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Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM is Chicago’s only NPR Music affiliate and only Urban Alternative station — the first of its kind in the country. We strive to highlight and uplift artists and changemakers breaking through the noise, both in and out of Chicago. Our goal is to make listeners say and feel: THIS is what Chicago sounds like. Dig deeper into our stories and conversations at Vocalo.org.
Vocalo is a subsidiary of Chicago Public Media, and is the sister station to WBEZ Chicago.
Vocalo is a subsidiary of Chicago Public Media, and is the sister station to WBEZ Chicago.
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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 “Afterglow.” The band just wrapped up their North American tour and are getting ready for their upcoming UK and EU tour starting in 2026.
Midnight Til Morning stopped at Chicago’s Thalia Hall on Oct. 27, but before they took the stage, the group sat down with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez to discuss their experiences before and after “Building the Band” and their favorite memories from tour.
This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Monday, Oct. 27. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Talia Lopresti. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok.
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 local artists Mvte, Kid Breeze and Joel Q. The two sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss how they met, their favorite tracks and what listeners can expect in 2026.
This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Oct. 23. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Talia Lopresti. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok.
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 Entertainment,” was released on Oct. 24. Though she’s been singing since childhood, Galaté started her career on the business side of the music industry before pivoting to pursue becoming an artist herself.
She sat down with Vocalo digital producer Morgan Ciocca just after the album’s release to discuss its initial reception and how she decided to release her own music.
This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Wednesday, Oct. 29. It was hosted, edited and produced by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok.
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 invites The Main Squeeze onstage to perform live alongside Joffrey Ballet dancers in this love letter to Chicago (and to hopeless romantics).
After touring the US and Europe in support of their sixth studio album, lead singer of The Main Squeeze Corey Frye called in to Vocalo to break down how the band got involved with DaSilva and the Joffrey. "Wabash & You" is part of "Matters of the Heart," the Joffrey Ballet's five-show residency at Harris Theater in Millennium Park. The two-act program also features Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Frida Kahlo-inspired work “Broken Wings.” It runs through Sunday, Nov. 9.
This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Tuesday, Nov. 4. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Talia Lopresti. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok.
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 to wrap up a three-show residency at Dorian’s in Wicker Park this weekend, and will take the stage again on Nov. 18 at Beat Kitchen alongside fellow local artists Denzell Lavell and Jawson Dell.
He stopped by the Vocalo studio to break down the singles and more with host Nudia Hernandez.
This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Wednesday, Oct. 15. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Talia Lopresti. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok.
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 vocalists Rhea the Second and Michael Damani. Earlier this week, the three sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to break down the project and its release party tonight.
This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Tuesday, Oct. 14. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Talia Lopresti. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok.
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, jazz and soul (featuring smash-hit "Sunday Candy"). The group reunited over the weekend for a 10th anniversary show at Metro Chicago with some special guests.
Segal sat down with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez to highlight the Chicago community that helped make this album, a few stories from specific tracks on “Surf” and the secret to maintaining a 10-year friendship-slash-working relationship. Dig deeper into the story at Vocalo.org.
This interview was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with support from Talia Lopresti. Keep up with Vocalo on Instagram @vocalo and on TikTok @vocalo.radio.
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 album, "SCORPIO" is a soul-filled journey into self-discovery and healing from heartbreak.
McFerrin kicks off her tour in support of the album on Sept. 30, stopping at Chicago’s Lincoln Hall on Oct. 23. Before hitting the road, she virtually met with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss opening up on the album, co-producing track “I Don’t” with WILLOW, funding the project through her wedding savings and collaborating with Tyler, the Creator. McFerrin also teased that her Chicago show will be the only one on the tour with background vocalists …
This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Monday, Sept. 23. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Talia Lopresti. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok.
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). While training in White’s private facilities, Cade is introduced to the darker side of pro-football. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says Cade’s naiveness paired with White’s ruthlessness allows the audience to sense something explosive is waiting to happen.
“HIM” is also the acting debut for Tierra Whack and Guapdad 4000 — both of whom are featured on the film's soundtrack alongside Gucci Mane, Denzel Curry, Sampa the Great, MAVI, Jean Dawson and more.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
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 Clairice, theMIND, femdot. and Renzell.
This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Tuesday, Aug. 27. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Talia Lopresti. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok.
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 that day. As music has been an integral part of her life, she shared her thoughts on pre-produced sets, how she defines genres and her honest advice to young DJs.
This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Tuesday, August 19. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Talia Lopresti. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok. Dig deeper into the story at wbez.org/vocalo.
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, Jeffery Wright, Dean Winters and Ice Spice.
Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder breaks down the film into eight C’s: crime, conflict, culture, comedy, cameos, concerts, characters and contracts.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
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 John Walt Foundation’s Chicago’s Got Next Stage. He’s also the founder of his own local imprint (Bigger Than the City, or BTTC) and a part of a local music collective (Social Introverts).
Mike sat down with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez to discuss his experience at the festival and some of his upcoming performances.
This interview originally aired on Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM during Nudia in the Afternoons on Tuesday, Aug. 12. It was hosted and produced by Nudia Hernandez. It was edited and mixed by Morgan Ciocca, with production support from Talia Lopresti. Keep up with us @vocalo on Instagram and @vocalo.radio on TikTok.
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 all bodies and identities.
They’re staging a grand finale this month that pays homage to Chicago’s creative community with six unique performances on a custom stage at Thalia Hall. Along with 20 dancers and a nine-piece band, the show will feature special Chicago guests including Shawnee Dez, DJ CQQCHiFRUIT, Roy Kinsey, Chillona, Mariachi Sirenas, DJ Bonita Appleblunt and the Good Girls DJs.
Director Erin Kilmurray stopped by to discuss the shows with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez. Dig deeper into the story at wbez.org/vocalo, and find performance details at theflyhoneyshow.com.
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 suited-up action star. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder says ‘Ballerina’ is “the action film that action fans are looking for.” Be warned: The violence and gore may be gratuitous for some viewers.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on YouTube, Twitter, BlueSky and Instagram @TheReelCritic.
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.
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 horror adventure film has two starkly different halves. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder calls it “a history lesson, a cautionary tale and a nightmare all at once.”
“The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
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!
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 impacted by incarceration.
’Daughters’ is currently available on Netflix, and has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
"The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.
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