PODCAST · music
Vocalo Radio
by Vocalo Radio
Cool conversations with artists making good music
Episodes
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Chicago-rooted singer Sophia Galaté embarks on her debut headlining tour
California-based, Chicago-rooted artist Sophia Galaté dropped her debut album last year. This spring, she’s headed out on her debut headlining tour. The artist called in to Vocalo to discuss some standout tracks, how it feels to sell out shows and why she went from the business side of the music...
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DRAMA: Live at the Salt Shed!
Chicago electronic duo DRAMA are spreading love across the country on their “Platonic Romance” tour. The duo released their third full-length album of the same name on Jan. 9. Though they started conceptualizing the album two years ago, vocalist Via Rosa feels she and producer Na’el Shehade have...
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Julian Davis Reid on "Vocation" and finding softness through the piano
When he first sat down behind a set of keys, Julian Davis Reid quickly learned the piano was his voice. The Chicago-based pianist and theologian first found himself in a music class at age 2. He released his fourth album, “Vocation,” in 2025, with plans to bring his tour home to Constellation on...
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Sleeping at Last on holiday orchestral arrangements & “Turning Page”
Sleeping at Last is the solo project of Illinois multi-instrumentalist Ryan O’Neal — and he’s about to take the stage with the Chicago Philharmonic this holiday season. He’s had music featured in shows including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Vampire Diaries” and “Private Practice,” but O’Neal’s catapult...
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Frsh Waters and MFnMelo of Pivot Gang talk John Walt Day and giving back to Chicago
Chicago rap collective Pivot Gang and nonprofit John Walt Foundation are prepping for their favorite event of the year: John Walt Day, a concert benefiting the foundation in honor of deceased Pivot Gang member John Walt. The foundation supports young Chicago artists and musicians dedicated to...
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Midnight Til Morning talk international tours and “Building the Band”
Conor Smith, Shane Appell, Mason Watts and Zach Newbould are Midnight Til Morning — a new group on the boyband scene after connecting on Netflix’s “Building the Band.” The four met each other blindly on the show, and have been staying busy ever since with the release of their new album…
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Chicago duo JEFF K%NZ and Theisy throw some paint on "PIGMENTS"
Chicago-based multidisciplinary artist JEFF K%NZ aims to build community through conversation and artistic expression, whether as a rapper or the founder of monthly event series Think & Paint. His September album “PIGMENTS” is a collaboration with Chicago producer Theisy, and features fellow…
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Sophia Galaté claims the spotlight with "For My Own Entertainment"
Chicago-rooted, LA-based vocalist Sophia Galaté didn’t plan to release her debut album while on tour. Things just worked out that way. But fans new and old have been singing along at every stop while she’s been opening for English artist James Vickery — even before her new project, “For My Own...
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The Joffrey Ballet brings funk band The Main Squeeze onstage for “Wabash & You”
Indiana-rooted funk band The Main Squeeze never imagined they'd end up in a ballet. Joffrey Ballet choreographer Chanel DaSilva had other plans. Her new work “Wabash & You” — opening Nov. 6 at Harris Theater — is a love story set in downtown Chicago, based on her own experiences. The production...
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Chicago’s Wyatt Waddell has seen the light
Chicago artist Wyatt Waddell is next up on our playlists. The 28-year-old singer and multi-instrumentalist blends influences of rock, funk, soul, R&B and psychedelic pop to curate his singular sound, showcased on his 2025 singles “I Saw The Light” and “Should’ve Stayed Home.” Waddell is preparing...
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Patchwork Inc. shares the spirit of session songwriting with Chicago on new EP
Led by guitarist and producer Blake Rhein, Patchwork Inc. is a rotating collective of Chicago artists born out of a desire to bring the spirit of session songwriting to the city. The project’s new five-song EP, “Chicago Patchwork,” is out tomorrow, featuring 70s-inspired instrumentals and soulful...
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Nico Segal & The Social Experiment celebrate the 10th anniversary of groundbreaking “Surf”
Chicago Grammy-winning trumpeter Nico Segal & The Social Experiment — a Chicago supergroup including Chance the Rapper, Peter CottonTale, Nate Fox and Greg Landfair Jr. — broke boundaries and redefined the Chicago sound with their 2015 debut album "Surf," which blurred the lines between hip-hop,...
