KGNU Music

On KGNU’s Afternoon Sound Alternative, host Greg Schultz welcomes Shawn Hess, a singer-songwriter from Laramie, Wyoming, for a live in-studio performance. Hess plays several original songs, including Till It Ain’t, Roadhouse Blues, A Tear for You, and Harvest Me. Between songs, he discusses his background in music—from blues and psychedelic rock to folk—his 2024 album Wild Onion, and his upcoming...

On KGNU Jazz Lives, host Rodger Hara speaks with actress Essence Anisa Tyler and pianist Jodel Charles about their performances in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill at the Arvada Center. Tyler portrays Billie Holiday in the singer’s final 1959 performance, while Charles plays piano onstage and takes a small acting role. They discuss their artistic backgrounds, how they connected with director Ch...

Teja Gerken joins KGNU by phone to discuss his solo fingerstyle guitar approach, which blends folk, jazz, classical, and extended techniques. He discusses his musical influences, his studies in the Bay Area, and the importance of experiencing live music. Gerken reflects on composing for guitar, avoiding obvious patterns, and developing ideas deeply. He also previews upcoming Colorado performances,...

Composer and bandleader Adam Bartczak joins PiSa the Evening Star on KGNU’s Heavy Set to discuss his song “Little Clyde,” inspired by his young son’s mischievous hammer adventure. He talks about how teaching influences his composing, and announces the 11th annual holiday show on December 22 at The Pearl (formerly the Mercury Café), where the new album was recorded. Bartczak also plans to record an...

Briana Harris, saxophonist for the nine-piece Colorado funk and soul band The Burroughs, calls in to promote their performance at KGNU’s Funk Fundraiser on November 8th at the Velvet Elk Lounge in Boulder. She describes the band’s energetic “sweaty soul music,” aimed at getting audiences dancing in a communal live atmosphere. The Burroughs have a new single, “Dat Booty,” that was released on Octob...

Ben Pisano joins DJ Jules live in the KGNU studio for his first in-studio performance in nearly a decade. He introduces his indie rock/dream-pop project and promotes an upcoming November 6 show at the Chautauqua Community House, featuring synths, guitar, and electric violin. Between performing three songs (“Palindrome,” “Holden,” and “Revenant”), he discusses nervousness around recorded performanc...

KGNU’s Indra Raj speaks with Portland-based guitarist and composer Marisa Anderson, known for her striking blend of American roots traditions and experimental textures. In this conversation, Anderson reflects on her evolving relationship with the guitar, the influences that have shaped her sound, and her upcoming solo performance at The Savoy in Denver on Thursday, October 23, part of the MAS Pres...

Singer-songwriter Will Thomas, of the band River Mann, joined Meredith Carson live in the KGNU studio for an intimate set and conversation. He performed three original songs, including an autumn-inspired piece and one written in Taos, New Mexico, showcasing his poetic and reflective songwriting style. Thomas discussed River Mann’s upcoming shows—Roots Music Fest at Stone Cottage Studios in Boulder...

Singer-songwriter and guitarist David Howley, known for his work with We Banjo 3, joined Wendy Mills live in the KGNU studio to talk about his journey from Galway, Ireland, to Boulder, Colorado. He reflected on his upbringing surrounded by eclectic music, his philosophy of creating community through song, and the emotional power of honest, human connection in music. Howley also discussed his songw...

Today on The Morning Sound Alternative, Wendy Mills spoke with Joey Ryan of The Milk Carton Kids! Joey talks about the band’s beginnings in 2011, when he and Kenneth Pattengale released their first albums online for free and toured extensively to build a following. He reflects on their creative evolution, from early inspiration and minimalism to experimenting with larger arrangements and renewed c...

KGNU’s Indra Raj speaks with Canadian guitarist and songwriter Ariel Posen ahead of his October 16th performance at The Savoy in Denver as part of the Moss Presents Fall Music Series. Posen discusses his musical beginnings in Winnipeg, his transition from acclaimed session player to solo artist, and his passion for honest, song-driven rock rooted in soul and Americana. He also shares insights on p...

On KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative, host Ginger Perry spoke with the folk duo Rakish, featuring Conor Hearn and Maura Shawn Scanlin, ahead of their performance at eTown Hall in Boulder. The pair discussed their seven-year musical partnership, their blend of Celtic and Appalachian influences, and their experience recording several albums together and with other artists. Despite living on opposite...

