Charles Bradley is one of those rare artists who can bring a crowd to tears, and that’s exactly what he did as he played a free public show in the gathering space at KEXP's new home. A longtime James Brown impersonator, Bradley began performing as himself at the age of 62, emerging just in time to …
Next on the Iceland Airwaves broadcast live from Kex Hostel was Icelandic indie-rock artist Júníus Meyvant. Hailing from the remote Vestmann Islands, Júníus Meyvant (the pseudonym used by Unnar Gísli Sigurmundsson) started playing music later than most, after finding a beat-up guitar at his parents…
In honor of Janet Jackson releasing her highly anticipated Unbreakable album today, Tin Angel Records has dropped a tribute album called Dear Janet. The album features a variety of indie artists, who each cover one of 16 Janet classics. For instance, Deradoorian takes on "The Pleasure Principle", …
I'm very excited to announce the launch of Immigrant Songs, a cool new series that highlights foreign-born musicians and their music along with unique stories of the immigrant experience. I'll be curating the series alongside Wo' Pop host Darek Mazzone. While Derek and I have always championed a wi…
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. This week, all Song of the Day podcas…
Happy Earth Day, everybody. Today we celebrate the birth of our planet... oh, wait, no, today we pay attention to the giant sphere hurtling through space that we all live on, and hopefully take a few moments to reflect on the valuable gifts it gives us and our own impact upon it. Earth Day itself s…
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…
Twenty three years ago yesterday, Pearl Jam performed their very first show under the name Mookie Blaylock at the late Seattle club Off Ramp. This week, they are celebrating their anniversary, as well as their latest and tenth studio release, Lightning Bolt, with an appearance on Late Night With Ji…
Some artists have a real gift for creating worlds. In an interview with Pitchfork talking about Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, M83's Anthony Gonzalez said, "I would rather live in an imaginary world forever. My music is my retreat". You can here the escapism in that record - a neon brilliance of clouds …
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 Afte…
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 DJ’s think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Aft…
Sigur Ròs guitarist and vocalist Jónsi has announced that he'll be releasing a collection of unreleased solo electronic recordings called Frakkur: 2000-2004, which will be available on limited-edition vinyl at the Norður Og Niður festival. The fest is put on by Sigur Ròs, who are also headlining f…
A catchy melody doesn't just get stuck in your head – it lives there. You sit with it, sometimes for days or even years, ruminating on it whether you want to or not. Writing just one of these songs can be an accomplishment. Portland songwriter Mo Troper does this 15 times over on his latest album, …
Earlier this week, Fever Ray surprised fans with a new album, the first in eight years for this solo project from Karin Dreijer Andersson, frontwoman for the Swedish duo The Knife. KEXP Music Director Don Yates calls it "an excellent set of adventurous, noise-addled electro-pop combining buzzing sy…
For generations of music fans, the invention of the music video was a landmark moment. Being able to associate your favorite songs with equally exciting visuals was such an obvious combination, it's a wonder it didn't break through earlier. Whether it's gluing your eyes to old-school MTV or getting…
It's hard to believe, but it's been nearly six years since Little Big Show first started. A collaborative effort between KEXP, Starbucks, and STG Presents, Little Big Show has hosted 19 different shows at The Neptune that pair renowned artists with arts organizations throughout Seattle. On Saturday…
DJ Kevin Cole shares great new music he discovered and experienced recently at Tallinn Music Week, a showcase for new and emerging European artists across all genres that takes place in Tallinn, Estonia. 1. Giungla - Sand 2. Žen - Žal (Strand) 3. Frankie Animal - KICKDRUM KICKDRUM! 4. Mikko Joen…
Comedian, writer, actor and director Mike Birbiglia and his also-multi-talented wife Jen Stein – whose cat is named Mazzy Star – curate and discuss some of their favorite songs and recording artists, including Tegan and Sara, Sharon Van Etten, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah featuring Matt Berninger, The…
DJ Alex shines a spotlight on 16 artists performing at this year's 11th annual Decibel Festival, Seattle's premier electronic music and arts event, happening all over the city from September 24th to September 28th! As with years past, tune in to get a taste of this year's massive, diverse internat…
KEXP's Expansions host, Masa, has done a radio special on Detroit's Electronic Music Festival for many years and now brings you his very first podcast focused on the festival. It's a 12 track celebration and spotlight on Detroit based and inspired electronic artists performing at the festival this…