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Madison McFerrin takes her album to Chicago this Scorpio season
As a Scorpio herself, singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin knew exactly what to name her latest album even before it was finished. The project was born as McFerrin's engagement — and relationship of eight years — came to an end, and served as an integral part of her grieving process. Her sophomore...
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The Reel Critic: Family, football and faith in “HIM”
From director Justin Tipping and Jordan Peele's Monkey Paw Productions, new film "HIM" asks: "What is the price of success?" After enduring a career-threatening injury, pro-football prospect Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) gets invited to train with his childhood idol Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans)....
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Rich Robbins' "IN GOOD TASTE" was made in good company
Chicago artist Rich Robbins newest album “IN GOOD TASTE” is out today, Sep. 4. Robbins sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss his song “Balance,” which highlights the people around him, as no one can do it alone. He dives into the inspiration for the album, including features from...
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DJ Hiroko Yamamura talks ARC Music Fest and the joy of B2B sets
Chicago DJ and self-declared “Meme Queen“ Hiroko Yamamura will hit the stage with a B2B performance with HAAi at ARC Music Festival on Friday, Aug. 29. In preparation for ARC weekend, she explained how minimum planning is ideal — her set will depend on the vibes, the people and the weather of…
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The Reel Critic breaks down Spike Lee's "Highest 2 Lowest" into "8 C's"
Spike Lee’s newest joint "Highest 2 Lowest" finds music mogul David King (Denzel Washington) in the middle of a life-or-death ransom plot and a moral dilemma – questioning whether a contract makes the industry more about the money than the music. The film also stars Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky,...
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Chicago's Mike DFG reveals his alter ego
When Chicago artist Mike DFG put on his mask for the first time, he knew it was time to start digging deeper into his artistic identity. The 21-year-old rapper has only been pursuing music professionally for around two years, but earlier this month made his Lollapalooza performance debut on the...
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The Fly Honey Show — a combo of dance, burlesque and great party — declares a grand finale
The Fly Honey Show, a well-known Chicago arts variety show, hosts its last run this month at Thalia Hall, with a local focus. Across 15 seasons, the Fly Honeys built a following with a mix of burlesque, dance concert and party, along the way earning a reputation as hosting a joyful celebration of...
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The Reel Critic shares thoughts on ‘John Wick: Ballerina’
Ana de Armas stars in this action-packed continuation of the ‘John Wick’ franchise. We find her as Eve Macarro, an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma, as she seeks revenge against her father’s killers. And don’t worry — Keanu Reeves still makes an appearance as the titular...
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Yukimi embraces the healing nature of sadness on her debut solo album 'For You'
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…
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'Sinners' is a cautionary tale through music history
When twin brothers return home to Mississippi for a fresh start, they uncover something far more evil than what they left behind. Michael B. Jordan stars as both twins, Smoke and Stack in ‘Sinners,’ alongside Miles Caton, Hailee Steinfeld and more. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, the 2025...
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Chicago’s Dreamer Isioma explores a new universe on cosmic-themed ‘StarX Lover’
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...
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Formerly-DIY venue Bookclub takes over Elbo Room
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...
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'Daughters' is a powerful documentary touching on love, loss and redemption
2024 documentary 'Daughters' follows four young girls as they prepare to reunite with their fathers for a special Daddy Daughter Dance through a fatherhood program in a DC jail. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film offers authentic and vulnerable insight into the lives of families…
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How Chicago disco-funk artist Ric Wilson built his iconic and international style
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...
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An Oscars breakdown with The Reel Critic
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,...
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Melanin, Roots, and Culture returns to celebrate Black History Month at the Music Box Theatre
Yearly film series Melanin, Roots, and Culture celebrates Black stories and filmmakers at the Music Box Theatre, wrapping up tonight with “Life Within The Lens” — a short film screening showcasing Chicago creators. Other featured films included ‘The Woman King,’ ‘Here and Now’ and more. Film...
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'Captain America: Brave New World' is about "redemption, revenge and renewal"
In this latest Marvel Studios offering, Steve Wilson — previously the Falcon, now the new Captain America — finds himself in the middle of an international incident after meeting with president Thaddeus Ross, and must foil a malevolent global plot before it’s too late. Reggie “The Reel Critic”...
