Live on KEXP

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.

This week we're re-airing a session from Ya Tseen from 2021. 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.

This week we're re-airing a session from Ya Tseen from 2021. 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.

On the show this time, it’s the Indonesian funk of Ali. Ali formed in 2021, playing 70s soul, disco, and afrobeat with elements of Arabic and middle eastern music. They released their first single “Dance, Habibi” that same year. They followed up with their debut album Malaka in 2023 on Anukara records. Embracing the connection between Indonesian and Arabic culture, they explored the overlapping music, fashion, and textiles, which led to the name of their latest self-released EP, Patterns. Recorded March 19, 2025 Pulse Al Janoub Orient Blue Lotus Downtown Strut 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 Indonesian funk of Ali. Ali formed in 2021, playing 70s soul, disco, and afrobeat with elements of Arabic and middle eastern music. They released their first single “Dance, Habibi” that same year. They followed up with their debut album Malaka in 2023 on Anukara records. Embracing the connection between Indonesian and Arabic culture, they explored the overlapping music, fashion, and textiles, which led to the name of their latest self-released EP, Patterns. Recorded March 19, 2025 Pulse Al Janoub Orient Blue Lotus Downtown Strut 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 Belarusian synth-pop of Molchat Doma. Molchat Doma is a post-punk, synth-pop, new-wave electronic band from Minsk, Belarus. They formed in 2017, self-releasing their debut album S krysh nashikh domov, which translates to “From the Roofs of Our Houses." It was later picked up and re-released by the German label Detriti Records, along with their second album in 2018, Etazhi (or "Floors”). The two records gained popularity mainly through an unauthorized upload on YouTube and the band started selling out shows all across Europe. In 2020 they signed with Sacred Bones, and prepared to tour the US. Their song “Sudno” went viral on TikTok, alongside the “closet tour challenge” in which content creators edited together photos of themselves in all the outfits in their closets while the song played. They released their third album, Monument, but their tour was canceled due to the pandemic. Their latest is Belaya Polosa, or "White Stripe," available now on Sacred Bones records. Recorded March 3, 2025 Ty Zhe Ne Znaesh Kto Ya Belaya Polosa Tancevat Sudno  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 Belarusian synth-pop of Molchat Doma. Molchat Doma is a post-punk, synth-pop, new-wave electronic band from Minsk, Belarus. They formed in 2017, self-releasing their debut album S krysh nashikh domov, which translates to “From the Roofs of Our Houses." It was later picked up and re-released by the German label Detriti Records, along with their second album in 2018, Etazhi (or "Floors”). The two records gained popularity mainly through an unauthorized upload on YouTube and the band started selling out shows all across Europe. In 2020 they signed with Sacred Bones, and prepared to tour the US. Their song “Sudno” went viral on TikTok, alongside the “closet tour challenge” in which content creators edited together photos of themselves in all the outfits in their closets while the song played. They released their third album, Monument, but their tour was canceled due to the pandemic. Their latest is Belaya Polosa, or "White Stripe," available now on Sacred Bones records. Recorded March 3, 2025 Ty Zhe Ne Znaesh Kto Ya Belaya Polosa Tancevat Sudno  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 darkwave of Danish musician - Trentemøller. Anders Trentemøller is a Danish musician based in Copenhagen. His debut album, The Last Resort, was released in 2006, and he has continued putting out new music roughly every three years since. His sound is eclectic, spanning genres like trip-hop, goth, shoegaze, indie rock, and pop. He has remixed hundreds of tracks for artists including The Knife, Röyksopp, Robyn, M83, The Raveonettes, Depeche Mode, and Franz Ferdinand. A musician’s musician and a seasoned producer, he remains, at heart, a music-loving kid. His latest album, Dreamweaver—featuring Icelandic singer Disa—is out now on In My Room Records. Recorded February 11, 2025 I Give My Tears Dreamweavers Nightfall Still On Fire 