Live on KEXP

Brooklyn-based Alsarah & The Nubatones encompasses the diverse influences of its members in what they describe as "East-African retro-pop.” With a range of backgrounds including Sudanese, Egyptian, Armenian, American, French and Togolese, this group proves that music with soul has no borders. Alsarah's calm yet vibrant vocals lead the way in four stunning songs and an enlightening interview with Wo'Pop host Darek Mazzone. Recorded 04/11/2019. 4 songs - Men Ana, Habibi, Alforag, Fulani.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wilco frontman and indie rock icon Jeff Tweedy stops by Rainshadow Recording on his birthday for this live session during the THING Fest 2019 broadcast. After releasing two gorgeous, stripped-down solo records and a memoir in the span of a year, Jeff is back on the road with Wilco to promote their 11th studio album, Ode To Joy. Along with playing a few songs, old and new, Tweedy talks with KEXP's DJ Morgan about grief, album titles, his memoir, and free cantaloupes. Recorded 08/25/2019. 4 songs - An Empty Corner, White Wooden Cross, Family Ghost, Impossible Germany.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Molly Burch's sophomore LP, ‘First Flower,' is an intimate self-portrait that lays bare her insecurities alongside her triumphs. Accompanied by dreamy electric guitar, her sultry vocals take center stage to tell her story. Cheryl Waters hosts the band in the KEXP Live Room as they play songs from ‘First Flower’ and the new 7” single. Recorded 08/28/2019. 4 songs - First Flower, To The Boys, Your Party, Only One.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iceland's Júníus Meyvant joins KEXP for another energy-packed live performance, this time from Rainshadow Recording during THING Fest 2019. Meyvant's captivating sense of melody and crooning vocals are elevated by the rich backing arrangements of his band. He plays songs from his two 2019 releases, the ‘Across The Borders’ LP and ‘Rearview Paradise’ EP in this session hosted by DJ Morgan. Recorded 08/24/2019. 4 songs - Love Child, Draw The Line, Until The Last Minute, Ain't Gonna Let You Drown.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A staple of the 90’s indie rock scene, Versus is back after a nearly decade-long hiatus with the LP ‘Ex Voto.’ Pared down to subtly highlight the harmonies of Richard Baluyut and Fontaine Toups, the music remains tinged with nostalgia even as the songwriting continues to evolve. Cheryl Waters hosts the band in the KEXP Live Room to showcase four songs from the new album. Recorded 08/29/2019. 4 songs - Gravity, Moon Palace, Baby Green, Atmosphere.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aussie psych-rock favorite King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard continually impresses its die-hard fanbase, from ambitiously releasing five albums in 2017 to effortlessly genre-hopping through experimentation. Most recently, the seven-piece band (which includes two drummers) has gone metal to convey a message about the human race’s hand in climate change. They join Cheryl Waters in the KEXP Live Room to play five songs from the new record, ‘Infest the Rats’ Nest,’ and answer questions from fans. Recorded 08/18/2019. 5 songs - Mars For The Rich, Venusian 1, Perihelion, Venusian 2, Hell.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First-generation Colombian-American quartet Combo Chimbita made an impression in 2017 with their debut LP, ‘Abya Yala,’ in a style they described as “tropical futurism.” Their new album, ‘Ahomale,’ borrows its name from a Yoruba term meaning ‘adorer of ancestors’ and channels the spiritual wisdom of their ancestral past through a variety of musical influences, from Afro-Latinx rhythms to metal and soul to psychedelia. They share their enlightenment on a breathtaking performance for El Sonido hosted by DJ Chilly. Recorded 05/21/2019. 5 songs - Sola, Ahomale, Testigo, Santo Fuerte, Esto Es Real (8100mg).Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fifteen years and seven albums in, The Hold Steady (as their name suggests) remains a fan-favorite after their latest effort, ‘Thrashing Thru The Passion.’ The fresh line-up highlights frontman Craig Finn’s masterful storytelling with raw and uplifting instrumental backing. On this Midday Show session, the band performs five songs from the record and speaks with DJ Cheryl Waters about their unique new approach to touring. Recorded 08/15/2019. 5 songs - Denver Haircut, You Did Good Kid, Blackout Sam, Entitlement Crew, T-Shirt Tux.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On their fourth album, Can't Tell Me No, Portland's Summer Cannibals get confrontational about their past. The result is chock-full of empowering anthems that are as catchy as they are punk. DJ Abbie hosts the band in the KEXP Live Room for a shredding performance. Recorded 07/26/2019. 4 songs - One Of Many, Behave, Like I Used To, False Anthem.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In her music, avant-garde artist Lido Pimienta incorporates sounds from her indigenous Wayuu culture, traditional Afro-Colombian percussion, and textured electronic soundscapes. Among these varied influences, her voice manages to continually pierce through with intensity and sincerity. Cheryl Waters hosts this session at the Kex Hostel in Reykjavik during 2017's Iceland Airwaves. Recorded 11/04/2017. 6 songs - En Un Minuto, Quiero Que Te Vaya Bien, Fornicarte Es Un Arte, La Capacidad, Para Quererte, Quiero Jardines.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.