Kexp Live Performances Podcast

On the show this time, it’s the avant-garde sitar of Anoushka Shankar.  Anoushka Shankar is a master musician, as well as being a composer and producer. She studied with her famous father - Ravi Shankar - who had a smaller instrument made for his 7 year old daughter.  She made her professional debut at thirteen, and over the years she has reinvented sitar music, playing with musicians from various genres, cultures and geographies, looking for new situations and contexts to use its inimitable voice.  As she puts it, she “de-exotified” the Sitar.  Flamenco, hip hop, jazz, and cinematic scores are all fair game.  Her latest record, the first of a trilogy is called “Chapter 1: FOREVER, FOR NOW.” Featuring production and collaboration from Arooj Aftab and Nils Frahm.  It is available through Leiter, and on streaming services. Recorded October 17th, 2023 Boat To Nowhere Secret Heart Dancing In Madness Stolen Moments  Watch the full Live on KEXP performance on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateS

On the show this time, it’s the avant-garde sitar of Anoushka Shankar.  Anoushka Shankar is a master musician, as well as being a composer and producer. She studied with her famous father - Ravi Shankar - who had a smaller instrument made for his 7 year old daughter.  She made her professional debut at thirteen, and over the years she has reinvented sitar music, playing with musicians from various genres, cultures and geographies, looking for new situations and contexts to use its inimitable voice.  As she puts it, she “de-exotified” the Sitar.  Flamenco, hip hop, jazz, and cinematic scores are all fair game.  Her latest record, the first of a trilogy is called “Chapter 1: FOREVER, FOR NOW.” Featuring production and collaboration from Arooj Aftab and Nils Frahm.  It is available through Leiter, and on streaming services. Recorded October 17th, 2023 Boat To Nowhere Secret Heart Dancing In Madness Stolen Moments  Watch the full Live on KEXP performance on YouTube.  Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donat

