Live on KEXP

If feel-good, summery, synth-pop grooves are what you’re looking for (and really, who isn’t?), then Roosevelt’s got you covered. The project of German musician Marius Lauber, Roosevelt makes music ripe for escapism. KEXP’s Troy Nelson takes us through a detailed account of Lauber’s evolution from drumming in the teen indie-dance band Beat!Beat!Beat! to honing his own electronic-infused sound for Roosevelt.  Their latest record, Polydans, was released in 2021 and is available on Greco-Roman records and Bandcamp. Recorded 12/08/2021. Easy Way Out Strangers Feels Right Sign Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wearing the self-described genre tag of “slap n’ soul,” Curtis Harding brings a wide range of influences into his soulful rock n’ roll sound. Troy Nelson connects the dots of his journey, from his early days in the church to Atlanta’s hip-hop scene and then playing rock n’ roll in Toronto until Harding found his unique sound. Find out how Cee Lo Green, Dangermouse, and Sam Cohen play a part in Harding’s path to If Words Were Flowers on this week’s episode of Live on KEXP. Recorded 11/18/2021. Hopeful Can’t Hide It With You Explore I Won’t Let You Down Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wearing the self-described genre tag of “slap n’ soul,” Curtis Harding brings a wide range of influences into his soulful rock n’ roll sound. Troy Nelson connects the dots of his journey, from his early days in the church to Atlanta’s hip-hop scene and then playing rock n’ roll in Toronto until Harding found his unique sound. Find out how Cee Lo Green, Dangermouse, and Sam Cohen play a part in Harding’s path to If Words Were Flowers on this week’s episode of Live on KEXP. Recorded 11/18/2021. Hopeful Can’t Hide It With You Explore I Won’t Let You Down Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2004, The Black Angels have been doing their part to keep Austin’s psych rock scene alive and well with their constantly evolving neo-psychedelic sound. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson gives a quick account of the band’s trajectory over over the past 18 years while DJ Miss Ashley speaks with the band about how the pandemic and having a child influenced frontman Alex Maas’ prolific songwriting. Their latest Live at Levitation is available on The Reverb Appreciation Society label and Bandcamp. Recorded 11/27/2021. Manipulation Firefly The River El Jardin Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2004, The Black Angels have been doing their part to keep Austin’s psych rock scene alive and well with their constantly evolving neo-psychedelic sound. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson gives a quick account of the band’s trajectory over over the past 18 years while DJ Miss Ashley speaks with the band about how the pandemic and having a child influenced frontman Alex Maas’ prolific songwriting. Their latest Live at Levitation is available on The Reverb Appreciation Society label and Bandcamp.  Recorded 11/27/2021. Manipulation Firefly The River El Jardin Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to beloved local artists who still somehow fall under the “upcoming” label, Shaina Shepherd is leading them. Known primarily for her powerful vocals as a solo artist and also the frontwoman of Bearaxe, Shepherd does so much more than that. Troy Nelson details the many facets of Shaina Shepherd on this episode of Live on KEXP before Shepherd shimmies into a sultry set of songs. Recorded 11/22/2021. Never Be Another You Something to Say Lover  Hope Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to beloved local artists who still somehow fall under the “upcoming” label, Shaina Shepherd is leading them. Known primarily for her powerful vocals as a solo artist and also the frontwoman of Bearaxe, Shepherd does so much more than that. Troy Nelson details the many facets of Shaina Shepherd on this episode of Live on KEXP before Shepherd shimmies into a sultry set of songs. Recorded 11/22/2021. Never Be Another You Something to Say Lover  Hope Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beloved Seattle band Deep Sea Diver returned to the KEXP studios this past October to finally play songs off their 2020 release Impossible Weight. Troy Nelson takes us through a deep dive of Jessica Dobson’s discography, from the 2009 debut EP up through Impossible Weight, which was 2020’s Top Album of the Year for KEXP listeners. Kevin Cole then speaks with Dobson about vulnerability and exploring directness in her lyrics while. Finally, Emily Fox spotlights Dobson on Sound & Vision, discussing the musician’s efforts to help support the local houseless community. Recorded 10/28/2021. Lights Out Impossible Weight Wishing Eyes Are Red (Don’t Be Afraid) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Watch KEXP's "Isolated Tracks" series featuring Deep Sea Diver's Jessica Dobson, for a peek into the process of recording "Impossible Weight"Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beloved Seattle band Deep Sea Diver returned to the KEXP studios this past October to finally play songs off their 2020 release Impossible Weight. Troy Nelson takes us through a deep dive of Jessica Dobson’s discography, from the 2009 debut EP up through Impossible Weight, which was 2020’s Top Album of the Year for KEXP listeners. Kevin Cole then speaks with Dobson about vulnerability and exploring directness in her lyrics while. Finally, Emily Fox spotlights Dobson on Sound & Vision, discussing the musician’s efforts to help support the local houseless community. Recorded 10/28/2021. Lights Out Impossible Weight Wishing Eyes Are Red (Don’t Be Afraid) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Watch KEXP's "Isolated Tracks" series featuring Deep Sea Diver's Jessica Dobson, for a peek into the process of recording "Impossible Weight"Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shortly after the pandemic shut the world down, Melbourne’s RVG (formerly known as Romy Vager Group) released their sophomore record of jangly post-punk, Feral. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson details the quartet’s origins up to their electric and exhilarating second album before the band tears into their pre-recorded remote set for KEXP at Melbourne’s Soundpark Recording. Plus, frontwoman Romy Vager and drummer Marc Nolte chat with Cheryl Waters about their complicated relationship pre-RVG. Recorded 10/20/2021. Alexandra Tropic of Cancer Help Somebody Tambourine I Used to Love You Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shortly after the pandemic shut the world down, Melbourne’s RVG (formerly known as Romy Vager Group) released their sophomore record of jangly post-punk, Feral. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson details the quartet’s origins up to their electric and exhilarating second album before the band tears into their pre-recorded remote set for KEXP at Melbourne’s Soundpark Recording. Plus, frontwoman Romy Vager and drummer Marc Nolte chat with Cheryl Waters about their complicated relationship pre-RVG. Recorded 10/20/2021. Alexandra Tropic of Cancer Help Somebody Tambourine I Used to Love You Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past twelve years, Sleigh Bells have experimented and tinkered with a variety of sounds in the five records they’ve released since Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller’s unlikely meeting at a Brazilian restaurant in Williamsburg. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson takes us through the variety of atmospherics the band has tried their hands at. Cheryl Waters then chats with Krauss about the duo’s songwriting process and the Southern country influences that Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton had on their new record, Texas. Recorded 10/27/2021. Sweet 75 I’m Not Down And Saints Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past twelve years, Sleigh Bells have experimented and tinkered with a variety of sounds in the five records they’ve released since Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller’s unlikely meeting at a Brazilian restaurant in Williamsburg. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson takes us through the variety of atmospherics the band has tried their hands at. Cheryl Waters then chats with Krauss about the duo’s songwriting process and the Southern country influences that Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton had on their new record, Texas. Recorded 10/27/2021. Sweet 75 I’m Not Down And Saints Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s no secret that we at KEXP have been incredibly hyped on Jungle’s latest record, 'Loving In Stereo,' since it arrived in August. Sparkling in jubilance, the album takes listeners on a cinematic disco joyride. During the session, Cheryl Waters spoke to the duo about the joy that permeates the record. In another interview with the band, Emily Fox discussed the freedom that came with releasing the album through their own label, Caiola Records. Recorded 10/23/2021. Fire What D’You Know About Me? Truth Keep Moving  All Of the Time Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s no secret that we at KEXP have been incredibly hyped on Jungle’s latest record, 'Loving In Stereo,' since it arrived in August. Sparkling in jubilance, the album takes listeners on a cinematic disco joyride. During the session, Cheryl Waters spoke to the duo about the joy that permeates the record. In another interview with the band, Emily Fox discussed the freedom that came with releasing the album through their own label, Caiola Records. Recorded 10/23/2021. Fire What D’You Know About Me? Truth Keep Moving  All Of the Time Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we bring you a story from KEXP's Sound & Vision podcast. Ketamine treatment centers are opening all over Seattle. The psychedelic drug is used to help with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other ailments, but it does come with controversy. These treatments look and feel much different than most mental health treatments. It also sounds different because music is an important part of Ketamine infusions. KEXP’s Rachel Stevens reports on how the treatments work. Other recent stories from Sound & Vision look at the effect of vinyl delays, the numbers behind "Spotify Wrapped," and 2021 music round-ups. Stay up to date by subscribing to KEXP's Sound & Vision wherever you listen to podcasts.