Max Ink Radio

Rökker and Jane Lowy

5.0 (1)
Performing Arts
Weekly

Max Ink Radio is Wisconsin’s local music radio show originating in Madison and featuring music, interviews, performances, and premieres of Wisconsin artists. Live from the Madcity is a one-hour live performance and interview segment. We bring artists into the WMDX studio on State Street in Madison and they perform live on the air. Every Saturday 6pm to 9pm (CST). Listen to music made right here in Wisconsin!

Oct 11

The Middle Live on Max Ink Radio: Milwaukee Hard Rock with Something to Say

Forged in Milwaukee’s local bars and taverns, The Middle brings its rugged hard-rock sound to Live From the Madcity on Max Ink Radio. Formed in 2024, the four-piece features vocalist Nigel, guitarist Steve Draganchuk, bassist Dave Smid and drummer Rich Seegert—musicians whose paths have crossed for years in the Milwaukee music scene. The conversation explores each member’s musical beginnings, their experiences playing in other bands, and what makes this lineup different. The band also discusses Milwaukee’s original-music scene and the history behind songs that have stayed with them for years. The Middle recently completed recording an 11-song double EP, scheduled for release in early 2027. With two producers working on the project, the band reflects on how the record came together and how older songwriting ideas evolved into finished tracks. The studio performance features “Flawed Philosophy,” “Blink,” “Horse Apiece,” “Beyond Monochrome,” “On Loan” and “Kojak”—songs touching on everything from manipulation and individuality to relationships and life’s absurdities. The Middle has released “Reality” and “Flawed Philosophy,” with upcoming shows at Milwaukee’s Uptowner on November 14 and Camp Karma in West Allis on December 19. Watch or listen to The Middle’s full performance and interview on Live From the Madcity, presented by the Aaron Weber Group.
Oct 4

Beyond the Music: Mona Augustin’s Journey from Haiti to Madison

Haitian-American musician, composer and artist Mona Augustin joins Live From the Madcity on Max Ink Radio for a live performance and conversation about music, community and a life shaped by both personal expression and service to others. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Mona began writing songs at age 20 and has since created more than 100 original songs, performing throughout the Caribbean and the United States. His music moves between heartfelt personal stories and broader social themes, with songs performed in multiple languages and a message that reaches beyond words. But Mona’s story extends far beyond the stage. After Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake, he devoted years to helping 126 families rebuild their lives through the community known as Mozayik. In this interview, he reflects on the people behind that work, the difficult decision to put music aside, and how music eventually found its way back into his life. Mona is joined in the studio by drummer Nicky Sund and bassist Joe Harris for performances of songs including “This Love Is Blessed,” “C’est Ça,” “Tas Tout,” “I’ll Never Be Alone,” “I’ll Be Gone” and “Nanana.” Named the 2026 MAMA Reggae Performer, Mona Augustin brings a powerful story of music, resilience and connection to Max Ink Radio.
Oct 4

Halloween Bash at Mad Farm Moto 10/9-10

John Stanislawski stopped by the studio to talk about the 3rd Annual Halloween Bash at Mad Farm Moto in Brooklyn, WI on October 9-10. Hear about all the features including Live Music, late-nite rave, immersive art, food trucks and more!
Oct 4

Inside Robotic Heart: Joe Marsden on Guitar Influences, Grief, AI and Big Brother

Madison guitarist and songwriter Joe Marsden joins Max Ink Radio to discuss Robotic Heart, his third album, blending heavy guitars, progressive arrangements and deeply personal songwriting. Marsden traces his musical journey from playing trumpet in school to discovering guitar at 13, and reflects on influences ranging from John Frusciante to Ian Thornley. He also opens up about the life changes, relationships and reflection that shaped the record. Beyond personal themes, Robotic Heart confronts mass surveillance, artificial intelligence, data collection and modern society. Joe Marsden explains why music can raise difficult questions while keeping the emotions—and the humanity—at its center.
Oct 4

Max Ink Radio #261003

Max Ink Radio with Rökker & Jane spinning local MP3's and interviews with John Stanislawski and Joe Marsden.
Sep 27

Mathew Haeffel brings his boys from Milwaukee to peform Live from the Madcity on Max Ink Radio

Milwaukee native Mathew Haeffel is an independent songsmith who’s logged more than 1,500 live shows since 2002, building a sound around soulful vocals, rhythmic guitar and thoughtful storytelling. Mathew’s latest album, Tenacity, feels like the perfect title for an artist who’s spent more than two decades doing things his own way. Written and produced by Mathew in Rhythm 80, the studio he designed and built himself, the record blends roots rock, blues, jazz and world-music flavors around themes of resilience and perseverance. Tonight he’s joined by longtime collaborators Marshall McGhee and Brandon Anthony. Guests: Mathew Haeffel
Sep 27

Milwaukee radio legend Bob Reitman talks about upcoming tribute show and new album of poetry

Bob Reitman has been one of Milwaukee radio’s defining voices for more than six decades. He began at WUWM in 1966 with a poetry program called *Sense Waves*, then became a pioneering free-form FM DJ at WQFM in 1974, where he introduced Milwaukee audiences to artists including Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith while championing Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and other adventurous music. In 1976, Reitman set a Guinness world record by broadcasting continuously for 222 hours and 22 minutes. He later spent more than 25 years alongside Gene Mueller at WKTI. Now, at 80, Reitman has returned to his first love—poetry—with *12th House*, released 54 years after *The Eleventh House* on October 12th at the Pabst Theater.
Sep 27

Miss Christine on Queer Joy tour of midwest stop by Max Ink Radio

Bassist, singer-songwriter and bandleader Christine Moad brings a fearless mix of indie rock, blues, soul and punk attitude to the stage as Miss Christine. A Berklee College of Music graduate, Christine toured internationally and worked as a Nashville session bassist before releasing the albums Conversion and Bittersweet. Now based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Miss Christine describes their sound as “punk rock doo-wop,” pairing jubilant performances with songs that challenge expectations around gender, identity and sexuality. Their award-winning “Google University” video has appeared at film festivals around the world, and they’re currently writing a third album planned for 2027. Miss Christine was in town earlier today performing at Vegan Fest and tonight, Miss Christine plays at Mickey's Tavern on Willy Street.

Max Ink Radio is Wisconsin’s local music radio show originating in Madison and featuring music, interviews, performances, and premieres of Wisconsin artists. Live from the Madcity is a one-hour live performance and interview segment. We bring artists into the WMDX studio on State Street in Madison and they perform live on the air. Every Saturday 6pm to 9pm (CST). Listen to music made right here in Wisconsin!

Creator

Rökker and Jane Lowy
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

500
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2022 Civic Media
Show Website

Max Ink Radio