Live on KEXP

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.

It’s important that we all feel like the star of our own movie, and if you’re still searching for a badass theme song for your personal film then look no further than Seattle’s own True Loves. The infectious funkmasters recorded a soulful set for KEXP behind the release of the band’s latest full-length 'Sunday Afternoon' and also spilled the tea to Troy Nelson on their guilty pleasure songs...the answers may surprise you. Recorded 04/27/2021. Objects In Mirror Did It Again First Impression  Lavender Sunday Afternoon Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s important that we all feel like the star of our own movie, and if you’re still searching for a badass theme song for your personal film then look no further than Seattle’s own True Loves. The infectious funkmasters recorded a soulful set for KEXP behind the release of the band’s latest full-length 'Sunday Afternoon' and also spilled the tea to Troy Nelson on their guilty pleasure songs...the answers may surprise you. Recorded 04/27/2021. Objects In Mirror Did It Again First Impression  Lavender Sunday Afternoon Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The quick evolution of London’s Working Men’s Club from guitar-based rock band to synth-driven dance outfit might seem odd but listening to their present-day New Orderian sound, you’d never guess they were ever making anything else. For Live on KEXP, frontman Syd Minskey-Sargeant speaks with Kevin Cole about how the pandemic affected their highly unorthodox remix releases before the quartet launches into a simmering synthy set. Recorded 04/21/2021. Valleys X John Cooper Clark Be My Guest Teeth Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The quick evolution of London’s Working Men’s Club from guitar-based rock band to synth-driven dance outfit might seem odd but listening to their present-day New Orderian sound, you’d never guess they were ever making anything else. For Live on KEXP, frontman Syd Minskey-Sargeant speaks with Kevin Cole about how the pandemic affected their highly unorthodox remix releases before the quartet launches into a simmering synthy set.  Recorded 04/21/2021. Valleys X John Cooper Clark Be My Guest Teeth Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Montreal 7-piece psych-rock band TEKE::TEKE expand on the wide array of influences that led to the name of their band - urban legends, onomatopoeias, and a Japanese guitarist all have a hand - with Larry Mizell, Jr. before floating into a flute-filled, surfy set. Recorded April 26, 2021. Kala Kala Yoru Ni Barbara Jikaku Meikyu Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Montreal 7-piece psych-rock band TEKE::TEKE expand on the wide array of influences that led to the name of their band - urban legends, onomatopoeias, and a Japanese guitarist all have a hand - with Larry Mizell, Jr. before floating into a flute-filled, surfy set. Recorded April 26, 2021. Kala Kala Yoru Ni Barbara Jikaku Meikyu Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pioneer of new age and ambient sounds, Laraaji recently added a trilogy of albums, 'Sun Piano,’ 'Moon Piano,' and 'Through Luminous Eyes' to his already deep discography. On this episode of Live on KEXP, the 78 year-old musician, mystic and laughter meditation practitioner recounts the story of acquiring the zither that would come to influence his music for the next 40+ years and then utilizes it alongside TingSha cymbals, Kalimba, Tibetan singing bowl, and his voice for a meditative and celestial virtual live performance. Recorded 01/14/2021. Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube  Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pioneer of new age and ambient sounds, Laraaji recently added a trilogy of albums, 'Sun Piano,’ 'Moon Piano,' and 'Through Luminous Eyes' to his already deep discography. On this episode of Live on KEXP, the 78 year-old musician, mystic and laughter meditation practitioner recounts the story of acquiring the zither that would come to influence his music for the next 40+ years and then utilizes it alongside TingSha cymbals, Kalimba, Tibetan singing bowl, and his voice for a meditative and celestial virtual live performance. Recorded 01/14/2021. Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Julian Saporiti, music is not just an opportunity for creative expression but also an avenue to share his rich knowledge of Asian American history. Armed with a PhD in American Studies from Brown, Saporiti recounts these tales, both personal and historical, through No-No Boy. On this episode of Live on KEXP, find out more about Saporiti’s journey from professor to rock star before diving into a stirring set of songs off his sophomore album, '1975.' Recorded 05/04/2021. St. Denis or Bangkok, From a Hotel Balcony Khmerica Hapa Book Club: In Praise of Japanese Breakfast, Nina & Luling Little Saigon Born in the USA Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Julian Saporiti, music is not just an opportunity for creative expression but also an avenue to share his rich knowledge of Asian American history. Armed with a PhD in American Studies from Brown, Saporiti recounts these tales, both personal and historical, through No-No Boy. On this episode of Live on KEXP, find out more about Saporiti’s journey from professor