The Ear Opener
Independent music and analysis
See when this show airs on the program schedule.
Episodes
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The Ear Opener - #326 Festival Season, part 3
September 8, 2026
Jordan Latas of Checkeye and Olivia Stefanoff and Hillary Jones of 934 Fest are the guests this week. Jordan talks about Checkeye and the Athens Skate Jam, happening this weekend. Olivia and Hillary preview 934 Fest, and we hear tunes...
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The Ear Opener - #325 The Black Drumset
September 1, 2026
Brian Willey of The Black Drumset joins us this time to discuss his latest record "Friends in Dark Places". Brian discusses the challenges in finishing this project, which began in 2021. He also talks about the Austin, Texas music scene...
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The Ear Opener - #324 ambivalence
August 25, 2026
Ambivalence and unease shadow even the hopeful moments this week — whether the subject is modern life, aging, or love. Tracks from The Strokes, Real Numbers, DIIV, The New Pornographers, and Chanel Beads, among others. Photo Credit: "ambivalent" by mugley...
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The Ear Opener - #323 pretty lights
August 18, 2026
New tunes from familiar names like Echo & the Bunnymen and Robyn Hitchcock. Other new psych-tinged tracks from White Denim, The Black Drumset, Little Barrie, and Holy Wave, among others. Image Credit: "Look at the pretty lights!" by {platinum} is...
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The Ear Opener - #322 Crows
August 10, 2026
Bee Shuman returns to the Ear Opener to talk about Bee Humana's new single, "The Crow" / "Corrido de Adelanto". "Corrido de Adelanto" is an update of "Carcel de Cananea". The lyrics of this new version address the brutality and...
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The Ear Opener - #321 Festival Season, pt 2
July 30, 2026
Caitlyn continues her interview with Scott Winland of the Athens Community Arts & Music Festival then turns her attention to a fest happening later in August, Alley Islands, and chats with long-time festival organizer Adam Brouillette. Along the way, we...
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The Ear Opener - Episode 320
July 27, 2026
Caitlyn interviews two local festival organizers about the challenges and rewards of small festivals. The episode features songs from Moe Reen, Unholy Swarm, and Sharp Pins. Photo Credit: "Tortuga Music Festival" by Tortuga Music Festival is licensed under CC BY-NC...
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The Ear Opener - Episode 319
July 21, 2026
Caitlyn interviews Ibby and Brittaney, contributors to online pop culture magazine, The Honey Pop. The episode features conversations about founding and maintaining an online magazine, as well as new music from Chanel Beads, The Strike, and instant crush. Photo Credit:...
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The Ear Opener - Episode 318
July 14, 2026
Caitlyn interviews music journalist Caryn Rose about her latest book Three Chords and Blessed Noise, her experience in the music business, and how she has seen it evolve. The episode features new releases from Violet Grohl, mary in the junkyard,...
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The Ear Opener - Episode 317
July 7, 2026
Caitlyn interviews guest Agora about getting her foot in the door in the music industry, discussing photography, being a young woman in a male-dominated industry, and the music that shaped her. The episode also features new releases from Moody Joody,...
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The Ear Opener - Episode #316 “Genres”
June 30, 2026
In this week's episode, Caitlyn and Pat each play some of their favorite new releases, featuring shoegaze, indie, and psychedelic tracks from Whisper Doll, Porch Light, and Emperor X Image Credit: "shoegaze strategy" by deepskyobject is licensed under CC BY-SA...
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The Ear Opener - Episode 315
June 23, 2026
Caitlyn features some artists playing ComFest this weekend. She also highlights other local and touring acts that are playing cheap shows in Columbus soon, sharing the ways in which listeners can experience live shows on a budget.
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The Ear Opener - Episode 314
June 17, 2026
Caitlyn interviews London-based artist Tally Spear and we hear the title track from her new release Bittersweet. Caitlyn also features several new alternative rock tracks, and Pat makes some picks for the Nelsonville Music Festival, which is happening this weekend....
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The Ear Opener - Episode 313
June 9, 2026
A Boomer and a Zoomer discuss discovering new music in an age when 18-34 year-olds are abandoning FM radio in droves. Our Music Columbus Earn As Your Learn Intern, Caitlyn, makes her debut on The Ear Opener. Along the way...
