In Our Headphones will be back next week with song recommendations from Lace Cadence, host of The Continent. But this week, we'd like to share another KEXP podcast: The Cobain 50, which explores the famous list Kurt Cobain left behind in one of his journals naming his Top 50 albums. Hosted by Martin Douglas and Dusty Henry, the series digs into a different album from the list each week, discussing its influence on Nirvana and the bigger themes still resonating today. On this episode, Dusty Henry...
Aug 26, 2024•30 min
KEXP Variety Mix DJ Reeves shares a sinister ambient track, some optimistic indie rock, and changes the show name to In Our Chat Pile, in honor of the Oklahoma City-based band. He also shares a sweet story and shout-out to his Dad. Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares a hypnotic track from a long-time KEXP fave band, that she describes as the “middle ground between Radiohead and Young Fathers.“ Lustmord - “Entrails of the God Machine” Chat Pile - "I am Dog Now" Rui Gabriel - “Target” Dr...
Aug 19, 2024•27 min•Ep. 19
On this special edition of In Our Headphones, KEXP’s Editorial Team comes together to share their contenders for this year’s “Song of the Summer.” From synth pop and breezy yacht rock to UK garage and the diss track to end them all, each contributor brings their own take on what makes the perfect summer track. Songs featured: Buscabulla - “11:11” (Albina Cabrera’s pick) Mt Fog - “Drifting” (Roddy Nikpour’s pick) Chris Cohen - “Night or Day” (Janice Headley’s pick) Empress Of - “Kiss Me (feat. Ri...
Aug 12, 2024•27 min•Ep. 18
DJ Michele Myers shares her song-based approach to DJ’ing and her philosophy for choosing positive messaging in music, like the infectious dance-friendly tracks she spotlights in this episode. Plus, KEXP Associate Music Director Alex Ruder shares a beautiful tribute from a young South-East London-based artist to his late sister. Justice - “Mannequin Love” Ana Tijoux - “Ninx” St. Vincent - “Broken Man” ODESZA - "Across the Room (feat. Leon Bridges)” Jim Legxacy - “nothings changed (!)” Listen to ...
Aug 05, 2024•19 min•Ep. 17
Evie Stokes joins us to talk about what she has in store for listeners as KEXP’s new Drive Time host (Tuesdays through Fridays), then shares three standout tracks she’s had in her headphones lately. Ranging from art-pop to psychedelic jazz and soul, every recommendation deals with some heavy themes while being completely danceable. Plus, Music Director Chris Sanley shares an emotional track from the artist she calls one of the greatest songwriters of our time. Songs featured: Remi Wolf - "Cinder...
Jul 29, 2024•26 min•Ep. 16
The great Kevin Cole talks about his “remix, not retirement,” as he steps down from Drive Time at the end of this week and transitions to a weekly show, starting in August. Plus, he shares songs from a Civil Rights legend, a pop music “it girl,” and an unclassifiable band from the Czech Republic. Then, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares a chaotic, yet melodic track from an Austin art-punk band. Mavis Staples - “Worthy” Charli XCX - “360" Manon meurt - “Marrow” Television - “Marquee Moon” Fo...
Jul 22, 2024•21 min•Ep. 15
Tory J, co-host of KEXP’s global Indigenous music show “Sounds of Survivance” talks with Isabel about how sound and music inform Indigenous life, dispelling myths about Indigenous peoples through his show, and his deep love of Rez Metal. He shares three new songs touching on shoegaze, metal, jazz, plus one foundational track. Then, Music Director Chris Sanley shares why she’s dancing and weeping to the new single posthumously released from hyper-pop icon SOPHIE. Songs featured: Deerlady - "Seein...
Jul 15, 2024•35 min•Ep. 14
DJ Chilly talks about stepping down as co-host of El Sonido, KEXP’s Modern Latin music show that he founded 14 years ago, and shares three tracks that run the gamut from jazz to grindcore to his favorite genre of all time, soul. Plus, KEXP Associate Music Director Alex Ruder shares a chilled-out track that’s been in his headphones, unintentionally tying together this episode’s theme of “home.” 1. DJ Green Lantern - “Falling For Jazz”" 2. BRAT - “Human Offense” 3. J Noa - “Arrogante” 4. Ohio Play...
Jul 08, 2024•36 min•Ep. 13
Albina Cabrera, host of El Sonido and KEXP’s Latin Partnerships and Editorial Manager, joins Isabel for our quarterly Latin music highlight. As we pass the half-year mark, Albina takes stock of some of her favorite albums of the year so far and shares four standout tracks, ranging from industrial synth to hazy indie punk and universal tales of love and loss. As always, we end with one recommendation from KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley, this time bringing us cumbia-inspired avant-pop with ances...
Jul 01, 2024•27 min•Ep. 12
DJ Kennady Quille, host of KEXP’s Pacific Northwest music show, Audioasis, shares three songs with a Northwest focus, as well as the first new music in 19 years from a legendary Olympia, WA queercore band. Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares a stunning slow-burn single off the debut LP of a Brooklyn-based artist on the verge of a breakout. Songs featured: Thavoron - “Body” VIANNE - “SUPERSONIC” Pantsuitguy - “Speedracer” Team Dresch - “Your Hands My Pockets” Zsela - "Lily Of The Nile" ...
Jun 24, 2024•27 min•Ep. 11
Greg Vandy is the host of The Roadhouse, KEXP’s Sunday morning roots and American music show. He talks with Isabel Khalili about how the show is more about a feeling than a genre, and how he uses music to draw connections between the past and present. Then he shares three songs he’s been loving lately, from 60’s girl group harmonies to a soulful expression of joy, plus one lesser known track from the inventor of the power chord. Lastly, we hear from KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley about a power...
Jun 17, 2024•39 min•Ep. 10
Janice sits down with Larry Rose to discuss his DJ beginnings 30 years ago and how he’s seen radio evolve. Then they get into the stories behind three new song recommendations and a 1980’s “Pride” classic that holds special meaning for Larry. Plus, KEXP’s Associate Music Director Alex Ruder shares a song that brings him back to what he appreciated about early- 2000s “indietronica” sounds. Songs featured: brother bird - “State of Mind” Dehd - “Light On” Catching Flies - “GLY” Bronski Beat - “Smal...
Jun 10, 2024•23 min•Ep. 9
Isabel chats with DJ Miss Ashley about four songs that are playing in her headphones lately and one foundational track that ties them all together. Plus, Ashley shares a protest song that doesn't hold back. Then, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares one standout release that’s an early summer bop. Songs featured: Mumu Fresh – “Be Good To You" Tierra Whack – “Shower Song" Beyoncé – "Texas Hold 'Em" Lauryn Hill – “To Zion” Macklemore – "Hind’s Hall" Ginger Root – "No Problems" Listen to the ful...
Jun 03, 2024•28 min•Ep. 8
Overnight DJ Mike Ramos shares some songs that have been in his headphones lately, from a dirty-south-tinged track that’s an early contender for “Song of the Summer” to a chiptune jam named for an early virtual pet. Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares her own “Song of the Summer,” a standout release recently added to KEXP’s rotation. Songs featured: Tommy Richman - "MILLION DOLLAR BABY" Seiji Oda - "A Gentle Gigg" Young Miko - "tamagotchi" Nia Archives - "Forbidden Feelingz" Fcukers - ...
May 27, 2024•23 min•Ep. 7
Janice Headley chats with her work BFF Sharlese, host of Mechanical Breakdown, about the four (dark) songs playing in her headphones lately. They also chat about World Goth Day, airing all day on KEXP Wednesday May 22 (and available on the archive for two weeks after). Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley returns from Radio Camp with a standout release recently added to KEXP’s rotation. Songs featured: Nina Belief – "Siren of Silence" Gwendoline – "Conspire" Police des mœurs – "Commencement" E...
May 20, 2024•28 min•Ep. 6
Isabel Khalili sits down with Brian, Jenn, and Dr. West, hosts of KEXP’s punk show Sonic Reducer, to celebrate its 20th anniversary. After reminiscing about the origins and evolution of the show, each DJ shares a new short, fast ‘n loud track they’re excited about. Plus, we hear about the show’s namesake song and what makes it an all-time great. As always, we end on one standout release from KEXP’s Music Director team. This time, we hear about a sprawling track with an unconventional story from ...
May 13, 2024•36 min•Ep. 5
To celebrate the start of “Pushing Boundaries,” KEXP’s programming for Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Isabel Khalili chats with Diana Ratsamee. Diana is the host of Eastern Echoes, KEXP’s weekly show exploring music of all styles from Asia and the Asian diaspora. They talk about the 1980’s Lao song that connects Diana with her family’s story, plus three new songs that span the globe, from brain-tingling electro-punk from Southern China to Middle Eastern surf rock. And, as always, we ...
May 06, 2024•32 min•Ep. 4
Janice Headley chats with Albina Cabrera, co-host of El Sonido, KEXP’s modern Latin music show, and also our Latin Partnerships and Editorial Manager. Albina shares highlights from her recent travels to SXSW in Austin, TX, and the Isle of Light music festival in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, plus three songs that are playing in her headphones lately, and one that reminds her of moving to Seattle. And, as always, we hear about one standout release recently added to KEXP’s rotation, straight ...
Apr 29, 2024•17 min•Ep. 3
In this episode, Isabel Khalili talks with Kevin Sur, co-host of KEXP's global Indigenous music show, Sounds of Survivance. They discuss the way he approaches his show and defining "Indigeneity," then Kevin shares the stories behind three new songs he's been loving. He also talks about his journey to find the origins of a West Papuan funk track from the 70s, and what it taught him about their freedom struggle. Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares a haunting new track about isolation and...
Apr 22, 2024•28 min•Ep. 2
On our inaugural episode of In Our Headphones, host Janice Headley chats with Cheryl Waters about three new songs that are playing in her headphones lately, plus one song that stands the test of time for her. They also talk about how Cheryl got her start as a DJ and some stand-out memories from hosting Live on KEXP in-studio sessions. Plus, as always, we hear about one standout single recently added to KEXP’s rotation, straight from Music Director Chris Sanley. Songs featured: Brimheim - “Fell T...
Apr 15, 2024•35 min•Ep. 1
Introducing KEXP’s newest music discovery podcast. In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. We learn stories and insights about the artists, make connections between the music and the world around us, and get to know the diverse roster of DJs that make up the KEXP airwaves. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery. Our first episode launches Monday April 15 with the legen...
Apr 13, 2024•1 min
Before introducing you to 2024's most downloaded Song of the Day, Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili share an exciting update about what's to come on this feed on Monday, April 15. Song of the Day has brought listeners full song downloads every weekday for nearly 20 years – that's close to 5,000 songs! We appreciate you being along for the ride, and we hope you'll stick with us as we evolve the series to bring you more of what KEXP does best: music discovery with a human touch. Next week, this fe...
Apr 12, 2024•11 min•Ep. 4729
On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Isabel Khalili brings us back to 2023 with ODESZA & Yellow House's "Heavier." Read more about the track on KEXP.org . Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 11, 2024•6 min•Ep. 4728
On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Janice Headley brings us back to 2022 with Samora Pinderhughes' “Masculinity (feat. Immanuel Wilkins)”. Read more about the track on KEXP.org . Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 10, 2024•7 min•Ep. 4727
On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Isabel Khalili brings us back to 2021 with Bizarrap, Duki & Nicki Nicole's "YaMeFui" chosen by Albina Cabrera and DJ Chilly. Read more about the track on KEXP.org . Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 09, 2024•5 min•Ep. 4726
On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Janice Headley brings us back to 2020 with Chicano Batman's "I Know It," chosen by Kevin Cole. Read more about the track on KEXP.org . Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 08, 2024•3 min•Ep. 4725
On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Isabel Khalili brings us back to 2019 with Hezza Fezza's "Like Prince," chosen by Kevin Cole. Read more about the track on KEXP.org . Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 05, 2024•5 min•Ep. 4724
On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Janice Headley brings us back to 2018 with Among Author's "Lure," chosen by Kevin Cole. Read more about the track on KEXP.org . Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 04, 2024•10 min•Ep. 4723
On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Isabel Khalili brings us back to 2017 with Nilüfer Yanya's "Baby Luv," selected by Kevin Cole. Read more about the track on KEXP.org . Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 03, 2024•5 min•Ep. 4722
On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Janice Headley brings us back to 2016 with Morgan Delt's "Some Sunsick Day," chosen by John Richards. Read more about the track on KEXP.org . Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 02, 2024•6 min•Ep. 4721
