Live on KEXP

Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul bring politics to the dancefloor but it’s not as depressing as you might think. Instead the heavy topics of racism and xenophobia are handled with humor and wit on the Belgian duo’s debut Topical Dancer and their KEXP in-studio session is a hip-swinging celebration full of wry laughs and groovy basslines. For an extra dose of international electronic grooves, we also share an excerpt from our 2016 session with Mexico City-based duo Sotomayor. Recorded 05/20/2022. Blenda Stop Making Sense Haha Ceci n’est pas un cliché Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul bring politics to the dancefloor but it’s not as depressing as you might think. Instead the heavy topics of racism and xenophobia are handled with humor and wit on the Belgian duo’s debut Topical Dancer and their KEXP in-studio session is a hip-swinging celebration full of wry laughs and groovy basslines. For an extra dose of international electronic grooves, we also share an excerpt from our 2016 session with Mexico City-based duo Sotomayor. Recorded 05/20/2022. Blenda Stop Making Sense Haha Ceci n’est pas un cliché Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This summer, Minneapolis-based synth-pop band Poliça released their sixth studio album Madness via Memphis Industries Records. When they stopped by KEXP in July to play songs off the record, frontwoman Channy Leaneagh spoke with Cheryl Waters about the incorporation of a new band member of sorts, an anthropomorphic production tool designed by producer Ryan Olson and the sound-artist Seth Rosetter called “AllOvers(c)” which added an eerie element to the band’s icey sound. For an extra gift, we’re sharing a snippet from labelmates Tokyo Police Club’s KEXP in-studio session from 2008. Recorded 07/07/2022. Sweet Memz Blood Madness Amongster Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This summer, Minneapolis-based synth-pop band Poliça released their sixth studio album Madness via Memphis Industries Records. When they stopped by KEXP in July to play songs off the record, frontwoman Channy Leaneagh spoke with Cheryl Waters about the incorporation of a new band member of sorts, an anthropomorphic production tool designed by producer Ryan Olson and the sound-artist Seth Rosetter called “AllOvers(c)” which added an eerie element to the band’s icey sound. For an extra gift, we’re sharing a snippet from labelmates Tokyo Police Club’s KEXP in-studio session from 2008. Recorded 07/07/2022. Sweet Memz Blood Madness Amongster Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicago’s KAINA makes dreamy indie R&B songs that serve as affirmations of joy for the Guatamalen-Venezuelan artist. She released her impressive sophomore record It Was a Home back in March, featuring collaborations with Helado Negro, Sleater-Kinney, and Sen Morimoto. She stopped by KEXP over the summer to play a gorgeous set of songs off the record and spoke with Gabriel Teodros about coming up in Chicago’s youth music programs, the role family plays in her new record, and building a home. As an extra gift, we include a snippet from Sen Morimoto’s KEXP in-studio session from last year featuring KAINA on backing vocals. Recorded 06/20/2022. Anybody Can Be In Love Good Feeling Friend of Mine Golden Mirror Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicago’s KAINA makes dreamy indie R&B songs that serve as affirmations of joy for the Guatamalen-Venezuelan artist. She released her impressive sophomore record It Was a Home back in March, featuring collaborations with Helado Negro, Sleater-Kinney, and Sen Morimoto. She stopped by KEXP over the summer to play a gorgeous set of songs off the record and spoke with Gabriel Teodros about coming up in Chicago’s youth music programs, the role family plays in her new record, and building a home. As an extra gift, we include a snippet from Sen Morimoto’s KEXP in-studio session from last year featuring KAINA on backing vocals. Recorded 06/20/2022. Anybody Can Be In Love Good Feeling Friend of Mine Golden Mirror Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the nearly 30-year lifespan of Arizona-bred band Calexico, they’ve incorporated a bevy of Latin sounds into their personal brand of rock and roll. As frontman Joey Burns told DJ Miss Ashley in this episode of Live on KEXP, “I felt like North America needs to get over itself and embrace diversity. Felt good to raise the middle finger to people who are uptight.” Their new record, El Mirador, continues that path of world-inspiration despite being confined to a home studio made out of shipping containers during the pandemic. This episode sees the band play four songs off the new album for their latest of many performances for KEXP. Recorded 06/05/2022. Caldera Then You Might See Rancho Azul Cumbia Del Polvo Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the nearly 30-year lifespan of Arizona-bred band Calexico, they’ve