Chicago’s KAINA makes dreamy indie R&B songs that serve as affirmations of joy for the Guatamalen-Venezuelan artist. She released her impressive sophomore record It Was a Home back in March, featuring collaborations with Helado Negro, Sleater-Kinney, and Sen Morimoto. She stopped by KEXP over the summer to play a gorgeous set of songs off the record and spoke with Gabriel Teodros about coming up in Chicago’s youth music programs, the role family plays in her new record, and building a home. ...
Jun 27, 2023•26 min
Chicago’s KAINA makes dreamy indie R&B songs that serve as affirmations of joy for the Guatamalen-Venezuelan artist. She released her impressive sophomore record It Was a Home back in March, featuring collaborations with Helado Negro, Sleater-Kinney, and Sen Morimoto. She stopped by KEXP over the summer to play a gorgeous set of songs off the record and spoke with Gabriel Teodros about coming up in Chicago’s youth music programs, the role family plays in her new record, and building a home. ...
Jun 27, 2023•24 min
On the show this time, it's the avant songwriting of cellist Mabe Fratti. Mabe Fratti is a composer and cellist, born in Guatemala and now living in Mexico City. She is a rare bird - a cello player who also sings, who actually sings while playing the cello. Her music is harmonically complex, rhythmically intrepid, and doesn’t shy away from dissonance. Against this backdrop she creates out of the ordinary melody - often surprisingly catchy. She creates honestly, and - very closely with her chosen...
Jun 20, 2023•30 min
On the show this time, it's the avant songwriting of cellist Mabe Fratti. Mabe Fratti is a composer and cellist, born in Guatemala and now living in Mexico City. She is a rare bird - a cello player who also sings, who actually sings while playing the cello. Her music is harmonically complex, rhythmically intrepid, and doesn’t shy away from dissonance. Against this backdrop she creates out of the ordinary melody - often surprisingly catchy. She creates honestly, and - very closely with her chosen...
Jun 20, 2023•38 min
On the show this time, it’s the irreverent satire of Sweden's Viagra Boys. Viagra Boys lead with provocation. (Like if the name “Viagra Boys” doesn’t tip you off, we don’t know what to tell you.) They understand that in times when the patriarchal and fascist elements of society rise, it's essential that someone, something, somewhere - rises in opposition. To critique. To mock. They use exaggerated characters that say outrageous things about the ridiculous and absurd things occurring in this time...
Jun 13, 2023•22 min
On the show this time, it’s the irreverent satire of Sweden's Viagra Boys. Viagra Boys lead with provocation. (Like if the name “Viagra Boys” doesn’t tip you off, we don’t know what to tell you.) They understand that in times when the patriarchal and fascist elements of society rise, it's essential that someone, something, somewhere - rises in opposition. To critique. To mock. They use exaggerated characters that say outrageous things about the ridiculous and absurd things occurring in this time...
Jun 13, 2023•25 min
On the show this time, it’s the classic reggae sounds of Seattle legend Clinton Fearon. Clinton Fearon is the real deal, an all-killer no-filler Jamaican reggae legend. He built his first guitar himself, at the age of 10, out of a single slab of wood, after seeing a life changing show - the Skatalites live in Kingston. He’s been living in Seattle part time since the late 80’s. He released an EP with his group The Defenders in 1989. Since then, with the Boogie Brown Band and as a solo artist, he’...
Jun 06, 2023•29 min
On the show this time, it’s the classic reggae sounds of Seattle legend Clinton Fearon. Clinton Fearon is the real deal, an all-killer no-filler Jamaican reggae legend. He built his first guitar himself, at the age of 10, out of a single slab of wood, after seeing a life changing show - the Skatalites live in Kingston. He’s been living in Seattle part time since the late 80’s. He released an EP with his group The Defenders in 1989. Since then, with the Boogie Brown Band and as a solo artist, he’...
Jun 06, 2023•27 min
On the show this time, it's the Bossa Nova electro pop of Sofi Tukker. Sofi Tukker is a duo - Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern. They met at an event - he was DJing, she was singing Bossa Nova. Tucker asked if he could remix a song, and they’ve been working together ever since. While they were both attending Brown, Tucker did a DJ set opening for the electro-funk-disco duo The Knocks. They encouraged him and Sophie to move to New York to make music. Good move. Their very first EP 'Soft Anima...
May 30, 2023•32 min
On the show this time, it's the Bossa Nova electro pop of Sofi Tukker. Sofi Tukker is a duo - Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern. They met at an event - he was DJing, she was singing Bossa Nova. Tucker asked if he could remix a song, and they’ve been working together ever since. While they were both attending Brown, Tucker did a DJ set opening for the electro-funk-disco duo The Knocks. They encouraged him and Sophie to move to New York to make music. Good move. Their very first EP 'Soft Anima...
