R&B legend Ben E. King, founding member of the Drifters, has passed away from natural causes. King broke out as a solo artist with the single "Spanish Harlem," but it was the timeless classic "Stand By Me," which he also cowrote, that made him a star. Watch the video of him performing the mega…
It's time to move on. KEXP is moving to a new home. There's still a great deal of work to be done before it's up and running, but the waiting doesn't have to be the hardest part, thanks to KEXPetty, a benefit for KEXP's new home campaign. On Tuesday, May 5th, you'll get lucky with an all-local line…
As major labels continue to exist behind the times, artists and labels with little capital and lesser reputations are producing some of the most innovative, interesting, and inspiring music. Whether it’s creating a new niche in digital technology or looking to once obsolete formats, Agitated Atmosp…
It’s time again for Friday on My Mind. Our weekly blog post where we look at videos centered around one common theme. This is a collaborative effort between KEXP and King 5 News. Next Tuesday is Cinco de Mayo and we all know that means - time to drink. Or at least that’s what it tends to mean for a…
Elvis Costello was in fine form at his solo show at The Paramount Theatre on Sunday night. The very nearly sold-out crowd was abuzz with anticipation, and there was a palpable sense that this was going to be a special event. The stage was dressed with several guitars, a piano, a high backed chair o…
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of 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 Aft…
Beloved Northwest duo The Helio Sequence share a vibrant video for the track "Upward Mobility" off their upcoming self-titled full-length out May 19th on Sub Pop. The clip, directed by Emanuele Kabu, is a fun, animated experience. Watch below. The Helio Sequence will be LIVE on KEXP on Tuesday, Ma…
Poor Tom Petty. He gets no love. Actually, that's not true. He probably has lots of money and lots of people, including some prominent contemporary songwriters, do love him, but back in the day, KCMU DJs couldn't seem to be bothered even to comment on the single for "Change of Heart", which was add…

In 2018, KEXP celebrated the 30th anniversary of local record label Sub Pop with a four-month retrospective, "counting up" every catalog number in their vast discography of over 1,200 releases. Dig into the archives of our catalog coverage, featuring in-depth coverage on the history of their releases.