Tonight, on The Sound we check out “Behind This Smile,” the latest release from singer songwriter Allison Sky. Based in La Crosse WI, Allison has been connecting with audiences through her down to earth, relatable songwriting. Full of heartfelt tunes that might tug on your heartstrings a little, and maybe even make you feel like you’re not alone, and that just maybe, someone out there understands.

I’m Kristine Osorio, saying get cozy and get ready to meet the woman behind the music as KQAL’s Annika Bakkum-Ekern and I get into “Behind This Smile” with artist Allison Sky, tonight on The Sound.

Original air date: 05/06/26.
The Sound is written and produced by KQAL 89.5FM on the campus of Winona State University.
The Sound is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Tonight, on The Sound we hang out with the boys from Whitetail. With members in both MN and WI, Whitetail is sure to become a regional favorite as they get ready to drop their second release. Tonight, we sit down with Whitetail to check out a few tunes from their first EP, titled, Another Day, and a few new tunes from their upcoming album. These local boys write tunes that are perfect for blowing off some steam at the end of a hard day or just cruisin’ thru the countryside. No matter whichever fits your fancy, I’d recommend stickin around a while to find out more about this cool new band. I’m Bill Stoneberg sayin’ kick yer boots off, put yer feet up and grab your favorite beverage as we take you through the twists and turns that is Whitetail: Another Day, right here tonight, on The Sound.

Original air date: 05/29/26.
The Sound is written and produced by KQAL 89.5FM on the campus of Winona State University.
The Sound is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Tonight, on The Sound we touch base with Winona band, The Reach Outs to double-click their newest EP, Working Hard Or Hardly Working. With action item corporate faves like Don’t You Micromanage Me, Let’s Touch Base, and Work From Home, The Reach Out’s are moving the needle as they take a deep dive into the corporate world. They aren’t reinventing the wheel here, but they just might break down some silos, as long as they don’t get too far in the weeds. Whatever you do, don’t put this album on the back burner because it is destined to become a game changer! So, whatever you’re doing right now, put a pin in it so we can loop you in on Working Hard Or Hardly Working, the latest release from Winona’s own, The Reach Outs. I’m Bill Stoneberg saying, “if you’ve got the bandwidth, get ready to pivot as we drill down into The Reach Outs latest, Working Hard or Hardly Working and run it up the flagpole, tonight on The Sound.

Original air date: 04/15/26.
The Sound is written and produced by KQAL 89.5FM on the campus of Winona State University.
The Sound is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Tonight, on The Sound we bring you some holiday joy with the latest album from locals H30 Jazz Trio, called Combo Carols. Combo Carols consists of 13 original mashups of holiday favorites with jazz standards to get you in the holiday spirit. Bandleader Eric Heukeshoven, otherwise known as “dad,” to members Max and Hans, has a great story behind the creation of these holiday mashups but I’ll let him tell you about that. And a trio may only have three members, but that doesn't mean that the Haukeshoven’s are the only players on this album, there are appearances by a host of local talent whose names you might recognize, including one Snooky Larson (wink wink). Well enough of my ramblings, let’s get into some holiday mashups, or as I like to call them, future classics! I’m Bill Stoneberg, saying grab a hot beverage and cozy up to the radio like its 1935 as we bring you H30 Jazz Trio’s album, Combo Carols, tonight on The Sound.

Original air date: 12/24/25.
The Sound is written and produced by KQAL 89.5FM on the campus of Winona State University.
The Sound is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Tonight, on The Sound we dive into the newly released singles from the upcoming album of Minnesota artists Maygen and the Birdwatcher, titled: The Americana Dream. Maygen and the Birdwatcher are an Americana folk/rock group of six talented artists, with artists Maygen Lacey and Noah Neumann at the helm. They have released several albums since their debut of "Moonshine" in 2021, and the hits keep coming with their upcoming October 10th release, "The Americana Dream". The group's sound fill this album with a bunch of boot stomping and gut-wrenching songs. I’m Annika Bakkum-Ekern saying sit back, kick back and get ready to listen to "The Americana dream' by Maygen and the Birdwatcher, tonight on The Sound.

Original air date: 05/21/25.
The Sound is written and produced by KQAL 89.5FM on the campus of Winona State University.
The Sound is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Tonight, on The Sound we bring you the debut album by Ryan Howe, titled Origin. A Winona State Alumni Based out of La Crescent, MN, Ryan Howe is a local favorite of ours here at the station and beyond. This album is full of heartfelt love ballads and gripping instrumentals! The singer/songwriter started playing the piano some 25 years ago and can be found playing at venues all across the driftless, and in an Emmy award winning documentary. Tonight, we had the chance to talk with Ryan about the album, and the stories behind it. I’m Annika Bakkum-Ekern sayin’ get up, get down, and get ready for Ryan Howe, Origin, tonight on The Sound.

Original air date: 10/15/25

The Sound is written and produced by KQAL 89.5FM on the campus of Winona State University.
The Sound is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Tonight, on The Sound we get into the latest album from Minneapolis artist Humbird, titled: Astrovan: The Love Vignettes. Humbird is an modern folk rock band serving up some rocking tunes, with an old sound. The band is made up of several talented artists, with Siri Undilin as the lead singer. They have released several albums spanning nearly a decade, and the hits keep coming with their latest release, "Astrovan: The Love Vignettes". This album is full of 11 short songs, all around the theme of love, giving a short but enjoyable listening experience full of heart. I’m Annika Bakkum-Ekern saying sit back, relax and enjoy the sweet sounds of the soul, as we listen to 'Astrovan: The Love Vignettes' by Humbird, tonight on The Sound.

Original air date: 08/06/25
The Sound is written and produced by KQAL 89.5FM on the campus of Winona State University.
The Sound is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Tonight, on The Sound we get into the latest album from local Winona band Afflatus, titled: Painted Turtle. Afflatus is an alternative band made up of several talented local artists, taking the driftless by storm with their music and mission. They have released several albums over the last decade, and the hits keep coming with their latest release, "Painted Turtle". The group's sound have filled this album with sounds from the driftless, giving an appreciation the the nature that surrounds us. I’m Annika Bakkum-Ekern saying sit back, kick back and enjoy the sweet sounds of nature, as we listen to 'Painted Turtle' by Afflatus, tonight on The Sound. Original air date: 07/30/25 The Sound is written and produced by KQAL 89.5FM on the campus of Winona State University. The Sound is made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.