KGNU Music

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)

KGNU's Aaaron Benko chats with experimental indie folk-rock band Humbird (Interview date: 4/3/2024)

KGNU's EC and Michael DeLalla interview Badi Assad. Badi discusses her diverse artistic career, her musical family, and her journey as a renowned guitarist. She emphasizes using her voice as an instrument and integrating global influences into her music (Interview date: 4/10/2024)

KGNU’s Sanford Baran interviews Curtis Stewart, a four-time Grammy-nominated violinist and composer from New York. Curtis discusses his background, influenced by his jazz tuba-playing father and classical violinist mother, and his journey through various roles. Curtis explains his approach to integrating different musical genres and shares insights on his latest album, of Love., which is deeply pe...

KGNU’s Indra Raj hosts DJ bad kitty to celebrate Pride Month. DJ bad kitty discusses the significance of Pride and presents a music set featuring LGBTQ+ artists and themes. Juan Moreno from Rocky Mountain Equality talks about upcoming events, including the Boulder Pride Festival and Bands on the Bricks. He invites the community to get involved with their programs and services. DJ bad kitty will be...

KGNU's Baskerville speaks with Adam Turla, the lead singer and songwriter of the Indiana-based band Murder by Death. They discuss the band's unique tour venues, traditions, song-writing process, and the evolving dynamic of the band. Murder by Death is performing at the Ogden Theatre in Denver on Saturday, June 29 (Interview date: 6/22/2024)

KGNU's DJ Umo 1 chats with Denver DJ Mike Disco about his journey as a DJ and his experience with the Denver music scene. Mike plays a guest DJ set (Interview date: 6/20/2024)

KGNU's Meredith Carson hosts the New Orleans Rebirth Brass Band in the studio. They play a few wonderful tunes and promote their upcoming show at the Velvet Elk Lounge in Boulder on June 21 (Interview date: 6/21/2024)

KGNU’s Natalie Shrewsbury welcomes Fort Collins singer-songwriter Dominick Antonelli to discuss his music and inspirations. He shares his journey, from early memories of listening to music with his parents to finding his unique style. Dominick talks about how he integrates his music with his work in energy healing, including pranic healing, intuitive energy work, and AcuDetox, and the workshops he...

KGNU’s Hannah Taub chats with Boulder-based band Big Pinch. The band discusses their upcoming album "The Wave Goes On Forever," and announces a headlining show at Larimer Lounge on June 15th. Big Pinch, formed at CU Boulder, is deeply connected to the local music scene, and talks about the process of recording their album and their musical influences (Interview date: 6/13/2024).