May 30, 2023•25 min
On the show this time it’s the Congolese-Canadian electro-pop of Pierre Kwenders Pierre Kwenders was born in 1985 in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In his teens he emigrated to Canada with his mother. Despite a love for music, It wasn’t until he was coerced into auditioning for a church choir that he really started singing, but once he did, it was apparent to everyone that he should KEEP SINGING. His latest album “José Louis And The Paradox Of Love” (which features the choir he st...
May 23, 2023•21 min
On the show this time it’s the Congolese-Canadian electro-pop of Pierre Kwenders Pierre Kwenders was born in 1985 in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In his teens he emigrated to Canada with his mother. Despite a love for music, It wasn’t until he was coerced into auditioning for a church choir that he really started singing, but once he did, it was apparent to everyone that he should KEEP SINGING. His latest album “José Louis And The Paradox Of Love” (which features the choir he st...
May 23, 2023•25 min
On the show this time it’s the Anatolian folk-psych of Satellites. Satellites describe themselves thus - “Lost somewhere between the mysterious alleys of 70s Istanbul, and the scorching sun and crystal blue sea of Jaffa Tel Aviv, the Şatellites’ sound shimmers between traditional Turkish folk and instrumentation, ethereal psychedelic guitar leads and groovy dance-floor basslines. The resulting concoction of songs draws on cross-continental influence, yet at its core is a desire to illuminate the...
May 16, 2023•30 min
On the show this time it’s the Anatolian folk-psych of Satellites. Satellites describe themselves thus - “Lost somewhere between the mysterious alleys of 70s Istanbul, and the scorching sun and crystal blue sea of Jaffa Tel Aviv, the Şatellites’ sound shimmers between traditional Turkish folk and instrumentation, ethereal psychedelic guitar leads and groovy dance-floor basslines. The resulting concoction of songs draws on cross-continental influence, yet at its core is a desire to illuminate the...
May 16, 2023•28 min
On the show this time, it’s the hypnotic rhythms and interlaced guitars of veteran New York rockers Luna. Luna is one of those bands that just sound right when you drop the needle on the record. They’ve been doing it for a long time. The band was started by Dean Wareham in 1991, after he quit the influential alt rock band Galaxie 500. There were a few lineup changes, and some life changes before it settled into the current lineup in 2000 - Dean, bassist Britta Philips, drummer Lee Wall and guita...
May 09, 2023•30 min
On the show this time, it’s the hypnotic rhythms and interlaced guitars of veteran New York rockers Luna. Luna is one of those bands that just sound right when you drop the needle on the record. They’ve been doing it for a long time. The band was started by Dean Wareham in 1991, after he quit the influential alt rock band Galaxie 500. There were a few lineup changes, and some life changes before it settled into the current lineup in 2000 - Dean, bassist Britta Philips, drummer Lee Wall and guita...
May 09, 2023•26 min
On the show this time, it’s the hook-laden sparkle-pop of Paris / Seattle songwriter - Hibou. Hibou is the solo project of songwriter and producer Peter Michel. Hibou means an owl. A french owl. Hoo la LA! Peter lives in Paris where all the owls are French. He recorded and produced, playing all the instruments but the drums. That job was taken by Tacoma producer/ drummer Jase Ihler who also plays with Iska Daaf and YaTseen. The sound is influenced by the 80s, shoegaze, and good songwriters regar...
May 02, 2023•24 min
On the show this time, it’s the hook-laden sparkle-pop of Paris / Seattle songwriter - Hibou. Hibou is the solo project of songwriter and producer Peter Michel. Hibou means an owl. A french owl. Hoo la LA! Peter lives in Paris where all the owls are French. He recorded and produced, playing all the instruments but the drums. That job was taken by Tacoma producer/ drummer Jase Ihler who also plays with Iska Daaf and YaTseen. The sound is influenced by the 80s, shoegaze, and good songwriters regar...
May 02, 2023•25 min
On the show this time, it’s the Bond-theme worthy torch-songs of vocalist nonpareil - Danielle Ponder. Danielle Ponder blends her love of the blues, East Coast hip-hop, and 90s alternative rock with her gospel-ready voice. The music she makes is fresh and contemporary, even as her voice can only be described correctly as timeless. She sings to souls, she sings to spines, she activates humanity and humanizes activism. She's also a lawyer. Her full length, 'Some of Us Are Brave,' is available on B...
Apr 25, 2023•25 min
On the show this time, it’s the Bond-theme worthy torch-songs of vocalist nonpareil - Danielle Ponder. Danielle Ponder blends her love of the blues, East Coast hip-hop, and 90s alternative rock with her gospel-ready voice. The music she makes is fresh and contemporary, even as her voice can only be described correctly as timeless. She sings to souls, she sings to spines, she activates humanity and humanizes activism. She's also a lawyer. Her full length, 'Some of Us Are Brave,' is available on B...