to rock star before diving into a stirring set of songs off his sophomore album, '1975.' Recorded 05/04/2021. St. Denis or Bangkok, From a Hotel Balcony Khmerica Hapa Book Club: In Praise of Japanese Breakfast, Nina & Luling Little Saigon Born in the USA Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Much has been said about the pros and cons of being a parent during the pandemic. For musicians like Shovels & Rope’s Cary Anne Hearst and Michael Trent, not being able to be on the road has allowed them an amount of time with their children that they haven’t previously been afforded, but also left them without an income to support them. Perhaps that’s why their latest volume of the Busted Jukebox series they started in 2015, titled 'Busted Juicebox Vol. 3,' leans heavily into lullabies and kid-friendly tunes featuring contributions from artists like Sharon Van Etten, The War and Treaty, and the Secret Sisters. The duo break down how the pandemic affected their lives and creative process in the latest episode of Live on KEXP. Recorded 05/05/2021. Domino Bleed Me Johnny 99 Mississippi Nuthin’ Hail Hail Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Much has been said about the pros and cons of being a parent during the pandemic. For musicians like Shovels & Rope’s Cary Anne Hearst and Michael Trent, not being able to be on the road has allowed them an amount of time with their children that they haven’t previously been afforded, but also left them without an income to support them. Perhaps that’s why their latest volume of the Busted Jukebox series they started in 2015, titled 'Busted Juicebox Vol. 3,' leans heavily into lullabies and kid-friendly tunes featuring contributions from artists like Sharon Van Etten, The War and Treaty, and the Secret Sisters. The duo break down how the pandemic affected their lives and creative process in the latest episode of Live on KEXP. Recorded 05/05/2021. Domino Bleed Me Johnny 99 Mississippi Nuthin’ Hail Hail Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In April, Jenn Wasner released her second album under the name Flock of Dimes. Titled 'Head of Roses,' the album explores the depths of heartbreak but also, according to Cheryl Waters, “Elicits so much happiness and emotion.”  For Live on KEXP, Wasner speaks to the admiring Waters about how the few short weeks of making 'Head of Roses' were some of the happiest moments of her life and brought her back to life after troubled times.  Recorded 03/26/2021. Two Price of Blue Lightning Hard Way The Weakness In Me  Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In April, Jenn Wasner released her second album under the name Flock of Dimes. Titled 'Head of Roses,' the album explores the depths of heartbreak but also, according to Cheryl Waters, “Elicits so much happiness and emotion.”  For Live on KEXP, Wasner speaks to the admiring Waters about how the few short weeks of making 'Head of Roses' were some of the happiest moments of her life and brought her back to life after troubled times.  Recorded 03/26/2021. Two Price of Blue Lightning Hard Way The Weakness In Me  Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

London four-piece TV Priest make blazing, brash post-punk that sees frontman Charlie Drinkwater deliver fired-up musings in a spoken-word style. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson delves into the history of this unique and yet very of-the-moment way of conveying lyrics. The band also explains why, despite being childhood friends, they only finally united as a band in their ‘30s and the benefits that sort of time and exposure to "real life" has on making music. Recorded 03/29/2021 Press Gang Slideshow This Island Venus In Furs Decoration Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

London four-piece TV Priest make blazing, brash post-punk that sees frontman Charlie Drinkwater deliver fired-up musings in a spoken-word style.  In the interview, the band explains why, despite being childhood friends, they only finally united as a band in their ‘30s and the benefits that sort of time and exposure to "real life" has on making music. Recorded 03/29/2021 Press Gang Slideshow This Island Venus In Furs Decoration Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Besides playing a scathing set of punchy psych-rock, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets answer some of the tough questions on this week’s episode of Live on KEXP. Speaking with KEXP’s Troy Nelson, the Australian band, who released their fourth studio album ‘Shyga! The Sunlight Mound’ in February, sets the record straight on the question we’ve all been pondering: what is a kookaburra? Recorded 04/01/2021. Mr. Prism Tally Ho Pukebox Mundungus Found God in a Tomato Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Besides playing a scathing set of punchy psych-rock, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets answer some of the tough questions on this week’s episode of Live on KEXP. Speaking with KEXP’s Troy Nelson, the Australian band, who released their fourth studio album ‘Shyga! The Sunlight Mound’ in February, sets the record straight on the question we’ve all been pondering: what is a kookaburra? Recorded 04/01/2021. Mr. Prism Tally Ho Pukebox Mundungus Found God in a Tomato Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over a decade, Tamara Lindeman has been expanding the depth and breadth of the music she makes as The Weather Station. For her latest record, 'Ignorance,' Lindeman not only pushes the limits of the folk genre tag she’s often categorized under but also gets thematically spacious with a major focus on not just the physical but psychological impacts of climate change. The album couldn’t have come at a better time, with the ramifications of climate change more severe this summer than ever.  