Live Music recorded locally and distributed around the world. Brought to you by KEXP.
Under the Needle is a weekly series featuring the best of KEXP’s live in-studio performances. With financial support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, KEXP is making this weekly series available at no cost to college and community stations from across the country. Each show is also archived and available on this site. KEXP hosts over 400 in-studio sessions each year, including a range of genres and a mix of well-established and up-and-coming artists. Kevin Cole and his staff choose among these sessions to bring an eclectic mix of incredible live performances to Under the Needle. Stations interested in picking up Under the Needle can contact: ethan@kexp.org.
On the show this week it’s a direct kick to your already melting face from California rockers - Oh Sees. Their latest album “Face Stabber” is available on Castle Face Records.
On the show this week it’s the New Jersey neurodiversity of Titus Andronicus. Their latest album “An Obelisk” is available on Merge Records.
On the show this week it’s the up-cycled electronica of Kinshasa collective KOKOKO!. Their latest album, “Fongola” is available on Transgressive records.
On the show this week it’s the whistling wunderkind, the fiendish fiddler, the baddest bird - Andrew Bird. His latest album, “My Finest Work Yet” is available on Loma Vista records.
On the show this week, it’s songs from a beautifully personal solo record from Alabama Shakes singer Brittany Howard. Her album “Jaime” is available on ATO records.
On the show this week it’s the Grammy nominated artists from Austin Texas, Black Pumas. Their debut album “Black Pumas” is available on ATO records.
On the show this week, dance your depression away with London’s Hot Chip. Their latest album “A Bath Full of Ecstasy” is available on Domino.
On the show this week, it’s the bruises, bravery, and brutal honesty of Aussie songwriter Julia Jacklin. Her latest album “Crushing” is available on Polyvinyl records.
On the show this week it’s the thrash metal of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. Their latest studio album “Infest the Rat’s Nest” is available on ATO records.
On the show this week it’s the hallucinatory psych-rock of Altin Gün. Their latest album “Gece” is available on ATO records.
On the show this week it’s the down home baritone of Bill Callahan. His latest album “Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest” is available on Drag City.
On the show this week it’s the 70s again with the fabulous fevered Philly funk of Sheer Mag. Their latest album “A Distant Call” is available on Wilsuns Recording Company.
On the show this week it’s the sharply crafted cathartic pop-rock of Charly Bliss. Their latest album “Young Enough” is available on Barsuk Records.
On the show this week it’s the dark cabaret of Amanda Palmer. Her latest album “There Will Be No Intermission” is available on Cooking Vinyl.
This week on Under The Needle, we welcome Los Angelenos, The Wild Reeds. Singer/songwriters Kinsey Lee, Mackenzie Howe and Sharon Silva trade lead vocal duties and blend their voices together into a harmonious mix throughout this beautiful session from KEXP’s live room. The latest album from The Wild Reeds is called “Cheers,” out on Dualtone Records.
On the show this week it’s the sexy gothic synthesizers of Tr/ST. Their latest albums The Destroyer pt1 and pt2 are available on Royal Mountain records.
On the show this week it’s the rich characters and risky cocktails of Jenny Lewis. Her latest album “On The Line” is available on Warner Brothers Records.
On the show this week it’s the lacerated-larynx garage-rock of Ezra Furman. Her latest albums “12 Nudes” and “Transangelic Exodus” are both available on Bella Union.
On the show this week it’s the galactic nostalgic futurism of Weyes Blood. Her latest album “Titanic Rising” is available on Sub Pop.
On the show this week it’s the no-halo hallelujahs of Kevin Morby. His latest album “Oh My God” is available on Dead Oceans.
On the show this week it’s the uncompromising candor of Stella Donnelly. Her latest album “Beware of the Dogs” is available on Secretly Canadian records.
On the show this week it’s the revelatory relationship-rock of Meg Duffy’s Hand Habits. Their latest album “placeholder” is available on Saddle Creek Records.
On the show this week, it's the hard luck folk-rock of Tim Showalter's Strand of Oaks. His latest album “Eraserland” is available on Dead Oceans.
On the show this week it’s the confessional emo-calculations of American Football. Their latest album "American Football" is available on Polyvinyl Records.
