Live on KEXP

On the show this time, it’s the soul-filling songs of Choctaw Nation story-teller Samantha Crain. Shawnee, Oklahoma native Samantha Crain is foremost a writer. She’s got characters to introduce, stories to tell, and an original take on country-folk singer-songwriter music. She has been making recordings since the mid 2000s, putting out her first EP The Confiscation herself, a collection based on five of her own short stories. Her way with words has united a community of musicians who collaborate and contribute to her sound. Now seven full albums in, her latest is 2025’s Gumshoe, available on Real Kind Records. Recorded June 27, 2025 Dragonfly Gumshoe Dart B-Attitudes Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the soul-filling songs of Choctaw Nation story-teller Samantha Crain. Shawnee, Oklahoma native Samantha Crain is foremost a writer. She’s got characters to introduce, stories to tell, and an original take on country-folk singer-songwriter music. She has been making recordings since the mid 2000s, putting out her first EP The Confiscation herself, a collection based on five of her own short stories. Her way with words has united a community of musicians who collaborate and contribute to her sound. Now seven full albums in, her latest is 2025’s Gumshoe, available on Real Kind Records. Recorded June 27, 2025 Dragonfly Gumshoe Dart B-Attitudes Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the inimitable smart-pop of legendary band They Might Be Giants. They Might Be Giants have been making records since the early ‘80s, building a legion of hardcore fans who are addicted to their charming, clever, catchy, and completely original sound. Since then, they’ve released a massive body of work. They are now on their 23rd full length album. Their latest is called Book and is available on the band’s own Idlewild Recordings. Recorded June 16, 2025 Moonbeam Rays Ana NgSong Synopsis For Latecomers Let Me Tell You About My Operation Doctor Worm The Darlings Of Lumberland Particle Man Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the inimitable smart-pop of legendary band They Might Be Giants. They Might Be Giants have been making records since the early ‘80s, building a legion of hardcore fans who are addicted to their charming, clever, catchy, and completely original sound. Since then, they’ve released a massive body of work. They are now on their 23rd full length album. Their latest is called Book and is available on the band’s own Idlewild Recordings. Recorded June 16, 2025 Moonbeam Rays Ana NgSong Synopsis For Latecomers Let Me Tell You About My Operation Doctor Worm The Darlings Of Lumberland Particle Man Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the fresh original rock of English band Black Country, New Road. The London based group make delightful music, catchy but unpredictable, poppy - but with elements of classical music, cinematic scores, jazz, choral music, show tunes, and heavy rock. And that’s kind of selling them short. They play music. Anything is on the table. Their latest is called Forever Howlong and it is available on Ninja Tune Records. Recorded May 26, 2025 Besties For The Cold Country  Happy Birthday  Forever Howlong Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the fresh original rock of English band Black Country, New Road. The London based group make delightful music, catchy but unpredictable, poppy - but with elements of classical music, cinematic scores, jazz, choral music, show tunes, and heavy rock. And that’s kind of selling them short. They play music. Anything is on the table. Their latest is called Forever Howlong and it is available on Ninja Tune Records. Recorded May 26, 2025 Besties For The Cold Country  Happy Birthday  Forever Howlong Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s a celebration of connection - to lineage and to land with Black Belt Eagle Scout. Black Belt Eagle Scout is the recording project of Katherine "KP" Paul.  She’s been steadily creating indigenous-Swinomish-woman meets Pacific-Northwest indie-rock-and-punk since her self-titled debut EP in 2014.  Her 3rd full length and latest album “The Land, The Water, The Sky” is available on Saddle Creek Records. Recorded 05/08/2023. Fancy Dance Nobody Don't Give Up On the River Soft Stuf Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s a celebration of connection - to lineage and to land with Black Belt Eagle Scout. Black Belt Eagle Scout is the recording project of Katherine "KP" Paul.  She’s been steadily creating indigenous-Swinomish-woman meets Pacific-Northwest indie-rock-and-punk since her self-titled debut EP in 2014.  Her 3rd full length and latest album “The Land, The Water, The Sky” is available on Saddle Creek Records. Recorded 05/08/2023. Fancy Dance Nobody Don't Give Up On the River Soft Stud Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bandalos Chinos is an Argentinian treasure of a band playing smooth, groovy pop, with strong leanings in the direction of 70s gold, disco, and 80’s Quincy Jones productions. This session was recorded during KEXP’s live from Argentina programming and features 3 songs from Bandalos Chinos’ 2022 record, ‘El Big Blue,’ 2 from 2018's ‘BACH,’ and their single with Adanowsky, “Departamento.” They’ve also released the live albums, ‘Feliz Navibach’ 1 and 2, available on streaming services. Recorded 09/20/2022 from Kirchner Cultural Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mi Fiesta Sin Vos No Puedo Demasiado La Final Vamonos de Viaje Departamento Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bandalos Chinos is an Argentinian treasure of a band playing smooth, groovy pop, with strong leanings in the direction of 70s gold, disco, and 80’s Quincy Jones productions. This session was recorded during KEXP’s live from Argentina programming and features 3 songs from Bandalos Chinos’ 2022 record, ‘El Big Blue,’ 2 from 2018's ‘BACH,’ and their single with Adanowsky, “Departamento.” They’ve also released the live albums, ‘Feliz Navibach’ 1 and 2, available on streaming services. Recorded 09/20/2022 from Kirchner Cultural Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mi Fiesta Sin Vos No Puedo Demasiado La Final Vamonos de Viaje Departamento Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the brilliant songs and transcendent singing of Seattle’s own Deep Sea Diver. Deep Sea Diver is at its core, the dynamic duo of guitarist and singer Jessica Dobson, and drummer Peter Mansen. They released their first EP in 2009, followed up by the albums History Speaks, Secrets, and Impossible Weight.  