Local Live | Wmse

Milwaukee’s Rocket Cat guitarist Christopher Guse (Parallel), bassist Dave Maurer (Parallel, Signal Daddy), drummer Steve Vorass (I’m not a Pilot, Bright Black, Mouse Corn) and vocalist/lyricist Justine Trudeaux (Smack Leveaux) skillfully blend their backgrounds for a combination that yields a supercharged sound that’s at once fresh and familiar, forward-focused and reflective, unpredictable yet accessible, and always lushly melodic. After a long hiatus from songwriting, Trudeaux crossed back into a forgotten world of creativity when an unexpected series of personal connections led her to Guse, Maurer and Vorass. This experience of reconnecting inspired the storyline of the band’s debut EP, Radiant Transmission, which chronicles her year-long journey of reflection, risk-taking and reawakening through Rocket Cat. “I’ve lived in a number cities across the country and in Europe so I’m amazed I found these guys here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin after years away from the music industry,” Trudeaux says. “It’s mind-blo

Joseph Huber was a founding member of Milwaukee’s .357 String Band. The .357 String band, despite it’s abrupt breakup, still continues to gain popularity and is known as one of the most influential groups in the recent insurgent country and bluegrass movement. As a solo musician, Huber has been prolific and gaining ground; Huber’s 4th solo release, The Suffering Stage is a shift both in writing style and in its filled-out production style…[looking] beyond his usual minimalist folk recordings. It features many of Milwaukee’s best players, such as Ryan Knudson on pedal steel; Dustin Dobernig on keys; Andrew Koenig on electric guitar; as well as his long-time touring band members–Jason Loveall on fiddle; and Eston Bennett on bass.

Match Stick is a tour-de-force rock/jazz fusion group from Milwaukee featuring Max Bowen on guitar, Mitch Shiner on vibraphone, Steve Peplin on bass VI and Nick Lang on drums. With influences ranging from the Mahavishnu Orchestra to Rage Against the Machine, Match Stick performs their original compositions with technical wizardry and deep musicality. Tune into WMSE to listen to a live set from Match Stick on Tuesday, May 30th – WMSE.org to stream live or in the archives, or simply tune your radio to 91.7 FM at the 6 o’clock hour.

Cairns began back in early 2013 following the release of a self-titled EP. Back then, the live format was simpler and quieter, staying truer to the bedroom recordings done by John Larkin. The project was originally intended to remain in a simple format – light percussion, sparse acoustic/electric guitar, keyboard – but quickly built into something more aggressive and dynamic, evolving beyond what could be considered a solo project. The latest release, Current, was released in June of 2016. These songs were originally written and recorded by John, but in the process of preparing to perform them live, the songs strayed from the original recordings. This process created something much more organic, influenced by the different perspectives of each member of the group. The latest incarnation features Caley Conway on bass, Eli Smith on drums, Eddie Chapman on electric organ and percussion, and D’amato on bari sax. It’s worth noting that everyone in Cairns has their own project that they actively pursue. Caley an

After signing to Chicago-based label Closed Sessions last year, Milwaukee rapper WebsterX has delivered his full-length debut, Daymares. The 15-track project is a deeply personal dive into the rapper’s psyche, as he wrestles with his doubts and fears, but, ultimately, provides glimmers of hope throughout. The cohesive effort centers around Milwaukee, and WebsterX enlists production from budding hometown talent like Q the Sun and oddCouple to help him soundtrack his journey up to this point. “Daymares is an accumulation of my life from years 2013-2017, the whole road of this WebsterX thing,” he explained to The FADER over email. “A rollercoaster of ups and downs that got me to this point, the insane experiences I’ve been able to be a part of with my friends by pursuing art, and my rise in my home city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and beyond.” ~The Fader

Ravi/Lola is a 60’s inspired psychedelic baroque/neo-toytown pop group from Milwaukee. Ravi/Lola began as a home recording project in 2008 by Casey Seymour with collaborators James Green and Nick Wieczorkowski. Two albums (Ravi/Lola, II: Ravi’s Tramadol) and 5 EPs (Collections 3-7) have been released from the home recording era. In 2015, the band evolved into a live group consisting of Casey Seymour, Nick Wieczorkowski, Robert Thomas, and Anton Sieger. On June 2nd, 2017, the first album consisting of the live group, Shape Up Shoulders, will be released via CD, Bandcamp, and major online streaming services. Tune into WMSE on Tuesday, May 9th to hear a live performance and interview from the Ravi/Lola in advance of their newest album release on Local/Live’s Spring Membership Drive 2017 program — WMSE.org to stream live or in the archives, or simply tune your radio to 91.7 FM at the 6 o’clock hour. Local/Live on WMSE is sponsored by Club Garibaldi’s.

