After years of performing in ensembles, Cleveland trumpeter Theresa May is stepping out on her own. May joined "Applause Performances" and "Shuffle" for an in-studio performance and conversation about her new electronic music, as well as breaking barriers in the classical world.

A band of three teenage siblings from Stark County got their start while stuck at home during the pandemic. After five years of performing and writing together, they’re now releasing a new set of songs that reflect their growth as musicians and as a family. We hear more from COMPASS on this week’s Shuffle with Brittany Nader, who produces the podcast with Amanda Rabinowitz. 

Cleveland rapper and multi-instrumentalist Jinari Kemet is a versatile performer, bending genres and making a scene on stage. He makes his Brite Winter music festival debut this month, performing songs from his debut album, released last January. Kemet talked with Amanda Rabinowitz about finding his voice. 

Tracey Thomas found the spotlight as part of Akron's new-wave scene in the '70s. But she found her voice forging her own music journey. Now with a new album and memoir, she reflects on her long career.

When Cleveland musician Brian Bacon’s two daughters set off for college, he set off on his own journey to write and record an album in Nashville. The result is "Murder of Crows," a 10-track rock opera that helped him find his voice as an artist.

Throughout the year, you have been hearing from Northeast Ohio musicians through Shuffle, your backstage pass to the independent music scene. Now let's look back at 2024. Shuffle’s Amanda Rabinowitz and Brittany Nader reflect on their favorite local albums of the year, from genre-blending experimentation to new discoveries. 

A Kent rapper has established himself as a leading voice in “nerdcore”. Austin "Gameboy" Jones shares how he built a massive following for his songs inspired by anime, video games and other elements of so-called geek culture.

Joe Risdon of Akron rock band the Buffalo Ryders shares how a creative retreat into nature and writing in the wild helped his band put together their 2024 album, "Never On Time."

Cleveland art-rock duo Mr. Gnome explores new songwriting methods and psychedelic orchestration on their eagerly anticipated new album, released in September. They recently wrapped up a month-long tour after being on hiatus since 2017.

From an album release to a residency at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Clare Feorene is having a big year in music. Yet, her success has come with new challenges. On this week’s Shuffle, the Cleveland singer-songwriter talks about building self-confidence and finding a community.