Live on KEXP

On the show this time, it’s the very first, and very last episode of Live on KEXP / Under The Needle, with our cornerstone artist and fan favorite - Courtney Barnett. It's one of-a-kind sessions from your favorite artists, and from a few, you're about to discover.  From our studios in Seattle it’s Live on KEXP. Recorded October 31, 2014 An Illustration of Loneliness Nobody Really Cares If You Don’t Go to the Party Pedestrian at Best Depreston Lance Jr. Don't Apply Compression Gently Scotty Says Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the transportive electro-pop of Brooklyn band Nation of Language. Nation of Language is a trio from New York, Ian Devaney on synths and with “the voice”, Aidan Noell on synths and vocals, and Alex MacKay on bass.  The music recalls the great pop bands of the 80’s, but their captivating songwriting and sonic originality clearly push them forward as one of the great pop bands of right now. Their latest release is Dance Called Memory available on Sub Pop Records. Recorded August 4, 2025 Under The Water I'm Not Ready For The Change Inept Apollo In Another Life Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Live on KEXP, we replay our 12 days of Gizz episode back from when the show was still called Under The Needle.  It's the dual-drum druid jazz of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. The Melbourne, Australia based psych-rockers released five albums in 2017. They returned to the KEXP studio in support of the releases: “Polygondwanaland” and “Gumboot Soup. Recorded June 6, 2018 Crumbling Castle The Fourth Colour Deserted Dunes Welcome Weary Feet The Castle in the Air Muddy Water The Wheel Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Live on KEXP, we replay our 12 days of Gizz episode back from when the show was still called Under The Needle.  It's the dual-drum druid jazz of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. The Melbourne, Australia based psych-rockers released five albums in 2017. They returned to the KEXP studio in support of the releases: “Polygondwanaland” and “Gumboot Soup. Recorded June 6, 2018 Crumbling Castle The Fourth Colour Deserted Dunes Welcome Weary Feet The Castle in the Air Muddy Water The Wheel Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the massive thrash-dub-rock of Venezuelan/Mexican duo, Cardiel. Cardiel is Sam Ambrosio on drums and Miguel Fraino on guitar. They say “skateboarding is the motor” which drives the band – they are named after legendary skater John Cardiel and were even featured in Thrasher magazine. Their latest release is a live recording from their studio in Mexico City, Live from Vesubio Grabaciones, available on Bandcamp. Recorded August 8, 2025 Antiglesia Skaterock México Destino Bowl Secreto Perros Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the massive thrash-dub-rock of Venezuelan/Mexican duo, Cardiel. Cardiel is Sam Ambrosio on drums and Miguel Fraino on guitar. They say “skateboarding is the motor” which drives the band – they are named after legendary skater John Cardiel and were even featured in Thrasher magazine. Their latest release is a live recording from their studio in Mexico City, Live from Vesubio Grabaciones, available on Bandcamp. Recorded August 8, 2025 Antiglesia Skaterock México Destino Bowl Secreto Perros Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the ambient norteño of Mexico’s Kevin Kaarl. Kevin Kaarl combines a potent mix of singer-songwriter indie-rock with an eclectic penchant for traditional Latin music.  Together with his twin brother Bryan, he’s been releasing music since 2018.  His latest is 2025’s Ultra Sodade released independently. Recorded July 25, 2025 que pasa si me voy? no me culpes por sentir San Lucas dime Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the ambient norteño of Mexico’s Kevin Kaarl. Kevin Kaarl combines a potent mix of singer-songwriter indie-rock with an eclectic penchant for traditional Latin music.  Together with his twin brother Bryan, he’s been releasing music since 2018.  His latest is 2025’s Ultra Sodade released independently. Recorded July 25, 2025 que pasa si me voy? no me culpes por sentir San Lucas dime Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the Northwest dream-pop of Sea Lemon. Sea Lemon is the Seattle-based solo project of musician Natalie Lew. The songs inhabit the deep, lush, reverb-drenched spaces of shoegaze, but carry the bright hooks of true pop music into those depths.  Her debut album Diving for a Prize was released in May of 2025. Recorded July 14, 2025 Stay Sunken Cost Cynical Crystals Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the Northwest dream-pop of Sea Lemon. Sea Lemon is the Seattle-based solo project of musician Natalie Lew. The songs inhabit the deep, lush, reverb-drenched spaces of shoegaze, but carry the bright hooks of true pop music into those depths.  