KGNU Music

Singer-songwriter Micki Balder joined Sanford Baran live in the KGNU studio to share heartfelt songs from her latest album and reflect on the emotional depth in her songwriting. Known for crafting “sad songs for happy people and occasionally happy songs for sad people,” Balder discussed how she finds joy in embracing both light and dark emotions through music. She performed three originals—“Take I...

Ratas en Zelo, an all-female accordion punk band from New York, joined DJ Blackcat on Sleepless Nights to discuss their 11-year journey in the punk scene. Known for their energetic performances and unconventional sound—punk with accordion and no guitar—the band reflected on recent shows in California, including a massive arena gig with comedian Felipe Esparza. They also shared excitement about ope...

La Manu and El Sebas, hosts of the radio show ¡Corriente!, sat down with the incomparable Natalia Lafourcade. In this interview, the Mexican singer, songwriter, and producer opened the doors to her creative universe to talk about CANCIONERA, her latest album released on April 24, and about the CANCIONERA Tour, which has already brought her to stages in the United States. Natalia spoke about the al...

Tony Newton, legendary bassist and producer, shares his journey from playing with John Lee Hooker to becoming a key figure in Motown at just 17. He reflects on touring with Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, recording hits like "Baby Love," and the dynamic artistry behind Motown's sound. Newton emphasizes the skill of session musicians in adapting their playing to enhance each artist’s unique style...

Singer-songwriter Alexa Wildish joined KGNU live at the Boulder Farmers Market for a heartfelt interview and performance, sharing stories from her eclectic musical journey. From her early days performing on cruise ships to earning a spot in the Top 20 on The Voice Season 24—where all four judges turned their chairs—Alexa has carved a unique path marked by resilience, artistry, and deep emotional c...

Singer-songwriter Sarah Banker joined Indra Raj live on KGNU at the Boulder Farmers Market to share music from her new EP Into the Heart and discuss her creative journey. Sarah highlighted self-discovery, love, and resilience. She spoke about her background in theater and cultural anthropology, and how both have shaped her approach to songwriting and performance. A longtime resident of Nederland,...

Singer-songwriter Patrick Dethlefs joined KGNU for a special live broadcast from the Boulder Farmers Market, sharing his signature blend of heartfelt folk music with a crowd of marketgoers and listeners. Performing originals like “Somewhere in Between,” “Why Not Try?” and “Daydream,” he gave audiences a taste of his upcoming album, recorded live during a snowed-in mountain retreat with longtime co...

Mollie O’Brien and Rich Moore joined KGNU for a live broadcast from the Boulder Farmer’s Market during Radio Week to share music and stories from their decades-long career on the Front Range. They performed songs from their new album Lost in the Crowd, a collection of covers inspired by audience requests during the pandemic. The duo reflected on their early ties to KGNU, including benefit shows in...

In this KGNU Studio Session, singer-songwriter Macy Todd joins host Indra Raj for a warm and insightful conversation about her musical journey, creative process, and forthcoming debut album Pocket Change. Originally from Lawrenceville, Georgia, and now based in Austin, Macy shares stories of her early musical influences, growing up in a gospel-loving household, and how artists like Brandi Carlile...

In this interview with KGNU’s Sanford Baran, 17-year-old composer and pianist Vonn Vanier discusses his debut album Dawn, released May 16th on Montclair Records. Vonn shares how his early experience in the Grace Cathedral Choir and time spent self-studying during the pandemic shaped his unique musical voice. His work blends classical tradition with modern techniques, aiming for a balance between i...

Reggae icon Barrington Levy joined KGNU’s Reggae Bloodlines to celebrate 50 years in music and preview his June 5th show at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver. Known as the “Mellow Canary,” Levy discussed his roots, the power of reggae’s positive message, and his love for solo stage shows. He teased the debut of his new single “I Feel”, praised his longtime backing band Detour Posse, and sh...

In a captivating interview for KGNU, violist Richard O'Neill, cellist András Fejér of the renowned Takács Quartet, and celebrated pianist Marc-André Hamelin discuss their collaboration on the new Dvořák and Price Piano Quintets album, released on the Hyperion label. The ensemble reflects on the meaningful pairing of Dvořák’s beloved Piano Quintet No. 2 with Florence Price’s rediscovered Piano Quin...

Colorado-based musician Nicolette Andres joined KGNU to share live performances and insights into the rare tradition of Hardanger fiddle music from southwestern Norway. She discussed the instrument’s unique features, the foot-tapping rhythm essential for dancers, and her new album Hands, recorded in Boulder with support from the Alex Wilson Legacy Fund. Nicolette also spoke about the value of pres...

On April 30, 2025, KGNU welcomed Jamie and Davis Maynard of Stone Cottage Studios to discuss their newly expanded space on Boulder’s East Pearl Street and the studio’s evolving role in Colorado’s music scene. The father-son duo shared details about their intimate live performance sessions, artist development program Echoes from the Stone, and their efforts to support emerging musicians through hig...

Angel Corsi, a Front Range-based singer-songwriter, joined KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative with Courtlyn Carpenter, Artistic Director of Soundpost Sessions, to discuss his upcoming performance in Longmont. Corsi will be featured in the Spotlight series, which pairs local artists with nationally touring acts—in this case, Tennessee’s Redd & The Paper Flowers. Carpenter shared that Soundpost Sessio...

In this interview for KGNU, DJ Umo 1 speaks with Zee Desmondes, singer-songwriter and one half of the R&B/soul duo The Jack Moves. Zee reflects on his musical beginnings, from childhood guitar lessons to self-taught piano and recent vocal training. He shares how he met bandmate Teddy Becks through New York’s skate and music scenes, eventually forming The Jack Moves and releasing their debut single...

In a recent interview with KGNU, singer-songwriter Lalo Hart discusses her musical journey, from growing up in Colorado to finding inspiration in Hawaii and the San Juan Islands. She reflects on how playing the ukulele opened the door to songwriting and how her husband’s encouragement helped her pursue music seriously. Hart shares two heartfelt songs, “It’s Just Love” and “Lay Me Down,” both captu...

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...