Listening Lyrics

Christmas doesn’t arrive as just one feeling. It shows up in many forms—joy, melancholy, loneliness, and wonder—sometimes all in the same room. 1. Joyous Christmas, at its brightest, feels like the world leaning in. Laughter fills the room, music drifts through the house, and even ordinary moments feel generous. Hands are busy, hearts are open, and for a brief time, kindness feels effortless. Christmas joy isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection, shared in light, sound, and warmth. That’s one way Christmas sounds, when joy takes the lead. 2. Melancholy Christmas can be beautiful and heavy at the same time. Lights glow a little softer, songs carry memories, and silence speaks between the notes. It’s a season that remembers for us—people we’ve loved, moments that have passed. In that quiet ache, there’s tenderness, and a reminder that meaning often lives alongside loss. That’s Christmas, when memory and music meet. 3. Loneliness For some, Christmas arrives quietly. The world seems full, but the room feels empty. Decorations glow without warmth, and the season’s promise of togetherness feels just out of reach. Still, there is strength in naming the loneliness—because being seen, even in solitude, is its own kind of grace. This is Christmas too, even when it’s quiet. 4. Wonder To a child, Christmas is pure wonder. Lights sparkle brighter, time slows down, and everything feels possible. Wrapping paper matters, magic is real, and tomorrow can’t come fast enough. Christmas, through a child’s eyes, is belief without doubt—and joy without explanation. That’s Christmas, before we learned to doubt it.

When we talk about Hispanic music in America, we’re talking about a story that’s been here all along. In the 1950s and ’60s, this music lived mostly inside the community. Mexican rancheras and mariachi carried stories of home and heartbreak. Cuban rhythms like mambo and cha-cha-chá filled dance halls. Spanish-language radio became a cultural lifeline. By the 1970s, identity moved front and center. The Chicano movement gave music a political voice. Santana blended Latin rhythms with rock, and salsa exploded in New York. This music wasn’t asking for permission anymore — it was claiming space. In the 1980s and ’90s, doors opened wider. Artists like Gloria Estefan, Selena, Ricky Martin, and Shakira brought bilingual and Spanish-language music into the American mainstream. In the 2000s, regional sounds took hold — reggaeton, banda, norteño — telling stories about immigration, work, and daily life. Today, Hispanic music isn’t crossing over. It is the mainstream. Artists like Bad Bunny and Karol G don’t translate themselves — they invite the world in. So when we listen to Hispanic music in America, we’re listening to history, resilience, and culture — shaping the sound of America itself.

This week on the show, we’re stirring things up with a playlist that carries just a hint of techno. Not a full dive into the club scene—more like the perfect recipe where a pinch of something unexpected transforms the whole dish. A subtle pulse here, a shimmering synth there… just enough to wake up your senses without stealing the spotlight. So settle in, get comfortable, and let these rhythms sneak up on you in the best possible way. It’s a little familiar, a little futuristic, and absolutely worth the ride. Enjoy the mix.

This week on Listening Lyrics, Andy Schmidt joined me in the KDRT studio to share a playlist that mirrors his life built on movement, curiosity, and craft. Andy is a journey all by himself. An accomplished bassist, entrepreneur, avid bicyclist, master handyman, sail maker, kayak builder, storyteller—you name it, he’s probably done it, made it, or fixed it. Stepping into Andy’s world is like walking into a friendly windstorm: You just keep moving, lean into the energy, and enjoy the ride. His playlist reflects that whirlwind spirit. Each track takes us somewhere new, offering a glimpse into the rhythm and momentum that fuel Andy’s life. If you’d like to see another side of his creativity, check out his custom bicycle basket and frame bags at Lords Luggage.

This week on Listening Lyrics we welcome Eric Jones, who shares a playlist of the music that inspires him. All but one of the songs today are his selections, and he talks with us about why each one matters to him. Eric (left, in photo with Pieter) is also a candidate in the race for California’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Davis, Napa, Vacaville, Woodland, and much of the North Bay. The 34-year-old Napa nonprofit leader is running as a Democrat in the 2026 election, challenging longtime incumbent Mike Thompson. Jones has focused his campaign on affordability, child and elder care, and addressing corporate tax loopholes. This information is provided solely for listener context. The views expressed by any candidate are their own and do not represent those of KDRT.

