Mie is a singer-songwriter based in Milwaukee whose style encompasses pop, alt and folk. Her debut EP “Alchemie” came out in 2021. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? MIE: I attended the MKE Tech Music Conference in October and had met up with Allison afterwards. Through that interaction and having been … More Spotlight of the Week: Mie
Steven Smith is a singer-songwriter from Milwaukee. His current primary project is duo act Smith & Binder with fellow Wisconsin Music Ventures member Linda Binder. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? STEVEN: I can’t remember where I saw it…it might have been Facebook…and it seemed unusual but also interesting the way … More Spotlight of the Week: Steven Smith
Dusty Pockets is the solo project of Jeffrey Salczenko. Originally a jazz artist, he has been breaking into the Milwaukee music scene as a singer-songwriter the last few years. ME: How did you get involved in Wisconsin Music Ventures? JEFF: I have a mentor that had suggested it who was a friend of Allison’s. He … More Spotlight of the Week: Dusty Pockets
Isiah Driessen is a singer-songwriter who characterizes his music as “Western psychedelic folk.” Based in Little Chute, he founded a co-op known as The Cedars Project that connects community members with artists and business owners. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? ISIAH: I met Allison at The Heist and we just … More Spotlight of the Week: Isiah Driessen
Esquires II were formed to keep the sound of the original Esquires alive, who formed in Milwaukee in 1957 and were active until 1976. They perform as a six-piece band while led by Johnny Moorer, Tammie Moorer Pace and Rudy Jacobs. We spoke to Johnny this week. ME: How did Esquires II get involved with … More Spotlight of the Week: Esquires II
David HB Drake is an artist who’s been called a “gentle troubadour” and an “elemental folk singer.” His music is inspired by Midwest journeys and culture, and he’s been performing for over fifty years. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? DAVID: I have a very good friend, Dean Calin, who is … More Spotlight of the Week: David HB Drake
Jaqui JaFelle is a singer-songwriter who’s picked music back up after quite some time away from it. She’s now done three Tiny Desk Contests, one of which raising money for California-based organization Al Otro Lado. ME: How did you get started with Wisconsin Music Ventures? JAQUI: It’s kind of a long story so I hope … More Spotlight of the Week: Jaqui JaFelle
Steven J. White is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who has done scoring and sound design, working with both electronic and acoustic instruments. His solo album “Breath” is available on Bandcamp; he currently plays with acts Sindoolaa and Yves Francois as well. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? STEVEN: I tripped over … More Spotlight of the Week: Steven White
I am sure that many of us, when growing up with music and considering music as a career, have considered whether or not to go to school for music and what to study. We wonder if it’s worth the time, effort, and money. Is the music industry already oversaturated with talented musicians with the same … More Continuing Music Education: University or No?
Canary Reeds are a Milwaukee-based woodwind quintet who play both contemporary and standard chamber music. We spoke to their clarinetist, Lauren LaFond. ME: How did you get involved with Wisconsin Music Ventures? LAUREN: So, it actually started when I was in a reed quintet in my undergraduate, and our coach – who happens to be … More Spotlight of the Week: Canary Reeds
