For Change,” a community forum on traffic stop reform. The event aims to educate Chicagoans on their legal rights during traffic stops, with an emphasis on Black and brown community members. Since September 2023, WBEZ's collaborative series “Profiled: The State of Traffic Stops in Illinois” has aimed to bring light to the drastic increases in traffic stops and racial disparities in drivers stopped through investigative data reporting. This weekend's event serves as an opportunity to present the findings to the public and engage in community discussion. WBEZ data team editor Alden Loury stopped by Vocalo to discuss the event, and his reporting on traffic stop data and incidents. This segment was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited by Morgan Ciocca. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.

The new project from Chicago duo The O'My's — ‘Trust The Stars' — reminds listeners to have faith in the future. On Wednesday, Nov. 27, they'll perform the project live for the first time at the Metro, with support from fellow Chicago artists Shawnee Dez, Frsh Waters and Sparklmami. The pair — Nick Henessey and Maceo Vidal-Haymes — sat down with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez to discuss the project and how they built their own studio (with a little help from friends and family). This segment originally aired on Wednesday, Nov. 20 during Nudia In the Afternoons on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Morgan Ciocca.

Whether she's baring her heart behind a microphone or stepping onstage in fearless outfits and sculptural hairdos, Chicago singer m.e.h. makes a strong impression — and it's intentional. Describing her style as eclectic, colorful and energetic, the musician takes notes from icons like Erykah Badu and André 3000 to blend bold patterns and pay close attention to silhouettes. For Getting Dressed with Vocalo, m.e.h. gave listeners a glimpse of her intricate wardrobe and styling processes. This segment was hosted and edited by Vocalo producer Morgan Ciocca. It was produced and engineered by WBEZ's Dave Miska. Special thanks to WBEZ's Mendy Kong. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.

On Monday, Nov. 11, Pitchfork Music Festival announced via social media channels that it will not return to Chicago in 2025. After 19 years, the annual fest has earned a reputation for supporting locally-based talent. Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez is joined by digital producer Morgan Ciocca on Tuesday to discuss, and heard from Chicago artists Jeff Parker, Sen Morimoto and Kara Jackson — all of whom have taken stage at the festival. This segment originally aired on Tuesday, Nov. 12, during Nudia In the Afternoons on Vocalo 91.1 FM. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.

Roy Kinsey is the Rapbrarian, a Chicago rapper and librarian who celebrates hip-hop as a literary art form through his new special library: The Rapbrary. After recently setting up the Rapbrary's shelves in its first space, Kinsey emphasizes the power of storytelling as legacy — especially at a time when book bans are surging. He sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss the Rapbrary's goals and being mindful about the things we leave behind for future generations. This segment originally aired on Nudia in the Afternoons on Tuesday, Oct. 29. It was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org, @Vocalo on most platforms and @Vocalo.Radio on TikTok.

Chicago-based multidisciplinary artist Sparklmami already knows what her world looks like. Now, she's figuring out its sound. Her musical influences include ‘70s Brazilian jazz and funk, Mexican bolero and the music she listened to growing up in Texas. The artist sat down with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez before her Oct. 24 performance at the Chicago Cultural Center to talk about curating visual and sonic identities, musical inspirations and June single “fajas.” This segment was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Morgan Ciocca. It originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Thursday, Oct. 3. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org, and follow us @Vocalo on Instagram, X and Facebook, or @Vocalo.radio on TikTok.

Chicago Fashion Week is back after more than a decade with 50 events across the city and surrounding suburbs, including runway shows, exhibitions, styling sessions and designer talks. Opening tonight and running through Oct. 20, Chicago Fashion Week provides a uniquely Chicago lineup starting with A Celebration of Chicago Style at the Chicago Cultural Center. Chicago Fashion Week producer Carrie Lannon stopped by the studio to discuss its return and some of the diverse programming. Learn more on chicagofashionweek.com. This segment was hosted and produced by Morgan Ciocca. Follow Vocalo on Instagram, X and Facebook at @vocalo, or TikTok @vocalo.radio. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.