WMSE travels to Club Garibaldi’s on Tuesday, May 2nd to host another great evening of local music for our Local/Live at Club Garibaldi’s series. It’s the final one until September, so join us! “School’s out for summer!” Milwaukee’s husband and wife duo, Sara and Kenny, combine the best of jazz and folk for a captivating live performance; voice, ukulele, nylon and steel string guitars show how Sara and Kenny embrace a wide range of musical styles to create their intimate sound. The duo’s most recent release, ‘Familiar Rhythms’ is another example of their unique chemistry and talent in marrying classical musicianship through an indie pop lens. Sara and Kenny met in Milwaukee and through their shared love of thegrowing improvised music scene. They immediately connected and started working on original music. The duo’s debut album, ‘Spirit of Gold’ was released in the fall of 2015. It received rave reviews and garnered a sold-out show at the historic Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum in Milwaukee. “…a blend o

There comes a point in every long-running band’s career when listeners (and writers) start tossing around words like “veterans” and “fixtures.” Ready or not, The Fatty Acids have arrived at that point. Over the course of seven-plus years, three full-length albums, and an untold number of shows, the frantic and ebullient Fatties have become stalwart stars of a diverse and glowing Milwaukee music scene. Their confetti-cannon-combination of chaotic “scramble-pop” and psyched-out synth has made them local favorites ten times over. But The Fatties are far from grizzled vets. As evidenced by the first (double) single from their upcoming album, Dogs Of Entertainment, The Fatty Acids are as fresh as ever, and veteran status suits them just fine. ~Milwaukee Record

Gauss is a Milwaukee musical collective formed in 2012 with origins in the Riverwest basement scene. Punk music inspires their ethos and intensity and a desire to escape punk music propels their continual evolution in sound and songwriting. Now featuring trumpet, violin, and keys, Gauss appears to be a post-rock chamber group. However, they’re equally capable of hair-rising feedback, subtle pop covers, backing up rappers, and making enchanting new sounds every year. Gauss is getting ready to release brand new material and will be playing two upcoming shows in April: the first on Friday, April 21st at the High Dive (which is a benefit for the MacCannon Brown Homeless Sanctuary) and Saturday, April 29th (for Arte Para Todos 2017 with Foreign Goods).

Milwaukee’s CTT’s debut self-titled album spins tales of the desperate road, convenience store trysts, Rust Belt anthems and memoirs of unbridled lonesome success. Equal parts punk, blues, country and metal instill the tracks with a mix of elements true to the experience of a Mack truck crashing into a fast food drive-thru for after show catering. The band idea was formed by a tequila-soaked Carlo Santiago who instructed the other members that they were to join his band or suffer the consequences of missed opportunity to rock the heck out. Within a few months, the band recorded their debut and have been wrenching audiences ever since.

WMSE once again travels to Club Garibaldi’s to host a live performance by a local musician or group for our monthly Local/Live at Club Garibaldi’s series… On Tuesday, April 4th, get caught up in one of Milwaukee’s biggest rock ‘n roll forces, Whips, as they debut brand new music from new album, The Ride. You can listen live over the airwaves or get in on the action, on-site by participating as an audience member. This event is FREE and open to the 21+ public and lots of fun! And as always, WMSE Music Director Erin Wolf and co-host Cal Roach (and YOU), will lead our musical guest through questions in between the live performance. Doors are at 5:30pm, segment starts at 6pm and runs until 7pm. Club Garibaldi’s is located at 2501 S. Superior Street in Bay View. If you can’t join us for the live segment and show at Club Garibaldi, please tune in, per usual, to 91.7 FM (or stream online at WMSE.org) at the 6 o’clock hour.

Rocket Paloma is a four-piece rock outfit with a heavy folk foundation and progressive edge based out of Milwaukee. Their music blends imaginative leads atop a forceful and driving rhythm section with soaring vocals and crafted storytelling. Starting off as a solo act, Joey Kerner assembled a band to further enhance the impact of her storytelling. With each member coming from different backgrounds ranging from classical to jazz and metal to funk, Rocket Paloma melds their stylistic differences into a truly unique, genre-bending experience.