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 darkwave of Danish musician - Trentemøller. Anders Trentemøller is a Danish musician based in Copenhagen. His debut album, The Last Resort, was released in 2006, and he has continued putting out new music roughly every three years since. His sound is eclectic, spanning genres like trip-hop, goth, shoegaze, indie rock, and pop. He has remixed hundreds of tracks for artists including The Knife, Röyksopp, Robyn, M83, The Raveonettes, Depeche Mode, and Franz Ferdinand. A musician’s musician and a seasoned producer, he remains, at heart, a music-loving kid. His latest album, Dreamweaver—featuring Icelandic singer Disa—is out now on In My Room Records. Recorded February 11, 2025 I Give My Tears Dreamweavers Nightfall Still On Fire 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 angular psych-punk of Frankie and the Witch Fingers. Frankie & The Witch Fingers are a relentlessly touring, high-bar musicianship, DIY punk band. They originally formed in Bloomington, Indiana, but are now fully ensconced in the burgeoning psych-rock scene in Los Angeles. Their latest album, Trash Classic, is available on Greenway Records. Their own description for it is pretty great, saying the record “plunges into a sewer-slick fusion of proto-punk venom, fractured new wave, and industrial grime. Brimming with wiry synths, angular melodies, and grooves that squirm and bite, it’s all delivered with a sly, playful wink. Recorded July 23, 2024 Brain Telephone Futurephobic Syster System Cops & Robbers Sidewalk Weird Dog 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 angular psych-punk of Frankie and the Witch Fingers. Frankie & The Witch Fingers are a relentlessly touring, high-bar musicianship, DIY punk band. They originally formed in Bloomington, Indiana, but are now fully ensconced in the burgeoning psych-rock scene in Los Angeles. Their latest album, Trash Classic, is available on Greenway Records. Their own description for it is pretty great, saying the record “plunges into a sewer-slick fusion of proto-punk venom, fractured new wave, and industrial grime. Brimming with wiry synths, angular melodies, and grooves that squirm and bite, it’s all delivered with a sly, playful wink. Recorded July 23, 2024 Brain Telephone Futurephobic Syster System Cops & Robbers Sidewalk Weird Dog 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, Thailand meets West Africa through the electrifying drumming of Salin. Salin was born and raised in Thailand. She started out learning music on the piano, but switched to drums partly because the drum teacher was fun, and partly because she was listening to metal. She got good! Good enough to get work as a session drummer for Sony Thailand. She moved to the United States for college. While there she joined a band in Montreal – driving 10 hours along the Great Lakes to go to practice. She learned about new music from her bandmate and fell in love with soul and funk. Her latest album, Rammana, merges those influences with jazz, indigenous Thai, and African sounds for a sound she calls “Afro Thai Funk”. Rammana is available now on Bandcamp. Recorded February 10, 2025 Puaj Current Painted Lady Si Chomphu 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, Thailand meets West Africa through the electrifying drumming of Salin. Salin was born and raised in Thailand. She started out learning music on the piano, but switched to drums partly because the drum teacher was fun, and partly because she was listening to metal. She got good! Good enough to get work as a session drummer for Sony Thailand. She moved to the United States for college. While there she joined a band in Montreal – driving 10 hours along the Great Lakes to go to practice. She learned about new music from her bandmate and fell in love with soul and funk. Her latest album, Rammana, merges those influences with jazz, indigenous Thai, and African sounds for a sound she calls “Afro Thai Funk”. Rammana is available now on Bandcamp. Recorded February 10, 2025 Puaj Current Painted Lady Si Chomphu 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 dynamic experimental music of Japanese band MONO. MONO has been making music together since 1999. Their sound is guitar-driven, and anchored by a propulsive, hypnotic rhythm section. The music has the harmonic richness of film scores, and they have played with orchestras over the years. Other influences include minimalism, Sonic Youth style noise, My Bloody Valentine’s