Live on KEXP

KEXP

Live on KEXP brings you the very best of KEXP’s world-renowned live in-studio and remote performances. Each week, we’ll bring you a new live session, from emerging artists to well-established acts, spanning styles, genres and cultures. Full video of all Live on KEXP performances available at youtube.com/kexp.

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Our Editor's Take

Live on KEXP is a podcast for audiophiles with intense cravings for musical variety. It is for audiences who seek out new albums and up-and-coming musicians. KEXP began in Seattle in 1972 as a nonprofit arts organization and non-commercial educational radio station. Today, it reaches millions of listeners through all types of platforms including a popular website and YouTube channel. The influential radio station presents full concerts and offers a long list of unforgettable sonic experiences. Live on KEXP stands out as a home for live music and performance.

KEXP was one of the first stations to play host to music from bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden in the early days of Seattle's grunge era. The Live on KEXP podcast continues the tradition of supporting new music with complete sets of in-studio and remote performances. Whether they are upcoming talents or living legends, Live on KEXP provides artists with a voice.

Listeners can explore a range of music genres from playlists with rap, indie rock, and folk music. They can relive classics from Radiohead and Pink Floyd or discover recent tunes from Lady Wray, Idles, and Khruangbin. Audiotree Live and Pitchfork podcast features also make occasional appearances.

DJ Cheryl Waters and Larry Mizell host the Live at KEXP podcast. Cameramen Jim Beckmann and Scott Holpainen and audio engineer Julian Martlew join the duo. KEXP is an affiliate of the University of Washington. Live on KEXP represents a legacy of excellence and innovation.

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ArtsArts

Play Trailer

A New Way to Discover Music

A New Way to Discover Music

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

Episodes

DJ Shadow [Performance & Interview Only]

DJ Shadow [Performance & Interview Only]

On the show this time, it’s a set of music from Bay area producer DJ Shadow. DJ Shadow grew up in Northern California in the 70’s and 80s, in the original Star Wars era, spending all his lunch money on comics and sci-fi movies and music. He fell in love with hip-hop, and began to make it however he could. He didn’t know any MCs - so he gravitated to the musical side - sampling and scratching. He released his debut 'Endtroducing' in 1996 and has been changing the game one cool sound at a time ever since. His latest is called 'Action Adventure' and is available through Mass Appeal. Recorded 01/24/2024. DJ Shadow - UbuDJ Shadow - You Played MeDJ Shadow feat Q-Tip & Lateef The Truth Speaker - EnuffDJ Shadow feat Divine Styler - Divine InterventionDJ Shadow feat Ernie Fresh - The SideshowDJ Shadow feat Barny Fletcher - Two NotesDJ Shadow - The Number SongZack De La Rocha & DJ Shadow - March Of DeathDJ Shadow - If I Died TodayDJ Shadow - Long StemDJ Shadow - A Narrow EscapeDJ Shadow - What Does Your Soul Look Like (Peshay Remix)DJ Shadow - I Gotta RokkDJ Shadow- Six Days (Remix)DJ Shadow - I Gotta Rokk (Irn Mnky Swagger Mix)DJ Shadow feat Danny Brown - Horror ShowDJ Shadow feat Run The Jewels - Nobody Speak 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 set of music from Bay area producer DJ Shadow. DJ Shadow grew up in Northern California in the 70’s and 80s, in the original Star Wars era, spending all his lunch money on comics and sci-fi movies and music. He fell in love with hip-hop, and began to make it however he could. He didn’t know any MCs - so he gravitated to the musical side - sampling and scratching. He released his debut 'Endtroducing' in 1996 and has been changing the game one cool sound at a time ever since. His latest is called 'Action Adventure' and is available through Mass Appeal. Recorded 01/24/2024. DJ Shadow - UbuDJ Shadow - You Played MeDJ Shadow feat Q-Tip & Lateef The Truth Speaker - EnuffDJ Shadow feat Divine Styler - Divine InterventionDJ Shadow feat Ernie Fresh - The SideshowDJ Shadow feat Barny Fletcher - Two NotesDJ Shadow - The Number SongZack De La Rocha & DJ Shadow - March Of DeathDJ Shadow - If I Died TodayDJ Shadow - Long StemDJ Shadow - A Narrow EscapeDJ Shadow - What Does Your Soul Look Like (Peshay Remix)DJ Shadow - I Gotta RokkDJ Shadow- Six Days (Remix)DJ Shadow - I Gotta Rokk (Irn Mnky Swagger Mix)DJ Shadow feat Danny Brown - Horror ShowDJ Shadow feat Run The Jewels - Nobody Speak Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Circles Around the Sun [Performance & Interview Only]