Recorded March 17, 2021. Robber  Loss Parking Lot Tried To Tell You Subdivisions Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over a decade, Tamara Lindeman has been expanding the depth and breadth of the music she makes as The Weather Station. For her latest record, 'Ignorance,' Lindeman not only pushes the limits of the folk genre tag she’s often categorized under but also gets thematically spacious with a major focus on not just the physical but psychological impacts of climate change. The album couldn’t have come at a better time, with the ramifications of climate change more severe this summer than ever. Troy Nelson connects those dots on the latest episode of Live on KEXP. Recorded March 17, 2021. Robber  Loss Parking Lot Tried To Tell You Subdivisions Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Genre-hopping London three-piece PVA arrive at this juncture as one of the most dynamic and exciting new bands in the country, intuitively blending club music and a smart pop sensibility with the more organic elements and instrumentation of new-wave and post-punk. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson chats with the band on their unorthodox formation and how they brought the club to the studio for their debut release Toner, released in late 2020 via Big Dada Records, before the trio delves into a fiery three-song set recorded for KEXP. Recorded March 2021 Sleek Form Divine Intervention Exhaust/Surroundings Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Genre-hopping London three-piece PVA arrive at this juncture as one of the most dynamic and exciting new bands in the country, intuitively blending club music and a smart pop sensibility with the more organic elements and instrumentation of new-wave and post-punk. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson chats with the band on their unorthodox formation and how they brought the club to the studio for their debut release Toner, released in late 2020 via Big Dada Records, before the trio delves into a fiery three-song set recorded for KEXP. Recorded March 2021 Sleek Form Divine Intervention Exhaust/Surroundings Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been often spoken about how, while the past year has been incredibly trying for most, for many it was also a moment of calm and self-reflection that was long-needed. For Langhorne Slim this appears to be the case, as he tells John Richards during his Live on KEXP at Home session. While it sounds tough to glean anything good from the compounding of a global pandemic, struggling with sobriety, and a tornado ravaging his home of Nashville, it also birthed the songs that make up Slim’s seventh studio album, 'Strawberry Mansion,' out now on Dualtone Records and Bandcamp. Recorded 04/06/2021. Panic Attack Long Journey Home Red Bird House on Fire Everything Scares Me Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been often spoken about how, while the past year has been incredibly trying for most, for many it was also a moment of calm and self-reflection that was long-needed. For Langhorne Slim this appears to be the case, as he tells John Richards during his Live on KEXP at Home session. While it sounds tough to glean anything good from the compounding of a global pandemic, struggling with sobriety, and a tornado ravaging his home of Nashville, it also birthed the songs that make up Slim’s seventh studio album, 'Strawberry Mansion,' out now on Dualtone Records and Bandcamp. Recorded 04/06/2021. Panic Attack Long Journey Home Red Bird House on Fire Everything Scares Me Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If perfect pop songs made of punchy drums, rich chords, emotional dynamics, and just heaps and piles of vibe are your thing then we suggest you get familiar with mononymously named Claud. Earlier this year the 21-year-old musician made their album debut with ‘Super Monster’ to pretty much unanimous acclaim. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson charts Claud’s trajectory from food-named bedroom band to Phoebe Bridgers-signed artist. Plus, hear a snippet of their interview with DJ Evie about how Daniel Johnston, Frankenstein, and their genderqueer experience led to the album title. Recorded 04/25/2021. Cuff Your Jeans Guard Down In Or In Between This Town Soft Spot Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If perfect pop songs made of punchy drums, rich chords, emotional dynamics, and just heaps and piles of vibe are your thing then we suggest you get familiar with mononymously named Claud. Earlier this year the 21-year-old musician made their album debut with ‘Super Monster’ to pretty much unanimous acclaim. Listen to their performance, as well as an interview with DJ Evie about how Daniel Johnston, Frankenstein, and their genderqueer experience led to the album title. Recorded 04/25/2021. Cuff Your Jeans Guard