WCRX is the student-run radio station of Columbia College Chicago. The station is dedicated to embodying professional, ethical, and legal standards while promoting a learning and leadership experience for students. WCRX provides broadcasting services to the Columbia College campus and surrounding communities in Cook County.
All tagged Music
It’s time for our favorite topic once again; music! Speaking with Shawn and Jordan, Quinn shares experiences from his time as a throwback DJ on WCRX, Cameron talks with Nikhil, Daniel, and Ivan about how faith motivates him as a hip hop artist, and Chicago-based artist Benny Jones calls in the discuss adopting music at a young age and holding onto that passion.
In this episode, we’re focusing on musicians and their craft! Nikhil speaks with Ken (Kennedy Parsons) about her rise as a Chicago hip hop artist. Shawn, Daniel, and Sabrina speak with members of alternative indie-rock band Neptune’s Core. And finally, Stephanie and Taylor cover everything from favorite shows to navigating social media with Grand Rapids underground band Fabes!
Today’s guest, Stephen Ryan, talks about balancing time between performing with four different bands and three ensembles. And, he explains why performing alongside other musicians is the most fulfilling aspect of the live experience.
In our next segment, we sit down with members of Chicago indie-rock band, Aisle Five. Malcolm Felicia (guitar) and Izzie Rutledge (vocals) talk about the band’s inception, collaborative writing style, energetic live shows, and the process of naming their debut release, Emergency Mood Ring.
From Chicago hip hop / jazz fusion band, Grassman, Aliana Chambliss (vocals) and Devin Collins (vocals) sit down to talk about how their band came together, performing their first ever live show at The Metro, and the unconventional naming of Grassman.
On this episode, Josh Trimarco, a music composer, talks about the difficulties of pursuing a career in music, the differences between composing, orchestrating, and conducting, and accepting support from peers.
Mark Sunshine, singer of the band, Riot God, joins us to talk about some of his formative experiences in music, like teaching himself to sing. Mark goes into detail on finding inspiration for lyrics in history, sci-fi films, and strange personal incidence.
Our last interview for this episode features independent musician June Henry. June talks about his spontaneous writing process, the influence of ADHD on his music, playing the cello, and creating despite struggling with chronic pain.
Today’s episode features Marco Ortiz, a photographer, videographer, and storyteller. Marco shares the steps he has taken to improve his skills, describes the role of a colorist in photo and video production, and talks about working as a freelance photographer.
Next, we talk to Greg Kot, music critic, biographical writer, and co-host of Sound Opinions. Greg talks about the self-published fan zine that opened the door for professional music criticism, his early career experience of seeing David Bowie perform with Iggy Pop, and his ongoing enthusiasm for music.
Our last guest for today is Jada Bucy, a junior education major at Ohio State University. She shares her own experiences as a high school student that led her towards a career in secondary education. Jada also talks about her personal pedagogy and goals as a future teacher.
For our interviews today, we hear Dylan Catherine speak with Columbia College acting major Bernie Wesley. Wesley shares some of his recent works including Playwrights Aloud and Hooded or Being Black for Dummies. We also hear about his hobby outside of school: rock climbing!
Next, Shani Rosen talks with Stewart Arp, music artist and lead singer of Zorila. Arp shares his start with joining choir to impress a girl and how his band came to be. He also explains some personal stories that inspire his music and his favorite songs the band created. Listen to Zorila here and Stewart Arp’s music here!
Lastly, Zach Kolbus and Dylan Field meet Luke Fletcher to discuss his decision to come to Columbia College and how he fell in love with photography. Fletcher also shares where his passion for DJ-ing came from dropping a pottery class.
Today’s episode features Will French and Henry Klapper meeting with stand-up and sketch comedian Tommy Koch. We hear more in detail about his experience in the Comedy Studies Semester at Second City and how his group practices patience, collaboration, and compromise. Follow him @tommy.koch and his sketch team @bootcupsketch on Instagram!
Then, Mia Hillyer talks with graphic design major and Chicago local Kate Lawler and fashion studies major Alexis Sharpf. They share their reasoning and experience with taking a gap year before attending college and the personal feelings and conflicts when leaving their hometowns.