Her debut album Diving for a Prize was released in May of 2025. Recorded July 14, 2025 Stay Sunken Cost Cynical Crystals Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the epic long-form rock of Texas band THIS WILL DESTROY YOU.The obnoxiously named Texas quartet, THIS WILL DESTROY YOU, started recording music in 2005 to have something to sell at shows.  Their first record which they were burning to CD-R themselves, was called Young Mountain. They released 4 more records, recorded with the brilliant producer John Congleton.  Musical and personal differences led to members leaving, and eventually to the current situation, where there are two versions of the band, each with one of the original guitarists.  This performance at KEXP features original member Jeremy Galindo, and songs from Young Mountain, S/T, and Another Language.  There’s one song from Jeremy and original bass player Raymond Brown’s new project - You, Infinite, available on Pelagic Records. Recorded July 16, 2025. THIS WILL DESTROY YOU A Three-Legged Workhorse  The World Is Our ____  Dustism  Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the epic long-form rock of Texas band THIS WILL DESTROY YOU. The obnoxiously named Texas quartet, THIS WILL DESTROY YOU, started recording music in 2005 to have something to sell at shows.  Their first record which they were burning to CD-R themselves, was called Young Mountain. They released 4 more records, recorded with the brilliant producer John Congleton.  Musical and personal differences led to members leaving, and eventually to the current situation, where there are two versions of the band, each with one of the original guitarists.  This performance at KEXP features original member Jeremy Galindo, and songs from Young Mountain, S/T, and Another Language.  There’s one song from Jeremy and original bass player Raymond Brown’s new project - You, Infinite, available on Pelagic Records. Recorded July 16, 2025. THIS WILL DESTROY YOU A Three-Legged Workhorse  The World Is Our ____  Dustism  Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the dreamy psych-rock of Brooklyn band Crumb. Brooklyn quartet Crumb started as a college band at Tufts University around 2016.  Singer and guitarist Lila Ramani had a collection of songs that pals Jesse Brotter (on bass and vocals), Bri Aronow (on keys and saxophone), and Jonathan Gilad (on drums) just loved. They experimented with playing them together.  They embraced a wide swath of influences, including indie rock, 60s psych, jazz, and Brazilian pop. Their latest is Amama, available on their own Crumb Records. Recorded June 26, 2025. AMAMA Genie Ice Melt Crushxd Ghostride Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the dreamy psych-rock of Brooklyn band Crumb. Brooklyn quartet Crumb started as a college band at Tufts University around 2016.  Singer and guitarist Lila Ramani had a collection of songs that pals Jesse Brotter (on bass and vocals), Bri Aronow (on keys and saxophone), and Jonathan Gilad (on drums) just loved. They experimented with playing them together.  They embraced a wide swath of influences, including indie rock, 60s psych, jazz, and Brazilian pop. Their latest is Amama, available on their own Crumb Records. Recorded June 26, 2025. AMAMA Genie Ice Melt Crushxd Ghostride Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the sunny 50’s and 60’s movie theme songs of Japanese singer Yuma Abe.Yuma Abe released his second solo album Hotel New Yuma in December of 2024.  It’s a concept album. The music is based on a fictitious variety show at a hotel “on a warm island, somewhere south of the country”, with Yuma himself as the host of the show. The songs on the record are the theme songs for the variety show.  It is available on White Noise Records.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the sunny 50’s and 60’s movie theme songs of Japanese singer Yuma Abe.Yuma Abe released his second solo album Hotel New Yuma in December of 2024.  It’s a concept album. The music is based on a fictitious variety show at a hotel “on a warm island, somewhere south of the country”, with Yuma himself as the host of the show. The songs on the record are the theme songs for the variety show.  It is available on White Noise Records.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the soul-filling songs of Choctaw Nation story-teller Samantha Crain. Shawnee, Oklahoma native Samantha Crain is foremost a writer. She’s got characters to introduce, stories to tell, and an original take on country-folk singer-songwriter music. She has been making recordings since the mid 2000s, putting out her first EP The Confiscation herself, a collection based on five of her own short stories. Her way with words has united a community of musicians who collaborate and contribute to her sound. Now seven full albums in, her latest is 2025’s Gumshoe, available on Real Kind Records. Recorded June 27, 2025 Dragonfly Gumshoe Dart B-Attitudes Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the soul-filling songs of Choctaw Nation story-teller Samantha Crain. Shawnee, Oklahoma native Samantha Crain is foremost a writer. She’s got