KGNU Music

David Satori of Dirtwire recently joined KGNU’s Iris Berkeley to discuss the band’s upcoming Colorado tour, which includes stops in Durango, Buena Vista, Aspen, Boulder, and Fort Collins. Satori shared insights on the evolution of their latest album, Pyrochrome, and how the band is incorporating new songs into their live performances. He also spoke about his break from touring to focus on family,...

The Greater Boulder Youth Orchestra (GBYO), under the direction of Brian Jack, joined KGNU for a special studio session featuring performances by the winners of the GBYO Concerto Competition on flute, cello, and bassoon. Singers from the Boulder Children's Chorale also previewed their collaboration with GBYO, which will be highlighted in upcoming concerts at Mackey Auditorium and Lyons Middle and...

Chilean jazz artist Camila Meza will perform a solo show at the Savoy in Denver on May 22nd, a day before releasing her first album in six years. Meza discussed the album’s layered recording process during the pandemic, her recent Carnegie Hall performance celebrating Latin American heritage, and her musical evolution from rock to jazz. Now splitting her time between New York, Chile, and Guatemala...

David Fodel discussed the Lafayette Electronic Arts Festival (LEAF), a multidisciplinary event featuring visual arts, electronic music, and live audiovisual performances. This year’s festival runs from May 14th to July 13th and includes a new “Electro Kissa” listening room series and two nights of performances on May 30th and 31st in Lafayette. (Interview: 5/7/25)

Denver-based bassist, composer, and educator Matt Skellenger joined Phantom Power Collective on KGNU’s Heavyset to discuss his musical journey, influences, and upcoming projects. Skellenger, who began playing bass at 14, draws inspiration from artists like Les Claypool, Victor Wooten, and the late Ron Miles, with whom he collaborated for years. He shared insights into his compositional approach, b...

Local musician Greg Schochet joined Will Two-Step on KGNU to announce the long-awaited High Beams reunion tour, with shows across Colorado and a return to the Dead on the Creek festival in California. He performed two original songs live, shared plans to reissue the band’s 2006 album Midnight Rodeo on vinyl, and teased a new record coming Fall 2025. (Interview date: 5/10/2025)

Shane and Gabriel from the contemporary jazz band DARUMA joined KGNU’s Indra Raj for a guest DJ session. They discussed the band’s roots, how their shared musical vision led them to reunite in Denver, and the band's recent momentum, including a regional tour and an upcoming performance at the Kennedy Center. Each shared influential tracks and reflected their diverse musical tastes. (Interview date...

Cellist and composer Peter Gregson discusses his new self-titled album with KGNU’s Sanford Baran, blending classical tradition with modular synthesis to create immersive, emotionally honest music. He reflects on his creative process, the evolving role of technology in classical music, and the importance of keeping music open to interpretation. Gregson also shares insights into upcoming projects, i...

KGNU’s Music Director Indra Raj interviews Kaleta, the frontman of the Afro-Funk Super Yamba Band, who shares his musical journey from Benin and Nigeria to Brooklyn, discussing his collaborations with legends like Fela Kuti and contemporary artists like Lauryn Hill. Kaleta also talks about how he connected with the Super Yamba Band, their 2019 record 'Mèdaho,' and their upcoming energetic and danc...

KGNU’s Indra Raj sat down with legendary indie rapper Lyrics Born to reflect on his 30-year career as he wraps up his final album and tour, Goodbye, Sticky Rice. Despite a recent viral boost from Snoop Dogg that reignited his popularity, he's shifting focus to new ventures like his cooking show Dinner in Place. As a trailblazing Japanese American artist in hip-hop, he shares insights on industry c...

Seth Walker joined KGNU’s Meredith Carson to talk about his roots in North Carolina, how blues legends like T-Bone Walker inspired his shift from classical cello to guitar, and the organic creation of his 12th album, Why The Worry. Recorded in the mountains and shaped by both nature and a nearby hurricane, the album brings a relaxed, soulful vibe that’s different from his past work. Catch him live...

Harpist Ashley Jackson joins KGNU’s Sanford Baran for a rich and reflective conversation. Jackson discusses her new album Take Me to the Water, which blends classical repertoire, spirituals, and original arrangements to explore water as a symbol of love, hope, and rebirth. She also reflects on her personal journey, the cultural memory behind spirituals, and the deep spiritual legacy of the harp. (...