Getting Dressed With Vocalo is a new series highlighting Chicago musicians who have standout personal styles. Get ready with us. Known for his ethereal vocals, Chicago singer Manasseh also has a reputation for stepping out in some memorable outfits. The artist describes his style as imaginative, fun and solid; he knows people expect a look when he steps outside, surely including an impeccable pair of boots … “but they really don't know what to expect.” He described why “more is everything,” remembered his favorite childhood outfit and shared some style advice. This segment was hosted and edited by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Mendy Kong. It was engineered and produced by Dave Miska. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.

Twenty percent of Chicagoans identify as Mexican, according to a new UIC Great Cities institute report. We break down their findings with WBEZ's Araceli Gomez Aldana and WTTW's Joanna Hernandez. Plus, we are discussing National Voter Registration Day, the forthcoming Little Village Starbucks, and Vocalo's Summer Finale concert at Millennium Park Good News: World Dumpling Fest, Pilsen Community Books, Real Ones Show Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 20 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

West Side hip-hop group Pivot Gang will take the stage at Millennium Park on Sept. 20 as the group headlines Vocalo's Summer Finale, a concert celebrating Chicago's music scene and the final days of summer. For many of the members, this will be their first time performing at the Pritzker Pavilion, and they plan to debut some new songs during the set. On Sept. 20, the group, composed of Saba, Joseph Chilliams, MFnMelo, Frsh Waters and Dae Dae, will also be celebrating the birthday of band member Squeak, who was tragically killed in 2021. The group sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to play some of their favorite songs from Chief Keef, Tems and Mk.Gee — plus premiere their new single out Oct. 3. They also delved into green room necessities, pre-show rituals and what fans can expect from the Summer Finale performance. This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Wednesday, Sept. 18. It was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Learn more about Vocalo's Summer Finale at Vocalo.org/events.

Emmanuel Gomez, better known as Clue, is the 23-year-old rising street artist you need to know. Born and raised in Chicago's Little Village, Gomez has fostered his deep passion for visual art over the last decade, starting out with graffiti tags and growing into a distinct brand boasting collaborations with the WNDR Museum and the National Museum of Mexican Art. Gomez's Clue character (a green cartoonish figure with question marks for eyes) can be found all over the city — from murals to screen-printed tees to painted-on skateboards — including on the official artwork for Vocalo's Summer Finale on Sept. 20. He sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss his artistic evolution, working with Sentrock and the Little Village references infused into the Summer Finale artwork. This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Tuesday, Sept. 17. It was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Learn more about Vocalo's Summer Finale at Vocalo.org/events.

Bring your picnic blankets, dancing shoes and some snacks because summer isn't over yet! If you're looking for one last free Chicago summer celebration before fall comes around the corner, take yourself and some friends to the Vocalo Summer Finale at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 20. The concert will feature performances by Chicago-bred and loved artists like DJ Lady D, KAINA, Pivot Gang and Marquis Hill. Reset checks in with Vocalo and Hill to learn more. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

St. Louis-born, Chicago-based psychedelic R&B singer Loona Dae waited until the time was right to release her debut album ‘ATARI!' in August 2023. After a little more than a year of prep, she feels it's the perfect time to take the project to the stage for the first time — on Sept. 15 at the Empty Bottle. She sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss the importance of building suspense, working with fellow St. Louis artist Smino and the pros and cons of making music with your romantic partner. This segment originally aired on Vocalo 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Tuesday, Sept. 10. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Loona Dae on Instagram @loonadae, and dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.

This month, DJ Lady D ends a packed season with Vocalo's Summer Finale, a free concert at Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Sept. 20 with fellow Chicago artists Pivot Gang, KAINA and Marquis Hill. The crowd there can expect “a little bit of a different set from Lady D,” as she plans to blend house, funk, soul and disco. Lady D's Summer Finale set comes after performances at ARC Festival, NASCAR Chicago, Wicker Park Fest and Northalsted Market Days. She spoke with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez and took over the station's airwaves to spin songs from Honey Dijon, Gavin Turek, Chicago band oux and more. This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Wednesday, Sept. 4. It was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Learn more about Vocalo's Summer Finale at Vocalo.org/events.

