Tonight, on The Sound we imbibe some beautiful brew-grass with an exclusive debut of the latest album from The MilBillies, titled Capital B. Hailing from Milwaukee as their name implies, the MilBillies bring their own brand of barn dancin’, barn burnin’, rip roarin rocket fueled party time brew-grass… you heard me right, I said it again, brew-grass. I caught up with Joe Wais from the MilBillies, well we just talked on the phone really, it’s not like I chased him down or that he was running away ...
Dec 12, 2023•1 hr•Ep 64•Transcript available on Metacast Today on the sound we are joined by local artist John Paulson as he talks about his new album The Refuge Project. Starting his music career in Rochester MN John Paulson has made a career for himself teaching music at Saint Mary’s University and teaching Jazz Studies at Winona State University. He has performed with The Cab Calloway Orchestra, Mel Torme, Andy Williams, Bob Hope, The Temptations, Johnny Mathis, and several theater and dance troupes. We have this Local Jazz Legend here in the studi...
Dec 12, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep 63•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound we give you Winona's own, Dante De Grazia with his latest album, Nothing Ever Happens, but I gotta add, a lot happens here. Tonight we bring him into the studio to get a look behind the scenes. So go relax and grab some snacks, as we present Dante De Grazia, tonight on The Sound. Original Airdate: 11/29/23 The Sound is written and produced by KQAL 89.5FM on the campus of Winona State University. The Sound is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Herit...
Nov 30, 2023•47 min•Ep 62•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight, on The Sound we dig into the latest album by Pert Near Sandstone, titled Waiting Days. Hailing from the Minneapolis/St Paul area, Pert Near, as the band is affectionately known, have long been an important part of the Minnesota americana/roots rock scene. With a career spanning pert near 20 years (hehe), these guys show no signs of slowing down any time soon. Annnd, their latest album, Waiting Days is proof that they are just as relevant today as they were pert near 20 years ago… yea I ...
Nov 23, 2023•57 min•Ep 61•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound we bring you Winona’s own, Texas Toast with their latest EP titled, Big River Killer. Annnd, I gotta tell ya… it’s pretty killer. Tonight, Texas Toast singer/songwriter Jason Ziebell and bassist Scott Lochner join us to talk toast and more. So climb aboard, batten down the hatches and get toasty as we roll on down the river with Texas Toast’s Big River Killer, tonight on The Sound. Original air date: 11/15/23. The Sound is written and produced by KQAL 89.5FM on the campus of...
Nov 23, 2023•1 hr•Ep 60•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound we are joined by Winona based artist, Mike Munson as he presents his new album "Underwood". Named for the Underwood Recording Studio in Minneapolis, this features a variety of songs both traditional and brand new from Mike Munson himself. Regardless of origin, every song on this album carries with influence from Mikes own style of music production. Listen to the simple melancholy melodies of the songs from Underwood as we get under the process of its creation with Mike Munso...
Nov 23, 2023•56 min•Ep 59•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound we bring you Minneapolis’ latest alt country artist Molly Brandt with her full length debut album, Surrender to the Night. Released July 21, 2023, Surrender to the Night is a collection of tunes that sound like they could be a greatest hits from a seasoned songwriter… except this is Molly’s first album. And as I found out, these are also her first attempts at writing songs. Well she definitely hit the mark here! Surrender to the Night will take you on a journey through a who...
Nov 23, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep 58•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight, on the sound we sit down with FroviQ also known as Zack Frovick from Apple Valley Minnesota. FroviQ is a rapper who creates his own music straight from his closet. FroviQ has been creating his own music since 2019 and recently came out with his first album in 2022 titled Between the Lines. Today FroviQ gives us the inside scoop behind his album and how he creates his own music. I'm Hannah and you’re listening to The Sound. Original air date: 07/19/23. The Sound is written and produced b...
Jul 21, 2023•31 min•Ep 57•Transcript available on Metacast Hello Winona and beyond! Tonight we have a special treat for ya in the form of a band known as Prank Williams. You may have seen Chris and Tony perform in the area over the years as Broken Spoke, well now they’re back with Prank Williams. It’s the same 2 guys you love seein’ just with a different name and some new tunes! So tonight we’re gonna check out their new EP together, titled The Gospel According To Prank Williams: Palindrome. So grab yer favorite beverage or snack, put yer feet up and re...
Jul 21, 2023•55 min•Ep 56•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on the Sound we introduce ourselves to an upcoming WInona artist, LAN3S. LAN3S is an artist who keeps her music open and jumps between genres and has released 7 singles in the span of a few years. So sit back and relax as we familiarize ourselves with LAN3S, tonight on the Sound. Original Airdate: 05/31/2023
Jun 06, 2023•58 min•Ep 55•Transcript available on Metacast People of earth, citizens of the kqal listening area… prepare for a transmission from Minneapolis recording artist, Future Babel. According to the biographic text found on the bands website communication, FUTURE BABEL is an emerging global civilization founded on the principles of free thought and expression—rejecting the cultural operating systems of the past. If the medium is the message, the message is clear: The illusion is real. Other sources, such as The Joy of Violent Movement say this: a...
