To name your debut LP The Epic takes quite a bit of confidence, but in the case of Kamasi Washington, it's the only title that would make sense. The Californian saxophonist, composer, and bandleader's sweeping style of jazz is nearly overwhelming in its scope and scale, but Washington's virtuousti…
Every once in a while, I post an album from a band that's been so minimally documented on the Internet that I feel I'm adding significantly to the body of public knowledge about them with one little blog post. This is dangerous because usually I know next to nothing about these bands. Take Ism, for…
Drenched in color from the LED screens behind him, Chet Faker began his Friday closing set at Sasquatch! Music Festival in style with the help of his four piece band. Alternating between a full band and playing solo on his keyboard and mixer, Chet visually displayed the duality in his music. Often …
The fact that Theoretics remixed the Blade Runner theme a few months back automatically backs up drummer Adam Gross' statement, "We're all sort of sci-fi nerds." A five-piece livetronica band from our very own city, Theoretics certainly deliver sound-wise, taking us on a funky space-age aural explo…
This week, Sacred Bones invites a second filmmaker into their musical midst. Much like his label predecessor David Lynch, John Carpenter has influenced numerous generations across every genre with both his films and his music. Afrika Bambaataa sampled the Assault on Precinct 13 soundtrack on "Bamba…
Artificial intelligence is still making headlines for all the ways it can make our lives easier, taking care of tedious tasks like helping you coordinate multiple schedules and providing budgeting tips. Increasingly, though, AI is making its way into the music industry — not just through production…
Older acts dominated this week's batch of new releases, but a standout LP from a new band is the sophomore release from L.A. duo Girlpool. KEXP Music Director Don Yates notes the album "finds them recording with a full band for the first time, and the end result is a more muscular and fully realize…
TV on the Radio shared the video for the intense Seeds track "Lazzerray." The band takes their talent to a skate park where they play for some very talented skaters. The video was directed by photographer Atiba Jefferson. Watch below. [Pitchfork]
It's the first batch of new releases for the summer, and highlights include the latest from Chicago-based artist Tom Krell, who records under the name How To Dress Well. KEXP Music Director Don Yates describes his third album, What Is This Heart?, as a "more expansive take on his intimate blend of …
Forget ties or golf clubs -- for a KEXP Dad, we're celebrating Father's Day with a video roundup, featuring everything from folk to electronic. Music is one of the first ways we bond with our fathers: from listening to records together, having the radio on in the car on the way to school, or maybe …
Canadian electric duo Purity Ring have taken on the challenge of remixing Lady Gaga's underwhelming single "Applause." Their version's pounding chorus is sure to take dance clubs by storm, which is Gaga's perfect niche. This remix really deserves the applause. [SPIN]
The kids! The dog! The boss! John in the Morning Music Matters Podcast take me away! Indulge yourself in the soothing luxury of John Richards, now with aloe vera! 1. How to Dress Well – Lost Youth/Lost You2. Haley Bonar – Your Mom is Right3. Roses – Dreamlover4. Moses Sumney – Lonely World5. Shana…
When My Bubba entered the studio for their third LP, this year's Big Bad Good, they didn't have any songs, but the Swedish-Icelandic duo didn't take that as a reason to not craft a new set of tunes on the spot. Joining DJ Morgan in the KEXP Studio, Guðbjörg Tómasdóttir and My Larsdo…
There are many ways to “get down,” and Thao and crew seemingly discovered them all on Monday at Sasquatch! Music Festival. Thao and the Get Down ripped through a festival ready set, encouraging the crowd to get down in every possible way. Whether it was through the plucky rhythm the group often hel…
There’s an art to first impressions. As an artist, you really only get to make one first step onto the scene, and whether everyone cares or no one cares, that’s the point from which you take every single step after. For Thomas Arsenault, that first step has been a long time in the making. He’s been…
Not sure if it's a compliment to be called a "thinking man's metal band" (or at least, it's not so nice to the other metal bands), but long running alternative metal band Helmet have always made smart music that never loses its punch. Vocalist/guitarist Page Hamilton founded the group back in '89, …
It's hard to feel sad about British band The Clientele's uncertain future and potentially permanent hiatus while Amor de Días glows brightly. With songwriting partner Lupe Núñez-Fernández (also of the duo Pipas), Clientele frontman Alasdair MacLean continues to carry the torch of happy-sad songs of…
Take off those toupées: it's annual Be Bald and Be Free Day, a day to celebrate those shiny domes of yours! Although, now that I think about it... isn't everyday "Be Bald and Be Free Day"? You must save so much money not having to buy shampoo, conditioner, mousse, hairspray, straightening irons, bl…
Throwaway Style is a weekly column dedicated to examining all aspects of the Northwest music scene. Whether it’s a new artist making waves, headlines affecting local talent, or reflecting on some of the music that’s been a foundation in our region; this space celebrates everything happening in the …
