The 608 Soundcheck

On this episode of 608 Soundcheck, I'm joined by The Lavender Project for a conversation about their music, their creative process, and life as an independent band.
We dive into the band's record released last year, what's next for the group, what touring looks like for a smaller DIY band, and the realities of creating and sharing music in today's scene. Along the way, we also get into songwriting, local music, and plenty of stories from the road.
Whether you're already a fan of The Lavender Project or just enjoy hearing musicians talk about their craft, there's something here for you.
Listen now, and don't forget to follow 608 Soundcheck for more conversations with artists from across the Midwest music scene.

In this episode of the 608 Soundcheck, I sit down with singer-songwriter Allison Sky to talk about her musical journey, her battle with chronic Lyme disease, and how songwriting has helped her navigate some of life's toughest challenges. Allison shares how music became both an outlet and a source of hope during difficult times, and how she hopes her songs can encourage others to keep moving forward through their own struggles. We also take a deep dive into her debut EP, Behind This Smile, released on May 1. The project explores themes of resilience, perseverance, and finding light in the midst of hardship, drawing heavily from Allison's personal experiences living with chronic illness. Along the way, we discuss her creative process, the local music scene, and her goals as a self-described "pop folk" artist performing throughout the La Crosse area and beyond.

In this episode of the 608 Soundcheck, I sit down with Sam Gauthier, a certified health coach specializing in creativity, to talk about her work and journey in the La Crosse creative community. Sam offers a variety of services at The Art House including vocal lessons, creativity coaching, and live music performances. We also dive into some of the unique events she hosts, like The Listening Room, a free-form open mic experience where people can share their creative endeavors and receive feedback, and Soundscapes, a sound healing program designed to help people resonate more deeply with themselves, their peers, and the world around them. Sam shares how her journey began, why she loves what she does, and how we can all benefit from learning to love ourselves throughout our creative journeys.

Episode 4 – The La Crosse Confluence In this episode of the 608 Soundcheck, I sit down with Co Advisors Mr. Carty and Mr. Renkas along with student band members Colin and Magnolia to discuss The La Crosse Confluence. Confluence is a student lead rock band comprised of students from Logan and Central High Schools from right here in La Crosse. They play a variety of hand picked classic rock, country, and pop tunes at a range of shows and venues around town! The La Crosse Public Education Foundation (LPEF) provided Confluence a grant for a few thousand dollars that helped them get started. Without their help, confluence might not have ever gotten the chance to take off.

Episode 3 – Zammek In this episode of 608 Soundcheck, La Crosse-based punk trio Zammek join the show to talk about the energy, grit, and heart that drive their sound. We dive into how their music reflects the local punk scene, the venues that shaped their journey, and what it’s like creating loud, raw, and honest art in the Coulee Region. From band stories to scene nostalgia, this episode captures the passion behind Zammek’s unmistakable style.

Episode 2 – Be WaryIn this episode of 608 Soundcheck, electronic duo Be Wary join the show to share their story of how they first connected through the local music scene. We dive into the role community plays in their creative journey, the ways collaboration has shaped their sound, and what it means to grow as artists alongside friends and peers. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs and behind-the-scenes stories that give a glimpse into the energy and personality behind Be Wary.

Episode 1 – Ryan K DavisIn this first episode of 608 Soundcheck, Ryan K Davis joins the show to talk about his songwriting process, the inspirations that fuel his music, and the lessons he’s learned about chasing what you love. From creative sparks to personal stories, Ryan opens up about the craft and passion behind his sound.