Listening Lyrics

Christmas doesn’t arrive as just one feeling. It shows up in many forms—joy, melancholy, loneliness, and wonder—sometimes all in the same room. 1. Joyous Christmas, at its brightest, feels like the world leaning in. Laughter fills the room, music drifts through the house, and even ordinary moments feel generous. Hands are busy, hearts are open, and for a brief time, kindness feels effortless. Chri...

When we talk about Hispanic music in America, we’re talking about a story that’s been here all along. In the 1950s and ’60s, this music lived mostly inside the community. Mexican rancheras and mariachi carried stories of home and heartbreak. Cuban rhythms like mambo and cha-cha-chá filled dance halls. Spanish-language radio became a cultural lifeline. By the 1970s, identity moved front and center....

This week on the show, we’re stirring things up with a playlist that carries just a hint of techno. Not a full dive into the club scene—more like the perfect recipe where a pinch of something unexpected transforms the whole dish. A subtle pulse here, a shimmering synth there… just enough to wake up your senses without stealing the spotlight. So settle in, get comfortable, and let these rhythms sne...

This week on  Listening Lyrics , Andy Schmidt joined me in the KDRT studio to share a playlist that mirrors his life built on movement, curiosity, and craft. Andy is a journey all by himself. An accomplished bassist, entrepreneur, avid bicyclist, master handyman, sail maker, kayak builder, storyteller—you name it, he’s probably done it, made it, or fixed it. Stepping into Andy’s world is like walk...

This week on  Listening Lyrics  we welcome Eric Jones , who shares a  playlist  of the music that inspires him. All but one of the songs today are his selections, and he talks with us about why each one matters to him. Eric (left, in photo with Pieter) is also a candidate in the race for California’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Davis, Napa, Vacaville, Woodland, and much of the North...

Singer-songwriter  Nancy Northrup   (pictured) brings a smile, a love of life, and a deep appreciation for the art of music. Fresh from the  Annual Gram Parsons Guitar Pull  in Georgia, Nancy joins us to share stories and songs that celebrate the heart of Americana. Rooted in the country, gospel, and folk traditions of Kentucky and Tennessee, Nancy’s music reaches deep—touching the soul with tales...

"Think something’s missing? "Something needs fixing? "Some folks could use a hand? Don’t just scratch your head—get involved! "This hour on  Listening Lyrics  might just show you how, one song at a time."

The music this week is a mix of a little bit of everything—each selection chosen with the help of my guest, Chris Tracy . The image shows half of his name because he was only on the show for half the time … which means he’ll be back! Chris lives here in Davis with his family and is deeply involved in the local music scene. He’s an accomplished drummer and plays in a couple of bands, so stay tuned...

So, the word of the day is slovenly. Yeah — slovenly. What do I mean by that? Well, to me, it’s music that’s a little messy, kinda careless, maybe even a bit dirty. Songs that aren’t trying too hard to be perfect — they just are. Sometimes that sound comes from the artist or producer just being… slovenly, plain and simple. Other times, it’s totally intentional — they want that rough edge, that hum...

This week on KDRT! In 2021, three middle-schoolers from Davis came together to form a band — and Hello Awkward was born! Fast-forward to today, and these young musicians are making serious noise. Meet Benjamin Brothers on lead guitar and vocals, Andrew Whang on percussion, and Atticus Yum on bass. In the KDRT studio this week on Listening Lyrics , they shine not just as rising musical talents, but...

Eddy Owt covers for Pieter this week and fittingly discusses cover songs -- what makes a good cover, and how does an artist make a cover their own? And he plays fun and sometimes surprising covers.

Heads up : This live recording comes with a few “authentic” technical hiccups (let’s call it character, not static). Luckily, the enthusiasm more than makes up for it—it practically jumps through the speakers. In the studio with me are Richard Jia and Gray  Eby of  MyDavisCalifornia , chatting—sometimes loosely, sometimes wildly off-track—about their website and the quirky little town we all love,...

Spend an hour with David Abramson and you’ll walk away feeling lighter, brighter, and a little more in love with the world. A fixture in Davis, David wears many hats—musician, activist, music teacher—but none of them fully capture his easy warmth and boundless optimism. He radiates joy in the most natural way, turning everyday moments into acts of connection. In this episode, David dives into his...

From Portland, Ore., to the heart of New Orleans— Ari Kohn followed his musical compass all the way south. In New Orleans, he discovered that music isn’t just heard, it’s felt. It’s in the ground beneath your feet, in the way people move, even in the rain on your skin. And yes—the food plays right along. This week on  Listening Lyrics,  Ari shares that journey. A Jazz Studies graduate from Tulane,...

I usually say, never start a summary with an apology. But today, I’ll make an exception. I want to apologize for not properly introducing this week’s show at the beginning of the program. That said, this week’s episode took a powerful turn. Ray Keck joined me for an hour of reflection on the tragic consequences of war—especially its toll on innocent children. The conversation was sparked by the ne...

Today we talk melancholy . For me, melancholy comes on with certain triggers. Let's play music around three of them: trains, hypnagogia and wind. Sit back and get into this wonderful playlist.