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We’ve been doing Studio Milwaukee Sessions pretty much for as long as Radio Milwaukee’s been around, which means we’ve got this process down. But even within that structure, artists always find ways to make us go, “Huh, that’s pretty cool.”
Bartees Strange gave me one of those moments when I popped into the green room for my usual request to jot down the set list prior to the performance. After the pause I sometimes get when an artist is clearly either trying to remember or trying to construct the song lineup on the spot, he provided a quick glimpse into his creative process and told me he kind of liked looking at the room and then figuring out what he should play based on what he sees.
The nice thing about a flexible approach like that? When the live-music gods remind you that a room also contains technical equipment that doesn’t always cooperate, you’re better positioned to just roll with it.
After set opener “Baltimore” went off without a hitch, the gremlins showed up to send static rippling through Strange’s guitar. So, having already introduced “Sober” from 2025 album Horror, he smoothly pivoted to “17” and let the occasional minor sonic imperfection melt behind his flawlessly powerful voice.
Strange’s entire visit to Radio Milwaukee on a Saturday afternoon ahead of his sold-out Riverside Theater show with Tori Amos was infused with kindness, grace and humor. From his side chats with our team to his mid-set interview with Dori Zori to the two extra songs he played after the broadcast was over, Strange — whether he planned to or not — left good feelings everywhere he went.
Studio MKE: Bartees Strange set list
- “Baltimore”
- “17”
- “Sober”
- “Doomsday Buttercup” (post-broadcast)
- “Untitled new song” (post-broadcast)
