In the 1990’s and early 2000’s, there was a plethora of rapping over rock music. But it didn't long for this amalgamation, which amounted mostly to bad pop music, to fade. Northwest group The Saturday Knights found a formula that really worked, though, avoiding that fleeting (and dare I say, money grabbing) mentality by bending both genres of hip-hop and rock, to create an innovative sound. Unfortunately, the trio moved on with their lives, but singer/MC Tilson carries on as Tilson XOXO, his new project with Seattle guitarist Thomas Hunter, known for tearing it up with his own bands, White China Gold, Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground, and Wild Orchid Children. Tilson, who also makes his own ginger ale and is working on a chocolate flavor with Seattle's Theo Chocolate, shows himself to be one of the funniest local musicians around as he joked between songs with Street Sounds host, Larry Mizell Jr. But he proved it was not joke when he declared, “I got gifts,” during this recent session live on KEXP:
Full performance:
For almost two years, Cumulus kept the tracks for their debut album hidden. After beginning their songwriting process in 2011, the group, led by singer/guitarist/songwriter Alexandra Niedzialkowski, slowly but surely put the pieces together while recording in Anacortes, WA, with Phil Elverum. The r…
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 Midd…
For just three people, Seattle metal trio Helms Alee make a big noise. Performing tracks off their third album Sleepwalking Sailors, they rocked the KEXP studios with their pounding rhythms, insistent vocals, and heavy guitar riffs. How do they do it? "We don't use our heads, basically," laughs dru…