characters to introduce, stories to tell, and an original take on country-folk singer-songwriter music. She has been making recordings since the mid 2000s, putting out her first EP The Confiscation herself, a collection based on five of her own short stories. Her way with words has united a community of musicians who collaborate and contribute to her sound. Now seven full albums in, her latest is 2025’s Gumshoe, available on Real Kind Records. Recorded June 27, 2025 Dragonfly Gumshoe Dart B-Attitudes Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the inimitable smart-pop of legendary band They Might Be Giants. They Might Be Giants have been making records since the early ‘80s, building a legion of hardcore fans who are addicted to their charming, clever, catchy, and completely original sound. Since then, they’ve released a massive body of work. They are now on their 23rd full length album. Their latest is called Book and is available on the band’s own Idlewild Recordings. Recorded June 16, 2025 Moonbeam Rays Ana NgSong Synopsis For Latecomers Let Me Tell You About My Operation Doctor Worm The Darlings Of Lumberland Particle Man Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the inimitable smart-pop of legendary band They Might Be Giants. They Might Be Giants have been making records since the early ‘80s, building a legion of hardcore fans who are addicted to their charming, clever, catchy, and completely original sound. Since then, they’ve released a massive body of work. They are now on their 23rd full length album. Their latest is called Book and is available on the band’s own Idlewild Recordings. Recorded June 16, 2025 Moonbeam Rays Ana NgSong Synopsis For Latecomers Let Me Tell You About My Operation Doctor Worm The Darlings Of Lumberland Particle Man Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the fresh original rock of English band Black Country, New Road. The London based group make delightful music, catchy but unpredictable, poppy - but with elements of classical music, cinematic scores, jazz, choral music, show tunes, and heavy rock. And that’s kind of selling them short. They play music. Anything is on the table. Their latest is called Forever Howlong and it is available on Ninja Tune Records. Recorded May 26, 2025 Besties For The Cold Country  Happy Birthday  Forever Howlong Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the fresh original rock of English band Black Country, New Road. The London based group make delightful music, catchy but unpredictable, poppy - but with elements of classical music, cinematic scores, jazz, choral music, show tunes, and heavy rock. And that’s kind of selling them short. They play music. Anything is on the table. Their latest is called Forever Howlong and it is available on Ninja Tune Records. Recorded May 26, 2025 Besties For The Cold Country  Happy Birthday  Forever Howlong Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s a celebration of connection - to lineage and to land with Black Belt Eagle Scout. Black Belt Eagle Scout is the recording project of Katherine "KP" Paul.  She’s been steadily creating indigenous-Swinomish-woman meets Pacific-Northwest indie-rock-and-punk since her self-titled debut EP in 2014.  Her 3rd full length and latest album “The Land, The Water, The Sky” is available on Saddle Creek Records. Recorded 05/08/2023. Fancy Dance Nobody Don't Give Up On the River Soft Stuf Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s a celebration of connection - to lineage and to land with Black Belt Eagle Scout. Black Belt Eagle Scout is the recording project of Katherine "KP" Paul.  She’s been steadily creating indigenous-Swinomish-woman meets Pacific-Northwest indie-rock-and-punk since her self-titled debut EP in 2014.  Her 3rd full length and latest album “The Land, The Water, The Sky” is available on Saddle Creek Records. Recorded 05/08/2023. Fancy Dance Nobody Don't Give Up On the River Soft Stud Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bandalos Chinos is an Argentinian treasure of a band playing smooth, groovy pop, with strong leanings in the direction of 70s gold, disco, and 80’s Quincy Jones productions. This session was recorded during KEXP’s live from Argentina programming and features 3 songs from Bandalos Chinos’ 2022 record, ‘El Big Blue,’ 2 from 2018's ‘BACH,’ and their single with Adanowsky, “Departamento.” They’ve also released the live albums, ‘Feliz Navibach’ 1 and 2, available on streaming services. Recorded 09/20/2022 from Kirchner Cultural Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mi Fiesta Sin Vos No Puedo Demasiado La Final Vamonos de Viaje Departamento Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bandalos Chinos is an Argentinian treasure of a band playing smooth, groovy pop, with strong leanings in the direction of 70s gold, disco, and 80’s Quincy Jones productions. This session was recorded during KEXP’s live from Argentina programming and features 3 songs from Bandalos Chinos’ 2022 record, ‘El Big Blue,’ 2 from 2018's ‘BACH,’ and their single with Adanowsky, “Departamento.” They’ve also released the live albums, ‘Feliz Navibach’ 1 and 2, available on streaming services. Recorded 09/20/2022 from Kirchner Cultural Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mi Fiesta Sin Vos No Puedo Demasiado La Final Vamonos de Viaje Departamento Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the brilliant songs and transcendent singing of Seattle’s own Deep Sea Diver. Deep Sea Diver is at its core, the dynamic duo of guitarist and singer Jessica Dobson, and drummer Peter Mansen. They released their first EP in 2009, followed up by the albums History Speaks, Secrets, and Impossible Weight.  