shoegaze, and the true-to-the-sound-in-the-room aesthetic of engineer Steve Albini. They consistently remind us that music can convey meaning, without words, so all these labels and comparisons are reductive. When they play, and you listen, you will understand. Any true MONO fan will tell you - you have to see them live. Their latest is OATH, out now through Temporary Residence Records. Recorded December 16, 2025  Run On Hear The Wind Sing We All Shine On 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 dynamic experimental music of Japanese band MONO. MONO has been making music together since 1999. Their sound is guitar-driven, and anchored by a propulsive, hypnotic rhythm section. The music has the harmonic richness of film scores, and they have played with orchestras over the years. Other influences include minimalism, Sonic Youth style noise, My Bloody Valentine’s shoegaze, and the true-to-the-sound-in-the-room aesthetic of engineer Steve Albini. They consistently remind us that music can convey meaning, without words, so all these labels and comparisons are reductive. When they play, and you listen, you will understand. Any true MONO fan will tell you - you have to see them live. Their latest is OATH, out now through Temporary Residence Records. Recorded December 16, 2024 Run On Hear The Wind Sing We All Shine On 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 Canadian hardcore dance-punk of Death From Above 1979. Death From Above 1979 make a magnificent amount of noise for two people. They released their first full-length album You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine in 2004. They then broke up in 2006, citing creative differences. It wasn’t until 2011 that the band officially reunited and played shows together again. Since then they’ve put out three albums, and settled into a new era of working together, knowing what they both need to make the band work. Their latest is Is 4 Lovers available through Universal Music Canada. Recorded January 20, 2025 Modern Guy One + One Free Animal Going Steady 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 Canadian hardcore dance-punk of Death From Above 1979. Death From Above 1979 make a magnificent amount of noise for two people. They released their first full-length album You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine in 2004. They then broke up in 2006, citing creative differences. It wasn’t until 2011 that the band officially reunited and played shows together again. Since then they’ve put out three albums, and settled into a new era of working together, knowing what they both need to make the band work. Their latest is Is 4 Lovers available through Universal Music Canada. Recorded January 20, 2025 Modern Guy One + One Free Animal Going Steady 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 fairy goth-psych of Swedish band Den Der Hale. Den Der Hale is a Swedish post-psych band, based in Malmö, which is right across the water from Copenhagen in Denmark. There’s an amazing bridge and a tunnel between the cities known as the Øresund Link. Depending if you are translating from Danish or Swedish, the band name means “That Tail” or “The Slippery One.” They play unhurried heavy rock with nods to black metal, folk, krautrock, and whatever Frank Zappa is. For this performance the band played songs from 2024’s Pastoral Light, available now on Fat Cat records. Recorded December 5, 2024 The Horse From Turin By Pastoral Light To Begin The Frail 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 fairy goth-psych of Swedish band Den Der Hale. Den Der Hale is a Swedish post-psych band, based in Malmö, which is right across the water from Copenhagen in Denmark. There’s an amazing bridge and a tunnel between the cities known as the Øresund Link. Depending if you are translating from Danish or Swedish, the band name means “That Tail” or “The Slippery One.” They play unhurried heavy rock with nods to black metal, folk, krautrock, and whatever Frank Zappa is. For this performance the band played songs from 2024’s Pastoral Light, available now on Fat Cat records. Recorded December 5, 2024 The Horse From Turin By Pastoral Light To Begin The Frail 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 is the Jordanian Habibi-Disco of crooner Ziyad Al-Samman. Ziyad Al-Samman is a Jordanian singer, based in London. He makes danceable pop music that combines myriad influences including disco, psych-rock, 50s rock n roll, and the