KEXP

11/30/2021

New Music Reviews (11/29)

Start your week with our new music discovery roundup:

🔊 Absolutely by Dijon
🔊 Buds by Ovlov
🔊 Interblaktic by Muzi
🔊 Open Arms to Open Us by Ben LaMar Gay
🔊 Ancestras by PETRONA MARTINEZ
+ more

Each week, Music Director Don Yates (joined this week by DJ Alex) shares brief insights on new and upcoming releases for KEXP's rotation. These reviews help our DJs decide on what they want to play. See what we added this week below (and on our Charts page), including new releases from Dijon, Ovlov,...

11/29/2021

Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday! And our nonprofit music community depends on your participation. We're looking for 150 music lovers to join us as monthly donors – and if we reach this goal, we'll be able to unlock an additional $15,000 in challenge funds. If you’re already an Amplifier, you can participate by upping your monthly gift by any amount today. Thanks to Duvall Veterinary Hospital and a generous donor from New York for coming together to offer this challenge! Help us reach it today: https://bit.ly/3l5XDMG

Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday! And our nonprofit music community depends on your participation. We're looking for 150 music lovers to join us as monthly donors – and if we reach this goal, we'll be able to unlock an additional $15,000 in challenge funds. If you’re already an Amplifier, you can participate by upping your monthly gift by any amount today. Thanks to Duvall Veterinary Hospital and a generous donor from New York for coming together to offer this challenge! Help us reach it today: https://bit.ly/3l5XDMG

11/29/2021

KEXP's Song of the Day: "Blue" by Chris Carroll. The Seattle producer and singer-songwriter offers up a track "for all those we have lost during the pandemic, and to those we've become estranged from" in this music discovery pick from DJ John Richards, host of The Morning Show on KEXP. Listen: https://bit.ly/3xycBQv

KEXP's Song of the Day: "Blue" by Chris Carroll. The Seattle producer and singer-songwriter offers up a track "for all those we have lost during the pandemic, and to those we've become estranged from" in this music discovery pick from DJ John Richards, host of The Morning Show on KEXP. Listen: https://bit.ly/3xycBQv

11/26/2021

Waxahatchee's 'Saint Cloud' contemplates desire, change, and mortality through the sweeping tones of Katie Crutchfield's singular folk-rock. In this week's episode of Live on KEXP, the band present one of our favorite albums of 2020 in a live performance, now in podcast form. Listen: https://bit.ly/30PmPQ3

📸: Carlos Cruz

Waxahatchee's 'Saint Cloud' contemplates desire, change, and mortality through the sweeping tones of Katie Crutchfield's singular folk-rock. In this week's episode of Live on KEXP, the band present one of our favorite albums of 2020 in a live performance, now in podcast form. Listen: https://bit.ly/30PmPQ3

📸: Carlos Cruz

11/26/2021

Music Heals. These words have carried us through difficult times. Something else that has also sustained us in uncertain times? Amplifiers. In honor of #GivingTuesday on November 30, we'll thank you with a limited edition Music Heals enamel pin when you become a monthly donor or increase your monthly giving amount. Thank you for powering this music community together. Donate: https://bit.ly/3l5XDMG

Music Heals. These words have carried us through difficult times. Something else that has also sustained us in uncertain times? Amplifiers. In honor of #GivingTuesday on November 30, we'll thank you with a limited edition Music Heals enamel pin when you become a monthly donor or increase your monthly giving amount. Thank you for powering this music community together. Donate: https://bit.ly/3l5XDMG

11/25/2021

It's Thanksgiving! And it's time for Family Dinner. Are you having Alfredo? Or will you Live It Up with Whipped Cream & Other Delights? What album is soundtracking your feast tonight?

