Live on KEXP

Seattle-based Terror/Cactus bring their distinctive take on psychedelic electro cumbia to the KEXP live stage for this unique performance. As always, the band is donned in masks while showcasing instrumental songs from their 2018 sophomore full-length Impulsos as well as 2019’s Corriente EP. The band takes DJ Chilly through the decade-long history and formation of the band, which started as...

Last fall, indie chanteuse Angel Olsen unveiled her fourth studio album, All Mirrors. An exercise in grandeur, Olsen is backed by a cinematic orchestra that takes her skilled vocals and introspective lyrics to new heights. While many artists could get lost behind a screen of smoke and satin, Olsen is simply strengthened by her transformation into an old-Hollywood protagonist starring in a movie of...

Busan, South Korea’s favorite band Say Sue Me capped off 2019, a year of high highs and the lowest of lows for the good friends, by stopping by the KEXP studios to perform four songs that span their six-year career of making sincere surf-tinged indie rock. Amidst the music, the band chats with Kevin Cole about their 2019 Korean Music Award experience, in which they were nominated in five cat...

On their anticipated sophomore record, 'Forever Turned Around,' beloved Chicago duo Whitney continue their distinct interpretation of ‘70s AM soft rock that made them a hit on the festival circuit after their 2016 debut Light Upon the Lake. Focusing on themes of relationships, loneliness, and the beauty of friendship, the record is a nostalgic slow-burner that basks in the warm glow of a sum...

Los Angeles quartet Death Valley Girls combines the volume and fury of proto-punk, desert mysticism, with a dash of spacey psych and freewheeling garage-rock fun. The band joins Troy Nelson for a set heavy with tunes from their 2018 release, 'Darkness Rains,' with the sounds being accompanied by some live visuals courtesy of Mad Alchemy. Recorded 11/15/2019. Abre Camino Street Justice More Dead Di...

One of the standouts from KEXP’s 2019 Trans Musicales broadcast, San Salvador is a six-piece vocal and percussion ensemble that sings in the Occitan language of rural Southern France. Although very few can understand the literal meaning of their words, the cascading vocal harmonies and rhythms convey a poetic message that is boundary-less. The hypnotic performance was recorded at La Chapelle...

On their second LP, titled ‘Four of Arrows’ after an inspiring Tarot card pull, Seattle-bred Great Grandpa takes a step back from the playful grunge of their debut record in favor of a more open, introspective sound. Each song is crafted thoughtfully, leaving space for lead singer Alex Menne’s voice to fully resonate, and with perfectly placed instrumental builds that deepen the...

At just 21-years-old, Paris Alexa Williams has made waves in the Seattle music scene with her R&B songwriting sensibilities, unforgettable hooks and smooth-as-honey vocals. It’s easy to imagine any of her songs becoming international hits. This session, including unreleased tracks, was recorded in the KEXP Gathering Space as part of the first-ever Street Sounds live broadcast with DJ Sta...

Upon hearing the sounds of DakhaBrakha (Ukrainian for “Give/Take”), it’s no surprise that the quartet was founded at a contemporary art museum by an avant-garde theater director. Between their unfamiliar harmonies and use of traditional instrumentation from three continents, the musical world DakhaBrakha creates is nothing short of transcendent. Wo'Pop's Darek Mazzone hosts this...

Seattle composer and celebrated jazz musician Ahamefule J. Oluo’s latest work is a musical portrait of his mother, ‘Susan.’ Through the lens of humor and optimism, he shifts the focus from the story of his absent father to a celebration of the laughter and creativity his mother used to pick up the pieces. Leading a talented orchestra, Oluo joins John Gilbreath on KEXP’s Jaz...

Tijuana’s San Pedro El Cortez is known for their raw and spontaneous live performances, always interpreting and playing with their surroundings. They bring their gritty, energy-packed garage rock to the KEXP Live Room for this session hosted by Kevin Cole on the Afternoon Show. Between performing songs from their album, ‘Un Poco Más de Luz,’ they chat about immigration, my...

Dublin’s Pillow Queens tackles topics like religion, sexuality and anxiety with precision indie rock songwriting that builds into swelling, cathartic choruses. While they certainly have their raucous and rowdy moments, the emotional core of the songs leaves the most sting. This session comes from KEXP’s 2019 Iceland Airwaves broadcast from Kex Hostel. Recorded 11/09/2019. How Do I Look...

Preservation Hall Jazz Band derives its name from Preservation Hall in the French Quarter of New Orleans, where the band originated in the early 1960s. Their latest album accompanying the documentary film, ‘A Tuba To Cuba,’ retraces the indigenous Cuban roots of New Orleans jazz. The legendary ensemble stops by the KEXP Live Room to perform four tracks and chat with DJ Troy Nelson abou...