sounds of the Middle East. He’s not afraid to get romantic with it, inviting us all to dance and flirt, maybe even get a little naughty. For this performance he and his band played songs from his latest EP, Pleasure Complex, available from French label Yotanka. Recorded December 3, 2024 Bang Ya Habibi What You Gonna Do? I Can't Behave My Sweet This Love Space 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 is the Jordanian Habibi-Disco of crooner Ziyad Al-Samman. Ziyad Al-Samman is a Jordanian singer, based in London. He makes danceable pop music that combines myriad influences including disco, psych-rock, 50s rock n roll, and the sounds of the Middle East. He’s not afraid to get romantic with it, inviting us all to dance and flirt, maybe even get a little naughty. For this performance he and his band played songs from his latest EP, Pleasure Complex, available from French label Yotanka. Recorded December 3, 2024 Bang Ya Habibi What You Gonna Do? I Can't Behave My Sweet This Love Space 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 futuristic rock drama of Guadalajara band Descartes a Kant. When Guadalajara-based group Descartes A Kant created their most recent album, 2023’s After Destruction, they actually made something much bigger. They built an entire concept and universe in which humans struggle to remain human in the face of relentless simulated reality. Their music is post-punk meets indie rock with incredibly intricate electronics. And you’ll want to make sure you check out the video for this one at some point, too. Recorded October 18, 2024 Hello User / Graceless Press Any Key / Woman Sobbing Self-F / The Mess We've Made A Catastrophe 47 Dogs / After Destruction Enlightenment Bubbles / Restart and Heal 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 futuristic rock drama of Guadalajara band Descartes a Kant. When Guadalajara-based group Descartes A Kant created their most recent album, 2023’s After Destruction, they actually made something much bigger. They built an entire concept and universe in which humans struggle to remain human in the face of relentless simulated reality. Their music is post-punk meets indie rock with incredibly intricate electronics. And you’ll want to make sure you check out the video for this one at some point, too. Recorded October 18, 2024 Hello User / Graceless Press Any Key / Woman Sobbing Self-F / The Mess We've Made A Catastrophe 47 Dogs / After Destruction Enlightenment Bubbles / Restart and Heal 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, cha cha cha with the 60’s and 70’s Latin rock of Mexican band Enjambre. Enjambre started in California, but now hail from Mexico City. The core of the band is family - the Navejas brothers handle bass, guitar, keys, and vocals. They released their eighth studio album Noches de Salon in 2023 through De Gira, which leans heavily into a romantic, 70s, vibey groove. Recorded October 18, 2024 Divergencia Manía Cardiaca Enemigo El Vacío Somos Ajenos 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, cha cha cha with the 60’s and 70’s Latin rock of Mexican band Enjambre. Enjambre started in California, but now hail from Mexico City. The core of the band is family - the Navejas brothers handle bass, guitar, keys, and vocals. They released their eighth studio album Noches de Salon in 2023 through De Gira, which leans heavily into a romantic, 70s, vibey groove. Recorded October 18, 2024 Divergencia Manía Cardiaca Enemigo El Vacío Somos Ajenos 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 punk rock marimba of Son Rompe Pera. Son Rompe Pera was formed in 2017, by brothers - Kacho and Mongo Gama.  They built up their skill on their father’s marimba, playing the streets, the markets, and weddings.  The “Pera” in the band name is from their mother’s name “Esperanza.” They hail from the suburbs of Mexico City and proudly combine traditional music, cumbia, and rock to create their own powerful style of music. They have performed all over the world, from Vive Latino to Coachella. Their latest album is “Chimborazo” available on AYA Records. Recorded October 15, 2024 La Muerte del Amor Cumbia Is The New Punk El Ojo Blindado Chico Migraña El Limpi Chucha 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 Ólafur Arnalds, and Janus Rasmussen making music together as Kiasmos. Kiasmos make experimental electronica, born in the cold geography of Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Ólafur Arnalds is