Apr 25, 2023•18 min
On the show this time, it’s the dual drummer groove-tronica of French band Meule. Meule is an atypical power-trio. Instead of the standard drums, bass, guitar - they went with drums, drums, guitar. The two drummers face each other across the stage, and actually share a single kick-drum. The guitar player facing down-stage looks over the top of the two sets. But - very important - there is also a massive modular synth, looming behind and operated by the guitar player. It’s big enough and interest...
Apr 18, 2023•27 min
On the show this time, it’s the dual drummer groove-tronica of French band Meule. Meule is an atypical power-trio. Instead of the standard drums, bass, guitar - they went with drums, drums, guitar. The two drummers face each other across the stage, and actually share a single kick-drum. The guitar player facing down-stage looks over the top of the two sets. But - very important - there is also a massive modular synth, looming behind and operated by the guitar player. It’s big enough and interest...
Apr 18, 2023•22 min
On the show this time, it’s the Estonian zither songs of Duo Ruut. Duo Ruut is the stunning musical project of Estonian musicians and songwriters, Ann-Lisett Rebane and Katariina Kivi. They play a large Kannel, an Estonian Zither, while singing in harmony. They draw from Baltic traditions, but in reality they are creating a completely new sound. They have released an album - 2019’s 'Tuule sõnad,' and the EP 'Kulla kerguseks' available on Bandcamp or through their own website. Recorded 12/07/2022...
Apr 11, 2023•26 min
On the show this time, it’s the Estonian zither songs of Duo Ruut. Duo Ruut is the stunning musical project of Estonian musicians and songwriters, Ann-Lisett Rebane and Katariina Kivi. They play a large Kannel, an Estonian Zither, while singing in harmony. They draw from Baltic traditions, but in reality they are creating a completely new sound. They have released an album - 2019’s 'Tuule sõnad,' and the EP 'Kulla kerguseks' available on Bandcamp or through their own website. Recorded 12/07/2022...
Apr 11, 2023•21 min
beabadoobee is the stage name for Filipino-British artist Beatrice Laus. Her latest album 'Beatopia' is available on the independent label Dirty Hit. The music is unabashedly pop, with most songs clocking in from 2 ½ to 3 ½ minutes. She grabs your attention, hits you with the hooks, and moves on. Her light, airy delivery compliments first person lyrics about love, breakups, and magical matters of the heart. Recorded 11/21/2022. 10:36 Talk Don’t Get The Deal The Perfect Pair Watch the full Live o...
Apr 04, 2023•20 min
beabadoobee is the stage name for Filipino-British artist Beatrice Laus. Her latest album 'Beatopia' is available on the independent label Dirty Hit. The music is unabashedly pop, with most songs clocking in from 2 ½ to 3 ½ minutes. She grabs your attention, hits you with the hooks, and moves on. Her light, airy delivery compliments first person lyrics about love, breakups, and magical matters of the heart. Recorded 11/21/2022. 10:36 Talk Don’t Get The Deal The Perfect Pair Watch the full Live o...
Apr 04, 2023•24 min
On the show this time — try saying this band’s name ten times fast. It’s a downright disco revival with… Say She She. Say She She is a seven-piece group based in Brooklyn, and it's led by three women with awesomely powerful vocals. Their album 'Prism,' which host Larry Mizell Jr called "one of the best debuts of the year," came out last year on Karma Chief Records. Recorded 11/17/2022. Fortune Teller Blow My Mind Forget Me Not NORMA Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show...
Mar 28, 2023•30 min
On the show this time — try saying this band’s name ten times fast. It’s a downright disco revival with… Say She She. Say She She is a seven-piece group based in Brooklyn, and it's led by three women with awesomely powerful vocals. Their album 'Prism,' which host Larry Mizell Jr called "one of the best debuts of the year," came out last year on Karma Chief Records. Recorded 11/17/2022. Fortune Teller Blow My Mind Forget Me Not NORMA Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show...
Mar 28, 2023•25 min
On the show this time, it’s the power and the drama of Hartford, Connecticut’s producer-composer, Xenia Rubinos. Her album 'Una Rosa' came out in 2021 on ANTI- Records and is much more than an audio experience. You can see it for yourself on our full Live on KEXP session on YouTube . Xenia joins DJ Albina Cabrera for this session. They discuss the choreography and performance aspects of the album, as well as how she tapped into her cultural heritage when composing. Recorded 11/04/2022. Ay Hombre...
Mar 21, 2023•27 min
On the show this time, it’s the power and the drama of Hartford, Connecticut’s producer-composer, Xenia Rubinos. Her album 'Una Rosa' came out in 2021 on ANTI- Records and is much more than an audio experience. You can see it for yourself on our full Live on KEXP session on YouTube . Xenia joins DJ Albina Cabrera for this session. They discuss the choreography and performance aspects of the album, as well as how she tapped into her cultural heritage when composing. Recorded 11/04/2022. Ay Hombre...
Mar 21, 2023•32 min