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mexico City rockers El Shirota stopped by KEXP to play a searing set for one of our first performances in the Gathering Space since the start of the pandemic. On this episode, Troy Nelson breaks down the long list of possible artists one could compare the bold band to while KEXP’s Albina Cabrera chats with the members of El Shirota (en Español) about the making of their long-awaited debut full-length, Tiempos Raros, released in 2020.  Recorded 09/28/2021. RTL Más de una vez Niebla La Ciudad Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mexico City rockers El Shirota stopped by KEXP to play a searing set for one of our first performances in the Gathering Space since the start of the pandemic. On this episode, Troy Nelson breaks down the long list of possible artists one could compare the bold band to while KEXP’s Albina Cabrera chats with the members of El Shirota (en Español) about the making of their long-awaited debut full-length, Tiempos Raros, released in 2020.  Recorded 09/28/2021. RTL Más de una vez Niebla La Ciudad Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aussie punk rockers Amyl and The Sniffers virtually stopped by the KEXP studios to share a searing live set directed by Mark Bakaitis and filmed at Soundpark Studios in Melbourne. The quartet blazes through a set of eight songs from their discography, the majority from their 2021 full-length Comfort to Me, before lead singer Amy Taylor, drummer Bryce Wilson, and guitarist Dec Martens settle in to chat with KEXP’s Troy Nelson about the bands they love, the success of Comfort to Me, and blind repairmen. Recorded 10/14/2021. Some Mutts (Can't be muzzled)  Hertz  Guided by Angels  Security  Knifey  Capital  I Don't Need A Cunt (Like You To Love Me)  Maggot Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brighton post-punkers Squid unveiled their debut record Bright Green Field in early summer 2021 with waves of acclaim for their glitchy, angular take on a genre that is currently chock-full of UK artists trying their hand at. For their Live on KEXP at Home session, the quintet showcased their skillful instrumentation with a jammy set of possibly six - but could be more - songs off the album in-between an in-depth conversation with KEXP’s DJ Morgan about the making of the record and how their parents, improv, and the video game Rock Band paved the way for success. Recorded 08/03/2021. Peel St. Resolution Square G.S.K. Global Groove 2010 Paddling Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lace Cadence, host of KEXP’s Overnight Afrobeats, made it his personal mission to get the funky as hell Cosmic Collective to play a virtual set for KEXP and it pays off in this session. In between playing an energetic five song set, band leaders Nikki Michelle and Tyler Enslow chat with Cadence about the band’s inception, their extensive sunglass collection, and the benefits of using a bass stand.  Recorded 08/12/2021. Transcendent Love F.W.B.D.W.O. Time Socks Them Changes (Thundercat cover) Gotta Get Out of Here Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A message from the folks who bring you this podcast every week. Episodes with produced intros will be returning to this feed Tuesday, January 11th. Until then, enjoy "Performance and Interview Only" versions of a new live session every Tuesday. As always, you can choose from an ever-expanding selection of live performance videos on KEXP's YouTube channel.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DJ John Richards drops by to tell you about KEXP's Song of the Day podcast, where you get a DJ-curated song delivered straight to your feed each weekday. You also get to learn some context around the song, right there in the episode description. To enjoy this convenient mode of music discovery, subscribe to KEXP's Song of the Day wherever you get your podcasts.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taking the massive title of First Band to Play Live at KEXP Since the Start of the Pandemic, Nation of Language are more than deserving. While they only just released their first record in 2020, the Brooklyn-based band are making a giant splash with their modern take on new wave. The band chats with John Richards about adapting to post-Covid live shows before jumping into a stellar performance of songs off their new record A Way Forward. Recorded 10/13/2021. Across that Fine Line Wounds of Love This Fractured Mind The Wall & I Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taking the massive title of First Band to Play Live at KEXP Since the Start of the Pandemic, Nation of Language are more than deserving. While they only just released their first record in 2020, the Brooklyn-based band are making a giant splash with their modern take on new wave. The band chats with John Richards about adapting to post-Covid live shows before jumping into a stellar performance of songs off their new record A Way Forward. Recorded 10/13/2021. Across that Fine Line Wounds of Love This Fractured Mind The Wall & I Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With her recent Grammy nomination, Arooj Aftab has made headlines as the very first Pakistani woman to be nominated for the gilded gramophone. While the Best New Artist nomination may be a geographical success, Aftab spoke to Cheryl Waters about how “art can transcend geographical location” and how access to art and the ability to cultivate relationships with other artists is why she’s called New York home for the past 15 years.  