KGNU Music

KGNU’s Big Daddy and Tony Ortega interview Bruce Bouton, a renowned steel guitar player. Bouton talks about his beginnings in steel guitar and his influential solos, notably "Highway 40 Blues." He discusses playing with artists like Ricky Skaggs, Garth Brooks, and others. Bouton reflects on the evolution of the country music industry and songwriting. Bouton will perform at the Denver Steel Guitar...

KGNU’s Sanford Baran interviews Christina and Michelle Naughton, renowned piano duo, ahead of their performance at the Colorado Music Festival. The sisters share their early musical influences, starting with piano at age four. They discuss the challenges and rewards of playing as a duo, particularly the unique dynamics of performing on one piano versus two. They explain their careful selection of...

South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo speaks with KGNU’s DJ Jules. The group, celebrating their 64th anniversary, discusses their mission of spreading love, peace, and unity through their music. They share a few songs and talk about the origins and legacy of the group. Ladysmith Black Mambazo kicked off their U.S. tour at the Boulder Theater on July 21st (Interview date: 7/20/24)

In an interview with DJ Umo 1 of KGNU, producer Sirplus of the Dirty Science Crew discusses his background, recent U.S. tour, and latest album "Squares". Sirplus, who hails from Orange County, details his collaboration with Exile and their recent tour stops. He talks about "Squares", an instrumental project featuring 16 tracks, and shares his production process using the MPC 2000XL. Sirplus and Ex...

KGNU’s Shawna Sprowls talks with Barrett Smith of the Steep Canyon Rangers. Barrett chats about the band’s upcoming performances in Colorado and reflects on the Steep Canyon Rangers’ long-standing connection to the state. He emphasizes the band's passion for live music, which led them to create a live album showcasing their current sound, set for release in August. The Steep Canyon Rangers has a s...

KGNU's Neil Smart hosts Bluegrass band Lost Penny in the studio (Interview date: 3/2/2024)

KGNU's Meredith Carson speaks with the winners of the Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras Concerto Competition, who share some music (Interview date: 4/19/2024)

KGNU's Dan Willging interviews record producer Marshall Chess (Interview date: 4/5/2024)

KGNU's Neil Smart interviews Missy Raines, Bluegrass trailblazer and Grammy-nominated bassist (Interview date: 4/6/2024)

In an interview with KGNU’s Sanford Baran, Harumi Rhodes, the second violinist of the Takács Quartet, discusses her inspirations and role in the quartet. Rhodes expresses her lifelong passion for chamber music and the joy of performing within an ensemble. She shares insights into the preparation and collaboration involved in the upcoming world premiere of Gabriela Lena Frank's "Kachkaniraqmi” at t...

KGNU's Aaron Benko welcomes Alexa Wildish to the studio, where they discuss her musical journey and her upcoming KGNU Presents performance at The Riverside in Boulder on August 4th. They delve into Alexa's time on The Voice, where she competed in season 24. Alexa’s new EP, After Love, consists of cover songs and will be released on September 27th. The first single, "everything i wanted," a Billie...

KGNU’s Sanford Baran interviews Gabriela Lena Frank, a composer and pianist known for blending classical music with Latin American influences, drawing from her Peruvian, Chinese, Lithuanian, and Jewish heritage. Her work "Kachkaniraqmi" will premiere on July 21st at the Colorado Music Festival, performed by the Takács Quartet and the Colorado Music Festival String Orchestra.

Sanford Baran of KGNU interviewed internationally renowned violinist Vadim Gluzman, who performs on the legendary 1690 ex-Leopold Auer Stradivarius. Gluzman, performing at the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder on July 11th and 12th, shares insights into his early musical influences and his career.

KGNU’s Dennis Rider chats with Hector Flores of Las Cafeteras. Hector talks about how the band incorporates diverse musical styles like hip hop, cumbia, and electronic music. The band's live shows are energetic and engaging, emphasizing social consciousness and community involvement. The band members met through organizing work and use music to promote social justice causes like immigrant rights a...

KGNU’s Neil Smart interviewed the band Slay & Stinson, who performed live in the studio. Slay & Stinson are scheduled to perform at the SnowyGrass Festival in Estes Park, Colorado the weekend of July 12th! (Interview date: 7/6/2024)

KGNU’s Dave McIntyre talks with Brian Johansen, Eric Lunde, and Jeff Finlin of Sugar Britches. The band members share personal stories and connections to John Prine's music, highlighting its emotional and inspirational impact. They also recall anecdotes about Prine's life and career, illustrating his influence on their musical journeys. Sugar Britches will be performing a John Prine Tribute concer...

KGNU's Indra Raj chats with DJs Hannah Taub and Michael Buck about their favorite releases of June. Good Looks, Lived Here for A While (Keeled Scales). "Can You See Me Tonight" Man Man, Carrot on Strings (Sub Pop). "Cryptoad" Irini Arabatzi, Songs for Them (Albert's Favourites). "I'm a Joke (for W.)" Raveena, Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain (Moonstone Recordings/Empire). "Lucky" O., WeirdOs (...

Derek Warfield speaks to KGNU’s Rodger Hara about his life, music career, and passion for historical songs. Warfield has authored two books and is working on a third about the significance of Irish songs and music in Ireland's literature and history. He emphasizes how music and song have preserved Irish heritage and nationality over centuries. Derek has an interest in American history and discusse...

Greg Schultz of KGNU hosts Colorado musician Covenhoven in the studio to discuss his music and upcoming show. They discuss his songwriting process and his new record, aiming for a fall release. Covenhoven looks forward to performing with his band at the Roots Music Project on July 12th (Interview date: 7/3/2024)

KGNU’s Sanford Baran speaks with Peter Oundjian, the renowned conductor and music director of the Colorado Music Festival, about the upcoming 2024 season. Oundjian highlights several key performances and mentions other prominent guest artists. The discussion touches on the balance between well-known classical works and lesser-known or contemporary pieces, aiming to provide audiences with a journey...

KGNU’s Doug Gertner speaks with Scott Sharrard, the newest member of the legendary rock band Little Feat. Sharrard discusses his musical journey and recounts his experiences playing blues in Milwaukee and his decade-long tenure with the Gregg Allman Band. Sharrard also talks about the band's upcoming performance at Red Rocks with The Avett Brothers, promising a mix of classic hits and new material...

KGNU's Sanford Baran speaks with cellist Josh Halpern (Interview date: 2/19/2024)

KGNU's Neil Smart hosts local favorites The Cody Sisters, a bluegrass/Americana outfit (Interview date: 2/3/2024)

Colorado singer-songwriter Covenhoven joins KGNU's Doug Gertner in the studio (Interview date: 3/4/2024)

DJ Jules of KGNU chats with singer-songwriter Quinn DeVeaux (Interview date: 4/2/2024)