Songs of the Summer with KEXP's Editorial Team

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, covering everything from shoegaze to indigenous punk. Plus, our Music Director Chris Sanley helps us celebrate Aqui y Ahora with one of the most upbeat tracks on depression we’ve ever had the pleasure to hear. Descartes a kant - “The Mess We’ve Made” La ciencia simple - “Un río interminable” Melenas - “Ahora” Los Cogelones - “Danza Del Sol” Hinds - "En Forma" 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 El Sonido with Albina Cabrera every Monday from 7-10 PM PT, or anytime on the two-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel KhaliliMixed by: Emily FoxMastered by: Jackson LongEditorial Director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphonesContact us at [email protected] the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 celebrate Riz's 35-year milestone, we get two extra song recommendations in this episode! Isabel joins Riz at his house to discuss 4 new songs and 2 old favorites (remixed, because Riz loves a good remix). They also talk about his origins and inspirations as a DJ, imposter syndrome, and the influence faith and gospel have had on his life and trajectory. As expected, Riz shares much wisdom along the way. (Note: the first song recommendation starts around 10:23). To finish the episode, Associate Music Director (and fellow Expansions DJ) Alex Ruder shares a song that's perfect for a chill out room or after party, and also serves as a nod to his mentor Riz. Samora Pinderhughes - “Better”   Meshell Ndegeocello - “Trouble” The Folk Implosion - “Moonlit Kind” Tristan de Liège - “New Symmetry (feat. Bryony Jarman-Pinto)" Erykah Badu - “Soldier (Supa Ape Remix)” Pharoah Sanders - “You Got To Have Freedom (Opolopo Tweak)” HNNY - “I Let Go” 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 Riz on Drive Time every Monday from 4-7pm PT, monthly on Expansions, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel KhaliliMixed by: Emily FoxMastered by: William MyersEditorial Director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphonesContact us at [email protected] the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 nod to his ‘90s Seattle roots!)  And speaking of “‘90s Seattle,” KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares the latest single from local trio Black Ends, who bring their own style of grunge they call “gunk pop.” Gaba Cannal and Zaba - “Emthandayo (featuring Sykes)”   Drain - “Run Your Luck" Felo Le Tee, Scotts Maphuma, and Thabza Tee - “Yebo Lapho (Gogo)” Fela Kuti and Africa ‘70 - “Water No Get Enemy” Black Ends - “Bent” 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 Lace Cadence on "The Continent" every Friday from 7-10pm PT, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel KhaliliMixed by: Emily FoxMastered by: William MyersEditorial Director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphonesContact us at [email protected] the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 different album from the list each week, discussing its influence on Nirvana and the bigger themes still resonating today. On this episode, Dusty Henry dives into 'Surfer Rosa' by The Pixies. It's arguably the most influential "alternative music" album of the 90s — not just for Nirvana, but artists worldwide. Surfer Rosa was Nevermind before Nevermind. Subscribe to The Cobain 50 wherever you get your podcasts. Support KEXP podcasts at kexp.org/headphones.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the “middle ground between Radiohead and Young Fathers.“ Lustmord - “Entrails of the God Machine”  Chat Pile - "I am Dog Now" Rui Gabriel - “Target” Drive-By Truckers - “Gravity's Gone”  Wand - "Mistletoe" 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 Reeves on Saturdays from 2-6 AM PT, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel KhaliliMixed by: Emily FoxMastered by: William MyersEditorial Director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphonesContact us at [email protected] the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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” (Albina Cabrera’s pick) Mt Fog - “Drifting” (Roddy Nikpour’s pick) Chris Cohen - “Night or Day” (Janice Headley’s pick) Empress Of - “Kiss Me (feat. Rina Sawayama)” (Emily Fox’s pick) J.P. - “Bad Bitty” (Larry Mizell Jr’s pick) Kendrick Lamar - “Not Like Us" (Dusty Henry and Martin Douglas’ pick) Bklava - “all around me” (Isabel Khalili’s pick) Send your own "Song of the Summer" to [email protected].  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. Explore the work of KEXP’s Editorial Team on https://www.kexp.org/podcasts/ . Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel KhaliliMixed by: Roddy NikpourMastered by: William MyersEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphonesSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 - “Mannequin Love” Ana Tijoux - “Ninx” St. Vincent - “Broken Man” ODESZA - "Across the Room (feat. Leon Bridges)” Jim Legxacy - “nothings changed (!)” 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 Michele Myers live every Tuesday from 10pm to 1am Pacific Time, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel KhaliliMixed by: Emily FoxMastered by: William MyersEditorial Director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphonesContact us at [email protected].  Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Director Chris Sanley shares an emotional track from the artist she calls one of the greatest songwriters of our time. Songs featured: Remi Wolf - "Cinderella" Crumb - "Genie" MRCY - "Flowers In Mourning" Björk - "Army of Me" Cassandra Jenkins - "Omakase”  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 Evie Stokes Tuesdays through Fridays from 4-7pm PT, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel KhaliliMixed by: Emily FoxMastered by: William MyersEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphonesContact us at [email protected] the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 chaotic, yet melodic track from an Austin art-punk band. Mavis Staples - “Worthy” Charli XCX - “360" Manon meurt - “Marrow” Television - “Marquee Moon” Font - “It” 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. Starting in late August, you can listen to Kevin Cole in his new slot every Sunday 3-6pm PT, or anytime on the two-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel KhaliliMixed by: Emily FoxMastered by: William MyersEditorial Director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphonesContact us at [email protected] the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Chris Sanley shares why she’s dancing and weeping to the new single posthumously released from hyper-pop icon SOPHIE. Songs featured: Deerlady - "Seeing Two" Under Exile - "Throne of Ashes" Tharun Sankar - "In Between" David Maxim Micic - "Smile" SOPHIE - "Reason Why (feat. Kim Petras & BC Kingdom)" 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 Sounds of Survivance with Tory J and Kevin Sur every Monday from 3-5am PT, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel KhaliliMixed by: Emily FoxMastered by: William MyersEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphonesContact us at [email protected] the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.