Circles Around the Sun [Performance & Interview Only]

On the show this time, it’s the mesmerizing instrumental magic of Circles Around The Sun. Circles Around The Sun is made up of guitarist John Lee Shannon, bassist Dan Horne, keyboardist Adam MacDougall, and drummer Mark Levy. The band originally formed around guitarist Neil Casal, for the purposes of performing original music written for the intermission of the Grateful Dead’s Fare Thee Well reunion shows. After Neil died in 2019, the band has persevered, and continued to make incredible music - getting back in the studio and embracing experimentation, creativity and trust. Their latest is called 'Language' and is available through Royal Potato Family. Recorded 10/13/2023. Away TeamOuter BoroughsLandline Memories Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Circles Around The Sun

Circles Around The Sun

On the show this time, it’s the mesmerizing instrumental magic of Circles Around The Sun. Circles Around The Sun is made up of guitarist John Lee Shannon, bassist Dan Horne, keyboardist Adam MacDougall, and drummer Mark Levy. The band originally formed around guitarist Neil Casal, for the purposes of performing original music written for the intermission of the Grateful Dead’s Fare Thee Well reunion shows. After Neil died in 2019, the band has persevered, and continued to make incredible music - getting back in the studio and embracing experimentation, creativity and trust. Their latest is called 'Language' and is available through Royal Potato Family. Recorded 10/13/2023. Away TeamOuter BoroughsLandline Memories Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caroline Rose [Performance & Interview Only]

Caroline Rose [Performance & Interview Only]

On the show this time, it's the cinematic indie-pop of songwriter Caroline Rose. Caroline Rose is an uncompromising, ever morphing, creative force. They’ve been putting out music since 2012. Originally it was a folky Americana sound, with acoustic guitar, pedal steel and mandolins - though Caroline’s lyrics were already potent with insight, entanglements, despair or dgaf ennui. Artistic evolution has been de rigeur since, and their latest is polished pop-music, as likely to feature the jitter of electronica as it is to sweep in with Hollywood strings. Consistently though, the album covers have been…Rose colored. The blood-red kind of roses. The new album cover features a rose-red blindfold. It’s called 'The Art of Forgetting' and is available on New West Records. Recorded 04/28/2023. Tell Me What You WantLove Song For MyselfEverywhere I Go I Bring the RainMiami 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 cinematic indie-pop of songwriter Caroline Rose. Caroline Rose is an uncompromising, ever morphing, creative force. They’ve been putting out music since 2012. Originally it was a folky Americana sound, with acoustic guitar, pedal steel and mandolins - though Caroline’s lyrics were already potent with insight, entanglements, despair or dgaf ennui. Artistic evolution has been de rigeur since, and their latest is polished pop-music, as likely to feature the jitter of electronica as it is to sweep in with Hollywood strings. Consistently though, the album covers have been…Rose colored. The blood-red kind of roses. The new album cover features a rose-red blindfold. It’s called 'The Art of Forgetting' and is available on New West Records. Recorded 04/28/2023. Tell Me What You WantLove Song For MyselfEverywhere I Go I Bring the RainMiami Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rodriguez [Performance Only]

Rodriguez [Performance Only]

