Small Studio Sessions

Our latest Small Studio Session showcases the work of jazz guitarist Charlie Ballantine and his trio. His newest album is called, "Cold Coffee." Stay tuned right after the session for an interview with Ballantine from WFYI's Jill Ditmire.

Set List: Zani, Cold Coffee and Strange Idea

Musicians: Charlie Ballantine, Chris Parker, Jesse Wittman

Support for Small Studio comes from Sun King Brewing.

Tank and the Bangas were in good spirits when they stopped by WFYI to record their Small Studio session. That positive energy is a big part of the band's dynamic and sound, which matches an improvisational approach to jazz, soul, and hip-hop with the spoken word/sung vocals of the group's leader Tariona "Tank" Ball. Tank and the Bangas have plenty of reasons to be feeling good these days - their visit to WFYI came on the heels of a performance on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in support of their anticipated sophomore LP Green Balloon. Tank and the Bangas are poised on the threshold of a major breakthrough into the world of popular music, and they attribute much of that success to public radio.

Progressive indie rock band Robots And Magic Powers is this month's featured Small Studio Sessions act. The unique four piece group incorporates a zine, videos, and an energetic stage show to complement their music. Stay tuned right after the four song set for an introduction to the band.

Set list:

1. Phoenician

2. Forever

3. Beautiful

4. Free Again

Band Members:

Jeremiah Little - Guitar/Vocals

Davina Lani - Bass Guitar

Ceres - Keyboards/Cello

J.J. McGinnis - Drums/Percussion

This month's Small Studio performers take jazz, soul, and hip hop to a new level. The talented musicians create a signature sound that reflects the band's name, "Premium Blend". Stay tuned right after the four song set for an interview with Premium Blend from WFYI's Jill Ditmire.

Premium Blend Set List:

1. Trane of Thought

2. Theresa

3. Starmaker

4. Vices

Our March Small Studio Session performer is singer-songwriter Meghan Cristeen Martin. She just released her second album, an EP called Breaking Points. She performed several of the tunes in our Small Studio along with her dad, well known Indianapolis musician Jon Martin. After the session, they sat down to talk with WFYI’s Jill Ditmire. 

Set List:

1.         Breaking Points

2.         Give Me Time  

3.         Monster

4.         Never Noticed

5.         Without You

Musicians:  Meghan Cristeen Martin - Ukulele & Vocals, Jon Martin - Dobro & guitar, Brent Schlemmer - Baritone guitar, Ryan Shore - Cajon

Soulful singer-songwriter Allison Victoria presents our first Small Studio Session of 2019, with an inspirational four song set. Stay tuned right after the session for an interview with Allison Victoria from WFYI's Jill Ditmire. Set list: Let Go, Beneath the Dust, Sweet Love, The Cure

A life in rock n' roll is not easy. Just ask Indianapolis' Craig Bell. He's gone from a member of one of the country's most influential -- yet unsung -- 1970s proto-punk bands to giving up on music, and now playing with a new band. Stay tuned right after the five song set for an interview with Craig Bell from WFYI's Eric Weddle.

Small Studio is made possible with support from Sun King Brewery.

Set List:

1. '62 Hawk

2. She's Alright

3. My Chatelaine

4. Let It Rain

5. Out Of My Mind.

Band - Craig Bell - Lead Vocals & Bass, Nick Pryor - Guitar, Dusty Privette - Drums, and Brad Wallace - Keys, Guitar

Indie rockers BYBYE describe their music as vintage psychedelic-soul combined with cinematic, upbeat rock. The Indianapolis based five piece band plays songs from their latest album, Metamorphasize, in this four-song set. Stay tuned right after the session for an interview with the band, from WFYI's Jill Ditmire. Set List: 1. Sci - Fi, 2. Thursday, 3. Silence, 4. Happily

Some bands have trouble fitting into one genre and even shun the idea of sticking to a single style of music. Indianapolis based Carmichael is no exception. When pressed, the members of Carmichael say they feel closest to the Americana sound. A step softer than rock, a notch harder than folk, and a sound that stops just short of going full country - the band prides themselves on making music that can bounce between genres. Stay tuned right after the session for an interview with the band from WFYI's Scott McAlister. Small Studio is made possible with support from Sun King Brewing.

Afro punk band White Moms is WFYI's September 2018 Small Studio Sessions featured act. The Indianapolis-based group features four multi-talented musicians. The band completed a southern tour and stopped at our Small Studio to record their session. Stay tuned right after the session for an interview with the band. Small Studio is made possible with support from Sun King Brewing.

Set List:

1. Grape Soda

2. Why?

3. It's So Easy