Imagine a pair of bell-bottoms. A suede vest. A wide collar, strutting leather boots. Similarly, imagine sequins and elongated lashes. Pearls and sly eyes. If you can imagine this, you can begin to sense the spirits that inspired the newest record from Seattle soul and funk group, The True Loves. T…
After a dozen years and now five albums, there's no doubt about it: the BROOD are all grown up. On their newly announced forthcoming album, Work and Love, Ontario trio Elliott BROOD turn from the historical subjects they depicted with great poignancy on their previous albums, like 2011's Days Into …
At his most vitriolic, Billy Bragg is still a softy. The now legendary British singer-songwriter has made a name for himself since the 80's through crooning romantic ballads and biting political critique. Both originate from the same place; for Bragg, as for his hero Woody Guthrie, love for humanki…
Yet again I find myself stumbling in way over my head, with the "discovery" of a band that I'd really love to read a whole book about. Portland band Theatre of Sheep was quite the local phenomenon 30+ years ago but never quite made it, leaving behind some self-released, hand-packaged records, a lot…
For Brandi Carlile, homecomings are sweet, and last Friday's concert at The Paramount was filled with intimate harmonies and an energetic stage presence as Brandi and the band sang of love, family, and connection. A multi-generational crowd packed into the historic theater as the musicians returned…
At KEXP, we love us some Tomo Nakayama — Grand Hallway frontman, member of local acts Gold Leaves, Sera Cahoone and The Maldives, Seattle Rock Orchestra collaborator — not to mention, the new Seattle Town Hall Artist in Residence.
Too stuffed from holiday treats to get up and change the record? Why not put on this 22-minute-long new track from Portland psych-rockers Unknown Mortal Orchestra! Grandma will love it! [Pitchfork]
L.A. artist Miguel shares his fourth full-length, an album KEXP Music Director Don Yates declares "a potent set of psych-tinged R&B and funk featuring a hazy, groove-driven sound with echoing psych-rock guitars, spacey keyboards, and blunted beats accompanying his soulful vocals and lyrics of t…
If the Rolling Stones had started their career in 2014 Chicago, they might have been called Twin Peaks. The warm, laid-back chemistry exuded by this crew of bluesy rockers is so over-the-top fun to watch that it's almost hard to not want to just shoot the breeze with them all night over drink…
Mustafa recently released his debut album, When Smoke Rises. At its core, the album is an expression of love – love for friends he lost to gun violence, and love for his community in Regent Park, Toronto.
Last month, The Drums shared their first new single in a few years, the super-danceable "Blood Under My Belt." Today, we've got a video for the track, featuring frontman/sole member Jonny Pierce posing against colorful backdrops. In a press release, he shares, "I hate making music videos. But, ala…
There are so many excellent Summer music festivals in the Pacific Northwest, it’s hard to know where to invest your time and money. West Seattle Summerfest, July 8-10, is absolutely not one to miss. Besides being completely FREE, it has the best local music lineup you’re likely to find- Seattle fa…
Is it really only the fourth annual Fisherman's Village Music Festival? In just a few years, this Northwest fest has established itself as a must-see musical bonanza. This year is no exception: from Friday, May 20th through Sunday, May 22nd, the streets of Everett, Washington will shake with the so…
KEXP's own DJ Kevin Cole (our Afternoon Show host and Senior Director of Programming) has curated a special mix for Nordic Playlist, a site that devoted to the best sounds from the North. As he explains to the site, "I went with a mix of mostly newer releases, like the Samaris track, which I love, …
Last night at Chop Suey, the full lineup for the third annual Macefield Music Festival was announced. The 2015 lineup is the best yet, featuring a deep roster of NW artists including Mark Lanegan, Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter, Grace Love & the True Loves, Thunderpussy, Fox & the La…
Eugene Fauntleroy is an enigmatic figure on the Seattle underground electronic scene, known for his skills behind the decks, his vast record collection that spans the gamut of quality house and techno, and his deft ability to string sleek rhythms together in a seamless sophisticated fashion. He's c…
