KGNU Music

Today on The Morning Sound Alternative, Wendy Mills spoke with Joey Ryan of The Milk Carton Kids! Joey talks about the band’s beginnings in 2011, when he and Kenneth Pattengale released their first albums online for free and toured extensively to build a following. He reflects on their creative evolution, from early inspiration and minimalism to experimenting with larger arrangements and renewed collaboration after the pandemic. Joey shares how their focus has shifted toward creating music as a form of service for their fans and previews upcoming Colorado shows, including sold-out performances in Fort Collins and Aspen, and their concert at the Boulder Theater presented by KGNU on October 19. (Interview: 10/15/25)

KGNU’s Indra Raj speaks with Canadian guitarist and songwriter Ariel Posen ahead of his October 16th performance at The Savoy in Denver as part of the Moss Presents Fall Music Series. Posen discusses his musical beginnings in Winnipeg, his transition from acclaimed session player to solo artist, and his passion for honest, song-driven rock rooted in soul and Americana. He also shares insights on performing with his powerhouse trio, his latest single “Future Present Tense,” and what fans can expect from his upcoming album and tour. (Interview: 10/14/25)

On KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative, host Ginger Perry spoke with the folk duo Rakish, featuring Conor Hearn and Maura Shawn Scanlin, ahead of their performance at eTown Hall in Boulder. The pair discussed their seven-year musical partnership, their blend of Celtic and Appalachian influences, and their experience recording several albums together and with other artists. Despite living on opposite coasts—Connor in Boston and Maura in Asheville, North Carolina—they continue to collaborate regularly, meeting before tours to prepare sets. (Interview: 10/14/25)

DJ Jules hosts Sound Lab on KGNU and welcomes singer-songwriter Nick Dunbar, a longtime Colorado musician now based on the East Coast, back to the Boulder studio. Dunbar discusses returning to play at the Gold Hill Inn, reflects on KGNU’s role in supporting local music, and shares memories of community connections through the station. He performs three songs; “Old Money,” “Please Mend This Broken Heart,” and “A Man Worth Burying,” the title track from his upcoming album. Throughout the interview, Dunbar and Jules highlight the importance of community radio and its power to connect artists and listeners across distances. (Studio Session: 10/9/25)

Liz Vasko from Rock for the People and Erin from the Safe House Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence joined DJ Carebear on KGNU to discuss the Love and Resistance Dance Party happening in Lafayette. The event features an all-female local lineup—Resisting Bitch Face, Ironically Pink, and Lisa Sells—and aims to celebrate community, resilience, and solidarity through music. Erin also shared the history and services of her organization, which supports survivors of domestic violence through shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and prevention programs. (Interview: 9/22/25)

Hip hop artist and producer Oddisee joined the Eclipse Crew on KGNU ahead of his October 5th show at Cervantes’ Other Side in Denver. He spoke about touring with his live band Good Company, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his album The Good Fight, his collaborative spirit, production process, and growing up in D.C.’s go-go music scene. (Interview: 9/28/25)

Fort Collins-based band Mystee, led by Alana, joined KGNU for a live in-studio session. She shared how the project began as a solo effort in Boston before evolving into a full band through chance connections in Fort Collins. Mystee discussed her time living in Cardiff, Wales, where she gained valuable experience in the music scene, and reflected on her early love of songwriting. The band’s new EP Forget Me Not was recorded during a three-day retreat in Evergreen and features four tracks written across different stages of her musical journey. Mystee also previewed upcoming shows, including a mini tour, a Halloween performance, and a Fort Collins date at Washington’s. (Studio Session: 9/29/25)

Bouldergrass, a local bluegrass ensemble from Boulder, joined KGNU live at the Boulder County Farmers Market. The group performed originals, fiddle tunes, and classics like Bob Dylan’s I Shall Be Released, while sharing their origins in a “fiddle tune club,” introducing band members, and celebrating community connections through music. (Studio Session: 9/27/25)

Salome Songbird, a Denver-based trio blending strings, harmonies, and heartfelt songwriting, returned to KGNU for a live in-studio session. They performed original songs, including “Moon Song,” “White Wine,” and “Mango Margaritas,” and spoke with Indra Raj about their creative process, balancing heavy themes with humor, and upcoming shows across Colorado. (9/24/25)

Marco Pavé, a Memphis-born hip hop artist and CU artist-in-residence, joined KGNU for a live studio session. Blending sharp lyricism with the rich musical traditions of the Mississippi Delta, Pavé spoke about carrying forward the hope and resilience of his ancestors while performing tracks that showcase his Southern roots and contemporary vision.

Pianist and composer Sean Mason joined Indra Raj on KGNU to talk about his path from Charlotte to becoming a Grammy-nominated jazz artist. He shared how he blends tradition with innovation, the cultural influences behind his music, and his collaboration with vocalist Catherine Russell. Mason will perform in Denver with MAS Presents at the Savoy on Thursday, October 2nd, and on Friday, October 3rd with Catherine Russell, ahead of the release of his new album A Breath of Fresh Air.