a composer and producer, known for his work combining electronic beats and loops with organic string and piano sounds. He’s made 5 solo albums and created music for soundtracks, and he’s collaborated with bands as varied as Heaven Shall Burn, and Bonobo. Janus Rasmussen is in the band Bloodgroup, and creates his own melodic experimental music in Reykjavik. They started together in 2009, releasing their self-titled full-length in 2014. Their latest album together is simply titled “II” and is available on Erased Tapes. Recorded November 18, 2024 Sailed Told Flown Burst Spun 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 punk rock marimba of Son Rompe Pera. Son Rompe Pera was formed in 2017, by brothers - Kacho and Mongo Gama.  They built up their skill on their father’s marimba, playing the streets, the markets, and weddings.  The “Pera” in the band name is from their mother’s name “Esperanza.” They hail from the suburbs of Mexico City and proudly combine traditional music, cumbia, and rock to create their own powerful style of music. They have performed all over the world, from Vive Latino to Coachella. Their latest album is “Chimborazo” available on AYA Records. Recorded October 15, 2024 La Muerte del Amor Cumbia Is The New Punk El Ojo Blindado Chico Migraña El Limpi Chucha 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 belligerent bombast of Brooklyn dance-punk rockers, Gustaf. Gustaf is an exciting, dance-your-cares-away, punk rock band, with the additional benefit of being stylish, sophisticated, and occasionally downright funny. The 5-piece group is based in Brooklyn, and signed to Royal Mountain Records. Their latest is called “Package Pt. 2". Recorded November 6, 2024 Starting and Staring What Does it Mean Design Book Close 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 belligerent bombast of Brooklyn dance-punk rockers, Gustaf. Gustaf is an exciting, dance-your-cares-away, punk rock band, with the additional benefit of being stylish, sophisticated, and occasionally downright funny. The 5-piece group is based in Brooklyn, and signed to Royal Mountain Records. Their latest is called “Package Pt. 2". Recorded November 6, 2024 Starting and Staring What Does it Mean Design Book Close 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 punk rock marimba of Son Rompe Pera. Son Rompe Pera was formed in 2017, by brothers - Kacho and Mongo Gama.  They built up their skill on their father’s marimba, playing the streets, the markets, and weddings.  The “Pera” in the band name is from their mother’s name “Esperanza.” They hail from the suburbs of Mexico City and proudly combine traditional music, cumbia, and rock to create their own powerful style of music. They have performed all over the world, from Vive Latino to Coachella. Their latest album is “Chimborazo” available on AYA Records. Recorded October 15, 2024 La Muerte del Amor Cumbia Is The New Punk El Ojo Blindado Chico Migraña El Limpi Chucha 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 sexy 60’s and psych of the Mystery Lights. The Mystery Lights are inspired by 60s and 70s psychedelic music, but not defined by those old styles.  They also pull from their original Salinas, California punk rock scene, and from DapTone style R&B, country, and Hip Hop.  Now based in New York, the band has embraced working with Daptone alumnus and super-producer Wayne Gordon.  Always groovy, always high energy - their latest is called “Purgatory” and is available on Daptone Records.  Recorded November 7, 2024 Memories Purgatory Trouble Sorry I Forgot Your Name Can’t Sleep Through The Silence Cerebral Crack 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 sexy 60’s and psych of the Mystery Lights. The Mystery Lights are inspired by 60s and 70s psychedelic music, but not defined by those old styles.  They also pull from their original Salinas, California punk rock scene, and from DapTone style R&B, country, and Hip Hop.  Now based in New York, the band has embraced working with Daptone alumnus and super-producer Wayne Gordon.  Always groovy, always high energy - their latest is called “Purgatory” and is available on Daptone Records.  Recorded November 7, 2024 Memories Purgatory Trouble Sorry I Forgot Your Name Can’t Sleep Through The Silence Cerebral Crack 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 Mercury Prize winning indie-rock of English band, English Teacher. English Teacher is an English Band from Leeds and Lancashire - both in the north of England and about 2 hours apart. They sort of re-formed from an earlier version of the band in 2020, and released the single “R&B” featuring a shout out to a certain radio station in Seattle.  