Best KEXP Podcasts (2024)

1
Sinkane [Performance & Interview Only] 30:42

37m ago30:42

30:42

On the show this time, it’s the good-times shake-your-booty belongingness of Sinkane. Sinkane is the large band solo project of Sudanese-American musician Sinkane, née Ahmed Gallab. The music incorporates flavors from multiple genres, but always lands squarely in the danceable zone. A meaningful message rides shotgun in the party machine, with posi…

1
Sinkane 27:47

37m ago27:47

27:47

On the show this time, it’s the good-times shake-your-booty belongingness of Sinkane. Sinkane is the large band solo project of Sudanese-American musician Sinkane, née Ahmed Gallab. The music incorporates flavors from multiple genres, but always lands squarely in the danceable zone. A meaningful message rides shotgun in the party machine, with posi…

1
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Edition: Ghostkeeper, Ombiigizi, Liv Rion, Indian Giver 32:37

1h ago32:37

32:37

For this episode, we welcome back Kevin Sur (Kānaka Maoli) and Tory J (Quinault), hosts of KEXP’s global Indigenous music show. They share the origins of their show name, Sounds of Survivance, and how the notion of survivance relates to the music they play and informs a way of being. They bring a mix of new releases from Indigenous artists pushing …

1
The Marathon Runcast of 2024 3:00:55

5d ago3:00:55

3:00:55

This Marathon Runcast has you covered, whether you're embarking on a 26.2-mile journey or accomplishing a different kind of marathon. We're grateful to have you as part of this community. Keep running. You are not alone. Unwed Sailor - “Bend the Air” M83 - “Amnesia (Rachika Nayar Remix)" The Asteroid No. 4 - “Rescue” Ohr - “Afterglow” Ride - “Last …

1
DIIV 26:40

11d ago26:40

26:40

On the show this time, it’s the mesmerizing post-punk shoe-gaze of Brooklyn band DIIV. DIIV is a heavy, thinking-person’s rock band formed by Zachary Cole Smith in Brooklyn NY back in 2011. They released 3 albums on Captured Tracks and survived member changes, stints in rehab, almost calling it quits, and a reorganization to a more democratic struc…

1
DIIV [Performance & Interview Only] 27:49

1d ago27:49

27:49

On the show this time, it’s the mesmerizing post-punk shoe-gaze of Brooklyn band DIIV. DIIV is a heavy, thinking-person’s rock band formed by Zachary Cole Smith in Brooklyn NY back in 2011. They released 3 albums on Captured Tracks and survived member changes, stints in rehab, almost calling it quits, and a reorganization to a more democratic struc…

1
John Gilbreath: Shabaka, Afrocop, Wayne Shorter 25:29

2d ago25:29

25:29

Ahead of the 36th Annual Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle, we chat with John Gilbreath, long-time host of KEXP’s Jazz Theatre. He spotlights a few of the artists playing – offering everything from an R&B-infused song to a meditative flute-led track – and closes out his set with a classic from the great “Ambassador of Jazz” and the story of how he f…

1
Camera Obscura` 24:56

8d ago24:56

24:56

On the show this time, - flip that indie pop on its head with the music of Camera Obscura. Camera Obscura is an indie Scottish band from Glasgow. They’ve been making music together since 1996, though they took some time away from the band following keyboardist Carey Lander’s illness and eventual death from cancer. They reunited in 2018, to play a f…

1
Camera Obscura [Performance & Interview Only] 30:53

8d ago30:53

30:53

On the show this time, flip that indie pop on its head, with the music of Camera Obscura. Camera Obscura is an indie Scottish band from Glasgow. They’ve been making music together since 1996, though they took some time away from the band following keyboardist Carey Lander’s illness and eventual death from cancer. They reunited in 2018, to play a fe…

1
Kelley Stoltz: Anna Erhard, Kim Deal, Robyn Hitchcock 29:50

9d ago29:50

29:50

This week, we meet Kelley Stoltz, one of KEXP’s newest DJs as the co-host of Vinelands, our Bay Area local music show broadcasting there on 92.7 FM. Kelley shares an ode to summer camp, an intended TV theme song from an alt-rock legend, a track he himself plays sitar on (an In Our Headphones first!), and the band who made his young rock star dreams…

