Born and raised in New York, Aesop Rock originally emerged from the city's indie hip-hop world, releasing his breakthrough album Labor Days in 2001 on Definitive Jux, the label ran by El-P (Run the Jewels). But, Aes (real name: Ian Matthias Bavitz) moved to Portland in 2008, so after nearly a decad…
Cheryl Waters' latest mix is equal parts melody and noise, a dazzling selection of sounds from pristine folk to gauzy waves of noise from Ride, Sera Cahoone, Fufanu, and more. 1. Kevin Morby – Beautiful Strangers2. Sera Cahoone – Only One3. Mac DeMarco – My Old Man4. Real Estate – Darling5. Monst…
On their forthcoming full-length debut, Imaginary People make a very real noise. The NYC five-piece are quick to becoming storied superstars with their unscripted blend of kicking roots rock, moody post punk, synthy electro-pop, and anthemic new wave, which they themselves dubbed "dance Americana" …
John Richards presents a mix of music that will make you, just like Father John Misty, never accept anyone's fucking burrito money. 1. Ghosts I've Met - Ocean Park2. The Dodos - Never Meant3. Father John Misty - Real Love Baby4. Lou Barlow - Anniversary Song5. The Blow - Think About Me6. Sorority …
Okkervil River's 2005 masterpiece, Black Sheep Boy, is one of those records that grabs you wherever you're at. If you haven't gotten the divine pleasure of experiencing it yet, I promise you, it will grab you at some point soon. There's just something about the coming-of-age brilliance of its narra…
DJ Sharlese hosts a podcast featuring bands competing in the 2015 Sound Off! competition, the premiere Northwest battle of the bands hosted by the Experience Music Project (EMP) Museum. 1. Bleachbear - Astoria 2. Champagne Babylon - Lost In Eden 3. Nightspace - Insecure 4. Super Soaked - Wannabe…
LA based indie rockers Local Natives have been flying under the radar since their 2013 album Hummingbird. But today, they're back with a luminous new song titled "Past Lives." It's a real stunner. Fingers crossed that this means there's a full, studio album in the works. [CoS]
Dave Grohl was born to be a performer. From the applause of his first cries, which you'll hear about below, he has proven himself an accomplished rock star (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), documentary director (Sound City: Real to Reel), and now engaging public speaker. This year, Grohl was honored as the …
Summer may be a ways away, but for Divine Fits, anytime is a good time to go for a dip in the pool... as long as you're fully clothed. The supergroup's latest video for the synthy "My Love is Real" finds them diving into swimming pools in suburban backyards and jumping through hedges. Their debut a…
Brooklyn band Caveman continues to evolve on their third album, updating the harmonic indie-folk of 2011's CoCo Beware and the expansive space-prog of their 2013 self-titled LP for a larger, more atmospheric, '80s-steeped pop-rock sound. While the concept story behind Otero War is vaguel…
Los Angeles artist Ramona Gonzalez launched her Nite Jewel project back in 2008, unveiling a magnetic fusion of dreamy synth-pop, ethereal R&B, woozy funk, and hazy disco on early hotly-tipped releases for Italians Do It Better as well we her own label, Gloriette Records. A prolific artist and…
LA producer Shlohmo (Henry Laufer) has been establishing himself over the last couple years, and it's really only a matter of time before he seriously pops. He's release two full length records and a handful of singles and EPs, and all of them set him just far enough apart from his competition that…
Over the weekend, Grimes shared on Twitter that her highly-anticipated follow-up to 2012’s Visions will be out this October. She tweets the next release was recorded with "real instruments...very different from anything" and "every track is super different." Reflect on her early days with this 201…
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 …
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…
Lord Huron have always resided in a cinematic world. Their debut album Lonesome Dreams transported us into a Spaghetti Western, all sprawling Americana and vast horizons. Last year, the indie folk band’s cinematic sound met real cinema when their song “The Night We Met” was used pivotally and repea…
Cheryl Waters' latest mix isn't just betwixt the Shire, it gathers music from the Arabian peaks of Afghan Whigs, the icy glimmer of Sóley, and the galaxy-roaming sounds of Shabazz Palaces. 1. Sóley – Sing Wood To Silence 2. Low Roar – Give Me An Answer 3. The Black Angels – Currency 4. The Afgha…
Afternoon Show host Kevin Cole lays down fifteen of his current faves including new music from The Heavenly States, EZTV, The Space Merchants, Ezra Furman, and OCnotes. Perfect soundtrack for driving the backstreets or interstellar escapades. 1. The Cairo Gang - Be What You Are 2. EZTV - Bury Yo…
