THE RADIO STAR. Converge Media's latest programming continues to champion the undercurrent and up-and-coming creative work of independent musicians within the Chippewa Valley and beyond. From die-hard punk rock critiques to hour-long stations dedicated to combat mass music streaming, these three radio shows will help you get ahead of the curve. (Photo by Alanah Sandoval)

“The Rash” with Logan Nyberg

“I just want people to hear music that I think needs more appreciation,” Logan Nyberg, instrumentalist and founder of Eau Claire’s indie/punk band Gash – and now the host of Converge Radio’s latest program – said. “I think that in itself is how we are different from the other programs. We are trying to play stuff that makes you say ‘what the hell is this?’ ”

“The Rash,” hosted by Nyberg every Monday night at 6pm, debuted its first hour-long show this January; Nyberg said the program will uplift independent and eclectic music artists, “from local bands to deep dives of music scenes of the past.”

Gash first began as an ensemble in 2017, when Nyberg was living in California. As he returned back to his roots in the Chippewa Valley, the band became more than just “ideas on his computer” and quickly drew attention from area listeners and musicians in the DIY scene.

The name of Converge’s new radio show acts as a small nod to “Rash Fest,” one of Gash’s significant contributions to the Chippewa Valley – a one-night event which has spent nearly a decade uniting independent punk singers, poets and visual artists in Eau Claire.

But enough of the backstory, The Rash is not merely a radio show. It's a meticulously curated auditory experience built around Nyberg’s vision and current music-in-rotation. Even in its infancy, Nyberg said the radio show will act as a call for listeners to revert to traditional methods of music consumption, preceding the popularity of streaming services.

“A lot of conversations are being had about streaming music,” Nyberg said. “Equally as important as that is the question of ‘Where are people finding new music?’ As artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms become more intertwined with our musical decision making, I (felt) compelled to help preserve the human aspect of sharing music.”

This collaborative, artist-driven selection process ensures a fresh, authentic playlist sure to resonate with listeners seeking the next big sound before it breaks. And, in case you miss it on Monday nights, a replay of “The Rash” will be broadcasted each week on Sunday nights, to end your weekend just right.

“Gatefold Underground” with Jim Warner

“A love letter to vinyl, record stores, and the community they create,” is the motto of Jim Warner, host of the “Gatefold Underground” on Converge Radio, premiering on Thursday nights at 6pm. If you spend time in downtown Eau Claire, you've likely seen Warner or even exchanged your current music favorites.

He’s a familiar figure in the area’s coffee shops, record stores and at live music venues where the emerging artists bring a new sense of discovery for listeners.

The same values are true for the radio station; each night offers a true exploration of genres across the spectrum. From jazz, to classic rock, timeless hip hop legends to experimental – and of course, underground – artists. Previous sessions of “Gatefold Underground” can be found on mixcloud.com with additional music analysis and reflection found through Warner’s Substack platform.

“See/Saw Radio” with Evan Minsker

The same argument remains when it comes to punk music in the Chippewa Valley (and beyond): “Punk music is about fighting back and remaining resilient in the face of troubling times,” Volume One shared when it first shone a spotlight on the reporting work of Evan Minsker, the creator and author behind See/Saw.

If you are one of those folks who prefers listening to takes on the emerging punk scene versus reading them (which begs the question why you picked up this magazine) – you are in luck.

On Thursdays at 5pm, Minsker takes the stage (er, grabs the mic) with Converge Radio to offer a rotation of his top listens of the week, critiques on the industry and other related tracks which envelop the rock ’n roll genre.

The local show also broadcasts nationwide with KOOP Austin, Cavern FM Portland, KDUR Durango, KNVC Carson City and KKSM San Marcos.

Listeners are sure to either discover a new artist they’ve never heard of before, or fall in love with a timeless classic from their garage-band days in high school. “See/Saw” radio’s latest episodes can be streamed following each Thursday show on Mixcloud and the full archive can be accessed via Minsker’s newsletter platform by paid subscribers.

This is your call to continue supporting indie reporting and get ahead of the curve on what the punk scene is all about.