On the show this week it’s the old school groove of the Budos Band. Their latest album “V” is available on Daptone Records.
On the show this week it’s the Nova Scotian Power-Poppers - Sloan. Their latest album “12” released in 2018 is available on Yep Roc records.
On the show this week it’s the tuff talkin hard rockin power trio Ex Hex. Their album “It’s Real” is available on Merge records.
On the show this week it’s the queer Canadian Country of the concealed cowboy Orville Peck. Their album “Pony” is available on Sub Pop Records.
On the show this week, it’s tender-punk pioneers, or the post-burrito-nap-core rockers - Illuminati Hotties. Their album “Kiss Yr Frenemies is available on Tiny Engines.
On the show this week, heavenly stars soothingly collide, when Phoebe Bridgers integrates with Conor Oberst in Better Oblivion Community Center. Their album is available on Dead Oceans.
On the show this week, it’s the unequivocal post-blues of Adia Victoria. Her latest album “Silences” is available on Canvasback/ATL records.
On the show this week it’s the legendary Flying Nun band The Chills. Their latest album “Snow Bound” is available on Fire Records.
On the show this week it’s the post-cumbia fusion of Instituto Mexicano del Sonido. Their latest album “Disco Popular” is available on all digital platforms.
On the show this week it’s the thick and thorny thrash ‘n thump of LA’s Cherry Glazerr. Their latest album “Stuffed & Ready” is available on Secretly Canadian.
On the show this week Durand Jones & The Indications play soul music.
On the show this week London duo/collective Jungle play funky danceable jams for your summer soundtrack.
On the show this week we re-visit the fantastic War on Drugs session from 2014
On the show this week it’s the blissful organic electronica of Maribou State. Their latest album “Kingdoms In Colour” is available on Ninja Tune imprint Counter Records.
On the show this week it’s the groovy indie-folk of Steve Gunn. His latest album “The Unseen In Between” is available on Matador Records.
On the show this week its the "don't I know ya?" Americana of Phosphorescent. Their latest "C'est La Vie" is available on Dead Oceans.
On the show this week it’s the otherworldly folktronica of Norwegian singer Aurora. Her latest album “A Different Kind of Human (Step 2)” is available on Decca/Glasstone.
On the show this week it’s the controlled chaos of Kinski. Their latest “Accustomed to Your Face” is available on Kill Rock Stars.
On the show this week it’s the Swedish hearth-folk of The Tallest Man On Earth. His latest album “I Love You. It’s a Fever Dream” is available on Dead Oceans.
On the show this week it’s the phantasmal pulse of British trip-hoppers - Haelos. Their latest album “Any Random Kindness” is available on Infectious Music.
On the show this week, it's the sing-into-your-hairbrush personal pop of Mitski.
On the show this week, it's the pitch perfect soul of the legendary Charles Bradley
This week on UTN it's the gritty blues-psych of All Them Witches, recorded live at Avast! studios Seattle.
This week on UTN Canadian rockers Dilly Dally bring their blend of doom, grunge, and pop to the KEXP studios.
This week on UTN it's northwest musical nexus and veteran songwriter Jenn Champion.
This week on UTN it's the experimental hip-hop, indie, r&b of Scotland's Young Fathers. Their latest album "Cocoa Sugar" is available on Ninja Tune
This week on Under The Needle its the thrilling three-part harmonies of supergroup boygenius.
This week on Under The Needle we feature the trippy electronic music of Iceland's Vök.
This week on Under The Needle it's the non-binary French theatre-pop of Christine and the Queens.
This week we feature NW songwriter Katherine Paul's project Black Belt Eagle Scout. Her album "Mother of My Children" is available on Saddle Creek records.
Join us this week for the Chicago legends Wilco This evergreen episode features an exclusive recording from the Columbia City Theater.
Join us this week for the Detroit rock of MC50. Original guitarist Wayne Kramer put together a tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic album "Kick Out The Jams" featuring an all-star cast of musicians.