May 22, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep 54•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound we bring you local metal gods Descent of Man to talk Metalfest III! Metalfest III is back at No Name Bar again this weekend and it’s bigger, better, and heavier than ever! Tonight we’ll get to talk to the guys in Descent of Man about their new tunes and Metalfest III. The guys in Descent of Man have three new tunes to bestor upon us And, we’ll get to hear bone crushing riffs from ALL the bands playing Metalfest III this weekend. I’m gonna go get my jean jacket and Slayer shi...
May 22, 2023•57 min•Ep 53•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on the sound, we get a backstage look into local country artist, Nicky Nieling. Nicky, while based in Rochester Minnesota, has released his newest album "Go Time" in Febuary 2023 over a year after his previous album, "Crunch". With seven different songs on his latest release as a one man act, saddle up and get ready, because up next is "Holding On" by Nicky Nieling, tonight on The Sound. Original air date: 03/29/23 The Sound is written and produced by KQAL 89.5FM on the campus of Winona ...
Mar 30, 2023•41 min•Ep 52•Transcript available on Metacast Today on The Sound we are joined by Rochester based artist, Fires Of Denmark as he presents his new album: "Fires of Denmark Presents Volume 1". Fires of Denmark is a genre-bending dream-synth performer who uses live looping of vintage synthesizers to create a unique electrifying experience. With influences coming from The Cure, Tame Impala, Mac DeMarco, Tears For Fears and Pink Floyd to name a few, one can clearly hear both a familiar beat with a new unique flavor. Listen and take the auditory ...
Jan 19, 2023•39 min•Ep 51•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound we bring you the self-titled debut album from Winona artist Blunt Blade. Blunt Blade draws on indie, hard rock, electronic and classical music; fusing these influences to craft his own unique and original sound. Their bio at bluntblademusic.com also includes a twist of dance and a sprinkle of disco… well I say sprinkle on a disco shirt and twist up some dance moves, I’m Bill Stoneberg with Winona’s own Blunt Blade, tonight on The Sound. Original air date: 09/14/22....
Jan 14, 2023•58 min•Ep 50•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound we bring you Sugar, the debut album from Minneapolis’ FenixDion. FenixDion is the latest from Keston Wright and drummer Sam Bramble who are joined live by Atom Lee and Mitchell Johnson on guitar, Gavin Taylor on bass and percussionist Nii Mensah. KQAL’s Tobias Waters got to speak with the guys from FenixDion about their album Sugar, which brings a fresh perspective to the genre of guitar driven rock music while honoring a wide range of influences. Personally, I first heard F...
Jan 11, 2023•54 min•Ep 49•Transcript available on Metacast Today on The Sound we check out some of the latest releases from Cole Diamond. Cole Diamond is a country outfit out of Minneapolis, MN. The band started with a 2019 release titled Late Nights/Early Mornings and has been cranking out cool country sounds ever since. Their music comes from somewhere between Waylon Jennings and Alan Jackson, or maybe it’s from somewhere between the 70s and 90s, or maybe it just plum sprung outta the Minnesota dirt where these boys are from. At any rate, today we get...
Jan 11, 2023•1 hr•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound, we dive deep into the dream pop sounds of Sleeping Jesus with their latest album Leave the Party Early . Based out of Winona, Nick takes on his new album with pop-electronica styles. This debut album features tracks with new styles and sounds, so whether you’re on the dancefloor or working your 9-5, Leave the Party Early will fit all occasions. I’m Max Ackman, and up next is Nick Elstad from Sleeping Jesus, tonight on The Sound. Original air date: 07/27/22....
Jan 11, 2023•41 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound, we dive deep into the swing classic rock style of Jason Edward with his latest EP Taking Chances. Originally from Rushford, Jason takes on his new EP with americana and rock styles. This EP features songs that flow like a fun-filled float down the Mississippi River. Whether you’re driving down the summer highway with the windows down, or dancing the night away on the dancefloor, Taking Chances will fit any occasion. I’m Maxwell Ackman, and here’s KQAL’s Bill Stoneberg with ...
Jan 11, 2023•52 min•Ep 46•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound, we dive into the alternative pop sounds of The Astronomers. This duo band, based out of Oshkosh WI, released their newest album “Guess it’s Just Life” in April 2021 after their previous album “Sinking Ships and Story Tales”. Their track “Bad Type” focuses on a toxic relationship filled with lies. Alternatively, their track “All in” speaks about how they would go All In for their partners. So get ready to move and groove with a new style of pop music, my name is Maxwell Ackm...
