news from H.Q.

Rocket Shop: A local music Radio show & Podcast

Big Heavy World’s weekly local music radio show is also a podcast! Tune in to our stream Wednesday nights 8-9pm for local music interviews and performances or subscribe!

Subscribe to the podcast

Episodes (The Rocket Shop Podcast!)

The Shady Trees: Vermont Mountain Funk Meets Reggae Flow – 12 November 2025

The Shady Trees joined host Abbey BK on Rocket Shop — Big Heavy World’s weekly local music radio show on The Radiator-WOMM. Experience The Shady Trees Live Session — a Vermont band blending mountain funk with reggae flow. Recorded at Rocket Shop Radio Hour, this performance captures their brotherly chemistry, eclectic grooves, and the energy of Vermont’s live music scene. 🎶 Hear original tracks, stories from the road, and the unique sound that’s been lighting up ski resorts, town halls, and festivals across New England.. Follow them at instagram.com/theshadytrees

Thea Wren on Jazz Roots, New Sounds & Vermont Soul – 5 November 2025

Thea Wren joined host Abbey BK on Rocket Shop — Big Heavy World’s weekly local music radio show on The Radiator-WOMM. Step into the Rocket Shop Radio studio with Vermont’s own Thea Wren, joined by multi‑instrumentalist Jeremy Mendicino, as they share new songs and stories behind their evolving sound. From jazz roots to genre‑bending folk, soul, and synth explorations, Thea opens up about her 100‑day practice challenge and the creative sparks it ignited. Hear about upcoming projects, local performances, and the collaborative energy that makes their music both intimate and expansive. This episode is a must‑listen for fans of heartfelt songwriting and the vibrant Vermont music scene. Follow at instagram.com/theawrenmusic

Girls Night Bring Vermont Indie Energy + New Tracks Live – 29 October 2025

Girls Night joined host Abbey BK on Rocket Shop — Big Heavy World’s weekly local music radio show on The Radiator-WOMM. Step inside Vermont’s vibrant music scene with Girls Night, a genre‑bending band bringing infectious energy and heartfelt storytelling to Rocket Shop Radio. From slap‑bass grooves inspired by the Chili Peppers to punk anthems for trans women, their set is packed with originality and raw emotion. Hear the backstories behind songs like Peg, Flow Dog, and Boys Will Be Girls, plus the quirky journey that brought these UVM and Champlain students together. If you’re craving fresh indie sounds with local flavor, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. Follow along at instagram.com/girls.night.the.band

Have Guitar, Will Walk — Ian Nolon’s Songs from the Pacific Crest Trail – 22 October 2025

Ian Nolon joined host Abbey BK on Rocket Shop — Big Heavy World’s weekly local music radio show on The Radiator-WOMM. In this episode, Join Vermont musician Ian Nolon on Rocket Shop Radio as he shares songs and stories from his 2,650-mile journey on the Pacific Crest Trail — with a guitar strapped to his back the whole way. From writing music in the wilderness to recording his debut EP before graduation, Ian talks about his creative process, his connection to nature, and his vision for future projects like “Trail Mix.” Follow along at instagram.com/iannolon

The Champlain Shoregasm Electrifies Rocket Shop Radio | Live Vermont Folk‑Punk & Shoegaze Session – 8 October 2025

The Champlain Shoregasm joined host Abbey BK on Rocket Shop — Big Heavy World’s weekly local music radio show on The Radiator-WOMM. In this episode, The Champlain Shoregasm brings their electrified folk‑punk and shoegaze sound to Rocket Shop Radio, sharing stories of their journey from busking duets to full‑band intensity. Expect raw energy, heartfelt songwriting, and a glimpse into Vermont’s thriving DIY music scene. Follow them at instagram.com/thechamplainshoregasm

Ava Sophia: Soulful Storytelling & the Art of Living Imperfectly – 24 September 2025

Vermont songwriter Ava Sophia joined host Abbey BK on Rocket Shop — Big Heavy World’s weekly local music radio show on The Radiator-WOMM. In this intimate session, Ava shares her journey, performs original songs, and talks about the stories and themes behind her music. Follow them at instagram.com/avasophiamusic

Madigan Linnane Previews Her Upcoming Album – 17 September 2025

Vermont songwriter Madigan Linnane joined host Abbey BK on Rocket Shop — Big Heavy World’s weekly local music radio show on The Radiator-WOMM. In this intimate session, Madigan shares her journey, performs original songs, and talks about the stories and themes behind her music.

Shiny New Toyz: Genre-Bending Rock, Deep Roots, and Raw Energy – 27 August 2025

Shiiny New Toyz joined host Abbey BK on ‘Rocket Shop,’ Big Heavy World’s weekly local Vermont music radio show on The Radiator-WOMM. Join us for an informal chat about their music and catch up with them at facebook.com/ShinyNewToyz and instagram.com/shinynewtoyz1

Marina Prikis | Live Vermont Music Session on Rocket Shop Radio – 20 August 2025

Marina Prikis joined host Abbey BK on ‘Rocket Shop,’ Big Heavy World’s weekly local Vermont music radio show on The Radiator-WOMM. Join us for an informal chat about their music and catch up with them at instagram.com/marinaprikis

Vermont’s Wojcicki Rocks Rocket Shop – Tales & Tracks from Wetmarket Scratch – 30 July 2025

Wojcicki joined host Abbey BK on ‘Rocket Shop,’ Big Heavy World’s weekly local Vermont music radio show on The Radiator-WOMM. Join us for an informal chat about their music and look for it at wojcicki.bandcamp.com

Summary Block

This block has no content yet. Items you add to the page connected to this block will display here.

Upcoming Rocket Shop Guests...

License VT Music

Attention VT Bands and Media Houses: The New All-Vermont On-demand Music Licensing Website is Here!

visit the new Vermont music licensing website!

The 242 Main Resource Center

Burlington’s historic teen-led all-ages cultural space needs you. Find info, actions, history, and vision here.

Visit the 242 Main Resource Center

Sign the Save242Main.com Petition!

Current Projects

No Stage Diving: The Story of 242 Main, a Documentary

For more than 30 years, 242 Main was a gathering spot for the youth of northwestern Vermont. Funded by the City of Burlington (begun during the Bernie Sanders Mayoral administration), 242 provided a haven for young misfits and fans of underground music. It was part music venue, part musician proving ground, and part teen drop-in center. With programming driven by teens, it became America’s longest-running all-ages punk rock venue and a sanctuary anchored in the hearts of thousands. No Stage Diving: The Story of 242 Main celebrates the history and legacy of this historic venue, and, in the words of those whose lives were touched by it, explores what the space meant to the community it served.

Learn more

VT MUSICIANS: BORROW USB MICROPHONES FROM ANY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Vermont-based musicians and everyone else!): You can freely borrow a very good quality RØDE USB microphone from any public library in Vermont, and from Big Heavy World headquarters in Burlington. Learn more!

Learn more

the VT Music sector Survey results!

With funding from a Rural Business Development Grant from USDA Rural Development and supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the volunteers of Big Heavy World surveyed Vermont’s music industry. Working with international consulting firm Sound Diplomacy to analyze the results, we learned a lot and share all of this data and analysis here.

Learn more

vermont music far & wide: a music history exhibit

Visit Big Heavy World for a new tiny museum full of Vermont’s music history: Artifacts, images and interactions reveal how music is an art form, a catalyst for community-building, and a contributor to the state’s economy.

Learn more