They played a live session in the Gathering Space at KEXP - with bandmates Elliot Jackson, Kristyn Chapman, and Michael Dondero - to celebrate their latest Billboard Heart. It is available on Sub Pop Records. Recorded May 19th, 2025. Billboard Heart Emergency What Do I Know Tiny Threads Shovel Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the brilliant songs and transcendent singing of Seattle’s own Deep Sea Diver. Deep Sea Diver is at its core, the dynamic duo of guitarist and singer Jessica Dobson, and drummer Peter Mansen. They released their first EP in 2009, followed up by the albums History Speaks, Secrets, and Impossible Weight.  They played a live session in the Gathering Space at KEXP - with bandmates Elliot Jackson, Kristyn Chapman, and Michael Dondero - to celebrate their latest Billboard Heart. It is available on Sub Pop Records. Recorded May 19th, 2025. Billboard Heart Emergency What Do I Know Tiny Threads Shovel Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the rich storytelling of Matt Berninger. Matt Berninger is, of course, the front-person for The National, a band that has been writing perfect songs to live your life to since they formed back in 1999. His first “solo” record, Serpentine Prison, was produced by Memphis legend Booker T Jones, and they started a label together to put it out. His latest offering is called Get Sunk and it is available on Book Records. Recorded May 18, 2025 Bonnet Of Pins No Love Breaking Into Acting Inland Ocean Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the rich storytelling of Matt Berninger. Matt Berninger is, of course, the front-person for The National, a band that has been writing perfect songs to live your life to since they formed back in 1999. His first “solo” record, Serpentine Prison, was produced by Memphis legend Booker T Jones, and they started a label together to put it out. His latest offering is called Get Sunk and it is available on Book Records. Recorded May 18, 2025 Bonnet Of Pins No Love Breaking Into Acting Inland Ocean Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, we’re celebrating our 500th episode! Thank you to all of you who have listened and supported the show over the last 10 years. We’re releasing this into the world just one day later in the year than the very first episode featuring Courtney Barnett dropped on September 14th back in 2015. Featuring six songs picked by the Live on KEXP podcast team.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the indie R&B of South Asian-American singer Raveena. She self-released her first EP Shanti in 2017, and the single “If Only” blew up, especially after an appearance on Berlin-based minimalist YouTube channel COLORSXSTUDIOS. Her latest is her third studio album Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain, available on the Empire imprint Moonstone Recordings. Recorded May 1, 2025 Rise Smile For Me Baby Mama If Only  Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the indie R&B of South Asian-American singer Raveena. She self-released her first EP Shanti in 2017, and the single “If Only” blew up, especially after an appearance on Berlin-based minimalist YouTube channel COLORSXSTUDIOS. Her latest is her third studio album Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain, available on the Empire imprint Moonstone Recordings. Recorded May 1, 2025 Rise Smile For Me Baby Mama If Only  Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the Nigerian Afrobeat of Seun Kuti and Egypt 80. Seun Kuti is Afrobeat royalty – the son of Fela Kuti, and the leader of Fela’s former band Egypt 80 since 1997. He’s released seven studio albums since then, playing saxophone and singing in addition to running the band. Their latest is Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) available on Record Kicks out of Milan, Italy. Recorded May 7, 2025 Stand Well Well T.O.P. Emi Aluta Bad Man Lighter Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it’s the Nigerian Afrobeat of Seun Kuti and Egypt 80. Seun Kuti is Afrobeat royalty – the son of Fela Kuti, and the leader of Fela’s former band Egypt 80 since 1997. He’s released seven studio albums since then, playing saxophone and singing in addition to running the band. Their latest is Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) available on Record Kicks out of Milan, Italy. Recorded May 7, 2025 Stand Well Well T.O.P. Emi Aluta Bad Man Lighter Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show this time, it's the Peruvian-influenced, rock n roll-cumbia, of Chicha Libre. Chicha Libre is the Brooklyn-based psychedelic-cumbia band, formed by Olivier Conan in the early 2000’s.  They are non-traditional, avoiding claims to specific authenticity.  Instead they borrow what sparks interest, absorbing not only Peruvian chicha, but also Afrobeat, Cuban danzón, and parts of North American country music.  They’ve released an EP - Cuatro tigres, and two studio albums - Sonido Amazonico! and Canibalismo - all available on Bandcamp and their own Barbés Records imprint. Recorded May 6, 2025 Tres Pasajeros Danza De Los Simpsons Danza Del Millonario El Borrachito Popcorn Andino Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.