Aftab’s latest record, Vulture Prince, is the third from the Berklee College of Music alum and sees her taking influence from South Asian classical music, jazz, and minimalism for a soothing and spiritual record that deserves every ounce of praise. Her four-song set for KEXP with guitarist Gyan Riley and harpist Maeve Gilchrist showcases her transcendental work. Recorded 09/24/2021. Baghon Main Suroor Diya Hai Mohabbat Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With her recent Grammy nomination, Arooj Aftab has made headlines as the very first Pakistani woman to be nominated for the gilded gramophone. While the Best New Artist nomination may be a geographical success, Aftab spoke to Cheryl Waters about how “art can transcend geographical location” and how access to art and the ability to cultivate relationships with other artists is why she’s called New York home for the past 15 years.  Aftab’s latest record, Vulture Prince, is the third from the Berklee College of Music alum and sees her taking influence from South Asian classical music, jazz, and minimalism for a soothing and spiritual record that deserves every ounce of praise. Her four-song set for KEXP with guitarist Gyan Riley and harpist Maeve Gilchrist showcases her transcendental work. Recorded 09/24/2021. Baghon Main Suroor Diya Hai Mohabbat Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson details Mackenzie Scott’s unique trajectory from Southern Baptist band kid to the subversive indie rocker best known as TORRES. While the path to her latest album, 2021’sThirstier, has been long and occasionally bumpy, the common theme of her successes seems to be her connections with creative women. In conversation with Cheryl Waters, Scott recounts how her wife Jenna Gribbon had an incredible influence on getting herself together during the early days of the pandemic to make the sultry, joyous songs that make up Thirstier. Recorded 09/27/2021. Are You Sleepwalking? Don’t Go Putting Wishes In My Head Big Leap Thirstier Watch the full Live on KEXP session hereSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson details Mackenzie Scott’s unique trajectory from Southern Baptist band kid to the subversive indie rocker best known as TORRES. While the path to her latest album, 2021’sThirstier, has been long and occasionally bumpy, the common theme of her successes seems to be her connections with creative women. In conversation with Cheryl Waters, Scott recounts how her wife Jenna Gribbon had an incredible influence on getting herself together during the early days of the pandemic to make the sultry, joyous songs that make up Thirstier. Recorded 09/27/2021. Are You Sleepwalking? Don’t Go Putting Wishes In My Head Big Leap Thirstier Watch the full Live on KEXP session hereSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finally touring behind her latest Waxahatchee record, Saint Cloud, a year and a half after its release, Katie Crutchfield stops by KEXP to play songs off the album and speaks to Cheryl Waters about the factors that led her to change up her sound and why she wants to “keep it difficult to describe.”  Emily Fox also chats with Crutchfield for Sound & Vision about addiction and codependency and the role sobriety played in the making of Saint Cloud. Recorded 09/16/2021. Can’t Do Much Lilacs Ruby Falls Fire Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finally touring behind her latest Waxahatchee record, Saint Cloud, a year and a half after its release, Katie Crutchfield stops by KEXP to play songs off the album and speaks to Cheryl Waters about the factors that led her to change up her sound and why she wants to “keep it difficult to describe.”  Emily Fox also chats with Crutchfield for Sound & Vision about addiction and codependency and the role sobriety played in the making of Saint Cloud. Recorded 09/16/2021. Can’t Do Much Lilacs Ruby Falls Fire Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For musicians Melina Duterte and Ellen Kemper, the collaborative project Bachelor is not just one of musical expression but also friendship. The week they took away from their solo projects - Jay Som and Palehound, respectively - to make the EP Doomin’ Sun was full of not just music-making but also cooking, hot tubbing, TV watching, and just general bonding. Speaking with Cheryl Waters, the duo share memories of that incredible week, insight into their record-making process, and their thoughts on why they make such great collaborators and friends.  Recorded 08/10/2021. Back of My Hand Sick of Spiraling Anything At All Spin Out Stay In The Car Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For musicians Melina Duterte and Ellen Kemper, the collaborative project Bachelor is not just one of musical expression but also friendship. The week they took away from their solo projects - Jay Som and Palehound, respectively - to make the EP Doomin’ Sun was full of not just music-making but also cooking, hot tubbing, TV watching, and just general bonding. Speaking with Cheryl Waters, the duo share memories of that incredible week, insight into their record-making process, and their thoughts on why they make such great collaborators and friends.  