KGNU Music

KGNU’s Music Director Indra Raj interviews Kaleta, the frontman of the Afro-Funk Super Yamba Band, who shares his musical journey from Benin and Nigeria to Brooklyn, discussing his collaborations with legends like Fela Kuti and contemporary artists like Lauryn Hill. Kaleta also talks about how he connected with the Super Yamba Band, their 2019 record 'Mèdaho,' and their upcoming energetic and danc...

KGNU’s Indra Raj sat down with legendary indie rapper Lyrics Born to reflect on his 30-year career as he wraps up his final album and tour, Goodbye, Sticky Rice. Despite a recent viral boost from Snoop Dogg that reignited his popularity, he's shifting focus to new ventures like his cooking show Dinner in Place. As a trailblazing Japanese American artist in hip-hop, he shares insights on industry c...

Seth Walker joined KGNU’s Meredith Carson to talk about his roots in North Carolina, how blues legends like T-Bone Walker inspired his shift from classical cello to guitar, and the organic creation of his 12th album, Why The Worry. Recorded in the mountains and shaped by both nature and a nearby hurricane, the album brings a relaxed, soulful vibe that’s different from his past work. Catch him live...

Harpist Ashley Jackson joins KGNU’s Sanford Baran for a rich and reflective conversation. Jackson discusses her new album Take Me to the Water, which blends classical repertoire, spirituals, and original arrangements to explore water as a symbol of love, hope, and rebirth. She also reflects on her personal journey, the cultural memory behind spirituals, and the deep spiritual legacy of the harp. (...

Singer-songwriter Sarah Minto-Sparks joined KGNU’s Cameron Henderson to share songs from her new EP Stoned I Left Rocky, Originally from Dallas and now based in Boulder, Sarah talked about her journey into professional performance, her Texas roots, and finding her sound in Colorado’s vibrant music scene. (Interview date: 4/2/2025)

Tyler Grant joined KGNU’s Neil Smart for a live studio session ahead of his show at eTown Hall in Boulder on April 18th. He performed songs from his new record Flatpicker, shared stories behind the music, and talked about his journey back to bluegrass after some time away. (Interview date: 4/5/2025)

Jazz vocalist Alexis Cole joined KGNU’s Doug Gertner in the Kabaret Studio for a live set and conversation ahead of her April 17th show at The Savoy in Denver. She performed selections from Sky Blossom, shared insights from her global music journey and Army service, and highlighted her work with JazzVoice.com and the Virginia Beach Vocal Jazz Summit. KGNU is also a sponsor of the MAS Presents conc...

Cat Coore of legendary reggae band Third World joined KGNU’s The Groove Thief and Blood Preshah ahead of their April 18th show at Ophelia’s in Denver. He spoke about the band's ongoing tour and shared the origins of his signature cello playing, rooted in childhood and family influence, and reflected on the band’s name and deep Caribbean identity. (interview date: 4/12/2025)

Cal Huss is joined by The Bad Plus for a guest DJ session discussing their impressive 25-year journey from the Midwest to New York. The band highlights their recent performances at Dazzle in Denver. They talk about their two distinct sets while sharing some music that is personal to them. (Interview date: 3/27/2025)

KGNU’s Frank Dagnillo sat down with artist Allyson McDuffie to talk about her recent exhibit at KGNU Boulder Studio. The exhibit features colorful, satirical digital drawings that explore themes like memory, queer identity, and societal norms. Allyson also promotes her Kin Studio in North Boulder, which hosts community art events on the first Friday of the month, from April through October. (Inter...

KGNU’s Indra Raj joined Bridget and Bonnie from Elephant Revival for an exciting session. They share insights about their upcoming show at the Mission Ballroom on April 11th, featuring special guests Rising Appalachia and Father Time Drumline. The session kicks off with a beautiful live performance of "Falls Rain," inspired by the 2013 flood in Lyons. (Interview date: 4/2/2025)

KGNU’s Monte Dube interviews Alan Sparhawk at the Big Ears Music Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee. They discuss Sparhawk's recent solo album, "White Roses, My God," which he describes as an experimental project born from grief. He also shares insights about his collaboration with the band Trampled by Turtles, highlighting their long-standing friendship and musical connection. The conversation touc...

Monte Dube interviews Joan Wasser, known as Joan as Police Woman, at the Big Ears Music Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee. They discuss her musical journey, starting with her early violin lessons in New York and her passion for music that led her to explore punk rock. Joan shares how her experiences at iconic shows shaped her artistic identity, highlighting her deep connection to music throughout h...

Ronnie Baker Brooks joins KGNU’s Sam Fuqua to discuss his new album Blues In My DNA and reflect on his upbringing as the son of blues legend Lonnie Brooks. He also shares lessons his father taught him, such as the importance of work ethic and writing original music and talks about balancing tradition with modernity in his music. (Interview date: 2/7/2025)

Ganavya, a vocalist and composer, joined KGNU’s Indra Raj to discuss her journey in music and how she blends South Indian Carnatic tradition, jazz, and experimental sounds. She shares how music has enriched her life, influenced by her family's musical background and highlights songs that have deeply impacted her. (Interview date: 3/26/2025)

The Goodies, a reggae band known for their energetic performances and positive vibes, join KGNU DJ Dave McIntyre. They discuss their band name change, how they have gained a loyal following, especially through their creative cover song campaign, and perform a few songs. (Interview date: 2/7/2025)

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)