KGNU Music

Boulder musician Ngoc CC chats with KGNU’s Anya Sanchez. Ngoc discusses their journey into music, and shares how day-to-day life and personal experiences fuel their songwriting, emphasizing the therapeutic and cathartic nature of music. Ngoc also talks about their recent EP "Out the Texas Heat," which reflects their experiences and emotions tied to leaving Texas (Interview date: 7/16/2024)

Melvin Seals, keyboardist of the Jerry Garcia Band, speaks with KGNU’s DJ Jules. Melvin discusses his excitement about returning to Colorado, mentioning their performance at Levitt Pavilion on August 24th. He teases new material and emphasizes his love for surprising audiences with unexpected song choices. Melvin reflects on his musical influences, particularly organists like Billy Preston, and ho...

The Non-Renewed, a queer indie rock duo from Denver, joins KGNU’s Hannah Taub for a studio session. Meghan Mallan and Mellik Gorton of The Non-Renewed discuss their recent U.S. tour and their first album. They share details of their upcoming show at Bread Bar in Silver Plume, CO (Interview date: 8/20/2024)

Sister Sadie chats with KGNU's Robin Claire behind the scenes at RockyGrass. The band discusses their excitement about returning to RockyGrass with a refreshed lineup. Founding members Deanie Richardson and Gena Britt are now joined by Maddie Dalton, Dani Flowers, Rainy Miatke, and Jaelee Roberts. They talk about the band's evolving energy and sound, with their upcoming album featuring original so...

The Fretliners speak with KGNU Old Grass GNU Grass DJ Shawna Sprowls. They mention their current work on a new EP titled Three of a Kind, which was a result of winning the Telluride band competition. The band talks about their upcoming performances at Rapidgrass in Idaho Springs and Rhythms on the Rio in Del Norte, emphasizing the distinct flavors of these Colorado festivals (Interview date: 7/28/...

Dan Tyminski speaks with KGNU Old Grass GNU Grass DJ Neil Smart ahead of his RockyGrass 2024 performance. They discuss Dan's new album, God Fearing Heathen, particularly the track “Ode to Jimmy,” which pays tribute to Jimmy Martin, a significant influence on Dan. Dan talks about his talented band members and his excitement to be closing out the festival (Interview date: 7/30/2024)

Tim O’Brien and Jan Fabricius chat with KGNU’s Robin Claire at the RockyGrass festival. Tim and Jan discuss their musical journey and the creation of their recent albums. The duo talks about collaborating on new songs, testing them in live performances before recording, and their ongoing work with Tom Paxton. Tim shares insights into his songwriting process, particularly during the pandemic, and h...

Jack Hadley, a blues guitarist based in Boulder, spoke with KGNU’s Joanne Cole. Jack discussed his new album, The St. Louis Sessions, Vol. II, released in April. Jack explained the album’s connection to St. Louis and its rich blues history. He also talked about his upcoming performance with Mike Maurer Band on September 7th at the Roots Music Project and his collaboration with R&B artist Hazel Mil...

KGNU’s Shawna Sprowls chats with Sarah Jarosz, RockyGrass headliner, at the festival. They discuss her latest album, Polaroid Lovers, released in January, and her ongoing tour. Sarah talks about her journey from Texas to Nashville, her band lineup, her first RockyGrass experience at 12 years old, and the inspiration she draws from the bluegrass community (Interview date: 7/28/2024) Photo: Josh Woo...

Ain't From Here chats with KGNU Honky Tonk Heroes DJ Big Daddy (Interview date: 8/10/24)

The Mountain Grass Unit joins Matt Malick on KGNU's Old Grass, GNU Grass, performing live and discussing their music. The band, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, includes Luke Black (guitar), Drury Anderson (mandolin and vocals), Sam Wilson (bass), and Josiah Nelson (fiddle). They share their journey from childhood friends to forming the band, and talk about their upcoming album releasing on Se...

The Felonius Smith Trio joins KGNU’s Greg Schultz for a studio session, sharing their passion for blues and old-timey music. They perform a couple of tunes, including a Grateful Dead-inspired original and a Tampa Red classic. Felonius discusses his musical influences, his love for improvisation, and his 35-year journey with blues music. Felonius Smith Trio will perform at the Mapleton Hill Porchfe...