Recorded 08/10/2021. Back of My Hand Sick of Spiraling Anything At All Spin Out Stay In The Car Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the easiest way to categorize Little Simz is as an emcee, her resume goes far beyond just her impeccable flow. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson traces Little Simz’ history back to age 9 and dissects the various titles the UK artist has held including dancer, actor, and collaborator. Simz then chats with Gabriel Teodros about her faithful relationship with producer InFlo and working with the enigmatic collective Sault. Recorded 08/26/2021. Introvert Woman Venom I Love You I Hate You Rolling Stone Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the easiest way to categorize Little Simz is as an emcee, her resume goes far beyond just her impeccable flow. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson traces Little Simz’ history back to age 9 and dissects the various titles the UK artist has held including dancer, actor, and collaborator. Simz then chats with Gabriel Teodros about her faithful relationship with producer InFlo and working with the enigmatic collective Sault. Recorded 08/26/2021. Introvert Woman Venom I Love You I Hate You Rolling Stone Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At only 17-years-old Canadian singer/songwriter Kylie V has been writing and performing their personal brand of dreamy, pensive, lo-fi folk since they were 14. Chatting with KEXP’s DJ Abbie, they chart their humble beginnings in the Vancouver music scene, giving credit to surf rockers Peach Pit as a realization about the accessibility of making music and inspiration for diving into the local music scene to make their DIY rock star dreams come true. Their album 'Big Blue' is available on Bandcamp. Recorded 07/06/2021. On My Mind Solace Big Blue A Story If You Want It All Too Well (Taylor Swift cover) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At only 17-years-old Canadian singer/songwriter Kylie V has been writing and performing their personal brand of dreamy, pensive, lo-fi folk since they were 14. Chatting with KEXP’s DJ Abbie, they chart their humble beginnings in the Vancouver music scene, giving credit to surf rockers Peach Pit as a realization about the accessibility of making music and inspiration for diving into the local music scene to make their DIY rock star dreams come true. Their album 'Big Blue' is available on Bandcamp. Recorded 07/06/2021. On My Mind Solace Big Blue A Story If You Want It All Too Well (Taylor Swift cover) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over 18 years, José González has been a master at constructing soft, contemplative guitar tunes. While, sonically, his latest album ‘Local Valley’ sounds much like his prior work, KEXP’s Larry Mizell Jr. chats with the Swedish/Argentinian musician about how his two children influenced him to inject more playfulness and creativity into his tunes, as well as write songs in his mother tongue of Spanish for the first time. Recorded 09/02/2021. Visions Swing Leaf Off/The Cave Head On El Invento Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over 18 years, José González has been a master at constructing soft, contemplative guitar tunes. While, sonically, his latest album ‘Local Valley’ sounds much like his prior work, KEXP’s Larry Mizell Jr. chats with the Swedish/Argentinian musician about how his two children influenced him to inject more playfulness and creativity into his tunes, as well as write songs in his mother tongue of Spanish for the first time. Recorded 09/02/2021. Visions Swing Leaf Off/The Cave Head On El Invento Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chrystia Cabral conjures a mystical, magnificent dominion in the music she makes as SPELLLING. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson uses multiple entendres to tell the story of her fascinating experimental journey from creating songs for crayons to gathering more than 30 musicians to join her for her latest and most fantastical record The Turning Wheel.  Recorded 06/17/2021. Little Deer Always Awaken Boys at School Sweet Talk Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chrystia Cabral conjures a mystical, magnificent dominion in the music she makes as SPELLLING. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson uses multiple entendres to tell the story of her fascinating experimental journey from creating songs for crayons to gathering more than 30 musicians to join her for her latest and most fantastical record The Turning Wheel.  