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The Byrds’ Roger McGuinn reflects on early Chicago folk music roots
September 10, 2025
Listen to an interview with the guitarist and vocalist, Roger McGuinn. He is among the most critically acclaimed and influential American musicians. McGuinn was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, and in 2023, he was named one of the “250 Greatest Guitarists” by Rolling Stone Magazine.
Brandee Younger on playing Alice Coltrane’s harp and the historic Indiana harpist Myrtle Hart
September 10, 2025
Listen to an interview with Brandee Younger, a groundbreaking harpist who has redefined the instrument’s place in contemporary music.
The Indiana roots of Durand Jones and the Indications
September 3, 2025
Listen to a conversation with Durand Jones, Aaron Frazer and Blake Rhein of the soul band Durand Jones and The Indications. They joined WFYI’s Kyle Long for an in-depth discussion of their roots in Bloomington, Indiana, and how projects including the IU Soul Revue and Charlie Patton’s War brought the band together.
The Afro-Caribbean sound of Oltanie / Rodney Stepp
August 27, 2025
Listen to an interview with Oltanie, a Haitian-American vocalist based in Indianapolis. Also hear a conversation with the Indianapolis keyboardist and bandleader Rodney Stepp about the recent release of his 1970s funk band Rapture’s new compilation.
4200Kory explores family and growing up on the Eastside on Cobra Son
August 20, 2025
Over the last few years, rapper 4200Kory has emerged as one of the most compelling artistic voices in the Indianapolis hip-hop scene. Listen to an interview with 4200Kory, as he shares the inspiration behind his debut album, “Cobra Son,” and his upcoming performance at Chreece.
Joosi Got Bars discusses Chreece, PLUSH, and growing up in Naptown
August 13, 2025
Rapper Jessica Garrett is better known to Indianapolis music fans as Joosi Got Bars. She was born and raised on the west side of Indianapolis and has been recording and releasing music for over a decade. Joosi will be performing at Chreece on August 23.
Comedian Lucas Waterfill premieres new play at Indy Fringe
August 13, 2025
Comedian Lucas Waterfill is a rising star in the Indianapolis comedy scene, mixing autobiographical storytelling with sharp social commentary. He was born with cerebral palsy, and he uses his experiences navigating the world with a disability as a springboard for his comedy. Listen to an interview with Waterfill and co-writer Blake Mellencamp as they discuss the inspiration behind their new play, “Up All the Nights.”
Wife Patrol explores decline and desolation in Indianapolis on “NOPLACE”
August 6, 2025
The Indianapolis band Wife Patrol has gained national attention for their punk, metal, and pop-influenced sound. WFYI’s Kyle Long recently spoke with the band about their latest album, titled NOPLACE.
Everything, Now! looks back on 20 years of creating psychedelic indie rock in Indiana
August 6, 2025
Everything, Now! emerged from Indiana’s underground rock music scene in the early 2000s and gained notoriety for their chaotic sound and unpredictable live shows. Listen to their interview with Kyle Long after a Small Studio Session at WFYI.
Vocalion Records’ historic 1928 Indianapolis sessions
July 30, 2025
Listen to historic recordings of several early stars of Indianapolis country, blues, jazz, and pop music from 1928, when the Vocalion Record Company visited Indianapolis in search of the city’s best musical talent.
The top 10 most valuable Indiana LPs and singles
July 23, 2025
Listen to the top 10 most valuable Indiana LPs and 45 RPM singles of all time. Also, hear interviews with the musicians and record labels behind the music.
The experimental Naptown hip-hop group 81355 returns with “Bad Dogs”
July 16, 2025
Listen to an interview with the experimental Indiana hip-hop group 81355, featuring Oreo Jones, Sirius Black, and David Moose Adamson. Also hear music from their new album Bad Dogs, which finds the trio expanding into a full band, with Sharlene Birdsong on bass, Dimitri Morris on guitar, and Pat Okerson on drums.
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