Bob Casale, founding member and guitarist of influential new wave band Devo, sadly passed away on Monday at the age of 61 from health complications that led to heart failure. His brother and bandmate, Gerald Casale, left this statement on the band's Facebook page: "As an original member of Devo, Bo…
There's strength in numbers, and that's certainly true in the case of Portland mini-orchestra Typhoon, who swept through the KEXP studios last fall in support of their most recent album White Lighter. Ironically recorded in Happy Valley, Oregon, the new album is a chronological musical diary of fro…
Influential artist Phil Everly, who formed The Everly Brothers with his sibling Don, passed away last Friday, at the age of 74. Everly's son Jason cites the cause of death as complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Since forming in the 1950s, The Everly Brothers racked up an unprec…
Formed in the span of a single weekend – after playing and writing seven songs without leaving a New Jersey house due to a flash flood – the members of Saint Rich play pop music in the vein of Franz Ferdinand and The Stokes. There is something spritely and up about the group's music, the snare alwa…
We're excited to announce that Arcade Fire have announced North American dates for their Reflektor tour, including a stop at the Gorge Amphitheatre on Friday, August 8th. Mark your calendars: tickets for the general public go on sale starting Friday, November 22nd.Earlier today, we reported that th…
Twin Shadow, aka George Lewis Jr, has shared an outstanding tribute to late rock star Lou Reed, of The Velvet Underground, who passed away on Sunday. Twin Shadow used this week's offering of his "Under the CVRS" series to pay his respects to Reed's outstanding career with a cover of his song "Perf…
One voice that has definitely not been heard in the open letter to Miley Cyrus ballgame is Sufjan Stevens -- but don't worry, because he has finally voiced an opinion. His main advice: embrace grammar! Finding delicacy and delight in the present perfect continuous tense, Sufjan encourages the music…
Recently, Chvrches was featured on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show. While they were there, the Scottish trio turned out a very interesting cover of Whitney Houston's dance hit "It's Not Right But It's Okay." She may not have the powerhouse vocals of Houston, but Lauren Mayberry's ethereal innocence r…
K Records' Arrington De Dionyso shape shifts easily - between a rather normal looking young individual and a sprawling, terrifying, rapping shaman as part of Malaikat Dan Singa. The PNW has produced some rather odd things over the years, but to see Dionyso pop on some fake teeth and instantly trans…
David Bowie has decided to spread the love a few months early this year. He's released the music video for the track "Valentine's Day" off of his recent album, The Next Day. The video doesn't try to overwhelm you with visuals, there's just Bowie and his guitar. The simplicity really allows you to …
Yo La Tengo has released an animated magical video for "Ohm" from Fade. In it, two kids try to figure out what exactly a "Yo La Tengo" is. Where one takes the mathematical route (is that Marlyin Manson and Macy Grey I see in that equation?), the other is pulled into a full-blown world where a seaho…
No one can make a pink wig look bad ass and terrifying quite like M.I.A. can. In the video for her track, "Bring The Noize," not only does she pull of this feat' but she also strings together lightening fast flows that she punctuates with a flick of her sparkly gold talons. It's one thing to hear …
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 selection, featured on the…
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 comes from Seattle band …
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 we have some special holida…
Sometimes I think I'm not remotely qualified to be doing this blog series. (Perhaps you've thought the same.) Take Sparks, for example. I don't think I'd ever heard of Sparks before pulling this album off the KEXP shelves, but they've been a band for over 45 years and released a couple dozen albums…
DJ Kevin Cole crushes it on his latest new music mix featuring Kiasmos, the Gunn-Truscinski Duo, John Maus, Hundred Waters and the cross cultural collaboration of heavyweights Trio Da Kali & Kronos Quartet. 1. Autonomics - Southern Funeral 2. Flat Worms - Pearl 3. Oh Sees - Jettisoned 4. Coc…
You never need to wait to hear great music when you can always find it at KEXP. Cheryl Waters shares a mix of her recent favorites, including new tracks from Angel Olsen, My Bubba, and Camp Cope. 1. My Bubba - Charm2. Annabelle Lord-Patey - Oxytocin, Serotonin & Me3. Eskimeaux - Year of the Ra…
Afternoon Show host Kevin Cole brings you a stellar mix of new sounds spanning the musical spectrum, from raw rockers to fist-pumping anthems, cosmic RnB, jangly indie pop and gentle folk sounds. 1. Zebra Hunt - Half Right 2. Made Violent - Two Tone Hair 3. The Popguns - If You Ever Change Your …
Angel Olsen discusses her latest album, All Mirrors, how her rising fame has tested her closest relationships and the strength of learning to be on her own. Producer John Congleton breaks down the production of Angel Olsen’s song, “All Mirrors.” The hosts of the Switched on Pop podcast break down t…