incorporated a bevy of Latin sounds into their personal brand of rock and roll. As frontman Joey Burns told DJ Miss Ashley in this episode of Live on KEXP, “I felt like North America needs to get over itself and embrace diversity. Felt good to raise the middle finger to people who are uptight.” Their new record, El Mirador, continues that path of world-inspiration despite being confined to a home studio made out of shipping containers during the pandemic. This episode sees the band play four songs off the new album for their latest of many performances for KEXP. Recorded 06/05/2022. Caldera Then You Might See Rancho Azul Cumbia Del Polvo Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the release of his debut album Eulogy for Evolution fifteen years ago, Ólafur Arnalds has become something of a mainstream success, earning placements in films like The Hunger Games and Looper and receiving a Grammy nomination for his 2020 song with Bonobo “Loom.” All of this may be surprising considering he makes instrumental, piano-based soundscapes that don’t exactly scream “mainstream.” But the emotion he’s able to convey through his music reaches a wide range of people who maybe wouldn’t necessarily gravitate towards instrumental music. This summer he stopped by KEXP for an emotional performance that, according to his conversation with Cheryl Waters, is about being ready for love and opening your heart to the possibility of it. This performance, as well as prior KEXP performances by frequent Arnalds collaborator Nils Frahm and Icelandic icon Jonsi, are included in this week’s episode. Recorded 06/09/2022. Happiness Does Not Wait Momentary Saman We Contain Multitudes Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the release of his debut album Eulogy for Evolution fifteen years ago, Ólafur Arnalds has become something of a mainstream success, earning placements in films like The Hunger Games and Looper and receiving a Grammy nomination for his 2020 song with Bonobo “Loom.” All of this may be surprising considering he makes instrumental, piano-based soundscapes that don’t exactly scream “mainstream.” But the emotion he’s able to convey through his music reaches a wide range of people who maybe wouldn’t necessarily gravitate towards instrumental music. This summer he stopped by KEXP for an emotional performance that, according to his conversation with Cheryl Waters, is about being ready for love and opening your heart to the possibility of it. This performance, as well as prior KEXP performances by frequent Arnalds collaborator Nils Frahm and Icelandic icon Jonsi, are included in this week’s episode. Recorded 06/09/2022. Happiness Does Not Wait Momentary Saman We Contain Multitudes Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadian artist Rochelle Jordan has been making downtempo R&B for over a decade now, blending 90s pop, vintage UK house and garage, electronic and progressive hip-hop for a unique and sensual sound. During her in-studio session for KEXP earlier this summer, she spoke with Larry Mizell Jr. about the inspirations behind her new record, 'Play with the Changes,' and played a dazzling set of four songs off the album. As a bonus, we share a snippet from our 2019 sessions with acclaimed R&B artist Georgia Anne Muldrow and Declaime. Recorded 06/08/2022. Already Dancing Elephants Lay All Along Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadian artist Rochelle Jordan has been making downtempo R&B for over a decade now, blending 90s pop, vintage UK house and garage, electronic and progressive hip-hop for a unique and sensual sound. During her in-studio session for KEXP earlier this summer, she spoke with Larry Mizell Jr. about the inspirations behind her new record, 'Play with the Changes,' and played a dazzling set of four songs off the album. As a bonus, we share a snippet from our 2019 sessions with acclaimed R&B artist Georgia Anne Muldrow and Declaime. Recorded 06/08/2022. Already Dancing Elephants Lay All Along Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese-born, Vancouver-based musician Yu Su makes propulsive and evocative electronic that intends to bridge the gap between her motherland and her new Pacific Northwest home. On this episode of Live on KEXP, the composer, DJ, and sound artist speaks to Mike Ramos about the significance of the title of her latest album, Yellow River Blue, her tough journey towards feeling comfortable in her new home, and how accessibility to electronic programs helped her on her journey towards the pop dance sound she found on the new record Recorded 06/02/2021. Xiu Klein Gleam Melaleuca Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube This episode was originally published on September 28, 2021.