British DJ/producer Simon Green, a.k.a. Bonobo, has been known to tear up the dance floor during his regularly sold-out shows, but when he dropped by KEXP for an in-studio with Cheryl Waters recently, the vibe was breezy and chill. Accompanied by a full band, Green featured songs from his atmospher…
Next on the KEXP live video stream from KEX Hostel at Iceland Airwaves Music Festival was brand-new band Andy Svarthol. Comprised of brothers Egill and Bjarki Hreinn Viðarsson). Andy Svarthol came together in 2015 after Egill’s other project Nóra went on hiatus. They aren’t even in the festival’s o…
With a little help from some talented friends, British composer Adam Bainbridge, a.k.a. Kindness, charmed his way into the KEXP live room to share his collection of chilled aesthetics. Highlighting tracks from both his recently released album, Otherness, and 2012’s World, You Need a Change of Mind…
"You don’t have to be anyone if you don’t want to / You don’t have to get a job if you don’t want to" and you definitely don't have to listen to Howler if you don't want to. But that would be a damn shame because the Minneapolis yeehaw boys have returned with their second album of infectious punky …
Seattle songwriter Kris Orlowski has the honesty, voice, and soul needed in a great pop folk songwriter. Since the mid-2000s, Orlowski has been on the Seattle circuit building a reputation for the highest quality songwriting with an equally talented band that seems to understand every turn and moo…
Pickathon's 2015 Fall Season continues. Each week, the rustically set, Portland-area festival is running an ambitious program of four new episodes every week through February 2016. Through twelve individual channels of content, you can experience this one-of-a-kind festival in the most intimate of …
Pickathon's 2015 Fall Season is in full steam. Each week, they're running an ambitious program of four new episodes every week through February 2016. Through twelve individual channels of content, you'll be able to experience this one of a kind festival in the most intimate of ways... you'll go, On…
Pickathon's 2015 Fall Season has just begun. This week, they're kicking off an ambitious run of four new episodes every week through February 2016. Through twelve individual channels of content, you'll be able to experience this one of a kind festival in the most intimate of ways... you'll go, On t…
Um, Mr. Malkmus? Correct me if I'm wrong, if you're reading this (and by golly, I sure hope you are!), but you seemed a little uncomfortable the night you performed at the EMP Museum. The show was part of the museum's "Influencers Concert Series," which pairs newer artists with the established acts…
As I walked into The Paramount, soft shades of yellow and orange illuminated the stage, as shapes slowly changed and morphed into other forms. The colors reflected off of The Paramount’s chandeliers and ornate decorations, and the crowd stood and stared at various points through the venue that glow…
There have been some great team-ups in the history of popular music and rap. Recently, two of Seattle's own, Grynch & Budo, debuted a new pairing that can’t help but remind listeners of other powerful duos like Brother Ali and Jake One, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and The Black Keys, but in their…
August is here, and you know what that means - KEXP & Seattle Center are teaming up again for the 8th annual Concerts at the Mural series! Join us on the Mural Amphitheatre lawn for four Friday evenings this August and enjoy this year's eclectic blend of concerts, which are sure to start your w…
It's an excellent week for new releases, led by the latest from Philly-based psychrockers The War on Drugs. KEXP Music Director Don Yates describes their third album, Lost In The Dream, as "another expansive blend of psych-tinged guitars, atmospheric keyboards, occasional horns and other instrument…
Veteran Tucson-based band Calexico share a video for the track "Tapping on the Line," featuring none other than beloved chanteuse Neko Case on guest vocals. The clip, directed by Jason Roark, was filmed at Portland's Flora Recording & Playback studios during the band's recent tour with The Dec…
Supporting KEXP does have its perks. Donors who contributed $500 or more during the KEXP pledge drive are awarded membership to KEXP's VIP Club concert series, allowing them access to exclusive, intimate performances throughout the year. In the past, such artists have included The Lumineers, Interp…
With Ibeyi, every song is a blessing, sometimes quite literally. The Parisian born twin sisters reach deep into their French-Cuban ancestry and call upon the spirits of Santería on their debut LP, which blends Yoruban evocations with contemporary expressions of love and loss. Their music is, as the…
Divine Fits tore it up on late night TV's Jimmy Kimmel Live! with their own "Like Ice Cream" and a cover of Tom Petty's "You Got Lucky". Even though Britt Daniel seemed like he was forgetting the words at one point, the performance is the kind of powerhouse one, complete with a creative cover (whi…
At a particularly triumphant moment in his Paramount debut, John Carpenter looks out at the crowd and smiles. "All my career I've made horror movies", he laughs, while the crowd, obviously, shouts and cheers and screams in acknowledgement. "I love horror movies", he smiles, "and horror movies will …
Among the Polish artists we discovered during the recordings KEXP captured while at the OFF Festival in Katowice, Poland, perhaps none better exemplifies the country's musical diversity as Olo Walicki. The Gdansk-born composer, performer and bass player has recorded many albums of his own throughou…