Jun 07, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound, we dive into Honkytonks & Hangovers released in 2020. The Federales, based out of Minneapolis are an Americana band with it's roots firmly planted in old school country. Tonight we'll figure out how 18 wheelers, Brad Paisley and The Ryman Auditorium all tie together with The Federales. So get your ears on and buckle up for a wild ride through Honkytonks and Hangovers. I'm Max Ackman and here's KQAL's Bill Stoneberg with The Federales, tonight on The Sound. Original Air ...
May 27, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast Today on The Sound we check out the latest album from Gregg Hall titled Echoes From The Treetops. Gregg, a staple in the regional music scene has played in numerous bands over the years from The Smokin’ Bandits, The White Iron Band and his own band Gregg Hall and the Wrecking Ball just to name a few. Echoes From The Treetops was recorded at the legendary Pachyderm Studios in Cannon Falls and was produced by Chad Staehly who plays keys in Great American Taxi and High Hawks and has worked with the...
May 27, 2022•49 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound we turn it up with Twin Cities Breakdown, the latest album from Minneapolis punk rock duo New Rocket Union. New Rocket Union is John Ensley banging out guitar riffs and singing with Bruce Gustafson banging out the beat and backing vocals. The band describes themselves as garage punk and their straight ahead no frills style on this album grabs ahold of you and doesn’t let go until the end. So, crank it up, I’m Bill Stoneberg, get ready for some high energy rock without the hi...
May 27, 2022•42 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight [SWJ1] on The Sound [SWJ2] we get down to the smooth pop sounds of Early Eyes [SWJ3] . Early Eyes is a five piece indie pop group from Minneapolis. Their latest album titled, Look Alive! Was released in Feb 2022 [SWJ4] on Epitaph Records. [SWJ5] The album was written during the pandemic and social justice uprisings in Minneapolis and takes you on a journey through a myriad of emotions and relatable themes. [SWJ6] So put your headphones on and relax, I’m Bill Stoneberg, get ready for a de...
May 27, 2022•59 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound we bring you the debut album, Auditory Pleasure Pods To Satisfy Your Lust For Nihilism from Swashbuckler. The Winona band is comprised of four members who would describe this album as a reflection of their own personal growth. They want listeners to experience a dimension like never before and immerse themselves in an auditory exploration of pleasure. I'm Brylee Harris, stick around to hear more about Swashbuckler's debut album tonight on The Sound. Original air date: 04/27/...
May 27, 2022•58 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound we bring you the latest album from Becky Kapell titled, In It To Win It. Becky is a country and americana musician out of St. Paul, MN whose path to the Minnesota music scene has been a unique and interesting journey. In fact, the Minneapolis Star Tribune called Becky a “late-bloomer country crooner” because of her unique path and what some might call her late arrival, but we’re glad she’s here now. In It To Win It is Becky’s 3rd album since the release of her debut titled “...
May 27, 2022•54 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast A conversation with Rochester based band Amateur about their latest album, titled Every Little Thing. Rochester, MN based Alternative/Indie Rock band. Amateur is: Chris Tauzell (Vocals/Guitar) Brody Heinzel (Guitar) Alex Ortberg (Bass) Justin Tauzell (Drums/Vocals) Jonathan Tauzell (Keys) Original Air Date: 05/04/22. The Sound is produced by KQAL FM, on the campus of Winona State University. The Sound is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund....
May 27, 2022•38 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound we bring you the second full length album from Luke Hendrickson titled, A Place To Call Our Own. Luke is a country musician out of Rochester, MN whose unique take on classic country sounds evolves more with each release. A Place To Call Our Own is something of a concept album in that all the songs combine to paint a picture and tell a story, and just like his previous releases, Luke isn’t afraid to tackle intensely personal subjects on this album while keeping things relatab...
Mar 29, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound we bring you Oof and their self-titled debut, out now on Winona’s own Ouids Records. Oof is Tyler Steinley, founder of Ouids Records and drummer extraordinaire for Sleeping Jesus, Afflatus and Swashbuckler. A staple and a force in the Winona music scene, Tyler’s or Oof’s story is a familiar one as of late. When Covid 19 quarantines hit other music projects slowed down and Oof was born. Oof is made up of six tracks that take you on a delightful romp through some cool grooves,...
Mar 29, 2022•56 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast Tonight on The Sound we bring you the debut album EXTEND, from Aura Vortex recording artists Robot Slide. This Minneapolis based band is comprised of three brothers, Matt, Jake, and Todd along with their good friend Liam. Aura Vortex describes their artists as “sort-of-pop” and I think it’s safe to say that Robot Slide most definitely sort-of fits into that category. This guitarless quartet uses vintage keyboards, synths, and samplers to weave in and around lo-fi hip-hop and 8-bit video game mus...
Mar 29, 2022•55 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast 
