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Concert Review: Glorifying Americana, Dave Rawlings, Gillian Welch Excel As Roots-Music Missionaries

October 31, 2015 - 8:30am

Although the members of the Dave Rawlings Machine took the stage in Madison Friday night dressed as every rural American archetype, the reason wasn't to get a start on Halloween trick-or-treating. This Appalachia-loving string band was just getting in character to do what musical evangelists do best: Bring the fire...

Soundbytes: Pop Music’s 5 Frighteningly Great Halloween Songs

October 30, 2015 - 9:00am

As a favor for those ghost and ghoul wannabes, here are a few songs that are worth adding to your Halloween playlist in time for the costume parties to come.

Milwaukee Native Mike Krol on Seattle's KEXP

October 29, 2015 - 11:35am

By Jim Beckmann - KEXP -

When it comes to Mike Krol, it’s not three strikes and you’re out. For the LA based, Milwaukee born songwriter, the third time’s a charm, or rather, a Turkey. His third LP, and recent Merge Records release, avoids incarceration with a...

Eaux Claires Festival To Return Next Year, Promoters Say

October 21, 2015 - 7:45pm

Promoters of this year's Eaux Claires indie rock festival say they’re coming back to western Wisconsin in 2016.

Milwaukee's Field Report Perform On Mountain Stage

October 13, 2015 - 11:50am

Field Report makes its first appearance on Mountain Stage, recorded live at Charleston, West Virginia's Culture Center Theater.

Bandleader Chris Porterfield began his career alongside fellow Wisconsin natives Justin Vernon and Megafaun in the group DeYarmond Edison.

Field Report combines Porterfield's highly literate, character-driven songwriting with dreamy, melodic instrumentation — thanks...

Remembering Steve MacKay: Listen To Stooges' Sax Player Forge A Masterpiece

October 12, 2015 - 9:45am

Authors and critics might be correct when they write off Detroit-area saxophone player Steve Mackay as simply a sideman to the Iggy Pop-led Stooges in the early '70s, but doing so sadly undervalues the importance of his contributions. Hired hand or not, any musician would want to be involved in...

Set List: Madison Instrumental Rock Trio El Valiente Find Order In Chaos

September 2, 2015 - 5:00pm

Eric Caldera grew up in San Antonio, Texas before calling Madison, Wisconsin home. He moved to Madison to attend the UW and pursue a doctorate; studying the genetic disposition of Central American ants -- and along the way he formed the instrumental rock trio, El Valiente.

Often combining elements...

From Riot Grrls To 'Fangirls,' Can Music Make Space For Women?

September 2, 2015 - 9:05am

Last week, journalist and music critic Jessica Hopper sent out a tweet that struck a chord with thousands of other musicians, writers, promoters and fans:

Gals/other marginalized folks: what was your 1st brush (in music industry, journalism, scene) w/ idea that you didn't "count"?
—...

Can Music Festivals Be Too Big?

August 28, 2015 - 11:50am

The recent Eaux Claires Music Festival was one of hundreds of small summer festivals that have gained traction throughout the nation in recent decades in response to the large, corporate festivals that have come to dominate the summer concert circuit.

Set List: Wisconsin Native J.E. Sunde Abides Music As His Passion

August 26, 2015 - 5:00pm

Wisconsin native J.E. Sunde now calls Minneapolis home, but he cut his musical teeth in the vibrant Eau Claire music scene that helped launch many great Wisconsin musicians.

He recently dropped by the WPR studios to play some songs, and talk about how growing up in Amery, Wisconsin...

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Concert Review: Glorifying Americana, Dave Rawlings, Gillian Welch Excel As Roots-Music Missionaries

Soundbytes: Pop Music’s 5 Frighteningly Great Halloween Songs

Milwaukee Native Mike Krol on Seattle's KEXP

Eaux Claires Festival To Return Next Year, Promoters Say

Milwaukee's Field Report Perform On Mountain Stage

Remembering Steve MacKay: Listen To Stooges' Sax Player Forge A Masterpiece

Set List: Madison Instrumental Rock Trio El Valiente Find Order In Chaos

From Riot Grrls To 'Fangirls,' Can Music Make Space For Women?

Can Music Festivals Be Too Big?

Set List: Wisconsin Native J.E. Sunde Abides Music As His Passion

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