KGNU Music

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,...

Balthazar Aguirre of BALTHVS had a chat with KGNU DJ B Smith about their upcoming spring tour and new music. Balthazar shares excitement for their return to Colorado, where the crowd is known for its openness to live improvisation and musical risks and reflects on how the Grateful Dead's spirit of improvisation influences their sound. (Interview date: 2/6/2025)

KGNU’s B Smith sat down with Sam Blassuci to talk about his music, including his evolving sound, blending experimental influences from artists like Björk, Leonard Cohen, and Prince. Blassuci also reflects on how personal experiences shape his songwriting and how he’s preparing for new music, a book titled Orchids, and a concert film, as well his upcoming shows in Denver and Boulder in April. (Inte...

Toubab Krewe joined KGNU’s Dave McIntyre, offering a glimpse into their unique blend of music. Describing their sound as "international country music," they shared influences from around the world and performed a few of their songs. (Interview date: 1/31/2025)

KGNU’s Dr. Decibel joins James Bradley Jr. to talk about his journey in music, working with some iconic names in music and the connections he’s made along the way. He also spends some time reflecting on his time working with different DJs and the interactions he’s had with them. (Interview date: 1/31/2025)

KGNU’s Iris Berkeley joined Chair Bomb, the dynamic duo that created the Punk Standard Collective. The session featured live performances of their energetic punk tracks, with a mix of humor and insights into their music, their influences, and the origins of the Punk Standard Collective. (Interview date: 1/30/2025)

Soneffs joined KGNU DJ Iris Berkeley for a lively studio session. The band shared their roots and journey, highlighting their long standing friendship and passion for music, and played a mix of original tunes. (Interview date: 1/30/2025)

Ley Line joins KGNU's Doug Gertner in the studio for a special live session, sharing insights into their musical journey, including their deep connection to Brazil and the evolution of their sound, and discussing some of their latest music, as well as plans for some new music and recent performances. (Interview date: 1/30/2025)

Peter Rowan sits down with KGNU’s Indra Raj to discuss his storied career, musical influences, and performance with the Steep Canyon Rangers. Rowan reflects on his musical journey and touches on the influence of Nashville as well as reggae, emphasizing the connection between bluegrass and reggae rhythms. (Interview date: 1/29/2025)

KGNU DJ Robin Claire chats with Ragged Union about their upcoming album, Pyramid Stairs, set to drop in late February 2025. The band shares insights into their creative process, the band's dynamics, including their collaborative songwriting approach and the mix of bluegrass and other musical influences and their participation in the Midwinter Bluegrass Festival and a performance at Boulder’s Chaut...

KGNU DJ Caitlin Kilgannon sat down with Jessie Burns of The Bow Tides and shared details about the band's show at Swallow Hill on February 7th and how the group formed during the pandemic through a collaboration with Gaelic Storm. Jessie also explained their unique sound, describing how they bring sophistication to Irish trad music by incorporating complex textures and layering with multiple fiddl...

Jake Wolf, drummer for Sages and Spirits and other notable bands, joined Doug Gertner on KGNU to preview the band’s special performance at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver, celebrating the venue’s 22nd anniversary. Jake shared insights about Sages and Spirits, and shared that during the performance, he will be presented with a rare "beam" instrument from the Grateful Guitars Foundation. (I...

KGNU’s Big Daddy joined cowboy poet, singer, and musician JJ Steele, sharing insights into his role as MC at the 34th Colorado Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering in Golden, Colorado. Steele also discussed his passion for preserving cowboy culture, outreach programs for youth, and shared some poetry as well. (Interview date: 1/18/2025)

Enion Pelta-Tiller, from The Enion Pelta Quintet, joins KGNU DJ Greg Schultz to discuss her show at the Dairy Center for the Arts on January 24th. During the session, she shared insights into her creative process, explained how she balances solo writing retreats with collaborative songwriting, and she introduced her custom-built, five-string viola, affectionately named "Trupial." (Interview date:...

Kalos, a trio blending Celtic music from around the world with their own unique twist, joins KGNU DJ Rodger Hara to discuss their musical journey, from their early duo days to becoming a full-fledged trio. They discussed the collaborative nature of their music, their name's Greek origins, and their diverse, non-traditional approach to Celtic music. (Interview date: 1/15/2025)

KGNU DJ Fergus Stone sat down with Wood Box Heroes to discuss their musical journey, from their formation in Nashville to their growth as a band. They discussed their post-pandemic experience in Nashville, their songwriting process, and their plans for upcoming tours. Catch them live at the 2025 Midwinter Bluegrass Festival, sponsored by KGNU! (Interview date: 2/8/2025)

Salome Songbird joins KGNU DJ Indra Raj to discuss their music and performance at Swallow Hill, as well as share some of their background on how the group formed. The group also explains their “scathing lullaby” style of music and how their training in music has influenced their vocal and instrumental performances. (Interview date: 1/8/2025)

Jayme Stone joins KGNU DJ Doug Gertner to discuss his musical background, influences, and upcoming performance in Denver with Alexa Wildish on February 27th at the Savoy. Jayme shares his experience growing up in Toronto and his time traveling to Mali, and also talks about his work as an instigator of creative projects. (Interview date: 2/3/2025)

KGNU's Monte Dube interviews Laraaji at the Big Ears Music Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee in 2024. Laraaji, a musician who's been creating uplifting meditative music for over 60 years, discusses his life's calling. He shares how his music serves as a medium for divine, non-linear connections, and recounts his upbringing in Philadelphia, where he learned various instruments. He also touches on hi...

KGNU DJ Iris Berkeley chats with Evan Orman and Tom Hagerman from the Grande Orquesta Navarre discussing their long history in music, particularly their involvement in tango, with Evan sharing how he ended up playing the bandoneon (the tango version of an accordion) after a fateful purchase. They touch on the dynamics of their ensemble, including their performance featuring special guest Nadia Hil...

KGNU DJ Neil Smart interviews Graham Sharp of the Steep Canyon Rangers discussing the band's early days, winning the RockyGrass band competition, and how consistency and unexpected opportunities helped their success. Graham also talks about their show on January 29th with Peter Rowan and his past experience performing with him. (Interview date: 1/4/2025)

KGNU DJ Dave McIntrye joins hometown duo Trace & Baerd to discuss some of their music and debut album Elevation. They also talk about their upcoming performance at Luther Strings in Denver on February 8th, inspiration for some of their songs and their intimate, two-person setup. (Interview date: 1/3/2025)

Carla Sciaky joins KGNU DJ Meredith Carson to discuss her music career, reflecting on her time in her band Propinquity, growing up and how music shaped her life, as well as her time teaching. Sciaky also shares details about her new album Heart of the Swan and upcoming performances, including shows with the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado and at the South Florida Folk Festival. (interview da...

KGNU DJ Greg Schultz interviews d'Lovelies, an enchanting local ensemble known for their unique fusion of jazz, soul, and pop influences. In this engaging conversation, the band shares insights into their creative process, upcoming projects, and their connection to the Colorado music scene. (Interview date: 12/17/2024)

Ben of A Place for Owls, a Denver emo band, joined KGNU’s Indra Raj for a studio session. He discussed the band’s latest release, How We Dig in the Earth, and played a few songs. Ben highlighted the value of creating music within a community and the importance of pursuing creative passions regardless of age or professional status (Interview date: 12/9/2024) kgn