DJ Miss Ashley: Mumu Fresh, Tierra Whack, Beyoncé, Macklemore
Digest
This episode of In Our Headphones features a conversation with DJ Miss Ashley, who shares her favorite new music picks. Ashley highlights Moo Moo Fresh's "Be Good To You" from her album "The Healing," praising her talent and advocating for her wider recognition. She also discusses the catchy "Shower Song" by The Hero Wack, noting its potential for commercial success. Ashley then delves into Beyonce's "Texas Hold 'em" from her album "Cowboy Carter," expressing her admiration for Beyonce's artistry and dismissing the controversy surrounding her genre-bending music. The episode concludes with Ashley's choice of Lauren Hill's "Zion" as a foundational song for her DJ career, reflecting on the song's emotional resonance and its connection to her experience as a mother. Ashley also gives an honorable mention to Macklemore's "Hins Hall," praising his courage in speaking out against the ongoing genocide in Palestine. The episode ends with KEXP's music director Chris Sainley sharing his current favorite song, "No Problems" by Ginger Ray, highlighting its upbeat energy and its message about toxic positivity.
Outlines
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Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast "In Our Headphones" and its hosts, Janice Hedley and Isabel Kelly Lee. It also mentions the podcast's evolution from a previous format and encourages listeners to leave positive reviews.
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DJ Miss Ashley's Music Picks
This Chapter features a conversation with DJ Miss Ashley, who shares her favorite new music picks. She discusses Moo Moo Fresh's "Be Good To You," The Hero Wack's "Shower Song," and Beyonce's "Texas Hold 'em." Ashley also shares her thoughts on the importance of self-care and the power of music to reflect real life.
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KEXP Music Director's Pick
This Chapter features KEXP's music director Chris Sainley, who shares his current favorite song, "No Problems" by Ginger Ray. He highlights the song's upbeat energy and its message about toxic positivity.
Keywords
Moo Moo Fresh
Moo Moo Fresh is a Baltimore-based singer, songwriter, rapper, activist, and sound healer. She is of Choctaw, Cherokee, and African-American heritage. Her music is known for its soulful vocals, blend of R&B, hip-hop, and spoken word, and its themes of self-care and social justice. She has worked with artists such as The Roots, Common, and Brandy Younger. Her music has been compared to artists like Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Beyonce.
The Hero Wack
The Hero Wack is a musician known for their catchy and playful music. Their song "Shower Song" is a fun and upbeat track that has been described as a "new rubber duckie." The Hero Wack has cited Sesame Street as an influence on their music, and their music videos often feature colorful and playful imagery.
Beyonce
Beyonce is a globally renowned singer, songwriter, and performer. She is known for her powerful vocals, elaborate stage shows, and genre-bending music. She has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including "Cowboy Carter," which features the song "Texas Hold 'em." Beyonce's music often explores themes of empowerment, self-love, and social justice.
Lauren Hill
Lauryn Hill is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and rapper. She is known for her soulful vocals, her blend of R&B, hip-hop, and jazz, and her socially conscious lyrics. Her album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" is considered a classic of the genre. Hill's music has been influential on many artists, including The Hero Wack and Moo Moo Fresh.
Macklemore
Macklemore is a Grammy-winning rapper and songwriter. He is known for his socially conscious lyrics and his ability to blend hip-hop with other genres. His song "Hins Hall" is a powerful track that speaks out against the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Macklemore has been praised for using his platform to raise awareness about important social issues.
Ginger Ray
Ginger Ray is a musician known for their blend of alt disco, boogie, and soul. Their song "No Problems" is a catchy and upbeat track that has been described as a "perfect summer pop jam." Ginger Ray's music is characterized by its warm and vibrant sound, its use of synths, guitar riffs, and bass lines, and its playful and energetic vibe.
In Our Headphones
In Our Headphones is a podcast from KEXP, a listener-powered radio station. The podcast features conversations with KEXP DJs about their favorite new music picks. The podcast is hosted by Janice Hedley and Isabel Kelly Lee.
KEXP
KEXP is a non-profit radio station based in Seattle, Washington. It is known for its eclectic programming, its focus on independent music, and its commitment to music discovery. KEXP is supported by its listeners and is a vital part of the Seattle music scene.
Palestine
Palestine is a territory in the Middle East that has been the subject of a long-standing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people. The conflict has resulted in violence, displacement, and political instability. Macklemore's song "Hins Hall" speaks out against the ongoing genocide in Palestine and calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
Toxic Positivity
Toxic positivity is a term used to describe the excessive and often forced promotion of positive emotions and experiences, even in the face of adversity. Ginger Ray's song "No Problems" can be interpreted as a commentary on toxic positivity, questioning the idea that everything is always rosy and that it's okay to ignore or downplay negative experiences.
Q&A
What are some of DJ Miss Ashley's favorite new music picks?
DJ Miss Ashley's favorite new music picks include Moo Moo Fresh's "Be Good To You," The Hero Wack's "Shower Song," and Beyonce's "Texas Hold 'em."
What is Moo Moo Fresh's music like?
Moo Moo Fresh's music is a blend of R&B, hip-hop, and spoken word. It's known for its soulful vocals and its themes of self-care and social justice.
What is The Hero Wack's "Shower Song" about?
The Hero Wack's "Shower Song" is a fun and upbeat track about singing in the shower and how good the singer sounds.
What is Beyonce's "Texas Hold 'em" about?
Beyonce's "Texas Hold 'em" is a catchy and danceable track that has been described as a blend of country and pop.
What is the message behind Ginger Ray's "No Problems"?
Ginger Ray's "No Problems" can be interpreted as a commentary on toxic positivity, questioning the idea that everything is always rosy and that it's okay to ignore or downplay negative experiences.
What is Macklemore's "Hins Hall" about?
Macklemore's "Hins Hall" is a powerful track that speaks out against the ongoing genocide in Palestine and calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
What is the importance of self-care?
DJ Miss Ashley emphasizes the importance of self-care, suggesting that it's essential to take care of oneself, even when faced with challenges and stressors.
How does music reflect real life?
DJ Miss Ashley highlights the power of music to reflect real life, noting that music can be a timestamp of current affairs and a source of solace during difficult times.
What is the role of music in social justice?
DJ Miss Ashley and Chris Sainley both discuss the role of music in social justice, highlighting how music can be used to raise awareness about important issues and to inspire change.
What is the significance of Lauren Hill's "Zion" for DJ Miss Ashley?
Lauren Hill's "Zion" is a song that holds deep emotional significance for DJ Miss Ashley, reflecting on her experience as a mother and the duality of feelings associated with parenthood.
Show Notes
Isabel chats with DJ Miss Ashley about four songs that are playing in her headphones lately and one foundational track that ties them all together. Plus, Ashley shares a protest song that doesn't hold back. Then, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares one standout release that’s an early summer bop.
Songs featured:
- Mumu Fresh – “Be Good To You"
- Tierra Whack – “Shower Song"
- Beyoncé – "Texas Hold 'Em"
- Lauryn Hill – “To Zion”
- Macklemore – "Hind’s Hall"
- Ginger Root – "No Problems"
Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube.
Listen to DJ Miss Ashley live every Sunday from noon to 3pm Pacific Time, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App.
Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili
Mixed by: Emily Fox
Mastered by: William Myers
Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.
Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear
Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones
Contact us at headphones@kexp.org.
Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate
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