They played a live session in the Gathering Space at KEXP - with bandmates Elliot Jackson, Kristyn Chapman, and Michael Dondero - to celebrate their latest Billboard Heart. It is available on Sub Pop Records. Recorded May 19th, 2025. Billboard Heart Emergency What Do I Know Tiny Threads Shovel Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the brilliant songs and transcendent singing of Seattle’s own Deep Sea Diver. Deep Sea Diver is at its core, the dynamic duo of guitarist and singer Jessica Dobson, and drummer Peter Mansen. They released their first EP in 2009, followed up by the albums History Speaks, Secrets, and Impossible Weight.  They played a live session in the Gathering Space at KEXP - with bandmates Elliot Jackson, Kristyn Chapman, and Michael Dondero - to celebrate their latest Billboard Heart. It is available on Sub Pop Records. Recorded May 19th, 2025. Billboard Heart Emergency What Do I Know Tiny Threads Shovel Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the rich storytelling of Matt Berninger. Matt Berninger is, of course, the front-person for The National, a band that has been writing perfect songs to live your life to since they formed back in 1999. His first “solo” record, Serpentine Prison, was produced by Memphis legend Booker T Jones, and they started a label together to put it out. His latest offering is called Get Sunk and it is available on Book Records. Recorded May 18, 2025 Bonnet Of Pins No Love Breaking Into Acting Inland Ocean Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the rich storytelling of Matt Berninger. Matt Berninger is, of course, the front-person for The National, a band that has been writing perfect songs to live your life to since they formed back in 1999. His first “solo” record, Serpentine Prison, was produced by Memphis legend Booker T Jones, and they started a label together to put it out. His latest offering is called Get Sunk and it is available on Book Records. Recorded May 18, 2025 Bonnet Of Pins No Love Breaking Into Acting Inland Ocean Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, we’re celebrating our 500th episode! Thank you to all of you who have listened and supported the show over the last 10 years. We’re releasing this into the world just one day later in the year than the very first episode featuring Courtney Barnett dropped on September 14th back in 2015. Featuring six songs picked by the Live on KEXP podcast team.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the indie R&B of South Asian-American singer Raveena. She self-released her first EP Shanti in 2017, and the single “If Only” blew up, especially after an appearance on Berlin-based minimalist YouTube channel COLORSXSTUDIOS. Her latest is her third studio album Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain, available on the Empire imprint Moonstone Recordings. Recorded May 1, 2025 Rise Smile For Me Baby Mama If Only  Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the indie R&B of South Asian-American singer Raveena. She self-released her first EP Shanti in 2017, and the single “If Only” blew up, especially after an appearance on Berlin-based minimalist YouTube channel COLORSXSTUDIOS. Her latest is her third studio album Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain, available on the Empire imprint Moonstone Recordings. Recorded May 1, 2025 Rise Smile For Me Baby Mama If Only  Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the Nigerian Afrobeat of Seun Kuti and Egypt 80. Seun Kuti is Afrobeat royalty – the son of Fela Kuti, and the leader of Fela’s former band Egypt 80 since 1997. He’s released seven studio albums since then, playing saxophone and singing in addition to running the band. Their latest is Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) available on Record Kicks out of Milan, Italy. Recorded May 7, 2025 Stand Well Well T.O.P. Emi Aluta Bad Man Lighter Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the Nigerian Afrobeat of Seun Kuti and Egypt 80. Seun Kuti is Afrobeat royalty – the son of Fela Kuti, and the leader of Fela’s former band Egypt 80 since 1997. He’s released seven studio albums since then, playing saxophone and singing in addition to running the band. Their latest is Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) available on Record Kicks out of Milan, Italy. Recorded May 7, 2025 Stand Well Well T.O.P. Emi Aluta Bad Man Lighter Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it's the Peruvian-influenced, rock n roll-cumbia, of Chicha Libre. Chicha Libre is the Brooklyn-based psychedelic-cumbia band, formed by Olivier Conan in the early 2000’s.  