Live on KEXP

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.