Chicago trumpeter Marquis Hill and vocalist Manasseh took over Vocalo's airwaves to discuss their new transcendent single and upcoming Millennium Park performance on Sept. 20. Hill is set to take the Pritzker Pavilion stage for Vocalo's Summer Finale alongside fellow Chicago artists Pivot Gang, KAINA and DJ Lady D. The free concert will celebrate local music and summer's last days. Hill and Chicago vocalist Manasseh recently sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss the upcoming performance and their favorite parts of summertime Chicago. Learn more about Vocalo's Summer Finale at Vocalo.org. This segment originally aired live on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons. It was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Abigail Harrison.

After releasing his second studio album ‘God Said No' in late June, Omar Apollo is off on a world tour — stopping in Chicago on Aug. 23. Recorded at London's Abbey Road Studios, the album explores the complex emotions tied to heartbreak, with a feature from poet Mustafa and a voice note from actor Pedro Pascal. The album comes as Apollo prepares for the premiere of his debut film, Luca Guadagnino's ‘Queer,' set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival in early September. He spoke with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez about his teenage drive to pursue music (propelled by his dad saying he sounded “terrible”), his acting debut and if he really spent 50k “out of spite” like the new album says. Omar Apollo will perform at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on Aug. 23, on tour in support of ‘God Said No.' Find dates and more info at omarapollo.com. This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In the Afternoons on Thursday, Aug. 22. It was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Abigail Harrison.

This weekend, I-94 and Deep Joy present Revival: A celebration of Chicago and Detroit house music and culture. Taking place at First Presbyterian Church on Aug. 17, Revival celebrates Chicago and Detroit as the birthplaces of house and techno music. Revival will feature 11 DJs, including three from Detroit — Deon Jamar, Tammy Lakkis and Dej.y — and eight from Chicago — Mark Grusane, Craig Loftis, Vitigrrl, DJ Lori Branch, DJ Lady D, CtrlZora, Zeetus Lapetus and Bonita Appleblunt. Ahead of showtime, Revival organizers Vitigrrl and CtrlZora stopped by the Vocalo studios with church event coordinator Dozzy Ibekwe and Pastor Black to discuss the event, its goals and the history of the First Presbyterian Church. Revival is from 3 - 11 p.m. Learn more about I-94 and Revival on Instagram @i94_legacyproject. This segment originally aired on Vocalo Radio during Nudia In the Afternoons on Wednesday, Aug. 14. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez, and edited by Morgan Ciocca.

Growing up in a Filipino family in the Chicago suburbs, Tala Silva spent her childhood singing karaoke at every family gathering. Now an adult, Silva has made a career out of her childhood passion for singing. Beginning her songwriting process with nothing but a guitar, Silva builds on her ideas until they become melodic stories of love, heartbreak and passion. Silva aptly describes her music as “bedroom pop,” which is where she writes and records all of her songs in a homemade studio. Since her first release in 2019, Silva has put out 13 singles and one EP, saying music is the best way to channel her emotions. She spoke with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez about her songwriting process, recent singles and new music to come. Tala Silva will be playing at HAZ Cooperative Studios (1706 S Halsted) on August 17. This segment was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited by Morgan Ciocca, with support from Abigail Harrison.

West Side hip-hop collective Pivot Gang (AKA Saba, Joseph Chilliams, MFnMelo, Frsh Waters and Dae Dae) stopped by Lollapalooza on August 2 to present young artists on the T.I.P. Fest pop-up stage, hosted by John Walt Foundation. The four featured artists — Nae Chic, Jonathan, Queen and Zia Jenaye — were awarded the opportunity during the nonprofit's annual T.I.P. (Teens in the Park) Fest, a city-wide showcase of local artists, musicians and poets between the ages of 14 and 24. Pivot Gang met with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez shortly after the pop-up set to discuss the importance of providing opportunities for young Chicago artists and musicians. They also delved into writing songs inspired by ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender' and new music in the works — some of which they plan to play at Vocalo's Summer Finale in Millennium Park next month. Pivot Gang will be performing for FREE at Vocalo's Summer Finale at Millenium Park on Friday, Sept. 20. Other performers include Marquis Hill, KAINA and DJ Lady D. RSVP not required. This segment was edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Abigail Harrison and WBEZ's Mendy Kong. Keep up with Pivot Gang on Instagram @pivotgang.