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese-born, Vancouver-based musician Yu Su makes propulsive and evocative electronic that intends to bridge the gap between her motherland and her new Pacific Northwest home. On this episode of Live on KEXP, the composer, DJ, and sound artist speaks to Mike Ramos about the significance of the title of her latest album, Yellow River Blue, her tough journey towards feeling comfortable in her new home, and how accessibility to electronic programs helped her on her journey towards the pop dance sound she found on the new record Recorded 06/02/2021. Xiu Klein Gleam Melaleuca Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube This episode was originally published on September 28, 2021.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Formerly known as A Tribe Called Red, The Halluci Nation's Tim "2oolman" Hill and Ehren "Bear Witness" Thomas make what is often labelled as “powwow-step,” blending hip hop, reggae, moombahton, and dubstep with elements of First Nations music. The result is a type of dance music that’s powerful in its ability to be both fun and carry an important message. The duo chat with Gabriel Teodros about amplifying activist voices then play a whirlwind set of nine songs for this week’s Live on KEXP episode. As a bonus, we also share a track from Alaskan Indigenous artist Ya Tseen recorded for Live on KEXP at Home in 2021. Recorded 05/06/2022. JHD Ba Na Na The OG Crow Hop Fresh & Clean Land Back Bread & Cheese The Offering Tanokumbia Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Formerly known as A Tribe Called Red, The Halluci Nation's Tim "2oolman" Hill and Ehren "Bear Witness" Thomas make what is often labelled as “powwow-step,” blending hip hop, reggae, moombahton, and dubstep with elements of First Nations music. The result is a type of dance music that’s powerful in its ability to be both fun and carry an important message. The duo chat with Gabriel Teodros about amplifying activist voices then play a whirlwind set of nine songs for this week’s Live on KEXP episode. As a bonus, we also share a track from Alaskan Indigenous artist Ya Tseen recorded for Live on KEXP at Home in 2021. Recorded 05/06/2022. JHD Ba Na Na The OG Crow Hop Fresh & Clean Land Back Bread & Cheese The Offering Tanokumbia Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooklyn-based band Lucius blew into the KEXP Live Room back in June with a barrage of bedazzled instruments and beguiling harmonies. Speaking with Cheryl Waters, vocalists Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig spoke about how divorce, the pandemic, and their friendship with each other influenced their latest album Second Nature in the midst of a set of songs from the 2022 record. As an added bonus, we connect the dots between Lucius and their recent collaborators The War on Drugs and Brandi Carlile to share snippets of the two artists’ prior KEXP in-studio sessions from 2017 and 2018, respectively. Recorded 06/10/2022. 24 The Man I’ll Never Find Promises Next to Normal Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooklyn-based band Lucius blew into the KEXP Live Room back in June with a barrage of bedazzled instruments and beguiling harmonies. Speaking with Cheryl Waters, vocalists Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig spoke about how divorce, the pandemic, and their friendship with each other influenced their latest album Second Nature in the midst of a set of songs from the 2022 record. As an added bonus, we connect the dots between Lucius and their recent collaborators The War on Drugs and Brandi Carlile to share snippets of the two artists’ prior KEXP in-studio sessions from 2017 and 2018, respectively. Recorded 06/10/2022. 24 The Man I’ll Never Find Promises Next to Normal Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in May, Barbi Recanati made the massive journey from Buenos Aires to Seattle to not only play an incredible in-studio session but also to announce, alongside KEXP’s Albina Cabrera, that KEXP would be making a similar journey for a four-day music festival highlighting the diverse sounds of Argentina. That festival just wrapped on September 23rd but Recanati’s in-studio is getting some extra love on this week’s Live on KEXP. Before playing three songs off her Grammy-nominated, Gardel Award-winning album Ubicación en Tiempo Real and one off her debut solo EP, 2018’s Teoría Espacial, Troy Nelson gives us some background on the feminist singer, songwriter, guitarist, podcaster, and record label-owner. For an extra boost of Latinx sounds, we’re also featuring a snippet from Y La Bamba’s KEXP in-studio session from 2017. Both artists have songs included on KEXP’s new compilation album, Live at KEXP Volume 10. Recorded 05/25/2022. Que No En La Frenta Para Darte Frágil Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in May, Barbi Recanati made the massive journey from Buenos Aires to Seattle to not only play an incredible in-studio session but also to announce, alongside KEXP’s Albina Cabrera, that KEXP would be making a similar journey for a four-day music festival highlighting the diverse sounds of Argentina. That festival just wrapped on September 23rd but Recanati’s in-studio is getting some extra love on this week’s Live on KEXP. Before playing three songs off her Grammy-nominated, Gardel Award-winning album Ubicación en Tiempo Real and one off her debut solo EP, 2018’s Teoría Espacial, Troy Nelson gives us some background on the feminist singer, songwriter, guitarist, podcaster, and record label-owner. For an extra boost of Latinx sounds, we’re also featuring a snippet from Y La Bamba’s KEXP in-studio session from 2017. Both artists have songs included on KEXP’s new compilation album, Live at KEXP Volume 10. Recorded 05/25/2022. Que No En La Frenta Para Darte Frágil Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