Lastly, Rhine Schaub and Alejandro Bolanos interview upcoming rapper T Star Verse. She shares her rap journey since the age of twelve and the excitement she has as a Manifest performer. Verse also explores her differences from other creatives and her message as an artist. Follow her on social media @Tstarverse and listen to her music here!
First, Alejandro Bolanos and Rhine Schaub interview actor and teacher Will Schaub. Schaub was featured in 17 Again, The Setting Sun, and King of the Hill and today we hear his acting journey. We also hear some personal stories from behind the scenes and celebrity co-workers as well as how his acting career influenced his teaching job.
Second, we hear Leilani Fernandez and Shani Rosen talking to Cory aka SznVibes, founder of magazine, news outlet, management company, and recording studio Defy the Odds. We hear about his journey from starting as a singer to becoming a creative leader and what challenges he’s had to face in the industry. Follow his social medias @sznvibes and check out his music here!
Third, Renni Kieschnick, Koda Calma, and Dylan Case speak with Kristi Kieschnick. She is the Student Progression Coordinator at the Net Charter High School in New Orleans, and she explains what her title entails and stories from her job. She also explains how she’s helped a multitude of students get on the right track for graduation.
In this episode, Zach Kolbus joins DJ Nathan Brown to discuss his DJ-ing journey and how video games influenced his music since he was eight. Brown also shares the music differences between the East and West coast. They also discuss the controversial sync button...
Next, Tacco Mills and Zayd Hussein interview upcoming music producer Ian Bradford. They talk about his intro to beat making with drumming and percussion and his favorite things about Chicago and Columbia College. Bradford also shares the importance of versatility with music producing and how his instrument knowledge of drums, guitar, piano, and bass come in handy. Follow his Instagram @ian_bradford_.
Last, Koda Calma, Renni Kieschnick, and Dylan Case interview controversial Marvel super critic Niko Kosanovich. They share their criticisms of the Marvel Cinematic Universe including cheap labor and Marvel’s relationship with the U.S. Military. Kosanovich also explains their confusion with the huge fanbase the franchise has.
Will French and Henry Klapper speak with music artist, producer, and composer Osa North about self-concepts and his inspiration for his work. North also shares his music styles of Afrobeats, R&B, and Freestyle and his journey into music. Check out his music and merch here!
Next, Tacco Mills meets Demi A’dore, a rising rap star and young entrepreneur. She shares her rap journey and inspiration from her grandmother. She also explores the differences between the Detroit and Houston music scene since she’s moved down south and how she stands out as a female rapper. Follow her on instagram @demiadoreee and listen to her music here!
Last, Dylan Case interviews Chicago freelance photographer Sage aka fourpercentvision. He explains his new photo projects including a yearlong collaborative studio shoot and magazine work. We also learn the story behind his photography name and how he ended up with 4% vision. Follow his Instagram @fourpercentvision!
Today’s episode features Alejandro Bolanos and Rhine Scaub interviewing Jacqueline Padilla, a creative writing major at Columbia College. Padilla shares her experience with the Obama Youth Group Job Corps as the Programming Associate. She explains what the organization does for students and how she got involved.
Then, Zayd Hussein talks with professional fighter Motaz Askar. He shares the struggles he faced while beginning fighting and how Factory X supported his journey to become an MMA fighter. Askar also explains how money played a factor in pursuing fighting and what pushed him to continue following his passion.
Last, Dylan Catherine meets with local hip hop artist Josiah Davis aka Crysocollo Sifi. He explains how he grew to love hip hop and how music is a huge part of his life. Davis also shares how hip hop is so different than other genres and walks us through the meaning of his new EP “CRACKHEAD COUTURE”. Listen here!
Today’s episode features Leilani Fernandez and Shani Rosen interviewing Cristina Vera, an award-winning communication strategist and CEO of her very own creative agency Vera Creative. She is also the founder of La Collective and The V Work Experience. Vera shares how she began her agency and how partnering with brands works. She also discusses how she makes her company different than others.
