Every week, the Milwaukee Music Premiere sponsored by Density Studios connects the city’s artists with our listening audience. If you’re an artist with a track you’d like us to debut exclusively on Radio Milwaukee, head over to our Music Submission page to learn how.

There’s a distinctly cathartic feel to the power-rock atmosphere that floats all over Diet Lite’s sound. With a constant switch-up of vocals, guitar and bass between Max Niemann and Kelson Kuzdas — backed by the hard-hitting rhythms of Evan Marsalli — the trio quickly became a staple in the Milwaukee scene. Shows that spilled out onto the crowd with a stage presence that’s equal parts jangly and sweaty earned them a rowdy reputation.

Diet Lite fill a packed room with a chaotic sound that remains pointed in its journey, but not its end, which makes sense for a band that radiates so much musical energy. It all has to go somewhere, right?

Today, it goes to the band’s new single, “X-Ray,” off their upcoming album Double Wide Yukon set to release next month.

There’s a clear layer in the band’s writing process that lets their individual perspectives flow into a natural whole. Musically, the song was written by Marsalli, while the lyrics were worked on by Kuzdas and Niemann individually. To no one’s surprise, the latter duo penned similar sentiments that represent, in the band’s own words, “the kinda feeling you might get when you find a fiver in a pocket while doing laundry, and it’s completely covered in hot tar.”

That sense of being thrown out of our day-to-day lives permeates “X-Ray.” The sense of self is gone; it’s just the noise now.

I push the button, and I know not how, but why
I got magic in the fingers and an unrelated rot in the mind
Lying patient in the presence of the prize
Sweet mother of invention, give me some kisses

Self-destructive creativity is a common theme for artists in general. The all-consuming act of creating anything becomes a problem in itself, for it quickly becomes the only thing an artist thinks about. Diet Lite personify this as an omniscient god that one must beg for grace.

Lying tall on our sad ivory stage
Won’t you take it, take it, take it, take it, take it, take it, take it, take it
I have it all and I can feel it sinking in
Now I have it all and I feel like swimming

There’s a salvation that comes from finishing a piece, but it’s a short one. The hit of dopamine that burns through you only burns for a short time. The only thing you can start thinking of afterward is what’s next. It blurs the lines between vice and opportunity that doesn’t necessarily need to leave you feeling better — just whole.

Sonically, the song mirrors the thematic pull of the lyrics, with sweat-soaked rhythms and virile guitar. It’s a rowdy batch of notes that pushes and pulls at the body, churning the insides until everything starts to boil. That’s what Diet Lite are all about: an unstoppable force with no clear end that just won’t stop going. “X-Ray” grabs the listener with no remorse for a little under two minutes and drops them off at another station with no rhyme or reason for how they got there.

If you want to go for a ride, listen to the song using the player at the top of the page or on the 88Nine airwaves throughout today (6:30 and 10:30 a.m.; 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.). Then stay tuned for when “X-Ray” releases this Friday, Oct. 17, followed by new album Double Wide Yukon on Nov. 14.

Jonathan Joseph is a Milwaukee-based multimedia freelance journalist who specializes in art and culture writing (and all things Milwaukee), with work appearing on Radio Milwaukee and in Milwaukee Magazine. Contact him via email or find him on LinkedIn.

It’s not every day you find $106 worth of power on sale. The Milwaukee M18 Redlithium Battery Starter Kit just dropped to $192.99 (originally $300) at Walmart and it’s a best-selling deal.

Double the power, half the wait. The Milwaukee Starter Kit packs two high-performance batteries and a versatile M18/M12 multi-voltage charger.

Milwaukee M18 Redlithium Battery Starter Kit

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Each battery delivers 50% more power than standard M18 Redlithium XC battery packs. The batteries are designed to operate effectively in cold weather conditions, specifically below 0- degree Fahrenheit.

They are fully compatible with over 200 Milwaukee M18 cordless tools. The kit comes with a 5-year warranty covering material and workmanship.

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One standout feature of the Milwaukee M18 Redlithium 2-Pack Starter Kit is its ability to maintain consistent, fade-free power under load. This ensures that tools operate at peak performance throughout the battery’s charge, providing reliability and efficiency for demanding tasks.

The ability to operate effectively in temperatures below 0-degree Fahrenheit makes these batteries unique, ensuring reliable power even in extreme cold conditions, which sets it apart from many other batteries on the market.

Reviews:

The Milwaukee M18 Redlithium 2-Pack Starter Kit is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Walmart’s website.

so glad I took the chance and ordered it!! They were brand new as far as I can tell there the same as my other Milwaukee batteries. Highly recommend the shipping took just a little bit longer than a week maybe.”

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Shop the Milwaukee M18 Redlithium High Battery 2-Pack Starter Kit for $192 (originally $300)

The price was correct at the time the article was written and may change over time.

Landmark Credit Union Live, the 4,500-person-capacity concert venue under construction in Milwaukee’s Deer District, has lined up its first shows, including the very first one.

Alternative rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise will headline the venue’s first concert on Feb. 27. Four other forthcoming shows were also revealed Oct. 15, featuring: rapper Bossman Dlow Feb. 28; Swedish metal band Sabaton March 6; EDM acts Level Up and Zingara March 12; and R&B artist Mariah The Scientist March 13. Shows will continue to be announced through the venue’s website, landmarkculive.com, and its social media channels.

“We’re curating a lineup that reflects the energy and culture of this city,” Scott Leslie, co-president of FPC Live, the Madison-based concert promoter operating the forthcoming venue, said in a statement. “Landmark Credit Union Live represents our continued commitment to grow the live music scene in Milwaukee, making it a can’t-miss stop for artists on tour.”

Rainbow Kitten Surprise also issued a statement about being the venue’s first headlining act.

“We played some of our very first shows in Milwaukee, years and years ago! We keep coming back,” the North Carolina-originated band said in a statement. “We just love it there and it’s always a pleasure to return. On top of that, it’s an honor to get to open up this beautiful new venue. It’s going to be a special night for sure.”

Tickets for these shows go on sale at 10 a.m. Oct. 24 at landmarkculive.com, with prices to be announced. Ticket buyers will have the option of choosing between general admission standing room access; over 1,200 reserved seats; or access to a premium suite or box. Tickets for the latter will also include access to a private lounge, the Vinyl Room, designed to resemble Japanese Kissa lounges from the 1970s.