London-based singer-songwriter Nilüfer Yanya quickly became an artist to watch with her 2019 debut, Miss Universe. The album was a thrilling exploration of her widely varied influences, diverse upbringing, and raw talent. This year’s sophomore album, Painless, finds her settling into a more focused sound without sacrificing any of the fervent power and emotional range that made her stand out in the first place. In this KEXP session, Yanya talks to host Cheryl Waters about how the collaborative process of the new album helped her trust her instincts and how she aimed to create a more sonically cohesive record. At the end of the episode, we revisit a song from her 2019 KEXP session. Recorded 05/23/2022. midnight sun the dealer L/R stabilise In Your Head (bonus) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

London-based singer-songwriter Nilüfer Yanya quickly became an artist to watch with her 2019 debut, Miss Universe. The album was a thrilling exploration of her widely varied influences, diverse upbringing, and raw talent. This year’s sophomore album, Painless, finds her settling into a more focused sound without sacrificing any of the fervent power and emotional range that made her stand out in the first place. In this KEXP session, Yanya talks to host Cheryl Waters about how the collaborative process of the new album helped her trust her instincts and how she aimed to create a more sonically cohesive record. At the end of the episode, we revisit a song from her 2019 KEXP session. Recorded 05/23/2022. midnight sun the dealer L/R stabilise In Your Head (bonus) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the late ‘90s, Chk Chk Chk have been making dancey disco-punk that, as KEXP’s Cheryl Waters puts it, has been “rewriting the rules of dance music for more than 20 years.” The band, currently made up of Nic Offer, Meah Pace, Mario Andreoni, Dan Gorman, Rafael Cohen, and Chris Egan, stopped by KEXP early this summer to play songs off their latest record Let It Be Blue. There, they spoke about leaning into circumstances and the intimate relationships between friends. Alongside that performance, we’ve included a snippet of their performance from KEXP’s 50th Anniversary Party as well as their 2017 performance at our Gathering Space. It’s an episode chock-full of Chk Chk Chk. Recorded 05/13/2022. This Is Pop 2 Panama Canal Storm Around the World Un Puente Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the late ‘90s, Chk Chk Chk have been making dancey disco-punk that, as KEXP’s Cheryl Waters puts it, has been “rewriting the rules of dance music for more than 20 years.” The band, currently made up of Nic Offer, Meah Pace, Mario Andreoni, Dan Gorman, Rafael Cohen, and Chris Egan, stopped by KEXP early this summer to play songs off their latest record Let It Be Blue. There, they spoke about leaning into circumstances and the intimate relationships between friends. Alongside that performance, we’ve included a snippet of their performance from KEXP’s 50th Anniversary Party as well as their 2017 performance at our Gathering Space. It’s an episode chock-full of Chk Chk Chk. Recorded 05/13/2022. This Is Pop 2 Panama Canal Storm Around the World Un Puente Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2015, Dehd have been making reverb-drenched rollicking indie rock tunes that touch on love, heartbreak, and the ever-evolving nature of relationships. Their fourth album Blue Skies dropped earlier this year on Fat Possum Records and continues their streak of tightly wound, lo-fi, partially shout-sung tunes. Dehd stopped by KEXP shortly after to play a few tracks off the record as well as chat with Larry Mizell Jr. about the tight-night music scene in Chicago and the way that members Emily Kempf and Jason Balla’s relationship has matured from former lovers to dedicated bandmates and musical partners. Recorded 05/06/2022. Control Bad Love Stars Window Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2015, Dehd have been making reverb-drenched rollicking indie rock tunes that touch on love, heartbreak, and the ever-evolving nature of relationships. Their fourth album Blue Skies dropped earlier this year on Fat Possum Records and continues their streak of tightly wound, lo-fi, partially