WXAV 88.3FM

Pat Leary and Tom Kelleher are long time friends who began performing as a jazz duo roughly ten years ago. Being inspired by classic rock bands, such as The Beatles, hip-hop from MF Doom, both arrived in the genre of jazz. In this '773 Sounds' interview, host Peter Kreten sits down with Pat and Tom to learn how their new album Then/Now was recorded in the Fine Arts building in Chicago's Loop, how both feel that jazz's past needs to be celebrated, while embracing its future, and how unique the Chicago jazz scene is at the moment. Photo Credit: Emily Lindeman. Used with Permission

Reserver is an indie rock band from the Chicagoland area. On August 14, they released their debut album 'Reverser'. In this interview, Peter Kreten sits down with Chad Preston, Adam Penly, and Dan Wendt to learn how tragedy in Chad's life inspired this album, why the band prefers working in a DIY space, and how college radio was an early musical inspiration. Photo Credit: Dan Wendt. Used with Permission.

Jake Racina is a singer songwriter from the Chicagoland who takes his inspirations from The Shins and Wilco. Peter Kreten spoke with Racina to learn more about his new album 'Good Mood Guy', why Racina prefers the creative and recording process over performing live, why his music always needs a slight tough of quirkiness, and how the Old Town School of Folk music has helped him on his musical journey. Photo Credit: Jake Racina. Used with Permission

Strap in folks, there's a hurricane of emotions coming through. Casey and Perla take a different route this episode as they both talk about an anime and a musical they strongly disliked. Lots of strong opinions in this one folks so be warned, if you enjoyed an anime about a bunny girl or a musical about harvesting organs, you might want to skip this one. Tune in to the episode as well for a small announcement at the end!

Michael J. Miles is a musician who performs classical and Americana musician from the Chicagoland area. He's has been playing for over 30 years. In this interview, Miles shares how Bach influenced his playing, what's on his internal jukebox, and why classical and folk music still matter. Photo Credit: Gregory Heisler. Used with Permission

Sludgeworth is a legendary Chicago punk band that formed in 1989 and released their debut album 'What's This?' in 1991. 35 years later they've back with their recently released sophomore album 'Second Time Around'. Peter Kreten sat down with vocalist Dan Schafer, guitarist Adam White, and drummer Brian Vermin. What came next was a philosophical conversation on what it means to be in a band and what does success actually look like, why Metallica is a gateway band into punk rock, and the importance of finding your authentic voice. Along the way, we discuss how 'Second Time Around' came together and Dan, Brian and Adam share that they are already working on album 3. This is a can't miss conversation! Photo Credit: Tom Birch. Used with permission

Allison Russell is a Grammy and Juno award winning Folk and Americana artist from Montreal, and who resided in Chicago for a period of time. Russell set the folk and Americana scene on fire in 2021 with the release of her debut solo album ‘Outside Child’. She released her follow up album ‘The Returner’ in 2023, and is back with her most vulnerable album yet ‘In the Hour of Chaos’, released in 2026. In this conversation, Peter Kreten discusses with Allison her approach to writing ‘In the Hour of Chaos’, the challenges of always being on the road, and the excitement of performing a Halloween show at the Vic theater in Chicago. Photo Credit: Mason Poole. Used with Permission

Julia Minkin is a singer songwriter from the Chicagoland area that crafts introspective lyrics with a touch of French pop music. Peter Kreten spoke with Minkin and learned about her approach to writing her new album 'Not Ready', when you can start listening to Christmas music and how it's a great community builder, and the challenges of being an artist in this digital age. Photo Credit: Alexa Viscius. Used with Permission

With the school bell ringing around the corner, Casey and Perla discuss scholarly topics, such as the hit musical "Heathers" and award winning anime "My Hero Academia" Get ready for back to school with Casey and Perla as they dive into the colorful world of My Hero and "Heathers"

