Albina Cabrera returns to the podcast for a very ”roquera” episode, spotlighting four new tracks from Argentina and Spain with elements of shoegaze, psychedelic, and punk, partly inspired by her recent travels. She also shares the 2020 song she keeps coming back to from the riot grrrls of Madrid. And Music Director Chris Sanley talks about the moving tribute that Sade Adu wrote for her son (her first new music in six years) as part of TRAИƧA, the 8-part compilation record celebrating trans artis...
Dec 09, 2024•32 min•Ep. 33
In this episode, we make space for calm with a selection of new ambient tracks curated by KEXP DJs and editorial staff. We hear from Alex Ruder, host of the ambient and neo-classical show, Pacific Notions, about where his interest in ambient music began and the first song he ever played on his show. Then, we get recommendations that play with heavy distortion, post-rock, jazz, and field recordings. Songs featured: Helios - “First Dream Called Ocean” (Alex Ruder’s foundational ambient pick) KMRU ...
Dec 02, 2024•29 min•Ep. 32
Darek Mazzone – KEXP’s longtime host of Wo’Pop, our Modern Global music show – takes us on a melodic journey from Cyprus to Lebanon to his homeland of Poland on today’s episode, concluding with a track that transcends all language for him. And Music Director Chris Sanley shares a haunting, hypnotic, moody song from a Danish-Chilean composer, collaborating with a Copenhagen-based artist. Songs featured: SANAM - “Ya Nass” Warsaw Village Band - “Kalinowy Mostek/Bridge of Wayfarer Tree” Buzz' Ayaz -...
Nov 25, 2024•33 min•Ep. 31
This week, we welcome Troy Nelson, Variety Mix DJ and host of the KEXP podcast, Live on KEXP . Not only does Troy share some recent faves with a ‘90s vibe, but stories of casino concerts, a childhood best friend turned Grammy-nominated producer, and discovering a post-punk gem behind a “one-hit wonder.” Our Music Director Chris Sanley closes things out with a magical, mystical track from two Annas that’s sure to transport you. Songs featured: Freak Slug - "Spells" Cults - “Crybaby" Casino Hearts...
Nov 18, 2024•34 min•Ep. 30
In this episode, we hear from KEXP’s queen of psychedelia and host of Astral Plane, DJ Jewel. She shares the mellow yet mind-bending tracks that have been easing her into shorter and darker days. She also talks with Isabel about the way psych music bends time, how you can find ego death in a good jam session, and the krautrock roots of much of the psychedelia that’s popular today. Music Director Chris Sanley then shares a song that’s been bringing her a sense of calm amidst chaos. Songs featured...
Nov 11, 2024•28 min•Ep. 29
Variety Mix DJ Sean brings a dreamy, synth-heavy vibe to the show with his song choices, including a nod to an influential Krautrock guitarist and a salute to an ‘80s Scottish new wave duo who helped set the standard for his picks. And Associate Music Director Alex Ruder spotlights the latest from a long-running Detroit-based artist/producer/composer whose latest LP is a showcase of masterful collaborations. Songs featured: James K - “Blinkmoth (July Mix)” Alex Kassian - “A Reference to E2-E4 by...
Nov 04, 2024•27 min•Ep. 28
To kick off this late October episode, Atticus brings us into the spirit of his favorite holiday with a Chelsea Wolfe track remixed by Boy Harsher - a perfect goth/dark wave pairing for Halloween. He also shares some dizzying psych-pop, his favorite lines from a singer-songwriter with “goofy and smart” lyricism, and the story of how he first discovered The Cramps’ Halloween classic. Atticus hosts a Variety Mix every Friday morning (aka late Thursday night) from 1-5am and will be doing a Hallowee...