shout-sung tunes. Dehd stopped by KEXP shortly after to play a few tracks off the record as well as chat with Larry Mizell Jr. about the tight-night music scene in Chicago and the way that members Emily Kempf and Jason Balla’s relationship has matured from former lovers to dedicated bandmates and musical partners. Recorded 05/06/2022. Control Bad Love Stars Window Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mia Berrin makes powerfully cathartic indie rock that’s just as biting as it is heartwrenching as Pom Pom Squad. The Brooklyn-based band recently stopped by KEXP to play songs off their 2021 debut Death of a Cheerleader, and Troy Nelson chatted with the frontwoman about learning to engineer music, Nada Surf’s influence on the band, as well as a very niche indie videogame called Cuphead. Recorded 05/04/2022. Head Cheerleader Cake Second That Forever Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mia Berrin makes powerfully cathartic indie rock that’s just as biting as it is heartwrenching as Pom Pom Squad. The Brooklyn-based band recently stopped by KEXP to play songs off their 2021 debut Death of a Cheerleader, and Troy Nelson chatted with the frontwoman about learning to engineer music, Nada Surf’s influence on the band, as well as a very niche indie videogame called Cuphead. Tying in the Nada Surf influence, listeners get a two-for-one in today’s episode, featuring songs from Nada Surf’s 2018 KEXP in-studio. Recorded 05/04/2022. Head Cheerleader Cake Second That Forever Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the names and faces of Aeon Station seem familiar despite only releasing their debut record last year, it’s because they’re far from new to the scene. Nearly 20 years after the Wrens released their last record The Meadowlands, Aeon Station was formed by Kevin Whelan in the hopes of finally releasing the songs he’d been writing for the New Jersey indie rock band but would never see the light of day after years of creative clashes and business disputes with his former bandmate and co-songwriter unless he created a new band. Whelan and his band, primarily made up of other members of the Wrens, stopped by KEXP in April to play a few songs off their distortion-fueled debut Observatory, which came out on Sub Pop in 2021. Recorded 04/29/2022. Better Love Fade Air Queens Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the names and faces of Aeon Station seem familiar despite only releasing their debut record last year, it’s because they’re far from new to the scene. Nearly 20 years after the Wrens released their last record The Meadowlands, Aeon Station was formed by Kevin Whelan in the hopes of finally releasing the songs he’d been writing for the New Jersey indie rock band but would never see the light of day after years of creative clashes and business disputes with his former bandmate and co-songwriter unless he created a new band. Whelan and his band, primarily made up of other members of the Wrens, stopped by KEXP in April to play a few songs off their distortion-fueled debut Observatory, which came out on Sub Pop in 2021. Recorded 04/29/2022. Better Love Fade Air Queens Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday have become one of indie rock’s newest bands to watch. Their tangled blend of country and 90s grunge make for a sound that’s both raw and incredibly fresh. They stopped by KEXP to play songs off their latest record,Mowing the Leaves Instead of Piling ‘em Up, and Troy Nelson gives some background on the Asheville band before jumping into their fiery performance. Recorded 04/28/2022. Twin Plagues Cody’s Only Handsome Man Maura Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday have become one of indie rock’s newest bands to watch. Their tangled blend of country and 90s grunge make for a sound that’s both raw and incredibly fresh. They stopped by KEXP to play songs off their latest record,Mowing the Leaves Instead of Piling ‘em Up, and Troy Nelson gives some background on the Asheville band before jumping into their fiery performance. Recorded 04/28/2022. Twin Plagues Cody’s Only Handsome Man Maura Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle’s Da Qween is probably best described by KEXP’s own Martin Douglas as “simply is what they are. A very good rapper, a queer-identifying person, too talented and too stubborn to allow straight people to view them as a gimmick, and as the title of their 2019 album suggests, a renaissance bitch.” For this episode of Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson gives some background on the “Black Queer Non Binary Raptress Spitting from the 206” before they prove their chops in the KEXP live room with a set of songs both new and old but all similarly slappin. Recorded 04/26/2022. ThunderClap When Worst Comes to Worst Quit Music Worthy Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle’s Da Qween is probably best described by KEXP’s own Martin Douglas as “simply is what they are. A very good rapper, a queer-identifying person, too talented and too stubborn to allow straight people to view them as a gimmick, and as the title of their 2019 album suggests, a renaissance bitch.” For this episode of Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson gives some background on the “Black Queer Non Binary Raptress Spitting from the 206” before they prove their chops in the KEXP live room with a set of songs both new and old but all similarly slappin. Recorded 04/26/2022. ThunderClap When Worst Comes to Worst Quit Music Worthy Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tacoma, WA-raised musician LIVt is a master at poetic lyricism that touts messages of self-acceptance, independence, and radically soulful love. For her recent KEXP in-studio, LIVt chats with Gabriel Teodros about being a girl unbothered as well as the escapism she found through music during the tough moments of the pandemic before playing songs off of 2019’s Black Girl Unbothered and 2020’s Flowers in the Void. Recorded 04/21/2022. Social Nomad One Track Mind Sade To Infinity Unbothered Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tacoma, WA-raised musician LIVt is a master at poetic lyricism that touts messages of self-acceptance, independence, and radically soulful love. For her recent KEXP in-studio, LIVt chats with Gabriel Teodros about being a girl unbothered as well as the escapism she found through music during the tough moments of the pandemic before playing songs off of 2019’s Black Girl Unbothered and 2020’s Flowers in the Void. Recorded 04/21/2022. Social Nomad One Track Mind Sade To Infinity Unbothered Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For their fourth KEXP performance and second actually playing amongst the flickering lights of our revered studio, Altin Gün had a lot of new material to work with. Staying incredibly busy during the pandemic, the Amsterdam-based band put out two albums just last year. During their in-studio, Bassist Jasper Verhulst goes into how the band worked to give back on their latest album before jumping into a riveting set of Turkish folk psychedelia. Recorded 04/13/2022. Ordunun Dereleri Badi Sabah Olmadan Cips Kola Kilit Kalk Gidelim Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For their fourth KEXP performance and second actually playing amongst the flickering lights of our revered studio, Altin Gün had a lot of new material to work with. Staying incredibly busy during the pandemic, the Amsterdam-based band put out two albums just last year. During their in-studio, Bassist Jasper Verhulst goes into how the band worked to give back on their latest album before jumping into a riveting set of Turkish folk psychedelia. Recorded 04/13/2022. Ordunun Dereleri Badi Sabah Olmadan Cips Kola Kilit Kalk Gidelim Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian quartet DakhaBrakha returned to the KEXP studios this past April for a powerful and timely performance highlighting the strength and beauty of Ukrainian culture in the midst of war tearing apart their homeland. Troy Nelson sheds some light on the background of the avant-garde band while vocalist Marco Halanevych expands, via translator, on the importance of raising awareness of the crisis and highlighting the beautiful art that comes from their country. Recorded 04/15/22 Sonnet 9 nedilechok Rozhestvo Watch the full live on KEXP performance on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukrainian quartet DakhaBrakha returned to the KEXP studios this past April for a powerful and timely performance highlighting the strength and beauty of Ukrainian culture in the midst of war tearing apart their homeland. Troy Nelson sheds some light on the background of the avant-garde band while vocalist Marco Halanevych expands, via translator, on the importance of raising awareness of the crisis and highlighting the beautiful art that comes from their country. Recorded 04/15/22 Sonnet 9 nedilechok Rozhestvo Watch the full live on KEXP performance on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this week’s Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson delves into the music of Florida rapper Denzel Curry. Starting with his early days as a member of Carol City collective Raider Klan, finding inspiration in the Memphis rap scene, and dropping his debut album while still in high school, we eventually find him eleven years later and five albums deep playing a very vibey and occasionally bleeped in-studio session for KEXP. Recorded 04/06/2022. Melt Session #1 [feat. Robert Glasper] Walkin Troubles [feat. T-Pain] X-Wing Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this week’s Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson delves into the music of Florida rapper Denzel Curry. Starting with his early days as a member of Carol City collective Raider Klan, finding inspiration in the Memphis rap scene, and dropping his debut album