Singer-songwriter Sarah Minto-Sparks joined KGNU’s Cameron Henderson to share songs from her new EP Stoned I Left Rocky, Originally from Dallas and now based in Boulder, Sarah talked about her journey into professional performance, her Texas roots, and finding her sound in Colorado’s vibrant music scene. (Interview date: 4/2/2025)

Tyler Grant joined KGNU’s Neil Smart for a live studio session ahead of his show at eTown Hall in Boulder on April 18th. He performed songs from his new record Flatpicker, shared stories behind the music, and talked about his journey back to bluegrass after some time away. (Interview date: 4/5/2025)

Jazz vocalist Alexis Cole joined KGNU’s Doug Gertner in the Kabaret Studio for a live set and conversation ahead of her April 17th show at The Savoy in Denver. She performed selections from Sky Blossom, shared insights from her global music journey and Army service, and highlighted her work with JazzVoice.com and the Virginia Beach Vocal Jazz Summit. KGNU is also a sponsor of the MAS Presents conc...

Cat Coore of legendary reggae band Third World joined KGNU’s The Groove Thief and Blood Preshah ahead of their April 18th show at Ophelia’s in Denver. He spoke about the band's ongoing tour and shared the origins of his signature cello playing, rooted in childhood and family influence, and reflected on the band’s name and deep Caribbean identity. (interview date: 4/12/2025)

Cal Huss is joined by The Bad Plus for a guest DJ session discussing their impressive 25-year journey from the Midwest to New York. The band highlights their recent performances at Dazzle in Denver. They talk about their two distinct sets while sharing some music that is personal to them. (Interview date: 3/27/2025)

KGNU’s Frank Dagnillo sat down with artist Allyson McDuffie to talk about her recent exhibit at KGNU Boulder Studio. The exhibit features colorful, satirical digital drawings that explore themes like memory, queer identity, and societal norms. Allyson also promotes her Kin Studio in North Boulder, which hosts community art events on the first Friday of the month, from April through October. (Inter...

KGNU’s Indra Raj joined Bridget and Bonnie from Elephant Revival for an exciting session. They share insights about their upcoming show at the Mission Ballroom on April 11th, featuring special guests Rising Appalachia and Father Time Drumline. The session kicks off with a beautiful live performance of "Falls Rain," inspired by the 2013 flood in Lyons. (Interview date: 4/2/2025)

KGNU’s Monte Dube interviews Alan Sparhawk at the Big Ears Music Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee. They discuss Sparhawk's recent solo album, "White Roses, My God," which he describes as an experimental project born from grief. He also shares insights about his collaboration with the band Trampled by Turtles, highlighting their long-standing friendship and musical connection. The conversation touc...

Monte Dube interviews Joan Wasser, known as Joan as Police Woman, at the Big Ears Music Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee. They discuss her musical journey, starting with her early violin lessons in New York and her passion for music that led her to explore punk rock. Joan shares how her experiences at iconic shows shaped her artistic identity, highlighting her deep connection to music throughout h...

Ronnie Baker Brooks joins KGNU’s Sam Fuqua to discuss his new album Blues In My DNA and reflect on his upbringing as the son of blues legend Lonnie Brooks. He also shares lessons his father taught him, such as the importance of work ethic and writing original music and talks about balancing tradition with modernity in his music. (Interview date: 2/7/2025)

Ganavya, a vocalist and composer, joined KGNU’s Indra Raj to discuss her journey in music and how she blends South Indian Carnatic tradition, jazz, and experimental sounds. She shares how music has enriched her life, influenced by her family's musical background and highlights songs that have deeply impacted her. (Interview date: 3/26/2025)

The Goodies, a reggae band known for their energetic performances and positive vibes, join KGNU DJ Dave McIntyre. They discuss their band name change, how they have gained a loyal following, especially through their creative cover song campaign, and perform a few songs. (Interview date: 2/7/2025)

KGNU’s Sanford Baran sat down with conductor John Mauceri to discuss the release of The Korngold Symphony, a two-CD album featuring Korngold’s Symphony in F-Sharp Major. Mauceri reflects on his passion for reviving overlooked composers like Korngold, shares the discovery of a rare recording of Korngold playing the symphony and explores its deep connection to the emotional impact of war, violence,...