DJ Jules hosts Sound Lab on KGNU and welcomes singer-songwriter Nick Dunbar, a longtime Colorado musician now based on the East Coast, back to the Boulder studio. Dunbar discusses returning to play at the Gold Hill Inn, reflects on KGNU’s role in supporting local music, and shares memories of community connections through the station. He performs three songs; “Old Money,” “Please Mend This Broken...

Liz Vasko from Rock for the People and Erin from the Safe House Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence joined DJ Carebear on KGNU to discuss the Love and Resistance Dance Party happening in Lafayette. The event features an all-female local lineup—Resisting Bitch Face, Ironically Pink, and Lisa Sells—and aims to celebrate community, resilience, and solidarity through music. Erin also shared the histo...

Hip hop artist and producer Oddisee joined the Eclipse Crew on KGNU ahead of his October 5th show at Cervantes’ Other Side in Denver. He spoke about touring with his live band Good Company, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his album The Good Fight, his collaborative spirit, production process, and growing up in D.C.’s go-go music scene. (Interview: 9/28/25)

Fort Collins-based band Mystee, led by Alana, joined KGNU for a live in-studio session. She shared how the project began as a solo effort in Boston before evolving into a full band through chance connections in Fort Collins. Mystee discussed her time living in Cardiff, Wales, where she gained valuable experience in the music scene, and reflected on her early love of songwriting. The band’s new EP...

Bouldergrass, a local bluegrass ensemble from Boulder, joined KGNU live at the Boulder County Farmers Market. The group performed originals, fiddle tunes, and classics like Bob Dylan’s I Shall Be Released, while sharing their origins in a “fiddle tune club,” introducing band members, and celebrating community connections through music. (Studio Session: 9/27/25)

Salome Songbird, a Denver-based trio blending strings, harmonies, and heartfelt songwriting, returned to KGNU for a live in-studio session. They performed original songs, including “Moon Song,” “White Wine,” and “Mango Margaritas,” and spoke with Indra Raj about their creative process, balancing heavy themes with humor, and upcoming shows across Colorado. (9/24/25)

Marco Pavé, a Memphis-born hip hop artist and CU artist-in-residence, joined KGNU for a live studio session. Blending sharp lyricism with the rich musical traditions of the Mississippi Delta, Pavé spoke about carrying forward the hope and resilience of his ancestors while performing tracks that showcase his Southern roots and contemporary vision.

Pianist and composer Sean Mason joined Indra Raj on KGNU to talk about his path from Charlotte to becoming a Grammy-nominated jazz artist. He shared how he blends tradition with innovation, the cultural influences behind his music, and his collaboration with vocalist Catherine Russell. Mason will perform in Denver with MAS Presents at the Savoy on Thursday, October 2nd, and on Friday, October 3rd...

Mollie O’Brien and Carla Sciaky joined Meredith Carson to share memories of their longtime friend Jill Sobule. They reflected on her sharp humor, deep songwriting, and collaborative spirit, noting how she balanced lightheartedness with profound observation. O’Brien and Sciaky also performed “Rock Me to Sleep,” co-written by Sobule on the night of Princess Diana’s crash, highlighting the poignancy...

Denver indie-rock band Flutter joined KGNU to share music from their two EPs, Flutter and When You Love Somebody. The group discussed their collaborative songwriting, overcoming setbacks like injuries, and recording with Ryan Wong. They’ve been playing shows around Denver at venues like Hi-Dive and Squire Lounge, with upcoming dates at Skylark Lounge and Mutiny. (Studio Session: 9/18/25)

Deep Rawk Dave welcomed Wave Generators, a new hip-hop collective featuring former New Kingdom member Nosaj and independent artist Height Keech. The group is on tour behind their debut Runaway with a Wild and a Rare One and will perform at Mutiny Information Cafe in Englewood. They discussed their origins, the meaning behind their name, the energy of live shows, and the importance of bringing a gr...

Sizzla joined KGNU on September 20, now celebrated as “Sizzla Day” in Colorado, ahead of his performance at Cervantes with Code Red Band. He spoke about spreading love, unity, and righteousness through his music, and highlighted the charity aspect of the show, raising funds for a primary school breakfast program. Sizzla reflected on his career, the importance of giving back through his Youth Found...

Keith Roberts of the Young Dubliners spoke with Rodger Hara on Shamrock Gale about the band’s upcoming September 20th benefit concert at the Tabor Opera House in Leadville, supporting the Miners Memorial. Roberts reflected on the Irish immigrant connection to Colorado mining history, shared details on their new album—set for release in 2026 with singles out now—and discussed the importance of char...