Afrofuturistics is a Chicago collective that "fuses cosmic jazz and instrumental hip-hop." They released their latest album 'The Enigmatic' in Aug. 2026. Peter Kreten sat down with Erik Oldman and Eli Wilson to learn how Sun Ra and Miles Davis inspired their sound, how the band came together the state of the jazz scene in the city of Chicago, and the upcoming album release show on Aug. 29 at Le Piano in Rogers Park. Photo Credit: Katia Jackson. Used with Permission

Snowcuffs is a shoegaze alternative rock band from the Chicagoland area that blends haunting melody with introspective lyrics. Peter Kreten spoke with guitarist Neil Yodnane and vocalist Stephanie Nikolas to learn how the band came together, how classic rock and 90s grunge was their childhood soundtracks and how it now influences their songwriting, and why the local Chicago scene is so special. Photo Credit: Dave Ritter. Used with Permission

Welcome back to episode 4 of No Justice: No One Piece! This episode Danny and Perla discuss the highly anticipated skypiea arc f One Piece. A colonialist feud focusing on the forced removal of an indigenous group from their homeland, this arc is all too prevalent in the world we live in today. Drawing countless connections to the atrocities experienced by many, this episode is a must-watch for any anime fan or political activist!

Manasseh is a Soul-Psychedelic singer. He mixes R&B, Gospel, and words of encouragement into his music to create a sound that's uplifting, and original. Peter Kreten sits down with Manasseh to learn how "the why" motivates his music, how Brandy inspired his music, and how his mother served as his biggest inspiration and motivator. Photo Credit: Rikkie Khrist. Used with Permission

French Inhaler is indie/alternative synth pop band from the Chicagoland area who will grab your ear with their melodic hooks, catchy beats, and thoughtful lyrics. Peter Kreten sits down with bassist Adam O'Leary to learn how French Inhaler came together, how their new album was, 'Practice Lines', was recorded with analog technology, and what it's like scoring a silent movie. Photo Credit: Nikki O'Leary. Used with Permission

The Feeders are a punk rock band with infectious harmonies and fast riffs, who will have you singing in the car immediately. Frontman Sam Vicari sat down with Peter Kreten to discuss the Feeders' latest album Dark Days, how Elvis movies from his Aunt helped inspire him to become a musician, and how writing your best songs happen on a walk to get a cup of coffee. Photo Credit Sam Porter. Used with Permission

What's that sound? Is it The Rumbling? The Battle of Yorktown? Nope, it's just Casey and Perla's newest episode of The College Exchange! This episode we discuss one of the most popular musicals in the world "Hamilton" and the global phenomenon "Attack on Titan" featuring special guest, Daniel Justic! Tune in as we discuss titans and women dressing up as Lin-Manuel Miranda dressed as Hamilton.

Welcome back to No Justice No One Piece! On this episode, Danny Justic and Perla Cobos discuss the Alabasta arc of One Piece, which is the longest arc yet. A politically fueled conflict between a kingdom and a secret organization, this episode is listen for any anime fan or polticial enthusiast.

Episode 2 follows Perla Cobos and Danny Justic as they discuss the Baratie, Arlong Park, and Loguetown story arcs of One Piece. These are the arcs that got them hooked on the series, and they discuss standout moments while drawing countless connections between the politics of the One Piece world and our own. This is a highlight episode and a can't miss for any anime fan!!

Join Casey and Perla in this special episode of The College Exchange as we celebrate Pride month! We talk about the ever famous musical "Rent" and the underdog anime "Yuri!!! on Ice" Lots of laughs and love in this one!