11/25/2021

KEXP's Song of the Day: "One More Night" by Ivy Sole feat. Topaz Jones. DJ Gabriel Teodros' music discovery pick is a new soulful single from Philadelphia's Ivy Sole and New Jersey's Topaz Jones that explores the feeling of hopeless longing. Listen: https://bit.ly/3cKML2c

KEXP's Song of the Day: "One More Night" by Ivy Sole feat. Topaz Jones. DJ Gabriel Teodros' music discovery pick is a new soulful single from Philadelphia's Ivy Sole and New Jersey's Topaz Jones that explores the feeling of hopeless longing. Listen: https://bit.ly/3cKML2c

11/24/2021

KEXP is looking for a full-stack software developer with Android experience to join our team full-time! If you're interested in developing quality online services to engage KEXP listeners and fans, check out the role and apply today: https://bit.ly/2ZjDpqS

KEXP is looking for a full-stack software developer with Android experience to join our team full-time! If you're interested in developing quality online services to engage KEXP listeners and fans, check out the role and apply today: https://bit.ly/2ZjDpqS

11/24/2021

Midnight In A Perfect World: Raji Rags

London tastemaker and long-standing NTS Radio resident Raji Rags recently took over KEXP to share "instrumentals for late night listening." From iconic hip-hop instrumentals to visionary downtempo, his #MidnightInAPerfectWorld mix is a beat lover's chilled-out paradise.

The alias of London native Raj Chaudhuri, Raji Rags is widely considered one of the key tastemakers in his hometown both behind the scenes and in front of the decks. Throughout his multifaceted career, he's hosted a long-running residency on East London's revered NTS Radio, thrown clandestine underg...

11/24/2021

Breeze Live on KEXP at Home

For his second LP as Breeze, Josh Korody brings together Toronto's stars — including members of Broken Social Scene, TOPS, Ducks Ltd., and Orville Peck’s band — for an anthemic release that pays homage to British rock. Watch him Live on KEXP at Home hosted by DJ Troy Nelson: bit.ly/2ZfLuNe

11/24/2021

#GivingTuesday might be the only Tuesday we like. And thankfully it's right around the corner! On November 30, celebrate the impact of organizations in your life by donating to orgs and community funds that make a difference. Who's on your list? https://bit.ly/3l5XDMG

#GivingTuesday might be the only Tuesday we like. And thankfully it's right around the corner! On November 30, celebrate the impact of organizations in your life by donating to orgs and community funds that make a difference. Who's on your list? https://bit.ly/3l5XDMG

11/24/2021

Sound & Vision | Preserving an Indigenous Language Through Music

This week on the Sound & Vision podcast, Polaris Prize winner Jeremy Dutcher talks about preserving the Indigenous language of Wolastoqey, of which there are only around 100 fluent speakers left, through his album 'Walastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa.' Listen / subscribe: https://bit.ly/3nIrvQP

11/23/2021

For Your Consideration: Japanese Breakfast’s Jubilee is the Ode to Happiness and Grief that Bests Defines 2021

Leading up to our Top 90.3 Countdown, KEXP staff are making the case for some of their favorite albums of the year. For your consideration, Dusty Henry reflects on Japanese Breakfast's 'Jubilee' – an ode to happiness and grief that he says best defines the year.

“It’s been a heavy two years for everyone. The loss has been immeasurable, almost inconceivable. Some have felt it heavier than others, heavier than I have too. But it’s there. No two heartbreaks are the same. I can't comprehend [Michelle] Zauner's loss, but the way she writes about it helps me understand my own. And while grief can consume us, we have to take in the light when it shines.”

Read the whole case essay below. Is ‘Jubilee’ in your top 10? Make sure to vote for your favorites before voting ends on December 10.

KEXP is counting down the best records of the year with our annual Top 90.3 Countdown. Ahead of the countdown, KEXP staff make the case for some of their favorite albums from 2021. Make sure to vote for your favorites by December 10 at 6 PM PT and tune in to hear what makes the list on December 17.

11/23/2021

KEXP's Song of the Day: "Pretty Girls" by Coco Peila feat. Taj Mahal. In DJ Gabriel Teodros' music discovery pick, Coco Peila sparks a movement to challenge beauty norms that centers "the impacts of sexism, anti-black racism, [and] white supremacy." Listen / subscribe: https://bit.ly/3FIhE3K

KEXP's Song of the Day: "Pretty Girls" by Coco Peila feat. Taj Mahal. In DJ Gabriel Teodros' music discovery pick, Coco Peila sparks a movement to challenge beauty norms that centers "the impacts of sexism, anti-black racism, [and] white supremacy." Listen / subscribe: https://bit.ly/3FIhE3K

11/22/2021

New Music Reviews (11/22)

New music roundup 🔥

🔊 Deciphering the Message by Makaya McCraven
🔊 30 by Adele
🔊 Garbology by Aesop Rock x BLOCKHEAD
🔊 Another Side by Leo Nocentelli
🔊 Al Mundo Azul by Mr Twin Sister

Read mini reviews of these new albums and more below.

Each week, Music Director Don Yates shares brief insights on new and upcoming releases for KEXP's rotation. These reviews help our DJs decide on what they want to play. See what we added this week below (and on our Charts page), including new releases from Makaya McCraven, Adele, Aesop Rock x Blockh...

11/22/2021

Soccer Mommy Live on KEXP

Just launched: Soccer Mommy Live in the KEXP studio! Watch a new session with the Nashville band hosted by DJ Cheryl Waters to kick your week off with a storm of distortion and one of our favorite albums of 2020, 'Color Theory' (Loma Vista Recordings). https://bit.ly/3DGyLCc

11/22/2021

KEXP's Song of the Day: "Moments in Between" by Ruth B.. In DJ Gabriel Teodros' discovery pick, the Ethiopian Canadian singer-songwriter explores the complexities of her mid-twenties with a wistful, laid-back track. Listen / subscribe: https://bit.ly/3cE3ggo

KEXP's Song of the Day: "Moments in Between" by Ruth B.. In DJ Gabriel Teodros' discovery pick, the Ethiopian Canadian singer-songwriter explores the complexities of her mid-twenties with a wistful, laid-back track. Listen / subscribe: https://bit.ly/3cE3ggo

11/22/2021

In Our Headphones: Las Robertas, Nicki Nicole, Mon Laferte, Helado Negro, El Shirota, Cheekface

Every month, our writers and content producers pick their favorite releases, old or new, that are resonating with them. In this month's roundup, we read their reflections about Helado Negro, El Shirota, Mon Laferte, Nicki Nicole, Las Robertas, and more. Read the staff picks below.

Each month with In Our Headphones, members of KEXP's Digital Content team share the music that's resonating with them right now.

11/20/2021

De La Soul Reflect On Discovering Hip-Hop and The Early Days of the D.A.I.S.Y. Age

Unearthed from the KEXP archives, revisit a 2016 interview with De La Soul for Native Tongues Day. POS and Trugoy the Dove reminisce on the early days, influences, and what it felt like to hear themselves on the radio for the first time.

Back in 2016, KEXP did a full-day breakdown of De La Soul's classic 1989 debut album 3 Feet High and Rising, playing every song sampled on the album, as well as all album tracks, rarities, b-sides, and interviews. In celebration of today's Native Tongues programming, we've dug into the KEXP archives...

11/19/2021

R.I.P. DJ Luvva J

The Northwest hip-hop scene won't be the same without Jose “LUVVA J” Salvador Gutierrez, Jr., who we lost to COVID complications earlier this month. Join us in remembering LUVVA J's contributions to music and our community at large on November 27 at Washington Hall.

The Northwest hip-hop scene has suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Jose “DJ Luvva J” Salvador Gutierrez, Jr., who died from COVID-19 complications on Friday, November 5th, in Lacey, WA. He was only 44-years-old.

11/19/2021

This week on the Sound & Vision podcast, John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants talks about the duo's new album 'BOOK' and reflects on their 40-year career — including the creation of a Dial-A-Song music answering machine service. Listen: https://bit.ly/3CzMslc

This week on the Sound & Vision podcast, John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants talks about the duo's new album 'BOOK' and reflects on their 40-year career — including the creation of a Dial-A-Song music answering machine service. Listen: https://bit.ly/3CzMslc

11/19/2021

Vote for Your Top Albums of 2021

It's been a tumultuous year — but out of it has come an incredible volume of music that will soundtrack our lives for years to come. It's time to vote for your favorite albums of 2021! Explore below to choose your top ten in KEXP's Top 90.3 Countdown and tune in on Friday, Dec. 17 to find out what the #1 album of the year is, as chosen by you.