Second, Will French and Henry Klapper interview music producer S. Rock about the concept behind his projects and his journey as an artist. He shares what got him into music production and the use of samples in his songs. Listen to his EP Gamma Rays here!
Third, Estin Novak and Rhine Schaub interview Hans Wolf about the art of iron pouring. He shares why overall art is important to society and how the creative experience drives his passion. Wolf also explains the process and history of iron pouring and the importance of trust and collaboration during a pour.
Leilani Fernandez and Shani Rosen interview musician Chris Sanchez “Chofis” about what his inspiration was to start playing the drums, the influence music mentors have on his journey, and his experience as a freelance drummer in Chicago. We also hear his process of creating and producing music and people in the industry that inspire his music. Check out Chofis on Instagram @imchrissanchez to keep up with his music.
Next, Tacco Mills and Zayd Hussein interview aspiring artist Ruby about her start with illustration and how her community in Austin, Texas as well as in Chicago supported her and how being surrounded with passion keeps her flame lit. She also shares her athletic side with sharing stories from her derby experience. We hear the importance of community no matter the sport, artistic endeavor, or work passion especially after the pandemic.
Last, Alejandro Bolanos, Estin Novak, and Rhine Schaub interview Maureen Muldoon about running shows, publishing children’s books and the process behind her one person show “Transparent Love”. Maureen shares how the theater allowed her to explore the process of when her son came out as transgender. They also discuss the challenges behind producing a one-person show versus a show with a larger cast, and the differences between writing, acting, and directing.
Today’s episode first features Dylan Catherine interviews Nora Guerrero about her family’s experience as first-generation immigrants and how feminism supported Nora and her mother’s lives. She shares the tedious process of becoming a U.S. citizen and how balancing family, work, and tests takes a toll. We also hear the inspiring driving force that encouraged her family to take the leap and move to the United States.
Second, Will French and Henry Klapper interview comedian and writer Lucy McReynolds about “nearly” doing it all. She shares her experience hosting a weekly stand-up show and performing in the sketch team “Boot Cup”. They also discuss the differences between playwriting and sketch writing and how she adjusts her performances depending on an audience. We also hear some personal anecdotes that are for sure influencing her comedic stories. Check out her sketch team on Instagram @bootcupsketch
Third, Mia Hillyer and Zach Kolbus interview music major Ayu Eini about how covid was handled in her hometown Miami versus her new home in Chicago. They also discuss the city’s’ differences in music taste, Miami festivals versus Chicago festivals, and Ayu’s experience starting her DJing journey.
In this episode, Koda Calma, Dylan Case, and Renni Kieschnick interview comedy major Shelby Steele where they discuss the freedom of improv, the delight of collaboration, and using satirical comedy to make a statement. Shelby also shares advice to those wanting to dip their toes in the improv scene, how she uses comedy in her other artforms, and why comedy needs to open up to more points of view.
Next, Mia Hillyer and Zach Kolbus interview comedy major Evan about the decision to pursue collegiate comedy and how he got his start as a performer. They also discuss comedy on social media and how that shapes his comedic persona as well as what inspires his jokes.
Last, Henry Klapper interviews rapper Jimmy Gordan about the creation of his EP “I Miss Owside” and how covid affected his creative process. He shares how emotions fueled the album and the initial creation of OutPastMidnight. Check out their EP “I Miss Owside” here!
In our first episode, hosts Alejandro Bolanos and Rhine Schaub welcome guest Grace to dive into the world of Dungeons and Dragons. Grace shares the beginnings of their gaming experience, how to keep a campaign engaging as a DM, and why D&D is less nerdy than you think.
Next, Tacco Mills interviews New York musician Henry Klapper about work-life balance and how to avoid burnout as an artist. They also share the difficulties with traveling for shows and class and how to create a solid setlist without bias.
Lastly, Leilani Fernandez and Shani Rosen talk with fashion merchandizing major Audrey Marley. Audrey share’s information behind her major and her interest in how fashion affects individuals’ self-esteem. They also talk the best and worst of modern fashion trends, iconic inspirational designers, and overcoming creativity block.
