Music 101

Allen Halas Music writer / owner of independent music website BreakingAndEntering.net I have over 15 years in and around independent music, formerly as a producer, and eventually a writer and content creator. I currently write full time for OnMilwaukee, the city's largest digital outlet. My music website, Breaking And Entering, has focused on independent music with daily content since 2014. Allen Halas is a music writer, radio host, and podcaster based in Milwaukee, WI. He currently works for OnMilwaukee, the largest digital media outlet in the city, and can be heard weekly on FM 102/1 in Milwaukee as the host of Love Local Radio. Allen is also the founder of Breaking And Entering, a music website that showcases talent in the Milwaukee music scene. Since 2014, Breaking And Entering has produced daily content based around independent music. In addition to those media outlets, Allen co-hosts the Hustling Sideways podcast, where he and Jim Love look at the side hustles and passion projects of entrepreneurs who maintain a regular 9-to-5 job as well. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Music 101, now in its fourth season, features Neil Sedaka in the episode titled “Breaking Up and Building Anew: The Enduring Craft of Neil Sedaka.” In this episode, host Daniel Lucas explores the remarkable life, resilience, and musical craftsmanship of one of pop music’s most enduring singer-songwriters. Emerging during the golden age of American pop in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Sedaka quickly distinguished himself with his elegant piano melodies, emotionally resonant songwriting, and a voice capable of expressing both youthful optimism and heartfelt vulnerability. Songs such as “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Calendar Girl,” and many other classics captured the emotional rhythms of love and heartbreak that defined a generation, while also demonstrating his gift for crafting melodies that remain unforgettable decades later. Yet Sedaka’s story is not only about early fame; it is also about reinvention and perseverance in an industry known for constant change. When musical tastes shifted in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Sedaka adapted rather than faded, rebuilding his career through new collaborations, international success, and a renewed commitment to songwriting excellence. His resurgence proved that artistic longevity often belongs to those willing to evolve while staying true to the heart of their craft. In this episode, listeners are invited to reflect on how Sedaka’s music represents more than nostalgia—it symbolizes the universal experience of falling, rebuilding, and rediscovering creativity after setbacks. Through thoughtful conversation and musical appreciation, the episode highlights how Sedaka’s work continues to inspire musicians, songwriters, and audiences who believe that every ending in life and art can become the beginning of something new See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Music 101, now in its fourth season, features Howlin' Wolf, one of the most powerful and influential figures in the history of American blues music. Born Chester Arthur Burnett, Howlin’ Wolf became legendary for his deep, gravelly voice, electrifying stage presence, and raw emotional intensity that captured the spirit of Delta blues and transformed it into the amplified sound of Chicago blues. His iconic recordings such as “Smokestack Lightning,” “Spoonful,” and “Killing Floor” not only defined a generation of blues music but also heavily influenced the rise of rock and roll, inspiring artists and bands across decades. With a commanding six-foot-three stature and a voice that seemed to growl with both pain and power, Howlin’ Wolf created performances that were unforgettable, blending storytelling, rhythm, and primal energy into a style that felt both ancient and revolutionary. In this episode of Music 101, we explore the life, music, and legacy of a blues giant whose influence reached far beyond the Mississippi Delta and Chicago clubs, shaping the sound of artists like Muddy Waters, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton, proving that the voice of Howlin’ Wolf still echoes through modern music today. 🎵 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Music 101, in its third season, features “The Architect of the In-Between: How Bob Weir’s Rhythm Guitar Shaped and Sustained the Live Sound of the Grateful Dead — RIP.” In this episode, we explore the remarkable yet often underappreciated role of Bob Weir’s rhythm guitar and how it became one of the most essential elements of the Grateful Dead’s legendary live performances. Unlike traditional rhythm guitarists who simply provide steady chords behind the lead player, Weir developed a highly inventive style that operated in the musical spaces between melody, rhythm, and improvisation. His playing was built on unusual chord voicings, syncopated rhythms, and constantly shifting textures that allowed the band’s sound to remain fluid and expansive during long improvisational jams. Rather than competing with the lead guitar of Jerry Garcia, Weir constructed a sonic architecture that supported and guided the band’s evolving musical conversation, creating a framework where each musician could explore freely while still remaining connected to the collective groove. This episode examines how Weir’s approach helped transform the Grateful Dead into one of the most innovative live bands in rock history, demonstrating that rhythm guitar can be more than accompaniment—it can be the connective tissue that holds an entire musical universe together. Through this tribute, we reflect on Weir’s lasting influence on modern guitar playing and recognize how his “in-between” style quietly shaped the improvisational spirit that made the Grateful Dead’s concerts unforgettable experiences for generations of listeners. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Part 3 expands the map—examining Hunter’s artistic alliances, his songwriting evolution, and the ripple effects of his collaborations with figures like David Bowie and Mick Ronson. From glam rock’s theatrical rise to the connective tissue linking British rock to American stages, this episode analyzes the ecosystem of relationships that shaped a generation of sound. Rather than focusing solely on biography, this installment treats rock ’n’ roll as a network—producers, sidemen, lyricists, and cultural movements intersecting in real time. In honoring Hunter’s passing in 2025, Music 101 approaches his career not as a closed chapter, but as a living influence embedded in the DNA of modern rock. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.