Jason Todd (“JTodd “) and Lia Manley-DeRuiter (“Lunaversol9”) are no strangers to Milwaukee’s hip hop scene, although they do dip out for lengthy periods. Todd’s prowess on the beats and cagey vocal delivery paired Manley-DeRuiter’s smooth poetry makes the pair’s ear-turning brand of blended funk, soul, electro and hip hop into something that’s energizing, sweet and smart.

WMSE once again travels to Club Garibaldi’s to host a live performance by a local musician or group for our monthly Local/Live at Club Garibaldi’s series! On Tuesday, March 14th, enjoy the newest sounds of Milwaukee’s revamped Twin Brother by listening over the airwaves or by participating as an audience member – this event is FREE and open to the 21+ public and lots of fun! And as always, WMSE Music Director Erin Wolf and co-host Cal Roach (and YOU), will lead our musical guest through questions in between the live performance. This will be an extra special Local/Live as it falls on the week of WMSE’s big 36th anniversary! Come join us for the music and a lil’ celebration.

The Hullmen were recently described as “intriguing hard rock from Wisconsin ” by Maximum Rock and Roll magazine, which while odd, is right on the nail. For nine years and counting, the Hullmen have been pummeling punk, surf, garage and rock into their own distinct formula. The Hullmen are Milwaukee scene vets that have a strong back catalog and don’t plan on ditching the scene anytime soon! Tune into WMSE on Tuesday, March 7th to hear a live performance and interview with the Hullmen before they play a bunch of spring shows (starting with a gig with Indonesian Junk and Trolley at Club Garibaldi’s on WMSE’s bday, March 17th!) and release a brand new record – WMSE.org to stream live or in the archives, or simply tune your radio to 91.7 FM at the 6 o’clock hour.

Rooted in Milwaukee, the Zach Pietrini Band is a five-piece Americana force. They craft brutally honest, instantly familiar songs that uphold old country standards but incorporate new rock sensibilities. With the diverse approach of Gram Parsons, the writing style of Ryan Adams, and the live show of Jason Isbell, the Zach Pietrini Band is the total Americana package. Zach Pietrini is releasing his 5th album Holding Onto Ghosts; a loud-yet-vulnerable exploration into letting go of the things that haunt him. The band will be hitting the road in March all around the Midwest to share this new work, including an official release show at Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. on Friday, March 3rd.

Piles is a three piece band from Milwaukee including Nolan on bass and vocals, Drew on drums, and Jesse on guitar and vocals. Piles will be releasing their second LP, Expeller, on Gloss Records on March 14th.

“When Ava Antonie, Ava Gessner and Lola Flores met at the first annual GirlsRock MKE camp in the summer of 2013, they were three young kids just looking to have fun and make some noise. The girls were 8, 9 and 10-yrs old, respectively, and not once did their age make them think they couldn’t do something big. From their very first show in a local bar on a school night, six months after becoming friends and band mates, Negative/Positive has offered beguiling lyrics and three strong role models for wannabe rockers of all ages and genders. Their self-contained battle cry is a string of catchy, indie rock singles featuring Gessner’s nimble vocals and guitar, Flores’ throbbing bass, and Antonie’s big beat. “The girls, students from three different Milwaukee Public Schools (Burdick, Golda Meir, and Fernwood Montessori), continue to create their own music without the aid of outside composers or adult assistance. After saving the profits from t-shirt sales over a period of two years, they recorded and released their

Zecháriah Ruffin — “Zed Kenzo” — is a multifaceted musician. Having spent time in choirs and learning piano as a young child to fronting a hardcore band (Youth Crush), Ruffin eventually gravitated more into singing and rapping over her own beats. Zed Kenzo is a natural-born collaborator and has written, recorded, produced and released a multitude of singles with guests such as Chris Siegel, Strehlow, Q the Sun, Queen Tut, Chants and Lorde Fredd33. Her strong vocal delivery suits her beatmaking skills and the best avenue to appreciate her skills is at a live performance. Do just that as WMSE hosts a live performance by Zed Kenzo for our monthly Local/Live at Club Garibaldi’s series on Tuesday, February 7th.

Haunter is a ramshackle outfit of slackers currently residing in Milwaukee. The group started making music in Stevens Point back in 2011, released two full albums, two EPs, and then in late 2015 began writing and recording for their newest, biggest album, Worm. Worm is an exploration of all the sounds you heard coming out of your big brother/sister’s hi-fi back in the 90’s, from bands like Galaxie 500, Duster, Acetone, or Codeine. Haunter takes those sounds and harnesses them in a very despondent way that lacks energy, but it’s alright. It’s alright.