Terror/Cactus

Seattle-based Terror/Cactus bring their distinctive take on psychedelic electro cumbia to the KEXP live stage for this unique performance. As always, the band is donned in masks while showcasing instrumental songs from their 2018 sophomore full-length Impulsos as well as 2019’s Corriente EP. The band takes DJ Chilly through the decade-long history and formation of the band, which started as Buenos Aires-born musician Martín Selasco’s solo bedroom project and expanded in just the past few years into a full band, as well as Selasco’s collection of new instruments he acquired while traveling through South America that inspired the new EP. Recorded 11/26/2019. Sapo Enamorado La Quebrada Tambor del Monte La Corriente Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show.

Angel Olsen

Last fall, indie chanteuse Angel Olsen unveiled her fourth studio album, All Mirrors. An exercise in grandeur, Olsen is backed by a cinematic orchestra that takes her skilled vocals and introspective lyrics to new heights. While many artists could get lost behind a screen of smoke and satin, Olsen is simply strengthened by her transformation into an old-Hollywood protagonist starring in a movie of her own making. Olsen brings the string-filled spectacle of All Mirrors to KEXP for this in-studio, hosted by Troy Nelson in the KEXP Live Room. Recorded 12/11/2019 All Mirrors Spring Lark Chance Read KEXP's interview with Angel Olsen about 'All Mirrors' Support the show.

Say Sue Me

Busan, South Korea’s favorite band Say Sue Me capped off 2019, a year of high highs and the lowest of lows for the good friends, by stopping by the KEXP studios to perform four songs that span their six-year career of making sincere surf-tinged indie rock. Amidst the music, the band chats with Kevin Cole about their 2019 Korean Music Award experience, in which they were nominated in five categories and won two, and how the passing of their drummer Semin Kang has inspired them to “make music for us.” Recorded 12/13/19. Old Town Good People Just Joking Around Let’s Don’t Say Anything Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show.

Whitney

On their anticipated sophomore record, 'Forever Turned Around,' beloved Chicago duo Whitney continue their distinct interpretation of ‘70s AM soft rock that made them a hit on the festival circuit after their 2016 debut Light Upon the Lake. Focusing on themes of relationships, loneliness, and the beauty of friendship, the record is a nostalgic slow-burner that basks in the warm glow of a summer evening. Joined by five other musicians for their in-studio, Max Kakacek and Julien Ehrlich tell Cheryl Waters about the experience of making the new record and how their bond has led to a natural fusing of brains. Recorded 10/25/19. Friend of Mine Giving Up Before I Know It Valleys (My Love) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show.

Death Valley Girls

Los Angeles quartet Death Valley Girls combines the volume and fury of proto-punk, desert mysticism, with a dash of spacey psych and freewheeling garage-rock fun. The band joins Troy Nelson for a set heavy with tunes from their 2018 release, 'Darkness Rains,' with the sounds being accompanied by some live visuals courtesy of Mad Alchemy. Recorded 11/15/2019. Abre Camino Street Justice More Dead Disaster (Is What We're After) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show.

San Salvador

One of the standouts from KEXP’s 2019 Trans Musicales broadcast, San Salvador is a six-piece vocal and percussion ensemble that sings in the Occitan language of rural Southern France. Although very few can understand the literal meaning of their words, the cascading vocal harmonies and rhythms convey a poetic message that is boundary-less. The hypnotic performance was recorded at La Chapelle in Rennes, France. Recorded 12/08/2019. Efans de la campagna La Grande Folie Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show.

Great Grandpa

On their second LP, titled ‘Four of Arrows’ after an inspiring Tarot card pull, Seattle-bred Great Grandpa takes a step back from the playful grunge of their debut record in favor of a more open, introspective sound. Each song is crafted thoughtfully, leaving space for lead singer Alex Menne’s voice to fully resonate, and with perfectly placed instrumental builds that deepen the impact. Stevie Zoom hosts this session in the KEXP Live Room. Recorded 01/06/2020. Digger Mono no Aware Dark Green Water English Garden Watch Great Grandpa's cover of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" on YouTube Read about Great Grandpa's song "Bloom" on KEXP's Song of the Day feature Support the show.

Parisalexa

At just 21-years-old, Paris Alexa Williams has made waves in the Seattle music scene with her R&B songwriting sensibilities, unforgettable hooks and smooth-as-honey vocals. It’s easy to imagine any of her songs becoming international hits. This session, including unreleased tracks, was recorded in the KEXP Gathering Space as part of the first-ever Street Sounds live broadcast with DJ Stas THEE Boss. Recorded 10/11/2019. Resist Leaves and Seasons Gardens Keep Away Deadhead Water Me Affected Ballin Like Mariah Read KEXP's interview with Parisalexa Read more about "Gardens" on KEXP's Song of the Day feature Watch Parisalexa's 2018 Live on KEXP session with DJ Sharlese Support the show.

DakhaBrakha

Upon hearing the sounds of DakhaBrakha (Ukrainian for “Give/Take”), it’s no surprise that the quartet was founded at a contemporary art museum by an avant-garde theater director. Between their unfamiliar harmonies and use of traditional instrumentation from three continents, the musical world DakhaBrakha creates is nothing short of transcendent. Wo'Pop's Darek Mazzone hosts this Live on KEXP session from Seattle’s The Triple Door. Recorded 10/15/2019. Khyma I've Boarded The Wrong Plane (Rembetika) Plyve choven Lado Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show.

Ahamefule J. Oluo

Seattle composer and celebrated jazz musician Ahamefule J. Oluo’s latest work is a musical portrait of his mother, ‘Susan.’ Through the lens of humor and optimism, he shifts the focus from the story of his absent father to a celebration of the laughter and creativity his mother used to pick up the pieces. Leading a talented orchestra, Oluo joins John Gilbreath on KEXP’s Jazz Theater to perform four songs and discuss the trusting audience of Seattle, visiting his ancestral home in Nigeria, and where this project will take him next. Recorded 11/25/2019. Land Called She Anybody Out There Man From Obibi End Of Courtesy Support the show.