Join us this week for the infectious pop of London-based band Dream Wife. Originally formed at Brighton University in 2014, the trio bring DIY, punk and feminist ethos to their lyrics along with heavy riffs and groovy beats. In their first trip to KEXP, it’s easy to see why they were one of the most talked about “new” bands in 2018.
On the show this week, it’s the ragged riffage and laconic insights of Courtney Barnett. Her latest album “Tell Me How You Really Feel” is available on Milk! Records.
On the show this week, it's the genre defying pop music of Mexico's legendary Café Tacvba. Their album "Jei Beibi" is available on Melotron Records
On the show this week, Bristol UK's Idles play their woke brand of charismatic, brutal rock.
On the show this week, it's the mellifluous voice of Jeremy Enigk. The re-issue of "Return of the Frog Queen" is available on Sub Pop Records.
On the show this week, it’s the rock & roll heart & soul of Seattle’s own Thunderpussy. Their self-titled album is available on Stardog / Republic records.
On the show this week, it’s the whispered intimacies and uncomfortable truths of Phoebe Bridgers. Her album A Stranger in the Alps is available on Dead Oceans.
This week on Under The Needle we feature Death Cab For Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard in a very special solo performance.
This week on Under The Needle, it's the summery indie-pop of Minneapolis band Now, Now
This week on Under The Needle, it's the expansive psych-folk of Amen Dunes. His latest record "Freedom" is available on Sacred Bones records
This week on Under The Needle, it's the indie-rock future-pop of Let's Eat Grandma. Their album "I'm All Ears" is available on Trangressive Records.
This week on Under The Needle, the elemental guitar and future visions of Johnny Marr. His album "Call The Comet" is available on New Voodoo.
This week on Under The Needle, the spaced out geometric psych-rock of Tokyo's Kikagaku Moyo. Their album "Masana Temples" is self-released on Gurugurubrain records.
This week on Under The Needle, the slow burning gospel of Brandi Carlile. Brandi has been nominated for Grammy awards in 5 categories. Her album "By The Way, I Forgive You" is out on Low Country Sound
This week on Under The Needle, the dual-drum druid jazz of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. The Melbourne, Australia based psych-rockers released five albums in 2017. They return to the KEXP studio in support of the releases: “Polygondwanaland” and “Gumboot Soup.”
Sunflower Bean plays dreamy glam-rock with the attitude and swagger required. They come to our studio in support of their latest album "Twentytwo in Blue."
Hot Snakes just plain rock, loud, fast, harmonically complex and fresh
Seattle's own The True Loves play r&b, funk and soul with a fresh take on the old-school.
English band The Horrors play danceable post-punk with an edge
Soccer Mommy's Sophie Allison with full band, delivers an excellent set of honest guitar driven indie-pop.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra, is the Portland-based project of New Zealander Ruban Nielson. Their fourth album “Sex & Food” on Jagjaguwar is an infectious mix of disco, pop, lo-fi soul and psych-rock.
Snail Mail is the full band project of wunderkind Lindsey Jordan. Her first full-length "Lush" is available on Matador records.
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever are among an ever-growing list of fantastic indie-rock bands coming out of Australia. Their latest album for Sub Pop Records “Hope Downs” features jangly, driving tunes that blend in sardonic lyricism ala countrymate Courtney Barnett.
This week on Under The Needle, its the Seattle Soul of the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio
This week on Under The Needle, its the R&B tinged electro-pop of Sweden's Little Dragon
This week on Under The Needle, its the four on the floor electro-rock of Editors
This week on Under The Needle, its the rich and reverberant Danish dream-pop of Lowly
This week on Under The Needle, its the dark and heavy doom-folk of Chelsea Wolfe
This week on Under The Needle, its the hard rockin post-punk of Dublin's Fontaines D.C.
This week on Under The Needle, its the psychedelic world funk of Houston's Khruangbin.
This week on Under The Needle, its the relevant and gorgeous voice of songwriter Julien Baker.
This week on Under The Needle, its Minneapolis rapper Dessa.
This week on Under The Needle, its the sharply crafted rock heft of Seattle based Car Seat Headrest.
This week on Under The Needle, we welcome back Northwest chanteuse Neko Case. She comes in support of the album "Hell-On" with a hot touring band including local faves Rachel Flotard and Johnny Sangster.
