Kexp Live Performances Podcast

Atlanta wunderkind Faye Webster is on the cusp of releasing her fourth studio album, 'I Know I’m Funny haha,' out June 25th via Secretly Canadian. For her six-song, full-band set, recorded at Tweed Studios in Athens, Georgia, Webster plays a number of new songs from the forthcoming album, as well as her 2019 'Atlanta Millionaires Club’ track, "Kingston.” Recorded 03/09/2021. Better Distractions Kingston In A Good Way I Know I’m Funny haha Cheers Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After over 25 years in the game, Mogwai are a band that should need no introduction. Yet, perhaps because of their primarily instrumental nature, the Scottish post-rock band only recently received their first chart-topping album with 2021’s 'As the Love Continues.' Hitting No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart this past February, the record builds upon the emotively expansive world-constructing sound they’ve become masters of. Recorded 03/03/2021. Ceiling Granny Dry Fantasy Ritchie Sacramento How To Be A Werewolf Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As you may know, last year we started producing intros for each episode, providing insights and backstory for the session you were about to hear. While many listeners are enjoying this added context, we've also heard that some of you miss our old format. Based on that feedback, we've decided to upload a second version of each episode every Tuesday, starting May 18th. That second version will contain the live session audio and interview only, with no introduction, for listeners who want to get straight to the music or hear more of the artist interview. We hope you continue to enjoy the wide variety of music featured here on Live on KEXP.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After over 25 years in the game, Mogwai are a band that should need no introduction. Yet, perhaps because of their primarily instrumental nature, the Scottish post-rock band only recently received their first chart-topping album with 2021’s 'As the Love Continues.' Hitting No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart this past February, the record builds upon the emotively expansive world-constructing sound they’ve become masters of. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson takes us through a brief history of the band and shares snippets of DJ Morgan’s interview with Stuart Braithwaite about the lockdown-made record before the band plays a kaleidoscopic four-song set. Recorded 03/03/2021. Ceiling Granny Dry Fantasy Ritchie Sacramento How To Be A Werewolf Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Korean American musician Margaret Sohn has been dealing with the syndrome that inflicts nearly everyone in creative fields from time to time. Her sophomore EP as Miss Grit, ‘Impostor,' tackles that feeling head-on in ways both intimate and inventive.  For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson fills us in on the producer, engineer, singer, effects pedal builder, and composer before she plays a hazy set fueled by distorted guitars, programmed drums, and angelic vocals.  Recorded April 2021. Imposter Buy the Banter Dark Side of the Party Blonde What We Drew (Yaeji cover) Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2008, Luz Elena Mendoza has been blending indie, Latin, folk, and pop music in eclectic, inventive ways under the name Y La Bamba. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson takes us through an abbreviated version of Mendoza’s journey from lo-fi self-produced recordings to working with a vast array of talented musicians and producers out of Portland. Her Live at KEXP at Home performance sees Mendoza employ a few of those incredible artists for a 4-song set recorded at the Center for Sound Light and Color Therapy.  Recorded March 2021. Bruja de Brujas Perder Boca Llena Rios Sueltos Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennessee-born, Brooklyn-based artist Valerie June fuses folk, soul, gospel, country, and blues for a blissful blend of Southern charm. Her latest release, 2021’s 'The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers' is made up of “Songs with healing messages that keep our dreams a reality.” For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson delves into the lush new album, co-produced by Jack Splash (Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys, John Legend), before June delivers an intimate set of songs recorded in front of a roaring fire in an Airbnb. Recorded 02/07/2021. You And I Stay Call Me A Fool Landslide Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With two EPs and a seemingly endless number of accolades from nearly every tastemaker in the music industry under her belt, it’s an understatement to say that Arlo Parks’ debut album was highly anticipated. Released in January, ‘Collapsed in Sunbeams’ lives up to the hype and reflects the artist born Anais Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho’s compassionate, friendly, and poetic spirit. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson traces Marinho’s journey from recording songs in her bedroom to sharing stages with heavyweights like Paramore before Marinho plays a mellow, vibey set of songs.Released 12/08/2020. Cola Green Eyes Eugene Black Dog Caroline Hurt Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malawi-born and Boston-based musician Anjimile has more resilience and fortitude than your average 27-year-old. After battling alcoholism, the queer trans artist turned to music during recovery which has produced a special gift in the form of their 2020 debut album, 'Giver Taker.' For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson delves into Anjimile’s fascinating life story and the influences that would push them towards becoming the self-described “boy king.” Recorded 02/08/2021. Your Tree Baby No More 1978 Maker Soothing (Laura Marling) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Troy Nelson details in this week’s Live on KEXP,  Jean-Sébastien Yves Audet has created an incredibly large body of work for only 24 years on this planet. After putting out music under the names Un Blonde, Faux Fur, You Are Minez, Darren Wantz, and Zouk Fuck, his latest project as Yves Jarvis is probably his most palatable thus far. Intimate and evocative, the textured warmhearted songs that make up his latest release, 2020’s 'Sundry Rock Song Stock,' have captured a wide audience of ears and hearts. Get to know how the Canadian musician got to where he is now and listen to five songs from 'Sundry Rock Song Stock' recorded exclusively for KEXP. Recorded 02/11/2021. In Every Mountain Semula For Props Fact Almighty Victim Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A skillfully quick-witted musician, Stella Donnelly rose from the secluded coastal beaches of Perth to a world-touring artist by being uncompromisingly candid. Her debut album ‘Beware of the Dogs,’ released in 2019, sees Donnelly address misogyny and sexual assault in a direct but humorous way. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson charts her journey from Wales to Australia to Secretly Canadian while Donnelly plays a stripped-down set of songs from ‘Beware of the Dogs.’ Recorded 04/03/2019. Old Man Tricks Beware Of The Dogs Watching Telly Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an effort to explain the context of the land from which the desert blues rockers Songhoy Blues reside, Troy Nelson delves into the meaning behind the commonly-used phrase, “From here to Timbuktu” and the history of the Malian city. From there, Nelson charts the progression of the trio that make up Songhoy Blues, from refugees to Nick Zinner collaborators to Glastonbury performers to major label signees. A journey just as expansive as their unique sound. Recorded 11/03/2020. Badala Dournia Worry Barre Ai Tchere Bele Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I meant to behave.  There were just too many other options.” While this quote comes from paranormal romantic thriller writer Darynda Jones, it could easily be applied to British producer and rapper Tricky. An early pioneer of trip-hop, he’s never been afraid of pushing boundaries. Troy Nelson delves into Tricky’s musical and personal evolution over the past 25 years on this episode of Live on KEXP before the British icon delves into a stirring four-song set featuring Polish singer Marta. Recorded 11/23/2020. Thinking Of Chills Me to the Bones Fall Please Breathe Me Right In Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Age is just a number. It’s irrelevant unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine.” This Joan Collins quote sets the tone for this week’s Live on KEXP, which uses wine vintage as a metaphor for the incredibly difficult year in which Slow Pulp’s latest album, 'Moveys,' was made. Over the course of Spring 2019 until its release in October 2020, the band dealt with Lyme Disease, family emergencies, and a global pandemic while hammering out their debut full-length. Troy Nelson traces the Chicago band’s beginnings through the series of unfortunate events and until they landed (virtually) at KEXP in November 2020. Recorded 11/25/2020. Idaho Falling Apart Track Trade It Montana Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube KEXP is a listener-funded nonprofit, and we need your help to keep creating podcasts like this one. Donate to our Spring Drive today!Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Conform, go crazy or become an artist.” DC-based musician Bartees Strange understands this sentiment well. As an artist, he’s pushing the boundaries of music by refusing to conform to one genre which, especially for artists of color, tends to be incredibly limiting. With influences ranging from At the Drive In to The National, Strange is reinventing what it means to be a “Black artist.”  For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson dissects Strange’s history and influences to uncover how he became the revolutionary artist he is today. Recorded 12/09/2020. Mustang Boomer In A Cab Far Stone Meadows Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” So Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet. Or to put it another way - The ocean is big. For this week’s Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson compares the vast mysteries of the ocean with the immense magic of the massive city of Kinshasa, which is the second-largest city in Africa and boasts more people than LA. Kinshasa native Jupiter Bokondji is evidence of the rich talent coming from the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. His project Jupiter & Okwess fuses traditional Congolese music styles like soukous, rumba, and kwassa kwassa with more universal ones like rock, funk, and blues for something completely unique and yet wholly universal. Jupiter & Okwess’ KEXP session was recorded under threat of loss of electricity at any moment, in Kinshasa at an orphanage, as part of the no Child Sleeps Outside campaign.  Their latest album Na Kozonga (which means “I will Come Back”) is availab