1
Miki Berenyi Trio 27:22

22d ago27:22

27:22

On the show this time, the Miki Berenyi Trio plays some classic Lush songs and some brand new music too. Miki Berenyi is a founding member and the eventual lead singer of the legendary shoegaze band Lush. She wrote a book about her childhood, and her life leading up to forming Lush, as well as the unvarnished reality of playing in a band in the 90s…

1
Miki Berenyi Trio [Performance & Interview Only] 30:26

15d ago30:26

30:26

On the show this time, the Miki Berenyi Trio plays some classic Lush songs and some brand new music too. Miki Berenyi is a founding member and the eventual lead singer of the legendary shoegaze band Lush. She wrote a book about her childhood, and her life leading up to forming Lush, as well as the unvarnished reality of playing in a band in the 90s…

1
Gabriel Lopez: Lara Sarkissian, Darlynn, figure eight 29:16

21d ago29:16

29:16

For this episode, we welcome one of KEXP's newest DJs, Gabriel Lopez. Gabriel is the co-host of the weekly show Vinelands, which launched in August as part of KEXP's new Bay Area broadcast (92.7 FM), and spotlights music from the surrounding scenes. He talks about what's been exciting him about music from the Bay Area, then shares a dreamy and joyf…

1
The Dappled Light Runcast 1:00:16

19d ago1:00:16

1:00:16

We could not describe The Runcast better than Steve in Santa Rosa who says, "The music was an awesome match for a rural Sonoma County morning. The dappled light coming through a redwood grove was the start of a climb, when the tune playing hit an uplifting climbing beat. The music, the lifting fog and the serene setting was perfect." Jon Hopkins - …

1
Lol Tolhurst x Budgie [Performance & Interview Only] 38:19

29d ago38:19

38:19

On the show this time, when drummers collide, the music of Lol Tolhurst and Budgie. Lol Tolhurst is a founding member of the band The Cure, playing drums and later keyboards. Budgie is a founding member of The Creatures, along with Siouxsie Sioux, after playing with Siouxsie Sioux and the Banshees for 9 albums and 17 years. Together with Irish prod…

1
Lol Tolhurst x Budgie 27:55

27d ago27:55

27:55

On the show this time, when drummers collide, the music of Lol Tolhurst and Budgie. Lol Tolhurst is a founding member of the band The Cure, playing drums and later keyboards. Budgie is a founding member of The Creatures, along with Siouxsie Sioux, after playing with Siouxsie Sioux and the Banshees for 9 albums and 17 years. Together with Irish prod…

1
Albina Cabrera: Descartes a kant, La ciencia simple, Melenas, Los Cogelones 21:40

23d ago21:40

21:40

As KEXP kicks off Aqui y Ahora – our special programming for Latinx Heritage Month – we welcome Albina Cabrera back to the podcast to talk about the kick-off day's on-air programming, as well as KEXP’s Mexico City broadcast, taking place in October. We spotlight four of the bands playing the El Sonido Live event on October 19 at Foro Indie Rocks, c…

1
Feist [Performance & Interview Only] 30:32

29d ago30:32

30:32

On the show this time, it’s the timeless freedom and fearlessness of Feist. Feist is the moniker of Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist Leslie Feist. She’s been making music since she was a teenager, her first punk rock band winning a battle of the bands back in 1993. She toured with that band, until she was forced to take a 6 month break from…

1
Feist 26:47

29d ago26:47

26:47

On the show this time, it’s the timeless freedom and fearlessness of Feist. Feist is the moniker of Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist Leslie Feist. She’s been making music since she was a teenager, her first punk rock band winning a battle of the bands back in 1993. She toured with that band, until she was forced to take a 6 month break from…

1
DJ Riz: Samora Pinderhughes, Meshell Ndegeocello, Tristan de Liège 31:19

1M ago31:19

31:19

Riz Rollins, also known as DJ Riz, recently celebrated 35 years at KEXP. He hosts Drive Time every Monday from 4-7pm Pacific Time and is one of the rotating hosts on Expansions, the Sunday night mix show originally inspired by trip-hop and acid jazz. His sets incorporate jazz, rock, hip-hop, funk, and everything in between, always with soul. To cel…