Haitian group Chouk Bwa dispels racist myths surrounding their Vodou (Voodoo) religion by showcasing mesmerizing rhythms and uplifting chanting focused on healing and celebration. Brussels-based electronic duo The Ångstromers adds layers of dub-style effects for a result they call “future-leaning Vodou dub.” The group performs at La Chapelle in Rennes, France as part of KEXP's Trans M...

Seattle duo NAVVI used their latest record, '2502,' as an exercise in trusting their creative instincts. Recorded in the span of one week at a remote cabin, the result is a continuous, hypnotic mix of house rhythms and ethereal vocals. Troy Nelson hosts NAVVI's Kristin and Brad in the KEXP Live Room for a performance of four songs and a conversation about their writing and recording process, Zelda...

On her fourth LP, 'Close It Quietly,' Greta Kline of Frankie Cosmos engages with the idea of rebirth and reimagining, never lingering too long on the past. This comes through in her lyrics as well as the swirling instrumental stylings of each brief track, most hovering around 2 minutes. From the KEXP Live Room, Kline plays four songs off the new record and talks with DJ Troy Nelson about her proli...

The music of Seattle-based rapper/producer Sam Brakebill-Hacke exudes Pacific Northwest with its gloomy, laid back beats, floating melodies and earnest storytelling. Brakebill joins Stas THEE Boss on Street Sounds for an intimate performance and a discussion about developing his ambient sound, the heavy themes that inspired his latest album, 'Out The Window' and what's next. Recorded 01/06/2020. B...

Norwegian artist Marie Ulven, also known as girl in red, is a DIY success story. In 2015, she began releasing music on Soundcloud after writing, recording and producing everything from her bedroom. Fans quickly latched onto her unfiltered honesty about depression, queerness and teenage heartbreak, and soon her music was heard by millions. Recorded at Kex Hostel during KEXP’s 2019 Iceland Air...

Icelandic composer Gabríel Ólafs is a classically trained pianist who began writing melodies of his own at a young age, often creating themes for imaginary characters. His melodic storytelling is likened to film scores, bolstered by ambient strings and a thoughtful openness. In this session from KEXP’s 2019 Iceland Airwaves broadcast, recorded at Kex Hostel, Gabriel performs si...

Indie folk outfit Seabear is comprised of seven musicians who, in typical Icelandic fashion, each have musical pursuits of their own. Joining KEXP at the 2019 broadcast from Kex Hostel during Iceland Airwaves, the band performs four songs to a sold-out crowd. Don't miss frontman Sindri Sigfusson's witty banter between songs, including why KEXP is better than algorithms. Recorded 11/07/2019. 4 song...

Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard made waves last year with her debut solo record, 'Jaime.' Gliding on instrumentals that blend funk, soul, psych-rock and R&B, her dynamic yet intimate vocals are what make this a powerhouse record and easily one of KEXP's favorites of 2019. Hosted by Cheryl Waters on the Midday Show, Brittany discusses gaining confidence as a songwriter and solo artist...

Mexico City-based project Celest gets their name from a fascination with the sky and the cosmos, and their sound fittingly blends dream pop, ambient, and alternative rock. DJ Chilly hosts the band for this ethereal performance from Panoram Studios during KEXP’s 2019 Mexico City broadcast. Recorded 02/27/2019. 4 songs - Entre Bien y Mal, Sol, Fantasmas, Hasta Que El Tiempo No Nos Separe. Supp...

Jake Xerxes Fussell has proven himself a modern master of American folk and blues, with prodigious guitar playing and a rawness to his voice that goes straight to the heart. Hosted by Greg Vandy on KEXP's The Roadhouse, Fussell performs four songs and discusses getting his start in the folklore world, his Southern origins and how he reinterprets traditional music. Recorded 10/04/2019. 4 songs - Ju...

Convention-breaking artist and activist Madame Gandhi, formerly the drummer for M.I.A., writes music that centers the female voice and experience, boldly making space for more women and femme rappers to follow. As part of KEXP's 2019 Iceland Airwaves broadcast from Kex Hostel, she performs tracks from her latest EP, Visions, skillfully jumping between a drum kit, beat pad and the mic, and taking b...

Born out of the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, KOKOKO! inventively up-cycles various materials to create a sonically vibrant, spontaneous style of dance music. The collective joins Troy Nelson in the KEXP Live Room for an exhilarating performance of songs from their new record, Fongola, and a multilingual discussion about the spirit of collaboration, building instruments out of neces...