Canadian artist Savannah Ré made her way to Chicago for her first international festival set at Lollapalooza on August 3. The artist opened Lolla's Bacardí Stage on day three of the festival, and met with Vocalo shortly afterward to discuss her JUNO Award wins, getting a shoutout from Lolla headliner SZA and the Toronto R&B scene. This segment was edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca, with support from Abigail Harrison and WBEZ's Mendy Kong.

Chicago artist Godly the Ruler will take the Bacardí Stage at Lollapalooza Friday for their first performance — and first time attending — the festival. They spoke with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez the day before their set about being a little dramatic, having a ‘Blanket' (a-la Kevin Abstract) summer and their go-to post-show dinner. Godly the Ruler will perform at Lollapalooza's Bacardí Stage at 12:50 p.m. on Friday, August 2. This segment was edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Abigail Harrison and WBEZ's Mendy Kong.

When Chicago singer-songwriter adan diaz heard he'd be performing the first night of Lollapalooza, he thought it must be a mistake. The 20-year old Chicago musician went to the festival for the first time last year. Now he'll be closing its BMI Stage at 6:50 p.m. on August 1. diaz sat down with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez ahead of the festival to discuss his family and friends' reactions to the news, getting kicked out of Lolla last year, writing in English vs. Spanish and saving his outfit decisions for the last minute. This segment was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Abigail Harrison. Keep up with adan diaz on Instagram @adandiazzz

Chicago singer, songwriter and astrologist Akenya kicked off Pitchfork Music Festival's final day on Sunday, starting the Green Stage's festivities strong. Although she took the stage with fellow Chicago artist Noname in 2022, this was Akenya's first solo performance at the festival. Originally aiming to release her debut album Moon In the 4th in May, Akenya now says the release date is on divine timing but hopes to share more new music before 2025. In the works for nine years, the album will tie into her astrologer roots and explore the transformation of personal experience into music. Backstage at Pitchfork Music Festival, Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez spoke with Akenya about the upcoming album, her thoughts on Scorpios and working as an independent artist. This interview was edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Akenya on Instagram @akenyamusic.

Zimbabwean-Australian rapper Tkay Maidza made her Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago debut on Friday, July 19, taking the stage in a stunning leather outfit complete with “FAME” stitched in large letters across the back. Although her claim to fame is her discography, Maidza is also known for stepping out in intricate and innovative outfits. After her performance on the Red Stage, Maidza spoke with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez about her tips for festival fashion and broke down some of her most iconic looks. This interview was edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Tkay Maidza on Instagram @tkaymaidza.

After years of attending Pitchfork Music Festival as a guest, Chicago singer, songwriter and poet Kara Jackson will take the stage there for the first time on Saturday. Having watched many of her friends and collaborators captivate the festival's audience over the years, now it's her turn to do the same. Ahead of Pitchfork Fest — back home from international festival sets in Europe — Jackson spoke with Vocalo's @nudiaonair about performing in her hometown, her 2023 album ‘Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?,' the European taco drought and having an emotional moment while opening for Corinne Bailey Rae. The former Chicago and National Youth Poet Laureate takes the Green Stage at Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park this Saturday (July 20) at 2:30 p.m. This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Kara Jackson on Instagram @karakara.

From directors Don Cheadle, Tiffany Johnson and Damon Thomas, limited series ‘The Big Cigar' tells the story of Black Panther Party founder Huey P. Newton. When Newton must escape to Cuba, he enlists the help of unlikely acquaintance Bert Schneider — the Hollywood producer behind ‘Easy Rider.' The six episodes follow Newton (André Holland) as he puts Schneider (Alessandro Nivola) to the test before trusting him with his life. ‘The Big Cigar' is inspired by executive producer Joshuah Bearman's Playboy article of the same name. Chicago actor Inny Plemons stars in the series as Richard Pryor, revered comedian and friend of Newton. Plemons sat down with Vocalo's resident film critic Reggie Ponder to discuss how he got the role and the intentions behind the series. The first episode of ‘The Big Cigar' premiered on May 17 on Apple TV+. Follow Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder on Instagram and X @thereelcritic.