while still in high school, we eventually find him eleven years later and five albums deep playing a very vibey and occasionally bleeped in-studio session for KEXP. Recorded 04/06/2022. Melt Session #1 [feat. Robert Glasper] Walkin Troubles [feat. T-Pain] X-Wing Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indigo De Souza made waves with her 2021 sophomore release Any Shape You Take for her intensely emotional, dexterous vocals and brooding instrumentation. On this episode of Live on KEXP, she opens up to Larry Mizell Jr. about how moving to Asheville when she was a teen had a major influence on her musical growth and understanding of what was possible and also explains the making of some of the powerfully cathartic moments on Any Shape You Take before jumping into four songs off the record. Recorded 03/28/2022. Kill Me Late Night Crawler Bad Dream Real Pain Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indigo De Souza made waves with her 2021 sophomore release Any Shape You Take for her intensely emotional, dexterous vocals and brooding instrumentation. On this episode of Live on KEXP, she opens up to Larry Mizell Jr. about how moving to Asheville when she was a teen had a major influence on her musical growth and understanding of what was possible and also explains the making of some of the powerfully cathartic moments on Any Shape You Take before jumping into four songs off the record. Recorded 03/28/2022. Kill Me Late Night Crawler Bad Dream Real Pain Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Carolina’s Superchunk have been ripping since 1989, as one of the bands that helped define the legendary music scene of Chapel Hill in the ‘90s. They recently stopped by KEXP to play songs off their twelfth studio album, Wild Loneliness, released in early 2022. The band chats with Cheryl Waters about the collaborative nature of the record and how the addition of voices such as Sharon Van Etten, Camera Obscura’s Tracyanne Campbell, and Mike Mills of REM helped elevate both the album and the band as a whole. Recorded 04/04/2022. Wild Loneliness Refracting Endless Summer Rainy Street Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Carolina’s Superchunk have been ripping since 1989, as one of the bands that helped define the legendary music scene of Chapel Hill in the ‘90s. They recently stopped by KEXP to play songs off their twelfth studio album, Wild Loneliness, released in early 2022. The band chats with Cheryl Waters about the collaborative nature of the record and how the addition of voices such as Sharon Van Etten, Camera Obscura’s Tracyanne Campbell, and Mike Mills of REM helped elevate both the album and the band as a whole. Recorded 04/04/2022. Wild Loneliness Refracting Endless Summer Rainy Street Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the course of 15 years, Alynda Segarra has been constantly pushing and evolving the sound of their band Hurray for the Riff Raff as well as the boundaries of folk music. The New Orleans-based band describes their latest album, 2022’s Life on Earth, as “nature punk” and give Cheryl Waters an explanation of what exactly that means to them and the importance of being tuned into nature on this episode of Live on KEXP. Recorded 04/01/2022 Pierced Arrows Pointed at the Sun Saga Rhododendron Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the course of 15 years, Alynda Segarra has been constantly pushing and evolving the sound of their band Hurray for the Riff Raff as well as the boundaries of folk music. The New Orleans-based band describes their latest album, 2022’s Life on Earth, as “nature punk” and give Cheryl Waters an explanation of what exactly that means to them and the importance of being tuned into nature on this episode of Live on KEXP. Recorded 04/01/2022 Pierced Arrows Pointed at the Sun Saga Rhododendron Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For her first in-studio session for KEXP, Lady Wray brought a stacked set of songs off her years-in-the-making 2022 record Piece of Me. Produced by Leon Michels of El Michels Affair, the album is a brilliant blend of soul, R&B and hip hop and just the latest release in her long and winding career. In this episode, Lady Wray also reveals to Cheryl Waters the primary source of musical inspiration: family.  Recorded 03/30/22 Come On In Piece Of Me Under the Sun Melody  Joy & Pain Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For her first in-studio session for KEXP, Lady Wray brought a stacked set of songs off her years-in-the-making 2022 record Piece of Me. Produced by Leon Michels of El Michels Affair, the album is a brilliant blend of soul, R&B and hip hop and just the latest release in her long and winding career. In this episode, Lady Wray also reveals to Cheryl Waters the primary source of musical inspiration: family.  Recorded 03/30/22 Come On In Piece Of Me Under the Sun Melody  Joy & Pain Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.