On the show this time, dance your butt right off with London producers Jungle. British dance-music producer-musicians Jungle have figured out the recipe. They’ve been making hook-laden rump-shakers since before their oddly titled full length debut - 'Jungle.' Technically they’ve been doing it since forever - they’ve been friends since they were little kids. Massive grooves like “Busy Earnin',” “Casio,” and “Keep Moving” set the standard. They’ve got placements in TV, film, and video games, so you’ve probably heard Jungle even if you didn’t know it. Also, their videos have some of the best dancing you’ll ever see, thanks in part to the ongoing collaboration with the KZ Creatives collective. Their latest record 'Volcano' is available on Caiola Records. Recorded 09/15/2023. Dominoes The Heat Back on 74 Coming Back Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, dance your butt right off with London producers Jungle. British dance-music producer-musicians Jungle have figured out the recipe. They’ve been making hook-laden rump-shakers since before their oddly titled full length debut - 'Jungle.' Technically they’ve been doing it since forever - they’ve been friends since they were little kids. Massive grooves like “Busy Earnin',” “Casio,” and “Keep Moving” set the standard. They’ve got placements in TV, film, and video games, so you’ve probably heard Jungle even if you didn’t know it. Also, their videos have some of the best dancing you’ll ever see, thanks in part to the ongoing collaboration with the KZ Creatives collective. Their latest record 'Volcano' is available on Caiola Records. Recorded 09/15/2023. Dominoes The Heat Back on 74 Coming Back Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, dance, chant, and fight back with Scottish band Young Fathers. Young Fathers are pop, grimy electronica, organic percussion, and Afro-Scottish indie. They rap. They chant. They sing. They do what they want. They've been making music together since they were teens, back in 2008. Their latest record - the Scottish Album of the Year for 2023 - is called 'Heavy Heavy' and is available on Ninja Tune Records. Recorded 09/27/2023. I Saw Drum Geronimo Rice Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, dance, chant, and fight back with Scottish band Young Fathers. Young Fathers are pop, grimy electronica, organic percussion, and Afro-Scottish indie. They rap. They chant. They sing. They do what they want. They've been making music together since they were teens, back in 2008. Their latest record - the Scottish Album of the Year for 2023 - is called 'Heavy Heavy' and is available on Ninja Tune Records. Recorded 09/27/2023. I Saw Drum Geronimo Rice Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the meticulous indie-folk songwriting of Gregory Alan Isakov. Gregory Alan Isakov is a singer-songwriter sure. But he’s also a farmer. His market farm in Boulder, Colorado provides produce to around a hundred CSA members, a couple of chefs, and a food bank. The man is really into growing the perfect lettuce mix. That’s why it’s rare to find him on tour in the summer. But - when you have a new full length album, five years in the making, it’s time to dust off the old road boots and get out there. It’s called 'Appaloosa Bones' and is available on Dualtone Records and through his own label Suitcase Town Music. Recorded 08/21/2023. The Fall Before The Sun Miles To Go Watchman Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the meticulous indie-folk songwriting of Gregory Alan Isakov. Gregory Alan Isakov is a singer-songwriter sure. But he’s also a farmer. His market farm in Boulder, Colorado provides produce to around a hundred CSA members, a couple of chefs, and a food bank. The man is really into growing the perfect lettuce mix. That’s why it’s rare to find him on tour in the summer. But - when you have a new full length album, five years in the making, it’s time to dust off the old road boots and get out there. It’s called 'Appaloosa Bones' and is available on Dualtone Records and through his own label Suitcase Town Music. Recorded 08/21/2023. The Fall Before The Sun Miles To Go Watchman Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s doom, data, and reverberation appreciation with Frankie and The Witch Fingers. Frankie and The Witch Fingers returned to KEXP’s studios in support of their 7th studio record. It’s been an 11-year run already for the Bloomington, Indiana band, now based solidly in the thriving Los Angeles psych-rock scene. What started as a one-man-band - Dylan Sizemore on guitar, vocals, and stomping away on a kick drum - has evolved and adapted into a 6-piece prog/post-punk juggernaut - now featuring Nikki “Pickle” Smith from Death Valley Girls and Nick Aguilar, previous touring drummer for Mike Watt of the legendary Minutemen. The new album is called 'Data Doom' and is available on Greenway Records. Recorded 08/31/2023. Empire Burn Me Down Mild Davis Futurephobic Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s doom, data, and reverberation appreciation with Frankie and The Witch Fingers. Frankie and The Witch Fingers returned to KEXP’s studios in support of their 7th studio record. It’s been an 11-year run already for the Bloomington, Indiana band, now based solidly in the thriving Los Angeles psych-rock scene. What started as a one-man-band - Dylan Sizemore on guitar, vocals, and stomping away on a kick drum - has evolved and adapted into a 6-piece prog/post-punk juggernaut - now featuring Nikki “Pickle” Smith from Death Valley Girls and Nick Aguilar, previous touring drummer for Mike Watt of the legendary Minutemen. The new album is called 'Data Doom' and is available on Greenway Records. Recorded 08/31/2023. Empire Burn Me Down Mild Davis Futurephobic Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When your family name is synonymous with afrobeat activism, what do you do? For Femi and Made Kuti, the only option is to continue the Legacy, of course. On this episode of Live on KEXP, the father/son duo carry on what Fela Kuti started in the ‘70s - the dissemination of not just sharp political criticism but also immense joy through music. Recorded 05/11/2021. Pà Pá Pà (Femi Kuti) Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am (Made Kuti) Stop The Hate (Femi Kuti) Free Your Mind (Made Kuti) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When your family name is synonymous with afrobeat activism, what do you do? For Femi and Made Kuti, the only option is to continue the Legacy, of course. On this episode of Live on KEXP, the father/son duo carry on what Fela Kuti started in the ‘70s - the dissemination of not just sharp political criticism but also immense joy through music. Recorded 05/11/2021. Pà Pá Pà (Femi Kuti) Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am (Made Kuti) Stop The Hate (Femi Kuti) Free Your Mind (Made Kuti) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the cinematic piano and electronics of Hania Rani. The Polish pianist’s latest album, 'On Giacometti,' is out February 2023 on Gondwana Records.  She continues to expand on her film score ambient classical atmospherics, using electronics and her clear wistful voice. In this episode, we touch on Rani's origin story and influences and then get right to the music as these works are a bit longer. This performance features 3 previously unreleased pieces, and one - “Buka” - from her 2020 release, 'Home.' Recorded 07/09/2022. 24.03 Ghosts Komeda Part 3 Buka Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the cinematic piano and electronics of Hania Rani. The Polish pianist’s latest album, 'On Giacometti,' is out February 2023 on Gondwana Records.  She continues to expand on her film score ambient classical atmospherics, using electronics and her clear wistful voice. In this episode, we touch on Rani's origin story and influences and then get right to the music as these works are a bit longer. This performance features 3 previously unreleased pieces, and one - “Buka” - from her 2020 release, 'Home.' Recorded 07/09/2022. 24.03 Ghosts Komeda Part 3 Buka Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the detail driven divinations of The Mountain Goats. The Mountain Goats are a definitive independent band. John Darnielle has been releasing music under that name since 1991. He started out taping straight onto cassette, with a boombox, and over the years has returned to that medium - lo-fi for sure, but oddly high in emotional fidelity. He’s also worked with engineers - in particular with Tiny Telephone’s John Vanderslice, and is now equally comfortable with full-studio productions. The band has changed over the years too, but at the moment is a wonderfully cohesive group - Peter Hughes on bass, Matt Douglas on sax/keys and 2nd guitar, and rockin’ Jon Wurster on drums. His latest is “Jenny From Thebes” - his 22nd full length album, and it’s available on Merge Records. Recorded 08/08/2023. Make You Suffer The Slow Parts on Death Metal Albums Clean Slate Hostages Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener

On the show this time, it’s the detail driven divinations of The Mountain Goats. The Mountain Goats are a definitive independent band. John Darnielle has been releasing music under that name since 1991. He started out taping straight onto cassette, with a boombox, and over the years has returned to that medium - lo-fi for sure, but oddly high in emotional fidelity. He’s also worked with engineers - in particular with Tiny Telephone’s John Vanderslice, and is now equally comfortable with full-studio productions. The band has changed over the years too, but at the moment is a wonderfully cohesive group - Peter Hughes on bass, Matt Douglas on sax/keys and 2nd guitar, and rockin’ Jon Wurster on drums. His latest is “Jenny From Thebes” - his 22nd full length album, and it’s available on Merge Records. Recorded 08/08/2023. Make You Suffer The Slow Parts on Death Metal Albums Clean Slate Hostages Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener

On the show this time, it’s the powerful 60’s and 70’s influenced instrumentals of the mighty Budos Band. The Budos Band is now on their 9th release - 6 albums and 3 EP’s - and they are also now on their own label - Diamond West. They were already recording on their own, in their own studio, and they were living a bi-coastal existence with some members in California. So, it really is an organic move, amicably splitting from their origin story label Daptone Records to do their own thing. Continuing their run of epic-sounding cinematic instrumental dramas, their first release on this imprint is the EP 'Frontier’s Edge.' Recorded 08/25/2023. Frontier’s Edge Crescent Blade Long in the Tooth Gun Metal Grey Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the powerful 60’s and 70’s influenced instrumentals of the mighty Budos Band. The Budos Band is now on their 9th release - 6 albums and 3 EP’s - and they are also now on their own label - Diamond West. They were already recording on their own, in their own studio, and they were living a bi-coastal existence with some members in California. So, it really is an organic move, amicably splitting from their origin story label Daptone Records to do their own thing. Continuing their run of epic-sounding cinematic instrumental dramas, their first release on this imprint is the EP 'Frontier’s Edge.' Recorded 08/25/2023. Frontier’s Edge Crescent Blade Long in the Tooth Gun Metal Grey Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the experiment-Americana of Boise, Idaho’s Trevor Powers and his band Youth Lagoon. Youth Lagoon returns, renewed and refreshed to the studio and to the road. After the project's debut in 2011, and the following 2 albums, songwriter Trevor Powers announced the end of the band after only 5 years, in 2016. He needed to move on, and released two albums under his own name. Never say never though - after surviving some severe unexpected health problems in 2021 Trevor found himself reconnecting with the parts of himself, he had left behind. Self-acceptance and love brought a new perspective, and he resurrected Youth Lagoon with the release of the latest album 'Heaven Is A Junkyard,' available on Fat Possum Records. Recorded 07/13/2023. Rabbit Prizefighter Deep Red Sea Idaho Alien Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the experiment-Americana of Boise, Idaho’s Trevor Powers and his band Youth Lagoon. Youth Lagoon returns, renewed and refreshed to the studio and to the road. After the project's debut in 2011, and the following 2 albums, songwriter Trevor Powers announced the end of the band after only 5 years, in 2016. He needed to move on, and released two albums under his own name. Never say never though - after surviving some severe unexpected health problems in 2021 Trevor found himself reconnecting with the parts of himself, he had left behind. Self-acceptance and love brought a new perspective, and he resurrected Youth Lagoon with the release of the latest album 'Heaven Is A Junkyard,' available on Fat Possum Records. Recorded 07/13/2023. Rabbit Prizefighter Deep Red Sea Idaho Alien Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.