Once you submit your choices, don't forget to save the Top 90.3 Countdown on the confirmation page and upload it to your Instagram story! Type out your top ten albums of 2021, tag the artists to give them some extra love, and and then tag KEXP on Instagram so we can share your list with the world.

kexp 2021 top 90.3 albums

11/19/2021

Deep Sea Diver Live on KEXP

Seattle's Deep Sea Diver recently brought the fire to our Live Room, performing tracks from the record KEXP listeners voted as the #1 album of 2020, 'Impossible Weight.' Watch the session hosted by DJ Kevin Cole: https://bit.ly/3nz67xj

11/19/2021

KEXP's Song of the Day: "Walking Faster" by Maiah Manser. Since her 2017 EP 'Second Skin,' Manser has been sharing stages with CHVRCHES, ODESZA, and more. DJ Kevin Cole's pick is her first single in two years, a catchy reverb-drenched track. Listen: https://bit.ly/3CtIcU5

KEXP's Song of the Day: "Walking Faster" by Maiah Manser. Since her 2017 EP 'Second Skin,' Manser has been sharing stages with CHVRCHES, ODESZA, and more. DJ Kevin Cole's pick is her first single in two years, a catchy reverb-drenched track. Listen: https://bit.ly/3CtIcU5

11/18/2021

favorite album by A Tribe Called Quest? #NativeTonguesDay

favorite album by A Tribe Called Quest? #NativeTonguesDay

11/18/2021

It's Native Tongues Day on KEXP! All day long, we're celebrating the influential hip-hop collective Native Tongues, which was home to A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Monie Love, Black Sheep, and so many others who helped shape hip-hop as we know it today.

Peep your on air schedule for the day and tune in on our site or mobile apps to listen wherever are in the world. Through 7pm PDT tonight. Info: https://bit.ly/3HAhkG2

It's Native Tongues Day on KEXP! All day long, we're celebrating the influential hip-hop collective Native Tongues, which was home to A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Monie Love, Black Sheep, and so many others who helped shape hip-hop as we know it today.

Peep your on air schedule for the day and tune in on our site or mobile apps to listen wherever are in the world. Through 7pm PDT tonight. Info: https://bit.ly/3HAhkG2

11/18/2021

In Our Headphones: Las Robertas, Nicki Nicole, Mon Laferte, Helado Negro, El Shirota, Cheekface

Every month, our writers and content producers pick their favorite releases, old or new, that are resonating with them. In this month's roundup, we read their reflections about Helado Negro, El Shirota, Mon Laferte, Nicki Nicole, Las Robertas, and more. Read the staff picks below.

Each month with In Our Headphones, members of KEXP's Digital Content team share the music that's resonating with them right now.

11/17/2021

Hot tubs, TV, cooking, and music fueled the making of 'Doomin' Sun,' the debut release from Bachelor, the collaborative project from Jay Som and Palehound. This week we unearth their stellar at home session with DJ Cheryl Waters in podcast form. Hear it on the Live on KEXP Podcast: https://bit.ly/3HtyRiV

Hot tubs, TV, cooking, and music fueled the making of 'Doomin' Sun,' the debut release from Bachelor, the collaborative project from Jay Som and Palehound. This week we unearth their stellar at home session with DJ Cheryl Waters in podcast form. Hear it on the Live on KEXP Podcast: https://bit.ly/3HtyRiV

11/17/2021

KEXP's Song of the Day: "Šibensko Powerhouse" by JOHN. Known for ripping faces off with explosive riffs, JOHN invite IDLES' Adam Devonshire into DJ Kevin Cole's music discovery pick to expand their sound into maximalist psych territories. https://bit.ly/3kKGmZd

KEXP's Song of the Day: "Šibensko Powerhouse" by JOHN. Known for ripping faces off with explosive riffs, JOHN invite IDLES' Adam Devonshire into DJ Kevin Cole's music discovery pick to expand their sound into maximalist psych territories. https://bit.ly/3kKGmZd