Oct 28, 2024•29 min•Ep. 27
In Our Headphones will be back next week with song recommendations from Atticus. But this week, we'd like to share another KEXP podcast: A Deeper Listen. It’s hosted by Emily Fox and every week it features a conversation with an artist bringing you deeper into their music. After hearing about their inspirations and the experiences that inform their work, you’ll find yourself hearing their music in a whole new way. On this episode, Emily talks with Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff about...
Oct 21, 2024•30 min
For this episode, we welcome back Kevin Sur (Kānaka Maoli) and Tory J (Quinault), hosts of KEXP’s global Indigenous music show. They share the origins of their show name, Sounds of Survivance, and how the notion of survivance relates to the music they play and informs a way of being. They bring a mix of new releases from Indigenous artists pushing the boundaries of sound, from experimental electronic to soul to hardcore, then share a lesser known track from the 70s group that brought the hit “Co...
Oct 14, 2024•33 min•Ep. 26
Ahead of the 36th Annual Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle, we chat with John Gilbreath, long-time host of KEXP’s Jazz Theatre . He spotlights a few of the artists playing – offering everything from an R&B-infused song to a meditative flute-led track – and closes out his set with a classic from the great “Ambassador of Jazz” and the story of how he fell in love with radio. The Earshot Jazz Festival runs from October 17th through November 3rd in various venues throughout Seattle. Our Associate...
Oct 07, 2024•25 min•Ep. 25
This week, we meet Kelley Stoltz, one of KEXP’s newest DJs as the co-host of Vinelands, our Bay Area local music show broadcasting there on 92.7 FM. Kelley shares an ode to summer camp, an intended TV theme song from an alt-rock legend, a track he himself plays sitar on (an In Our Headphones first!), and the band who made his young rock star dreams come true. Our Music Director Chris Sanley closes out the show with a fantastic psych-pop song that takes you on an aural trip around the world. Anna...
Sep 30, 2024•30 min•Ep. 24
For this episode, we welcome one of KEXP's newest DJs, Gabriel Lopez. Gabriel is the co-host of the weekly show Vinelands, which launched in August as part of KEXP's new Bay Area broadcast (92.7 FM), and spotlights music from the surrounding scenes. He talks about what's been exciting him about music from the Bay Area, then shares a dreamy and joyful ambient track from Oakland in the 90s that was recently rediscovered. He also recommends a track that bring West Asian folk into the club, talks ab...
Sep 23, 2024•29 min•Ep. 23
As KEXP kicks off Aqui y Ahora – our special programming for Latinx Heritage Month – we welcome Albina Cabrera back to the podcast to talk about the kick-off day's on-air programming, as well as KEXP’s Mexico City broadcast, taking place in October. We spotlight four of the bands playing the El Sonido Live event on October 19 at Foro Indie Rocks, covering everything from shoegaze to Indigenous punk. Plus, our Music Director Chris Sanley helps us celebrate Aqui y Ahora with one of the most upbeat...
Sep 16, 2024•22 min•Ep. 22
Riz Rollins, also known as DJ Riz, recently celebrated 35 years at KEXP. He hosts Drive Time every Monday from 4-7pm Pacific Time and is one of the rotating hosts on Expansions, the Sunday night mix show originally inspired by trip-hop and acid jazz. His sets incorporate jazz, rock, hip-hop, funk, and everything in between, always with soul. To celebrate Riz's 35-year milestone, we get two extra song recommendations in this episode! Isabel joins Riz at his house to discuss 4 new songs and 2 old ...
Sep 09, 2024•31 min•Ep. 21
Lace Cadence is the host of KEXP’s “The Continent,” which showcases the many of genres and styles across Africa, from AfroBeats to Amapiano, Soukous to Mbalax. In this episode, Lace joins Janice to share two tracks – covering the spectrum of African house music, from a classic-style jam to Amapiano. (Plus, throws a curveball in the middle, with a nod to his ‘90s Seattle roots!) And speaking of “‘90s Seattle,” KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares the latest single from local trio Black Ends, w...
Sep 02, 2024•22 min•Ep. 20
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
