The Shivas

Hailing from Portland, The Shivas make surfy psychedelic that takes a massive amount of inspiration from the 1960s. For this episode of Live on KEXP, Troy Nelson draws parallels from artists of that era like the Beatles, Little Richard, and The Kingsmen to the explosive shake-n-shimmy of The Shivas. For the past 14 years, the quartet has charmed audiences with their bombastic live performances and this one is no different. Performing the first four songs off their latest record, Dark Thoughts, the band proves why they continue to shine after all this time. Recorded 11/13/2019. Gloria Turn Me On Playing On The Radio If You See Me Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show.

The Growlers

For their sixth studio album, 'Natural Affair,' The Growlers continue their streak of distinctly California-cool rock that effortlessly marries the feelings of both sunny beaches and late-night dance parties. As DJ Troy Nelson puts it, the band is “California as f*ck.” After years of throwing one of the hippest festivals on the West Coast, Beach Goth Party, the band is expanding the brand into a label called (what else?) Beach Goth Records and Tapes, with 'Natural Affair' as their first release. Troy Nelson goes on to give some background on the history of the Growlers while the band plays a few songs from the new record. Recorded 10/07/2019. Problems III Try Hard Fool Natural Affair I'll Be Around Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show.

Penelope Isles

Formed by brother/sister duo Jack and Lily Wolter on a small island called Isle of Man, Penelope Isles channels salty seas and flowing currents for their eclectic and lustrous style of fuzzy dream pop. Now Brighton-based, the band is rounded out by Brighton locals Becky Redford on bass and Jack Sowton on drums. For this Live On KEXP session, Troy Nelson gives some background on the Isle of Man, which Jack Wolter calls a “special” and “safe” place where “80,000 alcoholics are clinging to a rock in the middle of the Irish Sea,” before the band breaks into a dazzling set of songs from their 2019 debut record, 'Until the Tide Creeps In.’ Recorded 10/30/2019. Leipzig Not Talking Gnarbone Cut Your Hair Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show.

Calexico and Iron & Wine

Fourteen years ago, Latin-infused Americana band Calexico teamed up with folk singer-songwriter Sam Beam, better known as Iron & Wine, for an EP called In the Reins. After much delay, the old friends reunited in 2018 to work on their debut full-length, Years to Burn, which was unveiled last year. The chemistry between the good chums is unmistakable during this KEXP performance, recorded at 2019’s inaugural Thing Fest at Fort Worden. DJ Troy Nelson takes us through the history of the band and introduces us to the people responsible for the quick and collaborative making of Years to Burn. Recorded 08/25/2019. Father Mountain Midnight Sun He Lays In The Reins Bring On The Dancing Horses Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show.

Hiss Golden Messenger

For his third KEXP in-studio performance as Hiss Golden Messenger, folk-rocker M.C. Taylor brought a whole gang of talented musicians to join him. Flanked by Phil Cook, Chris Boerner, Erin Rae, Alex Bingham, and Al Smith, the sextet played a stunning set of songs off Hiss Golden Messenger’s latest record, 'Terms of Surrender.’ Recorded 10/11/2019. I Need A Teacher Down At The Uptown Bright Direction (You’re a Dark Star Now) Terms Of Surrender Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show.

Marina Satti

Greek-Sudanese musician Marina Satti and her ever-present all-female polyhphonic vocal group Fonέs wowed the audience at the La Chapelle by le Studio in Rennes, France during Trans Musicales this past December with their modern take on Greek, Balkan, Arabic, and Middle-Eastern sounds. After having gone viral in 2017 with her single-shot video for “Mantissa,” Satti has become a beloved figure and inspiration to young people across Greece. Recorded 12/04/2019. Koupes (Cups) Chichovite Konye Mantissa (Fortune Teller) Savvato Vradi (Saturday Night) Hilii Mastori (One Thousand Craftsmen) Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show.

Travis Thompson

Burien’s biggest musical export Travis Thompson has been building buzz since signing a record deal with major label Epic last year to release his latest album Reckless Endangerment. Filling the KEXP stage with a full band, the young rapper spits his flows gracefully and effortlessly like a seasoned pro. Thompson and Audioasis host Eva Walker chat about their common history of starting out in local arts program Youth Speaks, the joy of making music videos, and working with Macklemore. Recorded 01/07/2020. The Move Malice Mad Mad World Don't Run Read KEXP's interview with Travis Thompson Support the show.

Updates to Live on KEXP

Are you wondering about changes you've noticed to the KEXP podcasts lately? In addition to the name change (from "Live Performances" to simply "Live on KEXP") and the new graphic that nods to KEXP's iconic Live Room lights, we've got some more exciting updates in store... Sit back and let your new host, KEXP's own DJ Troy Nelson, tell you all about the changes that will go into effect starting Tuesday, April 28th. Here's a summary: The publishing schedule will move to once per week New episodes will be published on Tuesdays We'll feature a short "story-time" before each session to give you some background on the music, including anything from interviews with the artists to band origin stories to drummer jokes You'll still hear a carefully curated selection of KEXP's one-of-a-kind, world-renowned live sessions. So stay tuned and enjoy! Support the show.

Kikagaku Moyo

The Bandcamp page housing Kikagaku Moyo’s discography simply describes the band as “feeling good music.” It’s succinct and perhaps reductive to the intricate tapestry of sounds the Japanese band weaves but nonetheless completely accurate. In November, they made a crowd of VIP donors at The Triple Door feel very good while basking in the haze of Kikagaku Moyo’s free flowing psychedelic folk for KEXP’s VIP Club Concert series. Recorded 11/29/2019. Old Snow, White Sun Cardigan Song Green Sugar Nazo Nazo Kodama Gatherings Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTube Support the show.

Soultanz

This past fall, beloved KEXP show Street Sounds went live with a performance in the Gathering Space from notable hip hop and R&B artists. The first to take the stage was electro-soul duo Soultanz. A collaboration between producer Jared Rubens and singer/producer Shayhan Mashayekh, the two mix samples of samba, bossa nova, soul, classical, and classic rock with Mashayekh’s smooth vocals to make slick, funky, and original grooves. Hosted by DJ Stas THEE Boss. Recorded 10/11/2019. Give Patience Cherish Serenity Afterthot Bad Theory Support the show.