They are non-traditional, avoiding claims to specific authenticity.  Instead they borrow what sparks interest, absorbing not only Peruvian chicha, but also Afrobeat, Cuban danzón, and parts of North American country music.  They’ve released an EP - Cuatro tigres, and two studio albums - Sonido Amazonico! and Canibalismo - all available on Bandcamp and their own Barbés Records imprint. Recorded May 6, 2025 Tres Pasajeros Danza De Los Simpsons Danza Del Millonario El Borrachito Popcorn Andino Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it's the Peruvian-influenced, rock n roll-cumbia, of Chicha Libre. Chicha Libre is the Brooklyn-based psychedelic-cumbia band, formed by Olivier Conan in the early 2000’s.  They are non-traditional, avoiding claims to specific authenticity.  Instead they borrow what sparks interest, absorbing not only Peruvian chicha, but also Afrobeat, Cuban danzón, and parts of North American country music.  They’ve released an EP - Cuatro tigres, and two studio albums - Sonido Amazonico! and Canibalismo - all available on Bandcamp and their own Barbés Records imprint. Recorded May 6, 2025 Tres Pasajeros Danza De Los Simpsons Danza Del Millonario El Borrachito Popcorn Andino Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the R&B-electronica solo record of Little Dragon front-human Yukimi. Yukimi is a Swedish singer and songwriter, known for starting the band Little Dragon with her high schoolmates and for her collaboration with Gorillaz on their Plastic Beach album. Her stunning vocals have been featured on tracks by DJ Shadow, De La Soul and Odesza. She’s performed with Jose Gonzalez, with whom she shares a hometown - they are both from the city of Gothenburg. She’s recorded a solo record titled For You and released it on Ninja Tune in 2025. Recorded April 30, 2025 Elinam Stream of Consciousness Sad Makeup Rules of School Runaway Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the R&B-electronica solo record of Little Dragon front-human Yukimi. Yukimi is a Swedish singer and songwriter, known for starting the band Little Dragon with her high schoolmates and for her collaboration with Gorillaz on their Plastic Beach album. Her stunning vocals have been featured on tracks by DJ Shadow, De La Soul and Odesza. She’s performed with Jose Gonzalez, with whom she shares a hometown - they are both from the city of Gothenburg. She’s recorded a solo record titled For You and released it on Ninja Tune in 2025. Recorded April 30, 2025 Elinam Stream of Consciousness Sad Makeup Rules of School Runaway Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the Guembri driven Moroccan rock of Bab L’ Bluz. Bab L’ Bluz is at its core a duo: singer/guitarist Yousra Mansour and producer/guitarist Brice Bottin. A shared love for Moroccan Gnawa music led them to learn how to play the Guembri – a kind of 3 stringed bass instrument – and its smaller relative the Awisha. They started a rock band, using those instruments to take the roles respectively of bass and guitar. They released their first album Nayda! in 2020. Their latest is called Swaken and it is available on Real World Records. Recorded May 5, 2025 Ila Mata Imazighen IWAIWA FUNK AmmA Hezalli  Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the Guembri driven Moroccan rock of Bab L’ Bluz. Bab L’ Bluz is at its core a duo: singer/guitarist Yousra Mansour and producer/guitarist Brice Bottin. A shared love for Moroccan Gnawa music led them to learn how to play the Guembri – a kind of 3 stringed bass instrument – and its smaller relative the Awisha. They started a rock band, using those instruments to take the roles respectively of bass and guitar. They released their first album Nayda! in 2020. Their latest is called Swaken and it is available on Real World Records. Recorded May 5, 2025 Ila Mata Imazighen IWAIWA FUNK AmmA Hezalli  Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the hook-laden, R&B chill-groove of English electronica producers Maribou State.  Chris Davids and Liam Ivory have been releasing music as Maribou State since 2011. They grew up just north of London, and started making music together when they met in school. In addition to creating their own music, they have had success as remixers for artists like Lana Del Ray and Fatboy Slim. They’ve built a community of musicians and collaboration is a large part of their process. Their latest offering is their third full-length album, Hallucinating Love, out now via Ninja Tune. Recorded April 4, 2025 Otherside Bloom All I Need Blackoak Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the hook-laden, R&B chill-groove of English electronica producers Maribou State.  