Live on KEXP

After over 25 years in the game, Mogwai are a band that should need no introduction. Yet, perhaps because of their primarily instrumental nature, the Scottish post-rock band only recently received their first chart-topping album with 2021’s 'As the Love Continues.' Hitting No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart this past February, the record builds upon the emotively expansive world-constructing sound they’ve become masters of. Recorded 03/03/2021. Ceiling Granny Dry Fantasy Ritchie Sacramento How To Be A Werewolf Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Korean American musician Margaret Sohn has been dealing with the syndrome that inflicts nearly everyone in creative fields from time to time. Her sophomore EP as Miss Grit, ‘Impostor,' tackles that feeling head-on in ways both intimate and inventive.  For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson fills us in on the producer, engineer, singer, effects pedal builder, and composer before she plays a hazy set fueled by distorted guitars, programmed drums, and angelic vocals.  Recorded April 2021. Imposter Buy the Banter Dark Side of the Party Blonde What We Drew (Yaeji cover) Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2008, Luz Elena Mendoza has been blending indie, Latin, folk, and pop music in eclectic, inventive ways under the name Y La Bamba. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson takes us through an abbreviated version of Mendoza’s journey from lo-fi self-produced recordings to working with a vast array of talented musicians and producers out of Portland. Her Live at KEXP at Home performance sees Mendoza employ a few of those incredible artists for a 4-song set recorded at the Center for Sound Light and Color Therapy.  Recorded March 2021. Bruja de Brujas Perder Boca Llena Rios Sueltos Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennessee-born, Brooklyn-based artist Valerie June fuses folk, soul, gospel, country, and blues for a blissful blend of Southern charm. Her latest release, 2021’s 'The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers' is made up of “Songs with healing messages that keep our dreams a reality.” For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson delves into the lush new album, co-produced by Jack Splash (Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys, John Legend), before June delivers an intimate set of songs recorded in front of a roaring fire in an Airbnb. Recorded 02/07/2021. You And I Stay Call Me A Fool Landslide Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With two EPs and a seemingly endless number of accolades from nearly every tastemaker in the music industry under her belt, it’s an understatement to say that Arlo Parks’ debut album was highly anticipated. Released in January, ‘Collapsed in Sunbeams’ lives up to the hype and reflects the artist born Anais Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho’s compassionate, friendly, and poetic spirit. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson traces Marinho’s journey from recording songs in her bedroom to sharing stages with heavyweights like Paramore before Marinho plays a mellow, vibey set of songs.Released 12/08/2020. Cola Green Eyes Eugene Black Dog Caroline Hurt Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malawi-born and Boston-based musician Anjimile has more resilience and fortitude than your average 27-year-old. After battling alcoholism, the queer trans artist turned to music during recovery which has produced a special gift in the form of their 2020 debut album, 'Giver Taker.' For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson delves into Anjimile’s fascinating life story and the influences that would push them towards becoming the self-described “boy king.” Recorded 02/08/2021. Your Tree Baby No More 1978 Maker Soothing (Laura Marling) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Troy Nelson details in this week’s Live on KEXP,  Jean-Sébastien Yves Audet has created an incredibly large body of work for only 24 years on this planet. After putting out music under the names Un Blonde, Faux Fur, You Are Minez, Darren Wantz, and Zouk Fuck, his latest project as Yves Jarvis is probably his most palatable thus far. Intimate and evocative, the textured warmhearted songs that make up his latest release, 2020’s 'Sundry Rock Song Stock,' have captured a wide audience of ears and hearts. Get to know how the Canadian musician got to where he is now and listen to five songs from 'Sundry Rock Song Stock' recorded exclusively for KEXP. Recorded 02/11/2021. In Every Mountain Semula For Props Fact Almighty Victim Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A skillfully quick-witted musician, Stella Donnelly rose from the secluded coastal beaches of Perth to a world-touring artist by being uncompromisingly candid. Her debut album ‘Beware of the Dogs,’ released in 2019, sees Donnelly address misogyny and sexual assault in a direct but humorous way. For Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson charts her journey from Wales to Australia to Secretly Canadian while Donnelly plays a stripped-down set of songs from ‘Beware of the Dogs.’ Recorded 04/03/2019. Old Man Tricks Beware Of The Dogs Watching Telly Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an effort to explain the context of the land from which the desert blues rockers Songhoy Blues reside, Troy Nelson delves into the meaning behind the commonly-used phrase, “From here to Timbuktu” and the history of the Malian city. From there, Nelson charts the progression of the trio that make up Songhoy Blues, from refugees to Nick Zinner collaborators to Glastonbury performers to major label signees. A journey just as expansive as their unique sound. Recorded 11/03/2020. Badala Dournia Worry Barre Ai Tchere Bele Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I meant to behave.  There were just too many other options.” While this quote comes from paranormal romantic thriller writer Darynda Jones, it could easily be applied to British producer and rapper Tricky. An early pioneer of trip-hop, he’s never been afraid of pushing boundaries. Troy Nelson delves into Tricky’s musical and personal evolution over the past 25 years on this episode of Live on KEXP before the British icon delves into a stirring four-song set featuring Polish singer Marta. Recorded 11/23/2020. Thinking Of Chills Me to the Bones Fall Please Breathe Me Right In Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.