This week on Under The Needle, we welcome back Brooklyn-based afrobeat giants Antibalas. Hear this 12-piece band perform songs from their latest Daptone Records release “Where the Gods Are in Peace.” Antibalas combine Fela Kuti’s highlife-jazz with the funk of James Brown and Eddie Palmieri. The band is celebrating their 20th birthday this year.
Brixton's Shame play intense committed post-punk rock.
The 8-piece London based internet collective perform infectious sing-along pop live on KEXP.
Brooklyn folk rockers play their evocative and emotional music live on KEXP.
Canadian rockers Wolf Parade bring their densely textured post-New-Wave to the KEXP Gathering Space.
Meg Remy aka US Girls plays thoughtful power pop from the album “In A Poem Unlimited” available on 4AD
Michelle Zauner's project Japanese Breakfast plays close to the bone personal indie-rock and robo-pop.
Whip smart punk rock from Brooklyn via Denton outfit Parquet Courts.
Richmond VA's own Lucy Dacus sings songs of heartache and hope.
The Black Keys' front man travels with a hot band of Nashville gunslingers, and one of the last great soul singers .
Shoegaze legends Slowdive return 22 years later to play their perfect dream-pop.
This week on Under The Needle, Broken Social Scene play exuberant, unifying pop songs.
This week on Under The Needle, St Vincent plays intimate acoustic versions of 4 songs from her latest album Masseduction out on Loma Vista.
The sister duo Ibeyi bring their beautifully crafted blend of electro-pop, soul, hip hop and traditional Cuban percussion to KEXP.
Sam Beam aka Iron & Wine performs 4 gorgeous folk songs from the album Beast Epic.
Iceland’s Gus Gus perform infectious electronic tracks live from KEX Hostel in Reykjavik, from their 10th studio album Lies Are More Flexible
New Zealand’s Aldous Harding plays a 4 song set of mesmerizing avant-folk. Her latest album Party is available on 4AD.
The Seattle-via-Bellingham duo performs a potent set of emotive electronic grooves with shimmering synths, mostly downtempo beats, guest vocalists, treated vocal samples and dreamy melodies.
The indie-dream team of Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile play songs from the collaboration Lotta Sea Lice out on Matador records in this exclusive live in-studio performance.
Finnish singer-songwriter Mikko Joensuu plays an in intense set of songs from his Amen Trilogy live from KEX Hostel in Reykjavík for Iceland Airwaves 2017.
British DJ and producer Simon Green brings his warm, dreamy melding of acoustic and electronic instruments, samples and ambient found sounds to KEXP with his 5-piece band in tow. The latest Bonobo album is called “Migration” and it’s out on Ninja Tune.
The “beautifully unconventional” London quartet Wolf Alice play four guitar-driven songs united by the intensity of Ellie Roswell’s vocals. Their latest album "Visions of a Life" is out on Dirty Hit Records.
Check out this inspired session with The Barr Brothers live from Breakglass Studios for Pop Montreal. The Montreal-based group debuts five songs from their new album “Queens of the Breakers” in front of a hometown audience. “Queens of the Breakers” is out on Secret City Records.
This week Under The Needle features ex-Vampire Weekend producer, singer and songwriter Rostam, playing songs live with a string quartet, from the album "Half-Light" out on Nonesuch Records.
This week Under The Needle features Argentinian producer, singer-songwriter Juana Molina, who counts among her fans (and has toured with) Feist and David Byrne. She performs 4 songs from her latest album Halo, out on Crammed Discs.
This week on Under The Needle, we welcome back one of the most beloved bands in the indie world: Spoon. They come in support of their 9th full length album, "Hot Thoughts." This is the second album (along with 2014’s They Want My Soul) produced with Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips, MGMT). "Hot Thoughts" is out on Matador Records.
Moses Sumney delivers a stunning performance in his KEXP debut in support of his first full-length album “Aromanticism.” Sumney’s distinct tenor is captivating. His soulful tunes manage to be both lush and sparse at the same time. It’s easy to see why “Aromanticism” (Jagjaguwar) was one of the most critically-acclaimed records of 2017.
