Mourning [A] BLKstar has spent the last decade creating music that blends soul, hip-hop, jazz and punk with a powerful message of justice.

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 $crilla — 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.

Thor Platter and his bandmates are bringing classic outlaw country and honky-tonk tunes to Cleveland, one honky-tonk heartbreaker at a time. Country Honk joins Shuffle and Applause Performances for a special in-studio session and interview to talk about their latest album.

Northeast Ohio folk duo Upstream Drifters has released two albums this year, blending traditional old-time dance music with lyrical storytelling. Aubrey Helmuth Miller and Craig Mast join Shuffle to talk about their musical journey.