The buzz from that got them some radio play, and they eventually released their first EP Polyawkward in 2022.  Their sound has gelled into an original blend of mathy punk, spoken word, and sweeping noise-pop orchestration, in support of the mesmerizing voice of singer Lily Fontaine. Recorded September 27th, 2024 This Could Be Texas Nearly Daffodils Broken Biscuits You Blister My Paint R&B Albert Road 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 Mercury Prize winning indie-rock of English band, English Teacher. English Teacher is an English Band from Leeds and Lancashire - both in the north of England and about 2 hours apart. They sort of re-formed from an earlier version of the band in 2020, and released the single “R&B” featuring a shout out to a certain radio station in Seattle.  The buzz from that got them some radio play, and they eventually released their first EP Polyawkward in 2022.  Their sound has gelled into an original blend of mathy punk, spoken word, and sweeping noise-pop orchestration, in support of the mesmerizing voice of singer Lily Fontaine. Recorded September 27th, 2024 This Could Be Texas Nearly Daffodils Broken Biscuits You Blister My Paint R&B Albert Road 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 propulsive poise and complexity of Nilüfer Yanya.  Nilüfer Yanya is a British singer-songwriter, from an artistic family with Turkish and Barbadian heritage.  She writes pensive songs, centered around her breathy contralto and her original guitar style.  You could sit and think about the equivocal lyrics, or you could get off your ass and dance.   Her latest is “My Method Actor” - as in she is her own, method actor - sort of learning to be herself by inhabiting herself fully.  For this performance she played 5 songs from the album, which is available on Ninja Tune.  Here’s Nilüfer Yanya - Live on KEXP. Recorded October 26th, 2024 Method Actor Mutations Call It Love Binding  Like I Say (I 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 propulsive poise and complexity of Nilüfer Yanya.  Nilüfer Yanya is a British singer-songwriter, from an artistic family with Turkish and Barbadian heritage.  She writes pensive songs, centered around her breathy contralto and her original guitar style.  You could sit and think about the equivocal lyrics, or you could get off your ass and dance.   Her latest is “My Method Actor” - as in she is her own, method actor - sort of learning to be herself by inhabiting herself fully.  For this performance she played 5 songs from the album, which is available on Ninja Tune.  Here’s Nilüfer Yanya - Live on KEXP. Recorded October 26th, 2024 Method Actor Mutations Call It Love Binding  Like I Say (I 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 emo-math, jangle-pop of Wuhan band Chinese Football. Chinese Football is a 4 piece indie-rock band formed in 2011.  The name was indeed inspired by Midwest legends American Football, and the 2 bands have even played together.  Their music has elements of emo, math-rock, indie-rock and punk.  Their latest release is “Win or Lose”, the 3rd in a trilogy of albums based on a fictitious video game.  The first was “Here Comes a New Challenger?” followed by “Continue?”.  The albums all have killer anime style covers, by the illustrator Space Layout, inspired by Streetfighter 2. The lyrics sort of follow the trials and tribulations of singer Xu Bo’s dream of becoming a rock star, and the band touring the world.  There’s a humility to the lyrics that borders on self deprecation, what they call “the hesitation which follows failure.” Once the band fires up though, there is no hesitation, they deliver tight jangly, intricate riffs, poppy harmony, and a danceable groove. Recorded October 24, 2024 Rafting in the world Awaking Daydream The Last Emo Boy on Earth Blind Men and an Elephant  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 emo-math, jangle-pop of Wuhan band Chinese Football. Chinese Football is a 4 piece indie-rock band formed in 2011.  The name was indeed inspired by Midwest legends American Football, and the 2 bands have even played together.  Their music has elements of emo, math-rock, indie-rock and punk.  Their latest release is “Win or Lose”, the 3rd in a trilogy of albums based on a fictitious video game.  