Singer-songwriter Nancy Northrup (pictured) brings a smile, a love of life, and a deep appreciation for the art of music. Fresh from the Annual Gram Parsons Guitar Pull in Georgia, Nancy joins us to share stories and songs that celebrate the heart of Americana. Rooted in the country, gospel, and folk traditions of Kentucky and Tennessee, Nancy’s music reaches deep—touching the soul with tales of love, hope, despair, and rebirth. Whether she’s singing of love lost or the strength of the human spirit, Nancy does it all with passion and heart. Don’t miss this show—only on KDRT, community radio for Davis.

"Think something’s missing? "Something needs fixing? "Some folks could use a hand? Don’t just scratch your head—get involved! "This hour on Listening Lyrics might just show you how, one song at a time."

The music this week is a mix of a little bit of everything—each selection chosen with the help of my guest, Chris Tracy. The image shows half of his name because he was only on the show for half the time… which means he’ll be back! Chris lives here in Davis with his family and is deeply involved in the local music scene. He’s an accomplished drummer and plays in a couple of bands, so stay tuned as we spin some of his favorite picks.

So, the word of the day is slovenly. Yeah — slovenly. What do I mean by that? Well, to me, it’s music that’s a little messy, kinda careless, maybe even a bit dirty. Songs that aren’t trying too hard to be perfect — they just are. Sometimes that sound comes from the artist or producer just being… slovenly, plain and simple. Other times, it’s totally intentional — they want that rough edge, that human touch. Think of folks like Keith Richards or Jim Morrison — total geniuses who could make something brilliant while still sounding like they just rolled out of bed. So today, I’ve pulled together a few tunes that, in my mind, really capture that slovenly vibe — songs that don’t need to be cleaned up, because the grit makes them great.

This week on KDRT! In 2021, three middle-schoolers from Davis came together to form a band — and Hello Awkward was born! Fast-forward to today, and these young musicians are making serious noise. Meet Benjamin Brothers on lead guitar and vocals, Andrew Whang on percussion, and Atticus Yum on bass. In the KDRT studio this week on Listening Lyrics, they shine not just as rising musical talents, but as thoughtful, funny, and grounded young people with a clear sense of purpose. Their love of music and life fills the airwaves, making this hour one you won’t want to miss. Tune in to KDRT for an unforgettable session with Hello Awkward — where youth, talent, and heart take center stage!

Eddy Owt covers for Pieter this week and fittingly discusses cover songs -- what makes a good cover, and how does an artist make a cover their own? And he plays fun and sometimes surprising covers.

Heads up: This live recording comes with a few “authentic” technical hiccups (let’s call it character, not static). Luckily, the enthusiasm more than makes up for it—it practically jumps through the speakers. In the studio with me are Richard Jia and Gray  Eby of MyDavisCalifornia, chatting—sometimes loosely, sometimes wildly off-track—about their website and the quirky little town we all love, Davis. Now, this isn’t your average “local blog where someone posts about their cat and favorite burrito joint.” Nope. MyDavisCalifornia is a full-on content playground: stories, visuals, collaborations, insider tips—the works. Born in 2021 out of sheer enthusiasm (and possibly too much coffee), it’s become the digital buddy you didn’t know you needed for exploring Davis. Davis only has 65,000 residents, but some of the videos have been viewed well into the millions. How’s that for a statement? (That’s like every resident watching—and then rewatching—about 30 times. Talk about town spirit.) The brains behind it?  UC Davis alumni—Richard Jia and Gray Eby—who somehow turned their Aggie pride into a website that makes the rest of us wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Pieter

Spend an hour with David Abramson and you’ll walk away feeling lighter, brighter, and a little more in love with the world. A fixture in Davis, David wears many hats—musician, activist, music teacher—but none of them fully capture his easy warmth and boundless optimism. He radiates joy in the most natural way, turning everyday moments into acts of connection. In this episode, David dives into his music, the mission behind his activism, and the heart he brings to teaching. It’s an hour of conversation that feels like a song you want to play again.

From Portland, Ore., to the heart of New Orleans—Ari Kohn followed his musical compass all the way south. In New Orleans, he discovered that music isn’t just heard, it’s felt. It’s in the ground beneath your feet, in the way people move, even in the rain on your skin. And yes—the food plays right along. This week on Listening Lyrics, Ari shares that journey. A Jazz Studies graduate from Tulane, Ari—known on stage as “Ariel”—brings a bold, warm sound on sax, flute, and vocals. Ari also performs with the band Brass Lightning. He will perform with J & The Causeways Sept. 19, 2025 at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco.