Shuffle

Blues band Apostle Jones is known for energetic live shows across Northeast Ohio. But capturing that energy in a studio can be a challenge. On this week’s Shuffle, bandleader Mikey Silas talks about the long road to their first album.

Some ideas get set aside, waiting for the right moment. For Cleveland musician Adam Reifsnyder and folk singer Gretchen Pleuss, that moment started with a short song sketch shared online. They share the story behind their collaboration and their EP, The Rest of You, out May 1.

After decades of writing and performing folk songs across the region, Ashley Brooke Toussant found a new source of inspiration: Kids. On this week’s Shuffle, Toussant talks about how elementary students contribute to her songwriting.

Brett Auerbach of Akron's soulful Americana three-piece band, Rye Valley, joins Shuffle to talk about his journey and what led him to create a space for other songwriters to be heard in Northeast Ohio.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the music industry, with computer-generated songs topping charts and racking up millions of streams. In Northeast Ohio, independent artists and creators are both embracing and wary of the technology. On this week’s Shuffle, multiple voices in the music scene weigh in.

Frida Mann's dream of being a musician was at odds with her Orthodox Jewish upbringing. When she could no longer fight the urge to sing, she stepped away from her traditions and found her voice leading the Cleveland band, Frida and The Mann.

A Cleveland Heights musician is shaping his sound from the music that’s moved him. On this week’s Shuffle, Nate Eberhardt discusses his Afrofuturist post-punk band, Nature Nvoke, and its sound.

Look back at the music released by independent artists in the region as Shuffle hosts Amanda Rabinowitz and Brittany Nader select their favorite songs and albums of the year.

Guy Snowdon has carved out a place in the local music scene since moving to Cleveland Heights from England. But a recent streaming setback has created new hurdles for the independent musician. On this week’s Shuffle, Snowden talks about his musical journey.

Bethany Svoboda has spent years searching for her musical identity. A lot of practice made her finally learn to embrace the process and the uncertainty that comes with it. On this week’s Shuffle, she talks about her new album as Bethany Joy.

Two members of the seven-piece Hello! 3D talk about their unique sound and play songs during an in-studio Applause Performances set.

Cleveland music producer Nate Saggio has helped local musicians craft viral hit songs while exploring his own creative path. On this week’s Shuffle, Saggio talks about his passion for supporting independent musicians and his own music.

Mourning [A] BLKstar has spent the last decade creating music that blends soul, hip-hop, jazz and punk with a powerful message of justice. This week we hear from two members of the group about how their bond continues to drive the music forward.

Brent Kirby has long been a fixture in Northeast Ohio’s music scene, from fronting bands to mentoring fellow musicians. Now, he’s turning inward with a solo album. On this week’s Shuffle, Kirby talks about songs that emerged from loss and life’s transitions.

Cleveland Heights singer-songwriter Jessica Shetler has found healing through music. On this week’s Shuffle, the artist, who performs as JSSZCA, talks about overcoming fear, channeling grief, and building connection through sound. She performs a live set recorded at the Idea Center for Applause Performances.

After years of playing upright bass in other people’s bands, Kevin Martinez decided it was time to write his own music. He now leads Reclamation Band, which has evolved into a jazz sextet with melodies inspired by his years performing in folk, rock and blues bands throughout Northeast Ohio. The group performs Aug. 30 at Cleveland's Hingetown Jazz Festival.

Cleveland band C-Level has spent nearly 15 years shaping a sound that's uniquely theirs—blending reggae, blues, punk, and funk. Bandmates Dave Deitke and Coda Crose joined drummer Jay Sparrow for an in-studio performance at the Idea Center and talked about their start at an open mic night and their upcoming concept album.

Tori Kurtz, who records under the name Willingness, has always approached music with vulnerability. But on her latest album, “Sunflower,” that vulnerability becomes a lifeline — a way to process a relationship in real time, from first spark to heartbreak to healing.

Ben Marthey spends his days assisting with open-heart surgeries as a cardiac nurse. Outside the hospital, he’s Van Arlo, a Medina-based singer-songwriter using music to process the emotional toll of his work. On this week’s Shuffle, Marthey talks about how music became his outlet — and his lifeline.

You might not know the name DJ $krilla — but you’ve definitely heard his music. From Super Bowl ads to video game soundtracks, Chris Harris has quietly built a music licensing empire from Cleveland. On this week’s Shuffle, he talks about the unexpected turn that launched his career in TV and film and the personal inspiration behind his new album The Impact.