Based on a true story, ‘Sing Sing' centers the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison in upstate New York. Incarcerated for a crime he did not commit, Divine G (played by Colman Domingo) finds purpose through participation in the RTA theatre program as they attempt to stage an original comedic production. Vocalo's resident film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder sat down with ‘Sing Sing' actors Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, Paul Raci and Sean Dino Johnson to discuss filming inside the prison, the real-life arts program on which the movie is based and the importance of investing in the rehabilitation of incarcerated men and women. ‘Sing Sing' is scheduled for limited U.S. theatrical release on July 12 and more widespread release Aug. 2. Follow Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder on X and Instagram @thereelcritic.

Since 2022, Erin Allen has been the host of WBEZ's The Rundown — the station's most frequently produced podcast. Before her career with WBEZ, Allen produced Detroit Today, a daily live talk show airing on WDET. While hosting The Rundown, Allen has been able to further explore her creative side. The Rundown airs new episodes highlighting the people, arts and culture of Chicago every weekday. Allen spoke with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez about how she got her start in radio, learning to be true to her voice and how she hopes to inspire listeners. This interview aired live on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia In The Afternoons on Tuesday, June 11. It was produced by Nudia Hernandez and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Erin Allen on her Instagram @erinallen.show or her website www.erinallen.show.

Five-piece band Peach Tree Rascals achieved viral success in 2020 with their single “Mariposa” — which amassed millions of views and listens before the band ever set foot on a stage. Now, the group is on their first-ever headlining tour, which stopped at Chicago's Beat Kitchen this June. Ahead of the show, band members Dom Pizano, Tarrek Abdel-Khaliq and Issac Pech sat down with Vocalo's Nudia Hernandez to discuss releasing new music amidst pressure to make another hit, pursuing music as a first-generation citizen and their high school origin story. This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Peach Tree Rascals on social media at @peachtreerascal.

Chicago choreographer and dancer Erin Kilmurray (known for innovative works like The Fly Honeys Show) dreamt up ‘the Function' in the early days of pandemic isolation, reminiscing on the past nightlife scene of before. The production combines innovative choreography with non-traditional spaces, centering around four dancers who have full creative control of their pieces. After premiering the piece at the Museum of Contemporary Art in 2022, Kilmurray brought ‘the Function' back this summer — this time reworked for a warehouse space in a four-show run. Kilmurray sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss the production's origins and some of what people can expect from its new iteration. This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited by Abigail Harrison and Morgan Ciocca. Learn more at erinkilmurray.com.

DJ Dynamiq is a world touring DJ, performing at major events and festivals, including the Sueños Music Festival in Chicago. He made his festival debut at Chicago's inaugural Sueños Festival and has been a lineup staple every year since. This year's festival featured headliners Rauw Alejandro, Peso Pluma and Maluma, and as Dynamiq has witnessed Sueños evolve over the years, the festival maintains one main stage, relying on the DJs to keep up the energy. DJ Dynamiq sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to reflect on DJing at Sueños, keeping the audience engaged, and the other opportunities his DJ career has brought him. This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez. Find DJ Dynamiq on Instagram @djdynamiq for updates and information on upcoming events.

Growing up in a musical family, Chicago artist Face learned to mix and master her own beats during the pandemic. On March 26, she headlined Schubas Tavern — joined onstage by fellow Chicago artists Ine'a J and Kiraly Payne — performing songs from her sophomore EP ‘Paragon.' Released February 14, the artist reflects on family and relationships throughout the project. This summer, Face is gearing up to perform at Navy Pier's Skyline Sessions on July 26, debuting her new song "Symphony" alongside Jay Wood and Kaicrewsade. Face sat down with Vocalo host Bekoe to discuss generational musical talent, Women's History Month, how she got her name and how sometimes you're the problem in the relationship. This interview was produced by Bekoe, and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Face on Instagram @shesface.