In an interview with KGNU’s Bruce Trujillo, La Lom discusses their debut album, the influences behind their music, and their journey as a band. The group, based in Los Angeles, draws from diverse sounds like cumbia, chicha, and 60s rock, blending them into their unique style. They emphasize their love for danceable rhythms and how they translate the energy of live shows into the recording studio (...

Bob Carpenter, keyboardist of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, checks in with KGNU’s Greg Schultz ahead of their upcoming "All The Good Times" Farewell Tour performance at Denver’s Paramount Theater. The band has been active for 58 years and is known for its wide-ranging musical repertoire, including country, bluegrass, and hits like "Fishing in the Dark" and "Mr. Bojangles." Carpenter discusses the ba...

Keith Roberts, founder of The Young Dubliners, speaks with KGNU’s Karl Kumli about the band's upcoming Colorado shows and their new album. Keith discusses the challenges of balancing touring and recording, with the new album expected by March next year. He reflects on the band's long career, starting in the early '90s, and their evolution from a duo to a five-piece band. Keith shares stories about...

Kristin Andreassen and Chris "Critter" Eldridge chat with Old Grass Gnu Grass DJ Neil Smart at RockyGrass. They share their experience performing together on the main stage for the first time as a duo, highlighting their collaborative dynamic where Chris's guitar playing and Kristin's songwriting are equally showcased (Interview date: 7/28/2024)

In an interview at the RockyGrass Festival, Michael Cleveland discusses his musical influences and upcoming projects with Old Grass Gnu Grass DJ Fergus Stone. Cleveland mentions a potential live album, collaborations with Béla Fleck, and his admiration for Colorado’s bluegrass scene.

Chloe Prendergast, violinist of the Butter Quartet, joins KGNU’s Iris Berkeley to discuss the quartet’s new album "Scintilla," released in early July. Chloe, originally from Denver, formed the quartet at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. Their album features early Italian string quartets played on historical instruments. Chloe shares insights about composer Felice Giardini and the album's selec...

Georgia Anne Muldrow, musician and multi-media artist, speaks with KGNU’s Deep Rawk Dave ahead of the Visible Planets art show and concert. Deep Rawk Dave also introduces Dan Drossman, the creator of Visible Planets. Drossman explains that the event showcases featured artists' music and visual art together. Georgia Anne Muldrow discusses her artistic journey, emphasizing the importance of positivi...

KGNU’s Greg Schultz spoke with Noel McKay. McKay shared anecdotes about Guy Clark’s workshop, where they wrote and recorded songs together. McKay performed songs from his new album "You Only Live Always" and discussed his musical journey, including his time in Europe and his upcoming projects (Interview date: 7/30/2024)

KGNU’s Sanford Baran interviewed Grammy-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich, who will perform Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto at the Colorado Music Festival on August 1st and 2nd. Hadelich shared his musical journey and discussed the evolution of his technique, the importance of constant practice, and how the accessibility of music today helps young musicians. Hadelich highlighted his busy summer pe...

KGNU’s Dave Ashton discussed the All My Relations Celebration on August 10th with Helen Gover, festival promoter and communications manager, and Melissa Ivey, a featured musician and activist. Helen highlighted the mix of music genres and emphasized the importance of contemporary Indigenous art. She explained the festival's aim to reshape narratives and promote Indigenous stories authentically. Sh...

Sanford Baran of KGNU interviews classical guitarist Sharon Isbin, highlighting her achievements and influence in classical music, including founding the guitar departments at Juilliard and the Aspen Music Festival. Sharon discusses her upcoming recital at the Aspen Music Festival on July 30th, featuring a diverse program. Sharon shares insights on her collaborations with various artists across ge...

KGNU's Sanford Baran interviews Rune Tonsgaard Sorenson, a violinist from the Danish String Quartet, known for their mix of classical and folk music. Sorenson shares his musical journey and his early love for the violin. He discusses the quartet's formation in 1998 and highlights their diverse repertoire, which includes both classical and folk music, and their creative process for arranging and pe...

C.J. Lewandowski, mandolinist of The Po' Ramblin' Boys, discusses his band's origins and upcoming performances in an interview with KGNU’s Shawna Sprowls. Lewandowski shares insights about their new album, "Wanderers Like Me," set to release on August 16th on Smithsonian Folkways Records. He highlights their excitement for upcoming shows, including a performance in Denver at the Levitt Pavilion on...