This week, Live on KEXP is doing something a little different. In honor of Black History Month, we’re revisiting an incredible performance from all the way back in 2016, when KEXP moved to our new home at Seattle Center. We were fortunate enough to have Miss Sharon Jones perform mere months before passing from cancer so for this episode we’re skipping story-time and replaying as many songs from this iconic performance with the Dap-Kings as we can fit in 25 minutes.  Recorded 04/16/2016. 100 Days, 100 Nights People Don’t Get What They Deserve Slow Down, Love Natural Born Lover These Tears Stranger to My Happiness Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rapping is hard. To deliver lyrics clearly, with speed and cadence, with rhythm and syncopation and with meaning, with TRUTH, is really dang HARD. Blimes Brixton and Gifted Gab are two of those special humans with these exceptional capabilities. The self-described “cool aunties” have been separately killing the game in their respective regions of San Francisco and Seattle for years now but, after meeting on Facebook, decided to join forces for a collaborative release. That album, 'Talk About It,' was released last year under the apt name Blimes and Gab. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson delves into the history of both rappers while speculating whether an ancient English stone has anything to do with the unique abilities of Blimes and Gab, who virtually perform five songs off 'Talk About It.' Recorded 09/22/2020. Shellys (It’s Chill) Un Deux Trois Sacred Baptism My Way Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for

It’s a rarity and an honor when a band is able to not only stick around for 20 years but still make music that people love and connect to. Canadian indie rock band The New Pornographers are in this honorable position, having channeled the power of collaboration to make it the long haul. Last year, the AC Newman-fronted band dropped by KEXP mere weeks before the world shut down to play songs off their latest album, 'In the Morse Code of Brake Lights.’ For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson connects the strength of magnets and the technical difficulty of Morse code with the enduring legacy and prowess of The New Pornographers. Magnets are magic. The more someone tries to explain them scientifically the more magical they seem. Recorded 01/30/2020. Falling Down the Stairs of Your Smile The Surprise Knock Higher Beams You Won’t Need Those Where You’re Going Dreamlike and on the Rush Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listen

If there’s one thing that hit shows like ’Sopranos’ and ‘Breaking Bad’ have taught us, it’s that we love an anti-hero. On American musician Caroline Rose’s latest album ’Superstar,’ she crafts a story centered around a brazenly confident anti-hero that plays out like a film with a beginning, middle, and an open ending. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson breaks down the thematic elements of the record, offering tidbits of background on the glamorous Chateau Marmont, the scene for which the album is initially set, as well as diving into Rose’s progression from folk/Americana to the poppier ’Superstar’ and how he ended up with a cardboard cutout of Rose in his basement. Recorded 10/08/2020. Do You Think We’ll Last Forever? Feel The Way I Want More of the Same To Die Today Soma Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.