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Black Alphabet celebrates Black and queer stories with a mini film fest at Center on Halsted
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...
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“Texas Hold ‘Em” producer Killah B says his versatility came from Chicago roots
Brian “Killah B” Bates walked away with two Grammy wins for his work on Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter.' The Los Angeles-based, Chicago-rooted producer and songwriter didn’t know his song, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” would be the breakout hit from the album. He was just honored to be included on the project, and...
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Ke Huy Quan stars in Valentine’s-themed action film ‘Love Hurts’
Action comedy ‘Love Hurts’ follows Milwaukee realtor Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan), who is shocked to receive a letter from Rose (Ariana DeBose): his former partner-in-crime who he left for dead. Pulled back into the world of hit-men and betrayal, Marvin is hunted down by his ruthless crime lord...
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Ian Fitchuk is the Chicago-rooted Grammy nominee for Producer of the Year
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…
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‘One of Them Days’ has “heart, humor and humanity”
When Alyssa's (SZA) boyfriend blows their rent money, she and her best friend-slash-roommate Dreux (KeKe Palmer) race against the clock to pay their rent, avoid an eviction and keep their friendship intact. The female buddy comedy debuted this week with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and the…
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Chicago rapper Cassius Tae on the art of freestyling and ‘making songs for women’
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…
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Chicago musician Senite doesn’t let anyone box her into one genre
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,...
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In 'Unstoppable,' wrestler Anthony Robles' journey stands out as a story for the ages
Based on a true story, 2024 film 'Unstoppable' is a story of strength, perseverance and defying the odds. It follows Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), a determined wrestler born with one leg, on his journey to become a champion athlete. Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder raves about the film’s...
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Ric Wilson shares disco love with new single and New Year’s Eve party
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...
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‘Albany Road’ explores resentment, reconciliation and repentance
Contributing film critic Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says new film ‘Albany Road’ is a fun and interesting look at love. Celeste Simmons (Reneé Elise Goldsberry) is a New York business executive preparing for one of the most important meetings of her career when bad weather grounds her flight....
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Chicago artist Aksel brings the “tropical vibes” with new music
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...
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The Reel Critic: ‘The Piano Lesson’ challenges viewers to confront their past and consider their legacy
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder reviews the new film adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play ‘The Piano Lesson.’ The story follows the Charles family of Pittsburgh during the Great Depression’s aftermath in 1936. The household is engulfed with disagreement over what to do with their prized family...
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The Reel Critic: ‘Juror #2’ breaks little new ground
When family man Justin Kemp winds up as a jury member of a high profile murder trial, he struggles with a moral dilemma that may influence whether the accused killer is convicted or set free in 'Juror #2.' The latest film from director Clint Eastwood, it stars Nicholas Hoult, Zooey Deutch, Chris...
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“Green Light For Change” brings traffic stop data to community forum
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...
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The O’My’s return to their roots with a Metro show full of Chicago talent
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 —…
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Chicago singer m.e.h. on how to cultivate a fearless personal style
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...
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Holy horror: ‘Heretic’ explores the dark side of devotion
A24’s new psychological thriller ‘Heretic’ follows two young religious missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), as they spend the day knocking on doors to spread the word of God. When the women arrive at the home of Mr. Reed, played by Hugh Grant, the two find...
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Pitchfork Music Festival won't return to Chicago next year
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...
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John David Washington says his role in ‘The Piano Lesson’ made him a better artist
Malcolm Washington directs a new adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play ‘The Piano Lesson,’ which was featured at the Chicago International Film Festival. On the red carpet at the festival before its premiere, Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder met with writer Virgil Williams and the film’s star…
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‘Here’ brings audiences on a journey through the past
Robert Zemeckis’ new film ‘Here,’ adapted from Richard McGuire's graphic novel, depicts a family across a century of generations in the same home. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says the film’s nonlinear timeline can be confusing at times, and it often looks to the past with nostalgia. On the…
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Chicago rapper Roy Kinsey is opening a ‘Rapbrary’ to honor hip-hop’s literary contributions
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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Cool conversations with artists making good music
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Vocalo Radio
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Cool conversations with artists making good music
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