Recorded 06/17/2021. Little Deer Always Awaken Boys at School Sweet Talk Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mndsgn, the pseudonym of Ringgo Ancheta, is no fresh face on the music scene. Since 2009, he’s been collaborating with incredible artists across the board, from Suzi Analogue and Knxwledge to Prophet and Chai. For his latest Stones Throw record, Rare Pleasure, Ancheta created his most vulnerable album yet, which he opens up to KEXP’s Larry Mizell Jr. about in this week’s episode of Live on KEXP before jumping into a killer set of songs off the album. Recorded 06/09/2021. Hope You’re Doin’ Better Slowdance Medium Rare Colours of the Sunset Feelings Are...The Hardest Words To Say (Alphonso Johnson cover) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mndsgn, the pseudonym of Ringgo Ancheta, is no fresh face on the music scene. Since 2009, he’s been collaborating with incredible artists across the board, from Suzi Analogue and Knxwledge to Prophet and Chai. For his latest Stones Throw record, Rare Pleasure, Ancheta created his most vulnerable album yet, which he opens up to KEXP’s Larry Mizell Jr. about in this week’s episode of Live on KEXP before jumping into a killer set of songs off the album. Recorded 06/09/2021. Hope You’re Doin’ Better Slowdance Medium Rare Colours of the Sunset Feelings Are...The Hardest Words To Say (Alphonso Johnson cover) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When your family name is synonymous with afrobeat activism, what do you do? For Femi and Made Kuti, the only option is to continue the Legacy, of course. On this episode of Live on KEXP, the father/son duo carry on what Fela Kuti started in the ‘70s - the dissemination of not just sharp political criticism but also immense joy through music. Recorded 05/11/2021. Pà Pá Pà (Femi Kuti) Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am (Made Kuti) Stop The Hate (Femi Kuti) Free Your Mind (Made Kuti) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When your family name is synonymous with afrobeat activism, what do you do? For Femi and Made Kuti, the only option is to continue the Legacy, of course. On this episode of Live on KEXP, the father/son duo carry on what Fela Kuti started in the ‘70s - the dissemination of not just sharp political criticism but also immense joy through music. Recorded 05/11/2021. Pà Pá Pà (Femi Kuti) Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am (Made Kuti) Stop The Hate (Femi Kuti) Free Your Mind (Made Kuti) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese-born, Vancouver-based musician Yu Su makes propulsive and evocative electronic that intends to bridge the gap between her motherland and her new Pacific Northwest home. On this episode of Live on KEXP, the composer, DJ, and sound artist speaks to Mike Ramos about the significance of the title of her latest album Yellow River Blue, her tough journey towards feeling comfortable in her new home, and how accessibility to electronic programs helped her on her journey towards the pop dance sound she found on the new record Recorded 06/02/2021. Xiu Klein Gleam Melaleuca Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese-born, Vancouver-based musician Yu Su makes propulsive and evocative electronic that intends to bridge the gap between her motherland and her new Pacific Northwest home. On this episode of Live on KEXP, the composer, DJ, and sound artist speaks to Mike Ramos about the significance of the title of her latest album Yellow River Blue, her tough journey towards feeling comfortable in her new home, and how accessibility to electronic programs helped her on her journey towards the pop dance sound she found on the new record Recorded 06/02/2021. Xiu Klein Gleam Melaleuca Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Activist, thinker, contemporary artist, and musician Nicholas Galanin entwines his experience as an Alaskan indigenous person and passion for social and environmental justice with falling in love and the birth of a child for his debut album as Ya Tseen. Titled Indian Yard, the record is a collaboration between himself and the many artists that see Galanin as a friend including Otis Calvin III (who you might know as OC Notes), Benjamin Verdoes, Shabazz Palaces, Nick Hakim, fellow Indigenous Alaskan singer and songwriter Qacung, and Alaska’s biggest rock stars Portugal. The Man. Recorded 07/05/2021. Knives Close the Distance A Feeling Undefined Light the Torch At Tugáni Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Activist, thinker, contemporary artist, and musician Nicholas Galanin entwines his experience as an Alaskan indigenous person and passion for social and environmental justice with falling in love and the birth of a child for his debut album as Ya Tseen. Titled Indian Yard, the record is a collaboration between himself and the many artists that see Galanin as a friend including Otis Calvin III (who you might know as OC Notes), Benjamin Verdoes, Shabazz Palaces, Nick Hakim, fellow Indigenous Alaskan singer and songwriter Qacung, and Alaska’s biggest rock stars Portugal. The Man. Recorded 07/05/2021. Knives Close the Distance A Feeling Undefined Light the Torch At Tugáni Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are many negative ways one could sum up 2021 but one shining bright positive title we can give it is The Year of Michelle Zauner. The Oregon-born artist is probably best known as Japanese Breakfast and released the stellar album Jubilee this June but is also now an acclaimed author with the release of the New York Times bestseller Crying in H Mart in April.  For this episode of Live on KEXP we share a clip of Zauner’s conversation with Cheryl Waters about how writing the book exorcised the pain and trauma so that she could portray the joy felt on Jubilee. Zauner then plays four tracks from Jubilee plus one from her side project with Crying’s Ryan Galloway, BUMPER. Recorded June 21, 2021  Kokomo, IN Tactics Be Sweet Savage Good Boy Ballad O Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.