Mollie O’Brien and Carla Sciaky joined Meredith Carson to share memories of their longtime friend Jill Sobule. They reflected on her sharp humor, deep songwriting, and collaborative spirit, noting how she balanced lightheartedness with profound observation. O’Brien and Sciaky also performed “Rock Me to Sleep,” co-written by Sobule on the night of Princess Diana’s crash, highlighting the poignancy and craftsmanship that defined her music. (Interview: 9/19/25)

Denver indie-rock band Flutter joined KGNU to share music from their two EPs, Flutter and When You Love Somebody. The group discussed their collaborative songwriting, overcoming setbacks like injuries, and recording with Ryan Wong. They’ve been playing shows around Denver at venues like Hi-Dive and Squire Lounge, with upcoming dates at Skylark Lounge and Mutiny. (Studio Session: 9/18/25)

Deep Rawk Dave welcomed Wave Generators, a new hip-hop collective featuring former New Kingdom member Nosaj and independent artist Height Keech. The group is on tour behind their debut Runaway with a Wild and a Rare One and will perform at Mutiny Information Cafe in Englewood. They discussed their origins, the meaning behind their name, the energy of live shows, and the importance of bringing a group dynamic back into hip-hop. (Interview: 9/19/25)

Sizzla joined KGNU on September 20, now celebrated as “Sizzla Day” in Colorado, ahead of his performance at Cervantes with Code Red Band. He spoke about spreading love, unity, and righteousness through his music, and highlighted the charity aspect of the show, raising funds for a primary school breakfast program. Sizzla reflected on his career, the importance of giving back through his Youth Foundation and Judgment Yard, and encouraged young people to stay in school and upcoming artists to stay true, creative, and community-minded. He expressed gratitude to his fans worldwide and called the music a journey of service and inspiration. (Interview: 9/20/25) Donate the Partial Incentives Breakfast Program: https://jsse.jamstockex.com/projects/view/7b51fb06-f2f1-400b-8674-b35d01309cb6 Presented by Jamrock Events.

Keith Roberts of the Young Dubliners spoke with Rodger Hara on Shamrock Gale about the band’s upcoming September 20th benefit concert at the Tabor Opera House in Leadville, supporting the Miners Memorial. Roberts reflected on the Irish immigrant connection to Colorado mining history, shared details on their new album—set for release in 2026 with singles out now—and discussed the importance of charity work and giving back through music. He promised a set rich in Irish songs and tradition, tailored to honor Leadville’s heritage. (Interview: 9/17/25)

The Global Roots Ensemble joined Iris Berkeley on Mundi for a live in-studio session ahead of their concert on Sunday, October 5th at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. Supported by a recent arts grant, the group aims to bring together diverse communities through storytelling and music that blends traditions from around the world. They previewed new works, including Benes to Brandenburg, imagining a meeting of Bach and the Indian poet-musician Kabir, and Raja’s Footprints, inspired by John Coltrane’s spiritual connection to India. The ensemble described their upcoming performance as an immersive, improvisational journey with their full quintet, weaving global instruments, narratives, and cross-cultural dialogue into a shared musical experience. (Studio Session: 9/17/25)

Cellist Wilhelmina Smith and composer-vocalist Dawn Avery (Mohawk) joined Sanford Baran to discuss their new album, Sweetgrass. The collaboration began during the pandemic, when Smith sought out indigenous composers and was drawn to Avery’s music, which connects deeply with nature and Mohawk traditions. Their work together, including pieces like Gratitude and Decolonization, blends cello and voice to convey indigenous sounds, spirituality, and storytelling. The title track, Sweetgrass, honors one of the most sacred plants in Mohawk culture, symbolizing strength, tenderness, and reverence for women. Both artists emphasize healing, peace, and cultural connection—values that shaped their music during a time of global crisis. Sweetgrass offers ten tracks weaving indigenous themes with contemporary classical artistry.

Avourneen, a talented Irish-influenced band from Colorado, visited KGNU for a local gold performance, showcasing their Celtic roots and multi-genre influences. The band members—Kieran, Adam, and Alice—shared their musical journeys, discussed their instruments, including fiddle, guitar, bass, and the Irish bouzouki, and performed both traditional tunes and Leonard Cohen tributes. They also talked about upcoming shows, including a Leonard Cohen tribute at Swallow Hill and the Colorado Highland Games, and shared plans for a new album slated for early 2026. Listeners got a rich blend of Celtic, classical, and contemporary influences from a band celebrated for both musicianship and creative versatility. (Local Gold: 9/15/25)

Colby T. Helms, a bluegrass and country musician from Southern Virginia, stopped by KGNU to share his music and stories from his life and career. He performed songs from his debut album Tales and Misfortune, including his heartfelt tribute Daddy’s Pocket Knife, and his upbeat homage to his hometown, Mountain Brandy. Colby discussed his band, the Virginia Creepers, his upcoming album recorded in Nashville, and how listeners can follow his music online. KGNU listeners got a taste of Colby’s East Coast roots, his storytelling, and his dedication to keeping traditional music alive. (Studio Session: 9/14/25)