Amira Jazeera is a queer Palestinian-American musician. In 2025 she released her debut album entitled: 'The Amira Diaries'. The creation of the album was a healing process for her. In 2026, she released a brand new single 'Young, Sexy, Carefree'. In this interview, host Peter Kreten learns how Jazeera learned to make music on her Father's computer, how music heals, and why music sounds better on an iPod. Photos Credit: Michael Izquierdo. Used with Permission

'No Justice, No One Piece' is a brand new anime focused podcast hosted by Danny Justic and Perla Cobos. In this debut episode, Danny and Perla covered the first 3 arcs of the anime/ manga (Romance Dawn, Orange Town, and Syrup Village). They discuss the politics of the show, what stood out to them, and what connections we were able to draw to past and present events in our own world. This is a can't miss for any anime fan!!!

Kicked By A Hand is a ska band inspired by punk rock giants Blink-182 and Green Day. Fronted by RJ Ramanauskas, Kicked By A Hand has evolved from a solo project to a multi-person project. RJ sat down with Peter Kreten to share how they came up with the name for their project, how re-listening to cds helped them learn how to play guitar, and their approach to songwriting and finding the right time to use a lyric. Photo Credit: RJ Ramanauskas. Used with Permission

Griefeater is a “blackened alternative-emo” band from Chicago. The Chicago Reader named their debut album ‘Worn‘ as one of the Best Albums of 2025. With guitar heavy riffs and picturesque lyrics, Griefeater paints an image of Chicago that lives in your imagination. Ethan Rader and Lukas Skucas share with host Peter Kreten how the band wrote their critically acclaimed album ‘Worn’, how Zines and other physical media are a great way to experience art, and how a liquor store clerk inspired their song 'Evelyn'. Photo Credit: Eric Tan. Used with Permission

In this time of financial uncertainty, financial literacy is even more important than it ever was. Knowing what a credit score is, how it impacts interest rate on loans, and knowing how much to save can have a massive impact on your everyday life. Peter Kreten sits down with members of the Northwest Community Credit Union. Kreten is joined by NWCCU CEO Jose Garica, student intern Conor Murray, and NWCCU Board member Ron Luce to discuss these matters and why joining a credit union can help.

Maris O'Tierney aka Park Hills Circle is a singer songwriter residing in the Chicagoland area, and along with her twin sister Quinn, is part of duo Maeve & Quinn. Under the Park Hills Circle name, O'Tierney will be releasing her debut solo album 'All of a Sudden' on July 10th, 2026. In her conversation with Peter Kreten, O'Tierney discusses how picturesque landscapes of Alaska and western Ireland influenced her songwriting, her approach to playing the guitar finger style, and how classical composers influence her musical style. Photo Credit: Maren Celest. Used with Permission

Spencer Krug is a member of legendary indie rock bands Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, Moonface, and has a prolific solo career. On May 15, 2026, he will be releasing his latest album 'Same Fangs'. Peter Kreten recently spoke with Spencer to learn about Same Fang's minimalist approach, how songwriting is his therapy, and what it's like to go viral. He also reveals some exciting Wolf Parade news. Photo Credit: Simon Lien. Used with Permission

Jane Hobson is a alternative singer songwriter from Madison Wisconsin, who residue in Chicago. Jane describes her music as almost journal entries to what she is experiencing in life at the current moment. In this interview, Peter Kreten speaks with Jane on the phone to learn how the over structure of musical theater pushed to her to performing her own music, her approach to writing, and how the local scene might be the best in the country right now. Photo Credit: From Jane Hobson. Used with Permission

In the latest episode of The college Exchange, Casey and Perla invite a very special guest onto the podcast, Features Writer of The Xavierite Niki! As a Muppet expert and enthusiast, we talk with Niki about all things in the Muppet-verse.

From their Bandcamp, "ABOLISHVICTORY! is the purveyor of the original sounds of R&Beyond ". Their unique blend of R&B, soul, and folk give Abolishvictory1 a sound like none other. On April 24th, Nicholas and Marcus from Abolishvictory! joined Peter Kreten at the WXAV studios to discuss how the band came together, their approach to songwriting, and how not to be pigeonholed. Photo Credit: ABOLISHVICTORY! Used with Permission.

Reva K is a pop musician from the Chicagoland area, who will be releasing her debut album 'Welcome to 20 Something' on May 29, 2026. In this interview, Peter Kreten sits down with Reva to learn how a trip to a toy store with her Grandmother inspired her to play guitar, how The Beatles influenced her music tastes, and her approach to writing music, and how it's best not to overthink it. Photo Credit: Priscilla Keyes. Used with Permission

Irish Marlowe is a country western musician who incorporates gothic horror themes, along with some B movie love, into her music. In this interview, Peter Kreten sits down with Iris to learn how she transitioned from playing piano to guitar, her approach to songwriting and how it's a balance between being boarder or more personal, and her new album 'Dead by Dawn'. Photo Credit: @mmmmmmuniz on Instagram. Used with Permission

To celebrate this year's Vinlython, Peter Kreten and Laura Blachowicz sat down with Cheekface. In this interview, members Greg Katz, Amanda Tannen, and Mark Edwards share their favorite albums to listen to on vinyl, share the origin of playing 'Noodles' multiple times in a row, preview their new album called 'Podium', and discuss the importance of college radio. You will become a Cheekfreak after listening to this interview Photo Used with Permission

The College Exchange: a podcast where Perla recommends Casey an anime and Casey recommends Perla a musical. Sharing their interests with each other, Perla and Casey discuss various topics in the themed series.

The Transference is an indie pop band from the Chicago area who pairs dark melodies with lyrics that explore community and connectedness. In this interview, Peter Kreten sits down with Laura Hollingsworth from The Transference to learn how the band came together, how they shot their great DIY lyric video for 'Dovetail', and how the Smashing Pumpkins and Fleetwood Mac influenced their latest album 'Floodlights'. Photo Credit: The Transference. Used with Permission

Won't Stay Dead "is a horror-themed punk band from Chicago, blending catchy hooks and harmonies with macabre lyrics." In this interview, Peter Kreten sits down with Violet Staley, Saffron Lair, and Tyler Palermo to learn how the band came together, how their latest album 'Vindication' is their most personal album, and how horror themes influence their songwriting. Photo Credit: Photo by Kennedy Cottrell, edited by Vinny Malave. Used with Permission

Time Thieves is an alternative rock band that has its roots in the DIY punk community. On this week's edition of 773 Sounds, Peter Kreten is joined in studio by Jonathan Pool and Tim Reynolds to discuss their album release showing happening at the Empty Bottle on Feb. 26th, the best way to discover new music, and what bands they'd love to go on tour with. Photo Credit: Stephanie Peterson. Used with Permission

The Arrivals are a legendary punk rock band from Blue Island, Illinois. 773 Sounds host Peter Kreten caught up with Ronnie DiCola (Drums) and Little Dave Merriman (Vocals & Guitar) to discuss their first new album, after a 15 year hiatus, Payload, how the band approaches their songwriting, and reminisce about the glory days of the Fireside Bowl. Photo Credit: John Oakes. Used with Permission

Abstract Mindstate is a legendary hip-hop duo from the south and west side of Chicago. 773 Sounds host Peter Kreten caught up with E.P Da Hellcat and Olskool Ice-Gre from Abstract Mindstate to discuss their latest record 'The Art Project', their approach to working with Young RJ from Slum Village, and how wild crowds in Europe are. Photo Credit: Sam Nunez Photography, @samnunezphotography on Instagram. Used with Permission

The Empty Pockets are an Americana, folk, blues rock band from Chicago. 773 Sounds host Peter Kreten is joined by Adam Balasco [drums], Josh Solomon [guitar, vocals], Erika Brett [keyboards, vocals], and Nate Bellon [bass, vocals] to discuss their latest live album "Live in Buffalo with Elliot Scozzaro, their approach to songwriting, and what's it like recording an album in Studio 2 of Abbey Road. Photo Credit: Sarah Elizabeth Larson Photography. Used with Permission