Down In Or In Between This Town Soft Spot Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best-known as a multi-instrumentalist and co-lead singer in Durand Jones & The Indications, Aaron Frazer broke out on his own earlier this year with his debut solo album, ‘Introducing…’  In Frazer’s interview with DJ Morgan, he confesses that it was a fateful call from the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach that pushed him to step into the spotlight. Recorded 02/26/2021. Bad News Have Mercy If I Got It (Your Love Brought It) Love Is Over You Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best-known as a multi-instrumentalist and co-lead singer in Durand Jones & The Indications, Aaron Frazer broke out on his own earlier this year with his debut solo album, ‘Introducing…’  For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson gives a brief introduction to the falsetto crooner before sharing snippets of Frazer’s interview with DJ Morgan in which he confesses that it was a fateful call from the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach that pushed him to step into the spotlight. Recorded 02/26/2021. Bad News Have Mercy If I Got It (Your Love Brought It) Love Is Over You Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the heels of releasing her first project since 2019’s acclaimed full-length debut Miss Universe, an EP titled Feeling Lucky, Nilüfer Yanya joined Cheryl Waters for a virtual live session for KEXP. Joined by co-conspirator Jazzi Bobbi, Yanya played three songs from the EP and a cover of fellow Londoner PJ Harvey.  Recorded 03/01/2021. Same Damn Luck Crash Day 7.5093 Rid Of Me (PJ Harvey cover) Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the heels of releasing her first project since 2019’s acclaimed full-length debut Miss Universe, an EP titled Feeling Lucky, Nilüfer Yanya joined Cheryl Waters for a virtual live session for KEXP. Joined by co-conspirator Jazzi Bobbi, Yanya played three songs from the EP and a cover of fellow Londoner PJ Harvey. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson delves into some of the interesting aspects of her conversation with Cheryl surrounding songwriting and keeping your autonomy in making music.  Recorded 03/01/2021. Same Damn Luck Crash Day 7.5093 Rid Of Me (PJ Harvey cover) Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta wunderkind Faye Webster is on the cusp of releasing her fourth studio album, 'I Know I’m Funny haha,' out June 25th via Secretly Canadian. For her six-song, full-band set, recorded at Tweed Studios in Athens, Georgia, Webster plays a number of new songs from the forthcoming album, as well as her 2019 'Atlanta Millionaires Club’ track, "Kingston.” Recorded 03/09/2021. Better Distractions Kingston In A Good Way I Know I’m Funny haha Cheers Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta wunderkind Faye Webster is on the cusp of releasing her fourth studio album, 'I Know I’m Funny haha,' out June 25th via Secretly Canadian. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson details the anomaly of Webster’s music, which draws as much from the lap-steel singer-songwriter pop of the 1970s and teardrop country tunes as it does from the audacious personalities of her city’s rap and R&B community, where she first found a home on Awful Records. For her six-song, full-band set, recorded at Tweed Studios in Athens, Georgia, Webster plays a number of new songs from the forthcoming album, as well as her 2019 'Atlanta Millionaires Club’ track, "Kingston.” Recorded 03/09/2021. Better Distractions Kingston In A Good Way I Know I’m Funny haha Cheers Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After over 25 years in the game, Mogwai are a band that should need no introduction. Yet, perhaps because of their primarily instrumental nature, the Scottish post-rock band only recently received their first chart-topping album with 2021’s 'As the Love Continues.' Hitting No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart this past February, the record builds upon the emotively expansive world-constructing sound they’ve become masters of. Recorded 03/03/2021. Ceiling Granny Dry Fantasy Ritchie Sacramento How To Be A Werewolf Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After over 25 years in the game, Mogwai are a band that should need no introduction. Yet, perhaps because of their primarily instrumental nature, the Scottish post-rock band only recently received their first chart-topping album with 2021’s 'As the Love Continues.' Hitting No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart this past February, the record builds upon the emotively expansive world-constructing sound they’ve become masters of. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson takes us through a brief history of the band and shares snippets of DJ Morgan’s interview with Stuart Braithwaite about the lockdown-made record before the band plays a kaleidoscopic four-song set. Recorded 03/03/2021. Ceiling Granny Dry Fantasy Ritchie Sacramento How To Be A Werewolf Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As you may know, last year we started producing intros for each episode, providing insights and backstory for the session you were about to hear. While many listeners are enjoying this added context, we've also heard that some of you miss our old format. Based on that feedback, we've decided to upload a second version of each episode every Tuesday, starting May 18th. That second version will contain the live session audio and interview only, with no introduction, for listeners who want to get straight to the music or hear more of the artist interview. We hope you continue to enjoy the wide variety of music featured here on Live on KEXP.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Korean American musician Margaret Sohn has been dealing with the syndrome that inflicts nearly everyone in creative fields from time to time. Her sophomore EP as Miss Grit, ‘Impostor,' tackles that feeling head-on in ways both intimate and inventive.  For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson fills us in on the producer, engineer, singer, effects pedal builder, and composer before she plays a hazy set fueled by distorted guitars, programmed drums, and angelic vocals.  Recorded April 2021. Imposter Buy the Banter Dark Side of the Party Blonde What We Drew (Yaeji cover) Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2008, Luz Elena Mendoza has been blending indie, Latin, folk, and pop music in eclectic, inventive ways under the name Y La Bamba. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson takes us through an abbreviated version of Mendoza’s journey from lo-fi self-produced recordings to working with a vast array of talented musicians and producers out of Portland. Her Live at KEXP at Home performance sees Mendoza employ a few of those incredible artists for a 4-song set recorded at the Center for Sound Light and Color Therapy.  Recorded March 2021. Bruja de Brujas Perder Boca Llena Rios Sueltos Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennessee-born, Brooklyn-based artist Valerie June fuses folk, soul, gospel, country, and blues for a blissful blend of Southern charm. Her latest release, 2021’s 'The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers' is made up of “Songs with healing messages that keep our dreams a reality.” For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson delves into the lush new album, co-produced by Jack Splash (Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys, John Legend), before June delivers an intimate set of songs recorded in front of a roaring fire in an Airbnb. Recorded 02/07/2021. You And I Stay Call Me A Fool Landslide Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With two EPs and a seemingly endless number of accolades from nearly every tastemaker in the music industry under her belt, it’s an understatement to say that Arlo Parks’ debut album was highly anticipated. Released in January, ‘Collapsed in Sunbeams’ lives up to the hype and reflects the artist born Anais Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho’s compassionate, friendly, and poetic spirit. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson traces Marinho’s journey from recording songs in her bedroom to sharing stages with heavyweights like Paramore before Marinho plays a mellow, vibey set of songs.Released 12/08/2020. Cola Green Eyes Eugene Black Dog Caroline Hurt Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malawi-born and Boston-based musician Anjimile has more resilience and fortitude than your average 27-year-old. After battling alcoholism, the queer trans artist turned to music during recovery which has produced a special gift in the form of their 2020 debut album, 'Giver Taker.' For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson delves into Anjimile’s fascinating life story and the influences that would push them towards becoming the self-described “boy king.” Recorded 02/08/2021. Your Tree Baby No More 1978 Maker Soothing (Laura Marling) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Troy Nelson details in this week’s Live on KEXP,  Jean-Sébastien Yves Audet has created an incredibly large body of work for only 24 years on this planet. After putting out music under the names Un Blonde, Faux Fur, You Are Minez, Darren Wantz, and Zouk Fuck, his latest project as Yves Jarvis is probably his most palatable thus far. Intimate and evocative, the textured warmhearted songs that make up his latest release, 2020’s 'Sundry Rock Song Stock,' have captured a wide audience of ears and hearts. Get to know how the Canadian musician got to where he is now and listen to five songs from 'Sundry Rock Song Stock' recorded exclusively for KEXP. Recorded 02/11/2021. In Every Mountain Semula For Props Fact Almighty Victim Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A skillfully quick-witted musician, Stella Donnelly rose from the secluded coastal beaches of Perth to a world-touring artist by being uncompromisingly candid. Her debut album ‘Beware of the Dogs,’ released in 2019, sees Donnelly address misogyny and sexual assault in a direct but humorous way. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson charts her journey from Wales to Australia to Secretly Canadian while Donnelly plays a stripped-down set of songs from ‘Beware of the Dogs.’ Recorded 04/03/2019. Old Man Tricks Beware Of The Dogs Watching Telly Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an effort to explain the context of the land from which the desert blues rockers Songhoy Blues reside, Troy Nelson delves into the meaning behind the commonly-used phrase, “From here to Timbuktu” and the history of the Malian city. From there, Nelson charts the progression of the trio that make up Songhoy Blues, from refugees to Nick Zinner collaborators to Glastonbury performers to major label signees. A journey just as expansive as their unique sound. Recorded 11/03/2020. Badala Dournia Worry Barre Ai Tchere Bele Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I meant to behave.  There were just too many other options.” While this quote comes from paranormal romantic thriller writer Darynda Jones, it could easily be applied to British producer and rapper Tricky. An early pioneer of trip-hop, he’s never been afraid of pushing boundaries. Troy Nelson delves into Tricky’s musical and personal evolution over the past 25 years on this episode of Live on KEXP before the British icon delves into a stirring four-song set featuring Polish singer Marta. Recorded 11/23/2020. Thinking Of Chills Me to the Bones Fall Please Breathe Me Right In Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Age is just a number. It’s irrelevant unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine.” This Joan Collins quote sets the tone for this week’s Live on KEXP, which uses wine vintage as a metaphor for the incredibly difficult year in which Slow Pulp’s latest album, 'Moveys,' was made. Over the course of Spring 2019 until its release in October 2020, the band dealt with Lyme Disease, family emergencies, and a global pandemic while hammering out their debut full-length. Troy Nelson traces the Chicago band’s beginnings through the series of unfortunate events and until they landed (virtually) at KEXP in November 2020. Recorded 11/25/2020. Idaho Falling Apart Track Trade It Montana Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube KEXP is a listener-funded nonprofit, and we need your help to keep creating podcasts like this one. Donate to our Spring Drive today!Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Conform, go crazy or become an artist.” DC-based musician Bartees Strange understands this sentiment well. As an artist, he’s pushing the boundaries of music by refusing to conform to one genre which, especially for artists of color, tends to be incredibly limiting. With influences ranging from At the Drive In to The National, Strange is reinventing what it means to be a “Black artist.”  For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson dissects Strange’s history and influences to uncover how he became the revolutionary artist he is today. Recorded 12/09/2020. Mustang Boomer In A Cab Far Stone Meadows Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” So Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet. Or to put it another way - The ocean is big. For this week’s Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson compares the vast mysteries of the ocean with the immense magic of the massive city of Kinshasa, which is the second-largest city in Africa and boasts more people than LA. Kinshasa native Jupiter Bokondji is evidence of the rich talent coming from the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. His project Jupiter & Okwess fuses traditional Congolese music styles like soukous, rumba, and kwassa kwassa with more universal ones like rock, funk, and blues for something completely unique and yet wholly universal. Jupiter & Okwess’ KEXP session was recorded under threat of loss of electricity at any moment, in Kinshasa at an orphanage, as part of the no Child Sleeps Outside campaign.  Their latest album Na Kozonga (which means “I will Come Back”) is available on Everloving Records. Recorded 12/09/2020. Bakunda ULU Ofakombolo Musonsu Ekombe Na Kozonga (Nighttrain cover) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Live on KEXP is doing something a little different. In honor of Black History Month, we’re revisiting an incredible performance from all the way back in 2016, when KEXP moved to our new home at Seattle Center. We were fortunate enough to have Miss Sharon Jones perform mere months before passing from cancer so for this episode we’re skipping story-time and replaying as many songs from this iconic performance with the Dap-Kings as we can fit in 25 minutes.  Recorded 04/16/2016. 100 Days, 100 Nights People Don’t Get What They Deserve Slow Down, Love Natural Born Lover These Tears Stranger to My Happiness Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rapping is hard. To deliver lyrics clearly, with speed and cadence, with rhythm and syncopation and with meaning, with TRUTH, is really dang HARD. Blimes Brixton and Gifted Gab are two of those special humans with these exceptional capabilities. The self-described “cool aunties” have been separately killing the game in their respective regions of San Francisco and Seattle for years now but, after meeting on Facebook, decided to join forces for a collaborative release. That album, 'Talk About It,' was released last year under the apt name Blimes and Gab. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson delves into the history of both rappers while speculating whether an ancient English stone has anything to do with the unique abilities of Blimes and Gab, who virtually perform five songs off 'Talk About It.' Recorded 09/22/2020. Shellys (It’s Chill) Un Deux Trois Sacred Baptism My Way Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.