Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
How About A Listen? ‘Sound Off’ With Katy Henriksen
Did you know we have a plethora of funny, educational, captivating and insightful podcasts produced and hosted by the deep well of talent cultivated in our own Northwest Arkansas? In this series, we’ll continue to highlight some of these local offerings, so keep an eye (or an ear) out for something that may tickle your fancy.
Sound Off
“’Sound Off’ features in-depth conversations about music that challenges the status quo — hybrid sounds that fall through the cracks because they aren’t easily labeled,” explains host and creator Katy Henriksen. “Whether it’s a classical flute-and-electronic music project that takes on police brutality and race, or a mix of poetry, pop and chamber music, ‘Sound Off’ explores creativity at the intersection of art, music and literature and digs into what that work and the people making it tell us about art and life in the 21st century.”
Hosted by: Katy Henriksen Airs: On Critical Frequency Podcast Network at critical frequency.org and podlink.to/ soundoff
Q. What kind of gap did you perceive in the audio world that you wanted your program to fill?
A. There are straight interview shows and also lots of music podcasts that take on specific spheres of music, but I didn’t see anyone combining my love of long-form interview for richly rewarding conversations that also highlighted full selections of music, not to mention music that isn’t easily labeled. It was a bit of an extension of my radio program on KUAF, “Of Note,” but expanded, because the sounds didn’t have to fit into classical music at all, even though when I was at “Of Note” I also held a loose definition of what fit into classical programming.
Q. How has your program evolved over the past year?
A. I launched “Sound Off” [in 2020], and it was intentional. I love the medium of radio as a connecting force, as I love music as a connecting force. Having “Sound Off” there as we deal with this collective grief is my love letter to everyone who listens. … What the pandemic and the national reckoning with race is doing is bringing systemic issues to the surface in plain sight for all to see.
Q. What’s next?
A. I just got off the phone with my editor — who runs Critical Frequency Podcast Network, where “Sound Off” lives. We’re planning for season two launching late spring. I’m also continuing to expand my online arm of “Sound Off.” This is only the beginning of building the “Sound Off” community, and I’m thrilled to be on this journey.