1
The Shoegaze Runcast 1:41:36

1M ago1:41:36

1:41:36

It's our first-ever Shoegaze-themed Runcast, featuring songs picked by, and some even written by, Greg Bertens of Film School. In this episode he explains why running helped change his life for the better, how music plays a HUGE role in that, and why both have become spiritual for him. somesurprises - "Be Reasonable" Flying Colours - "Wavygravy" Mo…

1
Ride 28:00

1M ago28:00

28:00

On the show this time, it’s the shoegaze originators reunited - Ride rides again. Ride is an English rock band from Oxford, one of the original shoegaze bands. Their first album, 'Nowhere,' came out of nowhere in 1990, and now 34 years later they have a new album, 'Interplay,' available on Wichita Records. Recorded 05/25/2024. Portland Rocks Monaco…

1
Ride [Performance & Interview Only] 36:25

1M ago36:25

36:25

On the show this time, it’s the shoegaze originators reunited - Ride rides again. Ride is an English rock band from Oxford, one of the original shoegaze bands. Their first album, 'Nowhere,' came out of nowhere in 1990, and now 34 years later they have a new album, 'Interplay,' available on Wichita Records. Recorded 05/25/2024. Portland Rocks Monaco…

1
Lace Cadence: Gaba Cannal and Zaba, Drain, Felo Le Tee, Scotts Maphuma, and Thabza Tee 21:59

1M ago21:59

21:59

Lace Cadence is the host of KEXP’s “The Continent,” which showcases the many of genres and styles across Africa, from AfroBeats to Amapiano, Soukous to Mbalax. In this episode, Lace joins Janice to share two tracks – covering the spectrum of African house music, from a classic-style jam to Amapiano. (Plus, throws a curveball in the middle, with a n…

1
Kairos Creature Club [Performance & Interview Only] 23:30

1M ago23:30

23:30

On the show this time, it’s the genre-free Portland or Brooklyn or Jacksonville supergroup - Kairos Creature Club. Kairos Creature Club is a project created by Lena Simon (who previously played bass in La Luz) and Glenn Van Dyke (who co-founded the surfy pop-punk band BOYTOY). They invite collaborators to join in the fun - folks like drummer Kevin …

1
Kairos Creature Club 22:11

1M ago22:11

22:11

On the show this time, it’s the genre-free Portland or Brooklyn or Jacksonville supergroup - Kairos Creature Club. Kairos Creature Club is a project created by Lena Simon (who previously played bass in La Luz) and Glenn Van Dyke (who co-founded the surfy pop-punk band BOYTOY). They invite collaborators to join in the fun - folks like drummer Kevin …

1
Bonus: Introducing KEXP's The Cobain 50 30:27

1M ago30:27

30:27

In Our Headphones will be back next week with song recommendations from Lace Cadence, host of The Continent. But this week, we'd like to share another KEXP podcast: The Cobain 50, which explores the famous list Kurt Cobain left behind in one of his journals naming his Top 50 albums. Hosted by Martin Douglas and Dusty Henry, the series digs into a d…

51
The Diplo Runcast 42:30

2M ago42:30

42:30

DJ, producer, AND runner Diplo joins The Runcast to share his thoughts on how DJing compares to running a marathon, how running affects his mental health, and maybe why you should consider running if you are on the fence. Diplo & Sleepy Tom - “Be Right There” Diplo, French Montana & Lil Pump - “Welcome to the Party” Major Lazer - “Watch out for Thi…

1
somesurprises [Performance & Interview Only] 24:46

2M ago24:46

24:46

On the show this time, it’s the sometimes surprising, always satisfying, dreamy pop of… somesurprises. somesurprises is a dreamy shoegaze pop band from Seattle, featuring the songwriting and mesmerizing vocals of Natasha El-Sergany. Together with Josh Medina she makes a wash of glorious noise using synths and guitars, held together and driven forwa…

1
somesurprises 26:52

2M ago26:52

26:52

On the show this time, it’s the sometimes surprising, always satisfying, dreamy pop of… somesurprises. somesurprises is a dreamy shoegaze pop band from Seattle, featuring the songwriting and mesmerizing vocals of Natasha El-Sergany. Together with Josh Medina she makes a wash of glorious noise using synths and guitars, held together and driven forwa…

