It's difficult to imagine Iska Dhaaf as only a two-piece, even when they're right in front of you. The sound of their full-bodied post-punk is supported by Benjamin Verdoes' (Mt. St. Helen's Vietnam Band) unique ability to simultaneously play the keyboard and drums. It takes a talented musician to …
Today's Song of the Day, as chosen by John Richards, host of the Morning Show on KEXP, is "Starting and Staring" by Gustaf, from the 2024 album Package Pt. 2 on Royal Mountain.
Every great comic book hero has a memorable arc or story where they team up with an unlikely ally - maybe even a former archrival - for some exciting hijinks towards a common goal. That’s a bit how it feels with The Claypool Lennon Delirium. Bass wizard Les Claypool and wizard-looking guitar virtuo…
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, unrealeased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJ’s think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Af…
Today's Song of the Day, as chosen by John Richards, host of the Morning Show on KEXP, is "Q. Degraw" by Wild Pink, a 2022 single on Royal Mountain.
The New Year has its own special meaning in the world of music. While most of the world is looking forward, it's a time for many audiophiles to luxuriously look back as they compile lists of their favorite records, concerts and memorable moments from the year past. In this sense, Shabazz Palaces ma…
It's been pretty cold in Seattle lately, but that shouldn't stop you from going out and catching some great live shows. Starting on Monday night, Bandoliers, The Van Allen Belt, and Fey Moth are at Chop Suey. On Wednesday, Los Lobos are at Benaroya Hall. Thursday night, Yo La Tengo play one of the …
Nearly two years ago, Toronto’s Royal Mountain Records became what might be the first label to offer a mental health fund for its artists. Label founder Menno Versteeg discusses why musicians may be more likely to struggle with mental health, why the industry should support them, and ultimately why…
If you really think about it, Sufjan Stevens has made a living for over 15 years now asking one simple question: what should I believe? On his debut, A Sun Came, belief was an overcrowded canvas, wet with word vomit and impossibly complex to navigate (much like all of our minds). For the two state …
