Kexp Live Performances Podcast

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 about the spirit of giving, being a part of Sub Pop’s creative community and the iconic Preservation Hall. Recorded 11/18/2019.  Convergence Malecon Keep Your Head Up Sugar Plum Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Musicales broadcast. Recorded 12/05/2019. Vodou Ale Ogou Bwe Neg Ginen Negriye Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and Kristin's corgi. Recorded 10/29/2019. Human Dopamine Sampaguita Human Highlight Reel Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 prolific writing style, her growing popularity and getting star-struck. Recorded 10/30/2019. So Blue Windows A Joke Rings (On A Tree) Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Back Seat Two Weeks Cry Like A Boy Don't Call The Cops. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Airwaves broadcast, Ulven plays six songs and brings the crowd to laughter between each. Recorded 11/08/2019. we fell in love in october summer depression bad idea! watch you sleep. girls i wanna be your girlfriend. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 six songs and tells the audience about the unexpected inspiration for his music, experimenting with sound and more. Recorded 11/07/2019. Absent Minded Bára Cyclist Waltz Lóa (variation) Staircase Sonata Filma Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 songs - Arms, Waterphone, Leaf Mask, Wolf Boy.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, the deeply personal album name, the themes of race and sexuality in her music and touring with her idol. Recorded 11/18/2019. 4 songs - Stay High, Georgia, He Loves Me, Presence.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 - Jubilee, Raggy Levy, The River St. John's, Have You Ever Seen Peaches Growing on a Sweet Potato Vine?Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 breaks to explain her inspiration and intended impact. Recorded 11/06/2019. 6 songs - Waiting For Me, Her, Top Knot Turn Up, Young Indian, Yellow Sea, Bad Habits.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 necessity and breaking away from Congolese musical traditions. Recorded 10/12/2019. 4 songs - Likolo, Tongos'a, Malembe, Azo Toke.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ORUÃ brings their own brand of jazz-infused, fuzzed-out psychedelia to the KEXP Live Room. Playing mostly songs from their 2019 album, 'Romã,’ the three-piece band also speaks with Cheryl Waters about their connection with Built To Spill, the arts community in Rio de Janeiro and their many side projects. Recorded 03/27/2019. 5 songs - Volte Consciente, Malquerências, Domador, Vitin, Ilhas De Força.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On her debut LP, 'Keepsake,' Australian artist Harriette Pilbeam, or Hatchie, delivers the electro-pop nostalgia the record's title promises. She and her band join DJ Evie in the KEXP Live Room to perform four songs and discuss influences, selling out shows and writing songs in her pajamas. Recorded 09/29/2019. 4 songs - Her Own Heart, Kiss The Stars, Obsessed, Stay With Me.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded 04/02/2019. 4 songs - Crosses, Heartbeats, The Forest, Leaf Off / The Cave.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded 09/27/2019. 4 songs - Weyu Lárigi Weyu (Day By Day), Banda, Gudemei (Poverty), Mongulu.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oh Sees frontman John Dwyer is known for his relentless experimentation across genres, encompassing krautrock, punk, thrash metal, no-wave, and psychedelic. The band is also prolific, with this year's 'Face Stabber' putting them at a staggering twenty-two studio albums. Hosted by Troy Nelson, the band performs three sprawling tracks from 'Face Stabber' as well as two from earlier releases, and discuss Toby Keith, mosh pits, and how Dwyer came across the album's cover art. Recorded 10/05/2019. 5 songs - Nite Expo, C, Snickersnee, Together Tomorrow, Henchlock.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The eponymous debut record from Austin-based Black Pumas has been a KEXP favorite since its summer release. The uniquely raw and soulful delivery of singer Eric Burton paired with producer Adrian Quesada's instrumentals, which nod to 70s soul and 90s hip hop, give them a sound that's simultaneously nostalgic and of the future. DJ Cheryl Waters chats with the duo about how they formed the project, what messages they want to convey through their music, Burton's nomadic past and bringing their distinctive spirit to live shows. Recorded 10/18/2019. 4 songs - Black Moon Rising, Fire, Colors, OCT 33.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On their sophomore LP, ‘Cry,’ Cigarettes After Sex continues delicately crafting a world that’s moody, atmospheric and cinematic. Frontman Greg Gonzalez says the sound is owed in part to the recording of the album in a remote part of the Spanish island Mallorca. DJ Morgan hosts the band in the KEXP Live Room for a performance of four songs and a discussion about recording in exotic locations and how movies have affected their songwriting. Recorded 09/28/2019. 4 songs - Don't Let Me Go, Kiss It Off Me, Heavenly, Falling In Love.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.