1
Reeves: Lustmord, Chat Pile, Rui Gabriel 26:37

2M ago26:37

26:37

KEXP Variety Mix DJ Reeves shares a sinister ambient track, some optimistic indie rock, and changes the show name to In Our Chat Pile, in honor of the Oklahoma City-based band. He also shares a sweet story and shout-out to his Dad. Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares a hypnotic track from a long-time KEXP fave band, that she describes as …

1
Boeckner 27:39

2M ago27:39

27:39

On the show this time, with a new release under his own name - it’s Wolf Parade’s Dan Boeckner. Dan Boeckner is of course, one of the frontmen of the band Wolf Parade. He has been in a few other bands too - including Atlas Strategic, Operators, Divine Fits, and the Handsome Furs. He’s a solid hard-rockin' guitarist, with a penchant for finding a ki…

1
Boeckner [Performance & Interview Only] 33:51

2M ago33:51

33:51

On the show this time, with a new release under his own name - it’s Wolf Parade’s Dan Boeckner. Dan Boeckner is of course, one of the frontmen of the band Wolf Parade. He has been in a few other bands too - including Atlas Strategic, Operators, Divine Fits, and the Handsome Furs. He’s a solid hard-rockin' guitarist, with a penchant for finding a ki…

1
Songs of the Summer with KEXP's Editorial Team 26:53

2M ago26:53

26:53

On this special edition of In Our Headphones, KEXP’s Editorial Team comes together to share their contenders for this year’s “Song of the Summer.” From synth pop and breezy yacht rock to UK garage and the diss track to end them all, each contributor brings their own take on what makes the perfect summer track. Songs featured: Buscabulla - “11:11” (…

51
The "Pacific Notions" Edition of The Runcast 1:08:33

2M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

DJ Alex guest curates a special "Pacific Notions" edition of The Runcast with a mix of ambient, neo-classical, post-rock, jazz, and blissful electronic songs to help guide your run. From getting into a meditative zone while warming up, to pushing yourself to pick up the pace with more propulsive picks, this beautiful and motivating mix spotlights t…

1
Pachyman 22:26

2M ago22:26

22:26

On the show this time, it’s the DIAY - that’s do it all yourself - groovy latin-dub of Pachyman. Pachyman is the solo project of multi-instrumentalist and producer Pachy Garcia. He is from Puerto Rico, now living in Los Angeles. Pachyman wrote, produced, played, sang, recorded and mixed this latest record at his studio, “333 House.” The album is ca…

1
Pachyman [Performance & Interview Only] 24:46

2M ago24:46

24:46

On the show this time, it’s the DIAY - that’s do it all yourself - groovy latin-dub of Pachyman. Pachyman is the solo project of multi-instrumentalist and producer Pachy Garcia. He is from Puerto Rico, now living in Los Angeles. Pachyman wrote, produced, played, sang, recorded and mixed this latest record at his studio, “333 House.” The album is ca…

1
Michele Myers: Justice, Ana Tijoux, St. Vincent 18:49

2M ago18:49

18:49

DJ Michele Myers shares her song-based approach to DJ’ing and her philosophy for choosing positive messaging in music, like the infectious dance-friendly tracks she spotlights in this episode. Plus, KEXP Associate Music Director Alex Ruder shares a beautiful tribute from a young South-East London-based artist to his late sister. Justice - “Mannequi…

1
The Decemberists [Performance & Interview Only] 30:01

3M ago30:01

30:01

On the show this time, it's the yarn-spinning indie-rock of Portland, Oregon’s The Decemberists. It’s been 6 years since The Decemberists released new music. The Portland-based mini orchestra has been making their infectious folk pop since their formation in 2000. Any myth, epic poem, or historical account is fair game as fodder for their songs. Ov…

1
The Decemberists 27:11

2M ago27:11

27:11

On the show this time, it's the yarn-spinning indie-rock of Portland, Oregon’s The Decemberists. It’s been 6 years since The Decemberists released new music. The Portland-based mini orchestra has been making their infectious folk pop since their formation in 2000. Any myth, epic poem, or historical account is fair game as fodder for their songs. Ov…

1
Evie Stokes: Remi Wolf, Crumb, MRCY 25:57

2M ago25:57

25:57

Evie Stokes joins us to talk about what she has in store for listeners as KEXP’s new Drive Time host (Tuesdays through Fridays), then shares three standout tracks she’s had in her headphones lately. Ranging from art-pop to psychedelic jazz and soul, every recommendation deals with some heavy themes while being completely danceable. Plus, Music Dire…

1
The Jon Beavis of IDLES Runcast 54:46

3M ago54:46

54:46

Inspiration from the hardest hitting drummer in music, Jon Beavis of IDLES, featuring motivation and insight on running, as well as a Runcast curated by Jon from his friends in Heavy Lungs, John (TimesTwo) and, of course, his band IDLES. IDLES - "When the Lights Come On" Getdown Services - "I Wish It Didn't Bother Me" Emma-Jean Thackray - "Say Some…

1
The Yussef Dayes Experience 27:01

3M ago27:01

27:01

On the show this time, it’s the contemporary jazz and black classical music of Yussef Dayes. Drummer and composer Yussef Dayes makes music that embraces tradition, but then puts on a brand new shirt and walks out into the city, ready for anything. He’s a band leader - having put together a group of monster players to bring this music into existence…

1
The Yussef Dayes Experience [Performance & Interview Only] 27:03

3M ago27:03

27:03

On the show this time, it’s the contemporary jazz and black classical music of Yussef Dayes. Drummer and composer Yussef Dayes makes music that embraces tradition, but then puts on a brand new shirt and walks out into the city, ready for anything. He’s a band leader - having put together a group of monster players to bring this music into existence…

1
Kevin Cole: Mavis Staples, Charli XCX, Manon meurt 21:09

3M ago21:09

21:09

The great Kevin Cole talks about his “remix, not retirement,” as he steps down from Drive Time at the end of this week and transitions to a weekly show, starting in August. Plus, he shares songs from a Civil Rights legend, a pop music “it girl,” and an unclassifiable band from the Czech Republic. Then, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares a chao…

1
Heartworms 24:11

3M ago24:11

24:11

On the show this time, it’s the immaculately tailored imagery of Heartworms. Heartworms is the band project of London singer-songwriter Jojo Orme. She named it after one of her favorite bands - the Shins - 2017 album of the same name. The sound is threatening, dark, gothic even. Her lyrics walk a tightrope, beautifully balanced betwixt concrete ima…

1
Heartworms [Performance & Interview Only] 25:26

3M ago25:26

25:26

On the show this time, it’s the immaculately tailored imagery of Heartworms. Heartworms is the band project of London singer-songwriter Jojo Orme. She named it after one of her favorite bands - the Shins - 2017 album of the same name. The sound is threatening, dark, gothic even. Her lyrics walk a tightrope, beautifully balanced betwixt concrete ima…

1
Tory J: Deerlady, Under Exile, Tharun Sankar 34:35

3M ago34:35

34:35

Tory J, co-host of KEXP’s global Indigenous music show “Sounds of Survivance” talks with Isabel about how sound and music inform Indigenous life, dispelling myths about Indigenous peoples through his show, and his deep love of Rez Metal. He shares three new songs touching on shoegaze, metal, jazz, plus one foundational track. Then, Music Director C…

1
The "Dogs, We Don't Deserve Them" Runcast 57:34

3M ago57:34

57:34

John Richards is back to fuel your run with messages about dogs, plus great music from Nilufer Yanya, Ride, Nada Surf and.. SQUIRREL!!! Pokey LaFarge - Run Run Run The Decemberists - Burial Ground Apples with Moya - Contact Early Internet - Pisces Season But All the Time Nada Surf - In Front of Me Now Ride - Last Frontier Gift - Wish Me Away Maxban…

1
BALTHVS 27:48

3M ago27:48

27:48

On the show this time, it’s the Colombian psychedelic funk of BALTHVS. BALTHVS is a psych-funk power-trio from Colombia. They can play surfy classics and straight ahead Cumbia, but they excel at trippy groovy psych-rock that references the sounds of the middle east, especially Turkish music. Oh - and you can definitely dance to it. Their 4th album …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

KEXP Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide