The Sound
Music
About
In studio interview show centered around local and regional music releases. Includes music from the featured album and discussion with the artist(s) about the writing, recording and distribution processes. Might sometimes include producers and engineers involved on the featured album.
Episodes
- Allison Sky: Behind This Smile
The Sound features singer-songwriter Allison Sky and her new release "Behind This Smile." Host Kristine Osorio and KQAL's Annika Bakkum-Ekern discuss Sky's relatable and heartfelt songwriting.
- Whitetail: Another Day EP plus singles
The Sound features an interview with the band Whitetail, discussing their EP 'Another Day' and previewing new songs. Their music is described as suitable for relaxation or cruising.
- The Reach Outs: Working Hard Or Hardly Working?
The Sound features an interview with the Winona band The Reach Outs about their new EP, Working Hard Or Hardly Working. The EP explores corporate themes with song titles like 'Don't You Micromanage Me' and 'Work From Home'.
- H3O Jazz Trio: Combo Carols
The Sound features H3O Jazz Trio's album Combo Carols, which includes 13 original jazz mashups of holiday favorites. Bandleader Eric Heukeshoven discusses the album's creation and highlights guest appearances by local talent.
- Maygen and the Birdwatcher: The Americana Dream
The Sound features new singles from Maygen and the Birdwatcher's upcoming album, "The Americana Dream," an Americana folk/rock release. The album, due October 10th, includes a mix of energetic and emotional songs.
- Ryan Howe: Origin
The Sound features the debut album 'Origin' by Ryan Howe, a Winona State alum. The episode includes a discussion with Howe about his music, which features love ballads and instrumentals.
- Humbird: Astrovan-The Love Vignettes
The Sound features Humbird's new album "Astrovan: The Love Vignettes," a collection of 11 short, love-themed songs by the modern folk rock band led by Siri Undilin. The episode is produced by KQAL 89.5FM.
- Afflatus: Painted Turtle
The Sound reviews "Painted Turtle," the latest album from Winona-based alternative band Afflatus. The album features sounds inspired by the driftless region, celebrating the surrounding nature.
- Blunt Blade: Forgiveness
The Sound presents Forgiveness, the new album by Winona artist Blunt Blade. The album features a diverse range of genres including progressive, rock, and electronic music.
- Ruben: Plain American
The Sound presents Plain American, an album by Ruben from Stillwater, MN. Released in 2023, the album is noted for its groovy rock sound, stellar vocals, and songwriting. The episode originally aired on 06/04/25.
- Maygen and the Birdwatcher: Leap Year
The Sound reviews "Leap Year," the latest EP from Minnesota Americana folk/rock group Maygen and the Birdwatcher. The EP, released in 2025, features a sound filled with hope and longing.
- Porch Light: Porch Light
The Sound reviews the debut EP from Minnesota band Porch Light, featuring Zac Fogarty, Jackie Uhas, Henry Hughes, Kyle Siemon, and Isaiah Trimbo. Band members Jackie Uhas, Kyle Siemon, Zac Fogarty, and Henry Hughes joined the show to discu…
- Future Babel: Cyber Sunday
The Sound features 'Cyber Sunday,' a 2025 release from Minneapolis artist Future Babel, known for blending multiple genres. The episode is produced by KQAL 89.5FM and supported by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
- Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball: Live at First Avenue
This episode of The Sound features the album "Live at First Avenue" by Gregg Hall & The Wrecking Ball. The review highlights the band's energetic live performance, featuring heartfelt stories and a mix of tender moments and barn burners. T…
- Patrick Lichty: Amilith and 8 Bits or Less
In this episode of The Sound, former KQAL production assistant Dylan Alzate interviews Professor Patrick Lichty of Winona State University about his albums Amilith and 8 Bits or Less. The discussion explores the music behind these two rele…
- Them Coulee Boys: No Fun in the Chrysalis
The Sound features the latest album "No Fun in the Chrysalis" by Eau Claire-based Americana folk band Them Coulee Boys. The episode includes an interview with Soren Staff discussing the album's heartfelt stories and folk tunes, and discuss…
- Unicycle Michael: Dancing Around
The Sound features Unicycle Michael's album 'Dancing Around' from La Crosse, WI. The show is produced by KQAL 89.5FM and funded by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
- Clare Doyle: Stranger
The Sound reviews Clare Doyle's new EP 'Stranger'. Doyle is an Americana/country artist whose music explores themes of love and life.
- RADDERDAZE Ten Year RADIVERSARY Part 2
The Sound, hosted by Bill Stoneberg and Todd Hanson, revisits Radderdaze's 10-year history with music from bands that have previously played the venue. The episode looks back at Radderdaze's past and ahead to their upcoming 10 Year RADIVER…
- RADDERDAZE Ten Year RADIVERSARY Part 1
The Sound, hosted by Bill Stoneberg and Todd Hanson, commemorates the 10th anniversary of Radderdaze, a Winona music event known for its genre-bending shows. The episode features music from bands that have previously played Radderdaze, ahe…
- Dante DeGrazia: Pe The Weople
Abby Hawkey interviews Dante DeGrazia about his album Pe the Weople on The Sound. The album explores education, consumerism, and politics using archival clips and narration, mixed with various sounds and instruments.
- Gregg Hall: Exit 222
The Sound features Gregg Hall's new album, Exit 222, a collection of country and americana songs recorded in Nashville. The album is released on Oct 26, 2024, with a release party at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts.
- Clickbait's ANGRY EMOJI
On The Sound, Dylan Alzate talks with Drs. Davin Heckman and Talon Memmott, aka Clickbait, about their band which translates memes into music. They discuss the band's history since 2015 and their 2022 EP, "ANGRY EMOJI."
- Valors: Play of Fools
On The Sound, Dylan Alzate interviews Ian Valor of the band Valors about their second album, "Play of Fools," released June 14, 2024. The episode explores the garage punk band's growth and the specifics of their Minneapolis rock music.
- A Piano in Every Home: Terrible Things
The Sound reviews "Terrible Things," the new album from A Piano in Every Home. The album features their signature indie folk style blended with new instrumentation like the mandolin, dobro, and EBow synthesizer. It is compared to artists s…
- Molly Brandt: American Saga
The Sound features an exclusive preview of Molly Brandt's upcoming album, American Saga. The album blends genres including country and pop, incorporating diverse instrumentation like banjos and synthesizers.
- Ghostland Radio: Ghostland Radio
This episode of The Sound features the self-titled album from the Winona-based band Ghostland Radio. The program highlights the group's new lineup and sound, produced by KQAL 89.5FM.
- Humbird: Right On
The Sound features Humbird's new album "Right On," an indie folk collection with themes of heartbreak and nature. The episode includes an interview with lead singer Siri Undlin about the recording process and album content.
- Garden Home: Garden Home
On The Sound, Abby Hawkey interviews Dylan Mazurkiewicz of Garden Home about their self-titled debut album. The discussion covers the band's post-hardcore screamo rock sound, their mental health journey reflected in the lyrics, and their c…
- Cole Diamond: Trailer Park Troubadour
The Sound features Cole Diamond's new EP 'Trailer Park Troubadour,' including a cover of Waylon Jennings' 'Where Corn Don't Grow.' The episode highlights the EP's songwriting and relaxed atmosphere.
- Eleanor Sievers: self-titled
On The Sound, host Abby Hawkey interviews 16-year-old Eleanor Sievers about her debut self-titled EP. They explore her songwriting process, the inspirations behind her songs, and her family's support for her music career.