The first was “Here Comes a New Challenger?” followed by “Continue?”.  The albums all have killer anime style covers, by the illustrator Space Layout, inspired by Streetfighter 2. The lyrics sort of follow the trials and tribulations of singer Xu Bo’s dream of becoming a rock star, and the band touring the world.  There’s a humility to the lyrics that borders on self deprecation, what they call “the hesitation which follows failure.” Once the band fires up though, there is no hesitation, they deliver tight jangly, intricate riffs, poppy harmony, and a danceable groove. Recorded October 24, 2024 Rafting in the world Awaking Daydream The Last Emo Boy on Earth Blind Men and an Elephant  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 jazz, it's Afrobeat, it’s KOKOROKO. KOKOROKO is a big band - 7 musicians - brought together by trumpeter and vocalist Sheila Maurice-Grey and percussionist and co-musical director Onome Edgeworth.  They started the band partly because they both believe in the importance of Afrobeat.  It encompasses a cultural legacy of politics, activism, community, and also serves as collective memory.  It’s extra important to the children of dual heritage, to the Africans living in London, and to all the people who yearn for connection to their roots.  Their track “Abusey Junction” blew up on the internet after its release on a compilation of new London jazz.  Their latest release is the EP Get the Message, available on Brownswood Recordings. Recorded October 23, 2024 Higher My Prayer Tojo Ti-de 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 jazz, it's Afrobeat, it’s KOKOROKO. KOKOROKO is a big band - 7 musicians - brought together by trumpeter and vocalist Sheila Maurice-Grey and percussionist and co-musical director Onome Edgeworth.  They started the band partly because they both believe in the importance of Afrobeat.  It encompasses a cultural legacy of politics, activism, community, and also serves as collective memory.  It’s extra important to the children of dual heritage, to the Africans living in London, and to all the people who yearn for connection to their roots.  Their track “Abusey Junction” blew up on the internet after its release on a compilation of new London jazz.  Their latest release is the EP Get the Message, available on Brownswood Recordings. Recorded October 23, 2024 Higher My Prayer Tojo Ti-de 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 throwback to the 1990s, with the absolute smash hits of Minnesota rockers Soul Asylum. Soul Asylum formed in the 80s, and put out five albums on two different record labels, before they captured a moment perfectly on the album Grave Dancers Union, released in 1992 on Columbia Records. Now with the only original member Dave Pirner still at the helm on vocals and songwriting duties, they have released a brand new full-length, Slowly But Shirley, available on the indie label Blue Élan. Recorded October 7, 2024 Somebody To Shove Freak Accident High Road Black Gold Runaway Train 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 throwback to the 1990s, with the absolute smash hits of Minnesota rockers Soul Asylum. Soul Asylum formed in the 80s, and put out five albums on two different record labels, before they captured a moment perfectly on the album Grave Dancers Union, released in 1992 on Columbia Records. Now with the only original member Dave Pirner still at the helm on vocals and songwriting duties, they have released a brand new full-length, Slowly But Shirley, available on the indie label Blue Élan. Recorded October 7, 2024 Somebody To Shove Freak Accident High Road Black Gold Runaway Train 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 sample-friendly indie-pop of Spirit of the Beehive. Spirit of the Beehive has been making music together since 2014. They got their name from the legendary 1973 Spanish film directed by Victor Erice. Their sound is highly original, using samples, noisy punk guitars, grooves from a wide variety of influences and thought provoking lyrics. They describe their recent music thus - “our last release, 2023’s 'i’m so lucky,' explored the breakup between guitarist Zach Schwartz and bassist Rivka Ravede, setting the stage and emotional territory for the band’s fifth record, 'YOU’LL HAVE TO LOSE SOMETHING.' It is a continued meditation on the end of relationships and the unsteadiness that follows. It is available on Saddle Creek Records. Recorded October 3, 2024. LET