Chris Davids and Liam Ivory have been releasing music as Maribou State since 2011. They grew up just north of London, and started making music together when they met in school. In addition to creating their own music, they have had success as remixers for artists like Lana Del Ray and Fatboy Slim. They’ve built a community of musicians and collaboration is a large part of their process. Their latest offering is their third full-length album, Hallucinating Love, out now via Ninja Tune. Recorded April 4, 2025 Otherside Bloom All I Need Blackoak Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s motorik psych-rock from a Japanese beach, with maya ongaku. They hail from the island of Enoshima, famed for a shrine to Buddhist deity Benzaiten. They play long-form psych rock, sometimes meditative, sometimes folky, sometimes jazzy. Their debut Approach to Anima features quiet singing, fingerstyle guitars, ambient recordings of bird calls, acoustic percussion, flute and saxophone, and spoken word. Their latest EP Electronic Phantoms leans more towards drum machines for the rhythm samples, and rich synth-tronica to balance the guitars. Both are available on Guruguru Brain. Recorded April 8, 2025 Anoyo Drive Melting Iyo no Hito  Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s motorik psych-rock from a Japanese beach, with maya ongaku. They hail from the island of Enoshima, famed for a shrine to Buddhist deity Benzaiten. They play long-form psych rock, sometimes meditative, sometimes folky, sometimes jazzy. Their debut Approach to Anima features quiet singing, fingerstyle guitars, ambient recordings of bird calls, acoustic percussion, flute and saxophone, and spoken word. Their latest EP Electronic Phantoms leans more towards drum machines for the rhythm samples, and rich synth-tronica to balance the guitars. Both are available on Guruguru Brain. Recorded April 8, 2025 Anoyo Drive Melting Iyo no Hito  Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the northern African desert-blues of Etran de l’Aïr. The group is a family band from the city of Agadez in Niger, who got their start playing weddings. They play guitar-driven desert blues - made for dancing. They sing in chorus, in Tamasheq, filling the air with glorious celebratory Saharan music. Their latest album is 100% Sahara Guitar available on Sahel Sounds out of Portland Oregon. Recorded April 7, 2025 Ighre Massina Imouwizla Amidinine  Agrim Agadez Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the northern African desert-blues of Etran de l’Aïr. The group is a family band from the city of Agadez in Niger, who got their start playing weddings. They play guitar-driven desert blues - made for dancing. They sing in chorus, in Tamasheq, filling the air with glorious celebratory Saharan music. Their latest album is 100% Sahara Guitar available on Sahel Sounds out of Portland Oregon. Recorded April 7, 2025 Ighre Massina Imouwizla Amidinine  Agrim Agadez Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the danceable singalong punk-rock of Scottish band Franz Ferdinand. They released their debut single in 2003. They followed it up with “Take Me Out” in early 2004. After a slow start, the song caught on, partly thanks to heavy rotation on MTV. They were awarded the Mercury Prize, and their debut album sold millions of copies. They’ve been on a steady roll since, recently releasing their 6th studio album The Human Fear available through the Domino Recording Company. Recorded March 23rd, 2025 Jacqueline Song No You Girls Black Eyelashes Hooked Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the danceable singalong punk-rock of Scottish band Franz Ferdinand. They released their debut single in 2003. They followed it up with “Take Me Out” in early 2004. After a slow start, the song caught on, partly thanks to heavy rotation on MTV. They were awarded the Mercury Prize, and their debut album sold millions of copies. They’ve been on a steady roll since, recently releasing their 6th studio album The Human Fear available through the Domino Recording Company. Recorded March 23rd, 2025 Jacqueline Song No You Girls Black Eyelashes Hooked Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it's the heavy-rock of alt-metal pioneers, Helmet. Helmet was formed in 1989, in New York City. Guitarist Page Hamilton was there to study Jazz at the Manhattan School of Music. He auditioned for and then joined Band of Susans. He brought a few of his own songs to the band, but even though they liked the songs, they were not a fit for the Susans. There was nothing to do but form his own band. We don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that rock music was changed forever. Helmet’s tunings, rhythms, and chord voicings are startlingly original, and easily as heavy as anything that came before or after them. Their most recent album is 2023’s LEFT, released through earMUSIC, and their 2024 covers and live tracks compilation Move On. Recorded March 5, 2025 Wilma's Rainbow Repetition Dislocated Milquetoast Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.