- Jeffrey Robert Larson: Country & Western Songs For The Americas
The Sound features Jeffrey Robert Larson's new album, "Country & Western Songs For The Americas." The album includes classic country sounds and relatable stories about love, sorrow, and perseverance, with the distinctive sound of pedal ste…
- Redshift Headlights: If You Are Around Still
The Sound features an exclusive debut of Redshift Headlights' new album, 'If You Are Around Still,' released July 12, 2024. The episode includes a discussion with the band about recording at Electrical Audio with Steve Albini and their art…
- A Piano In Every Home: North American Review
On The Sound, Abby Hawkey and Bill Stoneberg interview Jake Pavek and Travis Erickson from the band A Piano in Every Home about their new compilation album, North American Review, focusing on their songwriting process.
- Mid West Music Fest '24: Preview Show Part 2
The Sound previews the 15th Midwest Music Fest with guests Radium Girls, Charlie Boy, Chutes, Joe Westerlund, and Nathan Graham. The episode, hosted by Dylan Alzate, provides a glimpse into the festival lineup.
- Mid West Music Fest '24 Preview Show Part 1
This episode of The Sound previews Midwest Music Fest 2024 with guest artists Chris from Collections of Colonies of Bees, Sean from Heiruspecs, Marcus from Waisted, and Mike Munson. Host Ryan Flanders interviews the musicians ahead of the…
- H3O Jazz Trio: Tafel Jazz
The H3O Jazz Trio joins The Sound to discuss their album Tafel Jazz. The Winona-based group, consisting of a father and his two sons, formed in 2011 and has collaborated with musicians like John Paulson and John Seivers.
- Scott Hefte & The Bury 'Em Deep: self-titled
Bill Stoneberg introduces the debut album from Minneapolis band Scott Hefte & The Bury 'Em Deep, describing their unique
- Bird and Air: self-titled
The Sound reviews the self-titled debut album from Bird and Air, the solo project of Steve McCabe. The album features nine tracks exploring personal themes and human experiences, with a range of emotions from somber to silly.
- Future Babel: Monkey Man
The Sound presents Future Babel's 'Monkey Man' EP from October 2023, featuring all four tracks alongside other 2023 releases. The episode spans various musical influences, from Buddy Holly to Marty McFly and the Violent Femmes.
- Waisted: 1,2,3,4
The Sound features Winona band Waisted's debut EP "1, 2, 3, 4." Host Ryan Flanders chats with band members Marcus, Connor, and Amber about their music and local scene.
- JuneThaKid: Just Get Home Safe
This episode of The Sound, titled "JuneThaKid: Just Get Home Safe," originally aired on 02/21/24. The podcast is produced by KQAL 89.5FM at Winona State University.
- Porcupine: Our Chemistry Is A Tightrope
Dylan Alzate hosts The Sound, featuring the exclusive debut of the rock band Porcupine's latest hits. The episode airs on 02/14/24 and is produced by KQAL 89.5FM at Winona State University.
- Luke Callen: Also Going Nowhere
Ryan Flanders interviews Luke Callen about his new album "Also Going Nowhere," discussing songwriting and inspirations. The episode highlights endorsements from Charlie Parr and a First Avenue bartender.
- Amanda Grace: Give Me Away
This episode of The Sound features Amanda Grace. The episode aired on 02/07/24 and is produced by KQAL 89.5FM at Winona State University.
- Turbo Pastel: Turbo Pastel
The Sound reviews Turbo Pastel's self-titled album with insights from Ben Burwell on the creative process. The episode highlights the album's fast tempo and Easter colors.
- The Mascot Theory: Big Blue EP
The Sound features Big Blue EP by Madison, WI-based rock band The Mascot Theory. The episode highlights the band's transition to a rock sound.
- Charlieboy: People Garden
The Sound features the band Charlieboy from La Crosse WI and their album People Garden. The band’s genre is described as indie pop rock, with a unique sound that listeners may find grows on them. The episode originally aired on 01/0/24.
- Trajan Schaub: various singles 2023
On The Sound, local artist Trajan Schaub presents new singles from 2023. The episode is produced by KQAL 89.5FM at Winona State University.
- LAN3S: Wannabe Superstar
The Sound features an exclusive debut by alternative rapper LAN3S and her album 'Wannabe Superstar'. The episode, hosted by Dylan Alzate, kicks off the new year with new music.