THE VIRGIN DRIVE SORRY PORE INJECTOR  THE CUT DEPICTS THE CUT nail i couldn’t bite 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 sample-friendly indie-pop of Spirit of the Beehive. Spirit of the Beehive has been making music together since 2014. They got their name from the legendary 1973 Spanish film directed by Victor Erice. Their sound is highly original, using samples, noisy punk guitars, grooves from a wide variety of influences and thought provoking lyrics. They describe their recent music thus - “our last release, 2023’s 'i’m so lucky,' explored the breakup between guitarist Zach Schwartz and bassist Rivka Ravede, setting the stage and emotional territory for the band’s fifth record, 'YOU’LL HAVE TO LOSE SOMETHING.' It is a continued meditation on the end of relationships and the unsteadiness that follows. It is available on Saddle Creek Records. Recorded October 3, 2024. LET THE VIRGIN DRIVE SORRY PORE INJECTOR  THE CUT DEPICTS THE CUT nail i couldn’t bite 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 Rock n' Roll Cumbia of Chuck Prophet. Chuck Prophet is the quintessential independent artist. The San Francisco native has been working since the 80’s with rock band Green on Red. He went solo in the late 90’s, and had a bit of a hit with the song “Summertime Thing” in 2002. He’s consistent too, putting out a record every 2 or 3 years. His latest is a collaboration with the cumbia band Quiensave, and it's called 'Wake the Dead.' It is available on Yep Roc Records. Recorded October 22, 2024. Same Old Crime Wake the Dead Betty’s Song Sugar Into Water In The Shadows (For Elon) First Came The Thunder 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 Rock n' Roll Cumbia of Chuck Prophet. Chuck Prophet is the quintessential independent artist. The San Francisco native has been working since the 80’s with rock band Green on Red. He went solo in the late 90’s, and had a bit of a hit with the song “Summertime Thing” in 2002. He’s consistent too, putting out a record every 2 or 3 years. His latest is a collaboration with the cumbia band Quiensave, and it's called 'Wake the Dead.' It is available on Yep Roc Records. Recorded October 22, 2024. Same Old Crime Wake the Dead Betty’s Song Sugar Into Water In The Shadows (For Elon) First Came The Thunder 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 multi-genre dance music of London’s Ibibio Sound Machine. Ibibio Sound Machine is one of our favorite bands. We met them when they first played on our live broadcast for International Clash Day from London. They are high energy, multi-cultural, groove focused and danceable. They bring the fashion; they bring the fun. Their latest records are the 'Black Notes' EP and their full-length 'Pull the Rope,' both available on Merge Records. Recorded October 10, 2024. Electricity The Talking Fish (Asem Usem Iyak) The Chant (Iquo Isang) Fire Protection From Evil 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 multi-genre dance music of London’s Ibibio Sound Machine. Ibibio Sound Machine is one of our favorite bands. We met them when they first played on our live broadcast for International Clash Day from London. They are high energy, multi-cultural, groove focused and danceable. They bring the fashion; they bring the fun. Their latest records are the 'Black Notes' EP and their full-length 'Pull the Rope,' both available on Merge Records. Recorded October 10, 2024. Electricity The Talking Fish (Asem Usem Iyak) The Chant (Iquo Isang) Fire Protection From Evil 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 New York indie rockers Been Stellar. Been Stellar formed when Michigan high school buddies Sam Slocum and Skyler Knapp decided to be in a band together. In the tradition of bands like the Dandy Warhols, Trashcan Sinatras, and Gnarls Barkley they named themselves after a celebrity, here it's (duh) actor Ben Stiller. As Skyler put it in an interview with NYU's student paper the Washington Square News - “How’ve you been? Well, I’ve been stellar thank you.” Since they made the move to New York they’ve managed to build a solid audience in the Brooklyn scene. They’ve also filled out the band with some superb players, recording and touring as a 5 piece. Their 2nd, and latest album is called 'Scream From New York, NY' and is available on Dirty Hit Records. Recorded September 19, 2024. Scream From New York, NY Passing Judgment Pumpkin I Have The Answer Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.