Almost There But Not Really is "Indie Band on the South Side of Chicago playing sad songs with chime guitars and ambient trials". In this interview Peter Kreten sits down with Jay and Armando from Almost There But Not Really to learn how the band begun, how Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day influenced how Jay performs, and how Armando approaches songwriting. Photo Credit: Almost There But Not Really. Used with Permission

Los Tamales is a jazz band from the south side of Chicago and Chicagoland area. In this interview Peter Kreten sits down with Cesar Vazquez and Sebastian Santos from Los Tamales to learn how they developed their unique sound that incorporates jazz, funk, R&B, and Latin music, how the band formed, and their approach to live performances. Photo Credit: Los Tamalas Jazz Band. Used with Permission

Alyssa Allgood is the 2024 'Best Individual Jazz Musician' in the Chicago Reader Poll. She is a jazz singer, songwriter, and music educator. In this interview, Peter Kreten sits down with Alyssa to learn how to discovered jazz, how she uses her voice as an instrument, and her writing approach for hew new EP entitled: 'Leap'. Photo Credit: Matt Baker. Used with Permission

The Railway Gamblers are a Cosmic Americana Band that hail from the south side of Chicago. In this interview, Peter Kreten sits down with Matt Fricks, Brendan Folliard, and Sean Wilmsen to learn how the Gamblers came together, how friendship influences their music and the band, and how work is progressing on their forthcoming album. Photo Credit: AJ Roccaforte (@ajroccaforte) . Used with Permission

Rich Jones is a veteran of the Chicago hip-hop scene, and community figure. In this phone interview, Peter Kreten sits down with Rich to learn about his new EP 'Swiss Camo', his upcoming show at Schubas on December 17, 2025, and what's the current state of the local Chicago hip-hop scene. Photo Credit: Sergio Mantilla. Used with Permission

Jack Riedy is an independent artist that creates an unique sound that's inspired by TV on the Radio, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and the Clash. In this interview, Peter Kreten sits down with Jack to learn how Prince influenced his musical development, his approach to writing his new album Raw Deal, and why he removed his music from Spotify. Photo Credit: @coolkidzneversleepz on Instagram. Used with Permission

Time Thieves is an alternative rock band that has its roots in the DIY punk community. In this interview, Jonathan Pool from Time Thieves sits down with Peter Kreten to discuss how the band came together, the impact the DIY punk community had on the band members, and their new combo LP 'Come Home & If You Survive' . Photo Credit: Shannon Wolf. Used with Permission

Ella St. John is a singer songwriter and a member of the St. John Family Hour. Over the summer, she released her first EP entitled: 'Space and Time'. In this interview, Laura Blachowicz sits down with Ella to learn more about her music inspirations, her approach to songwriting, and how her family helped teach her music. Photo Credit: Ella St. John Used with Permission

Way To Go Radio is a feel good dance pop alternative rock band from the Chicagoland area. In this interview, Peter Kreten sits down with Tom Hultsch from Way To Go Radio to learn about their new album "Verbal Tuxedo", their musical inspirations, and their upcoming show on November 14 at Pollyanna in St. Charles, IL. Photo Credit: Way To Go Radio. Used with Permission

The Spindles are a pop rock band inspired by the British invasion of The Hollies and The Beatles. Radio Ruta from Alternative Sounds for Your Head welcomed The Spindles to the WXAV studios on 10.29.25 for a very special interview and acoustic performance. This podcast features the full length interview where the Spindles discussed how they formed, their new album 'Wavelength', and play some "retro WXAV" audio. Photo Credit: Ruta Spencer. Used with Permission

Justice Hill is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who weaves R&B, Soul, and Pop into an unique sound that captures the feeling and vibe of the Windy City. In this interview, Peter Kreten sits down with Justice to learn where he gets his inspirations, how he discovered music influenced his musical journey and the importance of open mic nights. Photo Credit: Sarah Elizabeth Larson. Used with Permission