DJ Fredy Fresco is the host, MC and DJ for Sueños 2024, known for his lively DJ sets and electrifying stage presence. Fresco was only 13 years old when he started spinning records in his family's apartment, which became his training ground for his craft in mixing. Now, he has established himself as a versatile DJ and performer and is also one of the official festival DJs for Sueños, Chicago's largest Latin music festival being held in Grant Park on May 25 and 26. He sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to share about his journey as a DJ and his involvement with Sueños. This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez. Find DJ Fredy Fresco on Instagram @djfredyfrescoofficial for updates and information on upcoming events.

Miriam Paz is a resident Sueños Music Festival DJ and founder of women-only party series Sorry Papi. A key DJ performing with the festival since its inception, Paz has paved the way for more female representation in the festival's lineup. Ahead of the festival, she'll be hosting an annual pop-up event on May 21 with merch and prizes (including festival passes) from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Gallery in Wicker Park. She's also the co-founder of Sorry Papi, a female-only reggaeton party series which has a set at this year's festival. Paz sat down with Vocalo ahead of the pop-up to talk about becoming the first female DJ at Sueños and founding Sorry Papi. This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez. Keep up with Miriam Paz on Instagram @miriampaz_91 for updates and RSVP information on upcoming events.

Chicago DJ and all-around music man Jesse De La Peña hosts Vocalo's 5 O'Clock Mix and Friday Night DJ Series, and plays a key part in shaping the station's sound. Growing up all around Chicago, Jesse started out as a DJ in his early teens — inspired by his mother's disco records, Chicago's hip-hop scene and the diverse music broadcasting on local radio stations. He joined Team Vocalo in 2017 as a music curator, going on to establish the Vocalo DJ collective and shape the station's sound into what you hear today. This is what his Chicago sounds like. As Vocalo's terrestrial signal shuts down at the end of May, Vocalo audio and community storytelling producer Ari Mejia highlights members of the Vocalo Team for the last several segments of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like.” Jesse's shows, the 5 O'Clock Mix and Friday Night DJ Series, are scheduled to end on May 28. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was edited and produced by Ari Mejia. Follow Jesse on Instagram @jdlp and Twitter @jessedelapena.

Since April 30, DePaul University students and pro-Palestinian protesters have been camped on the school's Lincoln Park campus, joining hundreds of students internationally in solidarity with Gaza. Vocalo audio and community storytelling producer Ari Mejia spoke with participants about their goals, their thoughts on the importance of solidarity with Gaza and what the encampment means to them. This segment was edited and produced by Ari Mejia.

On this week's episode of Vinyl Fridays Brandon and AP Lindsay play host to Blue Island legend Jimmy Munoz. Traditionally a House DJ, Jimmy has been DJing for many years (unlike Brandon) has appeared on Vocalo, and a number of his mixes can be heard on Mixcloud. On today's episode Jimmy dives into the deep end of the freeform pool and mixes in a number of favorites with an equal amount of surprises. They also talk about Blue Island, of course, and Jimmy's sense of style.      Vinyl Fridays theme song by Dazzleflage Bed music: Apache by Jorgan Ingmann Biradio.libsyn.com Instagram: @birp60406 Facebook: @blueislandradio If you'd like to support the show visit Patreon.com/blueislandradio    

Sorry Taylor Swift, but we're doing our end of year albums the Reset way. We're talking about the Best Albums of 2023 (Chicago's Version) with the co-host of Sound Opinions, Greg Kot, music critic for the Chicago Tribune, Britt Julious, and host and producer at Vocalo, Nudia Hernandez.

This week, Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez and host of WBEZ's ‘The Rundown' Erin Allen join us to unwind from the week that was. We chat about Barbra Streisand's extremely long memoir, The Simpsons' attempts to keep up with the times, and how to cope with shorter days. Then, we talk to two of the showrunners on the Apple TV+ show ‘For All Mankind,' Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi. The series supposes what might have happened if the Soviet Union had won the race to the moon. As a result, we end up making scientific advancements way faster than we did in our timeline — like going to Mars by the 90s. We talk to the two creators about the season 4 premier. ]]>