Episode 123: KELS

Jason Singer, who makes music as Michigander, joined WFUV host Sam Sumpter to talk about his 2026 album, Over Before You Know It, how the project was born from a desire to live in the moment of the making of an album, why nothing can trump the experience of playing live in front of a room full of people and how music can be a balm when life throws a punch. Songs: Misery, Freaking Out and Over Before You Know It

Harlee Case and Josh Smith who make music as New Constellations sat down with WFUV host Sam Sumpter to talk about their 2026 album, It Comes in Waves, how far they’ve come as a duo since they started making music together as teenagers, their continued exploration of their sonic identity and how important it is to soak up this early part of their success as they come to the realization that their dreams are coming true. Songs: Hot Blooded, I Disappear and Dandelion

Singer, songwriter and musician Annabelle Dinda sat down with WFUV’s Director of Audio, Meghan Suma, at The Bitter End in New York City to talk about her 2026 album, Some Things Never Leave, how her passion for poetry influences her songwriting, her surprising and unexpected love of touring, and the importance of making every word in every song matter. Songs: Satellites, Learn Something, Baby! and The Hand Get tickets to WFUV’s upcoming event: An Evening With Devon Gilfillian and SNACKTIME with special guest Danielle Ponder. Tickets for the concert on 11/11 at Sony Hall in NYC are on sale now at wfuv.org and eventbrite.com. Proceeds benefit WFUV!

Liam Duncan – who makes music as Boy Golden – joined WFUV host Benham Jones in The Bronx to talk about his latest album, Best of Our Possible Lives, how stepping away from producing this project freed him up to focus on the musicianship, what it was like to work with high caliber session musicians on this record, and why the Winnipeg music scene is so special. Songs: New Orleans, Like a Child and Best of Our Possible Lives

Singer, songwriter and musician Jilian Medford who makes music as IAN SWEET joined WFUV host Sam Sumpter in Studio-A to talk about her latest album, Shiverstruck, how her time living in New York City influenced this project, how this record became a “love letter to bad decisions” and how putting yourself out there authentically can help improve an artist’s confidence. Songs: Criminal Kissing, Jilian and Silver Screen *VOTE FOR OUR SHOW* FUV Live Sessions is a 2026 Signal Awards Finalist! That means we’re also eligible for a Listener’s Choice Award. If you like what we do, head to vote.signalaward.com, search for FUV Live Sessions, and vote for our show!

WFUV host Sam Sumpter met up with Nick Carpenter – who makes music as Medium Build – at Chelsea Studios to talk about his latest album, King of Having Fun, the parallels between organized religion and the music industry, how difficult it can be to get what you want, and why it’s so important for us all to try and tap into childlike play without fear of judgment. Songs: Last Time, In My Gut and King of Having Fun

Atlanta-based singer and songwriter, KELS, joined WFUV host Kara Manning in Studio-A to talk about her latest EP, Dirty Blues Princess, the perseverance it requires to play the long game in the music industry, how virality can jumpstart a career in-process, and how important it is for specific songs to find their niche audiences to build up a grassroots fan base. Songs: Gone, Call Me and 6ft Under

Helado Negro and Reyna Tropical joined WFUV host Sam Sumpter in the Bronx to talk about their self-titled collaboration album, Helado Tropical, how a blind artist date turned into a beautiful friendship, how their different artistic styles complement each other, and their hope that this album inspires listeners to live in the present moment with one another. Songs: Tocando, Sensación and Soledad

Chilean singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rubio joined Executive Producer Meghan Suma in Studio-A to talk about Rubio’s latest album, Espero podamos ver un ovni juntxs, how she developed this solo project after playing the drums as a session musician and in other bands, her love of all things otherworldly and non-human like extraterrestrials, plants, animals and nature, and how this project has created its own world in lieu of fitting into a specific genre. Songs: Techno y La Especie, Cosmo and Voy Creciendo

Country-inspired indie-folk singer-songwriter, Andrew Sa, joined WFUV host Sam Sumpter in Studio-A to talk about his debut album, American Rough, how his musical influences helped weave his multi-genre tapestry, the value in vulnerability and how infectious being vulnerable can be, and his late mentor Patrick Haggerty, the first openly gay country singer, who inspired so much of his journey. Songs: Under You, Your Whisper and Lavender Cowboy