Song of the Day: Fernando - The Dogs

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “The Dogs” by Fernando from the 2014 self-released single, out as a digital single on October 7th and as a limited-edition physical single on October 21st.

Fernando - The Dogs (MP3)

If you listen to The Midday Show on KEXP, chances are you've heard today's featured artist, Fernando. This Argentina-born Portland-based singer/songwriter has been sharing music for over twenty years now, and DJ Cheryl Waters has been a fan every step of the way.

Since relocating to the Pacific Northwest in 1994, Fernando found his voice, recording his rootsy, Tex-Mex-tinged, country rock, with lyrics in both English and Spanish. Magnet Magazine even named Fernando one of the "Best New Artists of 2006." Sadly, in finding his voice, he also risked it: Fernando developed ulcerations of the esophageal tissue and vocal chords after years of acid reflux.

The good news is, he's healed from a throat surgery that could've silenced him forever, and he's just finished his eighth album, Leave the Radio On. The triumphant comeback album features guest appearances from Peter Buck and Scott McCaughey (R.E.M, Minus 5, Baseball Project), alongside other prominent musicians from the Portland scene. Though the album won't hit stores until November 1st, a digital version is available now. And for an appetizer, Fernando has released his first 45 ever, "The Dogs" b/w "Donna (The Pride Of Topeka)," which will be out October 21st.

Fernando will be playing on October 10th at Underwood Stables before embarking on a European tour. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.