On the show this time, it's a very special throwback episode, featuring a live performance from the Detroit legend - Rodriguez. Detroit, Motor City. It churned out all those classic cars, but it is also one of the great American music cities. Motown obviously, which is enough all on its own. Punk from Suzi Quattro, The Suicide Machines, The Romantics, and the MC5. Pop and R&B and Hip Hop from Was Not Was, J Dilla, and Anita Baker. Sufjan Stevens, Bob Seger, or Eminem. And - from the quiet streets of Woodbridge came the psych-rocking songwriter Sixto Rodriguez. He released 2 studio albums with little success in the US, but he did well in Australia and New Zealand, and South Africa. In fact, he was a huge hit in South Africa. He didn’t know it at the time. He lived a simple life, working hard for very little money. It wasn’t until his daughter discovered a website about him in the late 90s that he realized how many fans he had in other parts of the world. His records were re-issued by Light in the Attic in 2009 and he toured - including to Seattle. He played many packed concerts to adoring fans - finally getting a taste of the success he deserved. He died in 2023 at the age of 81. Recorded 06/23/2009. I WonderForget ItCrucify Your MindCan’t Get AwayInner City BluesTo Whom It May ConcernSugar Man Watch the full Live on KEXP performance on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it's a very special throwback episode, featuring a live performance from the Detroit legend - Rodriguez. Detroit, Motor City. It churned out all those classic cars, but it is also one of the great American music cities. Motown obviously, which is enough all on its own. Punk from Suzi Quattro, The Suicide Machines, The Romantics, and the MC5. Pop and R&B and Hip Hop from Was Not Was, J Dilla, and Anita Baker. Sufjan Stevens, Bob Seger, or Eminem. And - from the quiet streets of Woodbridge came the psych-rocking songwriter Sixto Rodriguez. He released 2 studio albums with little success in the US, but he did well in Australia and New Zealand, and South Africa. In fact, he was a huge hit in South Africa. He didn’t know it at the time. He lived a simple life, working hard for very little money. It wasn’t until his daughter discovered a website about him in the late 90s that he realized how many fans he had in other parts of the world. His records were re-issued by Light in the Attic in 2009 and he toured - including to Seattle. He played many packed concerts to adoring fans - finally getting a taste of the success he deserved. He died in 2023 at the age of 81. Recorded 06/23/2009. I WonderForget ItCrucify Your MindCan’t Get AwayInner City BluesTo Whom It May ConcernSugar Man Watch the full Live on KEXP performance on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kills [Performance & Interview Only]

The Kills [Performance & Interview Only]

On the show this time, it’s a stripped down performance from post-garage rockers The Kills. The Kills met back in the late 90’s when singer Alison Mosshart was staying in London during a tour with a previous band, and met her upstairs neighbor Jamie Hince. She loved his guitar playing and insisted that they be in a band together. That didn’t happen right away, but they kept in touch, and began writing together, and sharing 4 track demos of stuff, from when they were apart. Once her band broke up, Alison moved to London, and the band that would become The Kills formed in 2001, recording as VV and Hotel until they picked the band name. They play hard hitting heavy music, with one foot in bluesy garage rock, the other in epic cinematic noir-pop. It’s glitzy and dirty and always so dang cool. Their latest album is 'God Games' and it is available on Domino. Recorded 02/07/2024. New YorkBetter Days103Baby SaysFried My Little Brains 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 stripped down performance from post-garage rockers The Kills. The Kills met back in the late 90’s when singer Alison Mosshart was staying in London during a tour with a previous band, and met her upstairs neighbor Jamie Hince. She loved his guitar playing and insisted that they be in a band together. That didn’t happen right away, but they kept in touch, and began writing together, and sharing 4 track demos of stuff, from when they were apart. Once her band broke up, Alison moved to London, and the band that would become The Kills formed in 2001, recording as VV and Hotel until they picked the band name. They play hard hitting heavy music, with one foot in bluesy garage rock, the other in epic cinematic noir-pop. It’s glitzy and dirty and always so dang cool. Their latest album is 'God Games' and it is available on Domino. Recorded 02/07/2024. New YorkBetter Days103Baby SaysFried My Little Brains Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glasser [Performance & Interview Only]

Glasser [Performance & Interview Only]

On the show this time, it’s the experimental electronic pop of producer and singer-songwriter Glasser. Glasser is the project name for California based singer, composer and producer Cameron Mesirow. She released 'Apply' - her first EP under that name back in 2009. She’s been working at her own pace ever since, and developing her sound, an original blend of electronic and dance music, with influence from folk traditions, dream pop, trance, jazz and even spoken word. It’s all tied together by her nimble, melodic singing voice. Her latest is called “crux” and is available on One Little Independent. Recorded 12/20/2023. Mass LoveDefeatVineOphrysDriftDesign 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 experimental electronic pop of producer and singer-songwriter Glasser. Glasser is the project name for California based singer, composer and producer Cameron Mesirow. She released 'Apply' - her first EP under that name back in 2009. She’s been working at her own pace ever since, and developing her sound, an original blend of electronic and dance music, with influence from folk traditions, dream pop, trance, jazz and even spoken word. It’s all tied together by her nimble, melodic singing voice. Her latest is called “crux” and is available on One Little Independent. Recorded 12/20/2023. Mass LoveDefeatVineOphrysDriftDesign Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing "In Our Headphones"

Introducing "In Our Headphones"

Introducing KEXP’s newest music discovery podcast. In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. We learn stories and insights about the artists, make connections between the music and the world around us, and get to know the diverse roster of DJs that make up the KEXP airwaves. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery. Search for "In Our Headphones" wherever you get your podcasts and listen to the first episode now, featuring song recommendations from Cheryl Waters. Questions? Contact us at headphones@kexp.org.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

beabadoobee [Performance & Interview Only] (RE-RELEASE)

beabadoobee [Performance & Interview Only] (RE-RELEASE)

beabadoobee is the stage name for Filipino-British artist Beatrice Laus. Her latest album 'Beatopia' is available on the independent label Dirty Hit. The music is unabashedly pop, with most songs clocking in from 2 ½ to 3 ½ minutes. She grabs your attention, hits you with the hooks, and moves on. Her light, airy delivery compliments first person lyrics about love, breakups, and magical matters of the heart. Recorded 11/21/2022. 10:36TalkDon’t Get The DealThe Perfect Pair Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

beabadoobee (RE-RELEASE)

beabadoobee (RE-RELEASE)

beabadoobee is the stage name for Filipino-British artist Beatrice Laus. Her latest album 'Beatopia' is available on the independent label Dirty Hit. The music is unabashedly pop, with most songs clocking in from 2 ½ to 3 ½ minutes. She grabs your attention, hits you with the hooks, and moves on. Her light, airy delivery compliments first person lyrics about love, breakups, and magical matters of the heart. Recorded 11/21/2022. 10:36TalkDon’t Get The DealThe Perfect Pair Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rochelle Jordan [Performance & Interview Only] (RE-RELEASE)

Rochelle Jordan [Performance & Interview Only] (RE-RELEASE)

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.

Rochelle Jordan (RE-RELEASE)

Rochelle Jordan (RE-RELEASE)

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.

Margo Cilker [Performance & Interview Only]

Margo Cilker [Performance & Interview Only]

On the show this time, it’s the West Coast Americana of Margo Cilker. Margo Cilker is a California native, of the Santa Clara Cilkers, a town in the Southern Bay, transformed by the relentless onslaught of technology companies. Farmland and apricot orchards have fallen prey to silicon and semiconductors. She moved north in her 20s, spending time in Oregon, and then barely into the state of Washington midway between Portland and Walla Walla. She writes about life, embracing the poetically cryptic, as she wonders aloud concerning cattle drives, loneliness, drinking, and a friend's trout. Her latest record is called 'Valley of Heart's Delight,' sharing that title with the actual place, and a couple of books. It is available on Fluff & Gravy Records. Recorded 12/19/2024. Beggar For Your LoveLowland TrailTehachapiWith the Middle 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 West Coast Americana of Margo Cilker. Margo Cilker is a California native, of the Santa Clara Cilkers, a town in the Southern Bay, transformed by the relentless onslaught of technology companies. Farmland and apricot orchards have fallen prey to silicon and semiconductors. She moved north in her 20s, spending time in Oregon, and then barely into the state of Washington midway between Portland and Walla Walla. She writes about life, embracing the poetically cryptic, as she wonders aloud concerning cattle drives, loneliness, drinking, and a friend's trout. Her latest record is called 'Valley of Heart's Delight,' sharing that title with the actual place, and a couple of books. It is available on Fluff & Gravy Records. Recorded 12/19/2024. Beggar For Your LoveLowland TrailTehachapiWith the Middle Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Huush and Chalk [Performances Only]

Huush and Chalk [Performances Only]

On the show this time, it’s a double shot of post punk from two different bands. We’ve got the punks at the disco pop of Huush. They are on Swap Music. Then after the break We’ve got the Berghain-rock blended with techno-punk of Chalk, whose latest EP 'Conditions II' is available on Nice Swan Records. Recorded 12/07/2023 (Huush) and 12/09/2023 (Chalk). Disorder (Huush)Falling In Love (Huush)Follow the Beat (Huush)Static (Chalk)The Gate (Chalk)Claw (Chalk)Them (Chalk) Watch the full Live on KEXP sessions on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.