Isabel Khalili sits down with Brian, Jenn, and Dr. West, hosts of KEXP’s punk show Sonic Reducer, to celebrate its 20th anniversary. After reminiscing about the origins and evolution of the show, each DJ shares a new short, fast ‘n loud track they’re excited about. Plus, we hear about the show’s namesake song and what makes it an all-time great.

As always, we end on one standout release from KEXP’s Music Director team. This time, we hear about a sprawling track with an unconventional story from Associate Music Director Alex Ruder.

Songs featured:
Jean Mignon – “Cause I'm Scared”
Candy Apple – "Pull the Plug"
Powerplant – "She (Misfits Cover)”
Dead Boys – "Sonic Reducer"
pigbaby – "Texas Girl"

Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify.

Listen to Sonic Reducer with Jenn, Brian, and Dr. West every Saturday at 9-midnight PT, 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: 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.

Isabel Khalili sits down with Brian, Jenn, and Dr. West, hosts of KEXP’s punk show Sonic Reducer, to celebrate its 20th anniversary. After reminiscing about the origins and evolution of the show, each DJ shares a new short, fast ‘n loud track they’re excited about. Plus, we hear about the show’s namesake song and what makes it an all-time great.
As always, we end on one standout release from KEXP’s Music Director team. This time, we hear about a sprawling track with an unconventional story from Associate Music Director Alex Ruder.
Songs featured:
<ol>
<li>Jean Mignon – “Cause I'm Scared”</li>
<li>Candy Apple – "Pull the Plug"</li>
<li>Powerplant – "She (Misfits Cover)”</li>
<li>Dead Boys – "Sonic Reducer"</li>
<li>pigbaby – "Texas Girl"</li>
</ol>
Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sh4e3BK7fjr9qtI8GNSY5?si=53afc0b820744434">In Our Headphones 2024</a>" playlist on Spotify.
Listen to Sonic Reducer with Jenn, Brian, and Dr. West every Saturday at 9-midnight PT, 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: William Myers Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.
Our theme music is “<a href="https://chineseamericanbear.bandcamp.com/track/hao-ma">好吗 (Hao Ma)</a>” by Chinese American Bear
Support the podcast: <a href="http://kexp.org/headphones">kexp.org/headphones </a>Contact us at <a href="mailto:headphones@kexp.org">headphones@kexp.org</a>.

Finding good new music can be a full time job, so let KEXP help! In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. We learn stories and insights about the artists, make connections between the music and the world around us, and get to know the diverse roster of DJs that make up the KEXP airwaves. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery.

Finding good new music can be a full time job, so let KEXP help! In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. We learn stories and insights about the artists, make connections between the music and the world around us, and get to know the diverse roster of DJs that make up the KEXP airwaves. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery.

A never-ending journey of music discovery from KEXP.

In Our Headphones

Sonic Reducer: Jean Mignon, Candy Apple, Powerplant

It’s that list-making time of year! So for this episode, we've brought together 12 KEXP DJs and tastemakers for a sonic collage of the best new music from 2024. We hear from each DJ about one song that rose above the rest, getting a diverse sampling of the year in music. From hardcore to reggae to ambient and everything in between, this episode is sure to bring something unexpected for even our most voracious listeners.

Songs featured:


Mk.gee - “Dream Police” (DJ Alex’s pick)


Bures Band - “Green Town” (Greg Vandy’s pick)


Clay Birds - “Call Out My Name” (Gabriel Lopez’s pick)


Rapsody - “Never Enough (feat. Keznamdi)” (DJ Miss Ashley’s pick)


MUÑECA - “Bambi” (DJ Chilly’s pick)


Brimheim - “Dancing in the Rubble” (Kevin Cole’s pick)


The Scoffs - “Factories In Heaven” (Brian Foss’s pick)


Burning Hammer - “Howling With The Wolves” (Jenn’s pick)


Chat Pile - "Masc" (Reeves’ pick)


 Rich Ruth - “No Muscle, No Memory” (Noel Brass Jr.’s pick)


 Seiji Oda - "a gentle gigg.." (Mike Ramos’s pick)


 Porridge Radio - “Sick Of The Blues” (Chris Sanley’s pick)

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.

Stream KEXP at any hour, any day, for live DJ curation and recommendations. Tune into 90.3 FM in Seattle, 92.7 FM in the Bay Area, or KEXP.org and the KEXP App anywhere in the world.

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.

It&rsquo;s that list-making time of year! So for this episode, we've brought together 12 KEXP DJs and tastemakers for a sonic collage of the best new music from 2024. We hear from each DJ about one song that rose above the rest, getting a diverse sampling of the year in music. From hardcore to reggae to ambient and everything in between, this episode is sure to bring something unexpected for even our most voracious listeners.
Songs featured:
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Mk.gee - &ldquo;Dream Police&rdquo; (DJ Alex&rsquo;s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Bures Band - &ldquo;Green Town&rdquo; (Greg Vandy&rsquo;s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Clay Birds - &ldquo;Call Out My Name&rdquo; (Gabriel Lopez&rsquo;s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Rapsody - &ldquo;Never Enough (feat. Keznamdi)&rdquo; (DJ Miss Ashley&rsquo;s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
MU&Ntilde;ECA - &ldquo;Bambi&rdquo; (DJ Chilly&rsquo;s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Brimheim - &ldquo;Dancing in the Rubble&rdquo; (Kevin Cole&rsquo;s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
The Scoffs - &ldquo;Factories In Heaven&rdquo; (Brian Foss&rsquo;s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Burning Hammer - &ldquo;Howling With The Wolves&rdquo; (Jenn&rsquo;s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Chat Pile - "Masc" (Reeves&rsquo; pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
&nbsp;Rich Ruth - &ldquo;No Muscle, No Memory&rdquo; (Noel Brass Jr.&rsquo;s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
&nbsp;Seiji Oda - "a gentle gigg.." (Mike Ramos&rsquo;s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
&nbsp;Porridge Radio - &ldquo;Sick Of The Blues&rdquo; (Chris Sanley&rsquo;s pick)
</li>
</ol>
Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sh4e3BK7fjr9qtI8GNSY5?si=53afc0b820744434">In Our Headphones 2024</a>" playlist on Spotify or the &ldquo;<a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bZLwyPT01b-QQ6lhw5T0BnVUYQbSUvm&amp;feature=shared">What's In Our Headphones</a>&rdquo; playlist on YouTube.
Stream KEXP at any hour, any day, for live DJ curation and recommendations. Tune into 90.3 FM in Seattle, 92.7 FM in the Bay Area, or KEXP.org and the KEXP App anywhere in the world.
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 &ldquo;<a href="https://chineseamericanbear.bandcamp.com/track/hao-ma">好吗 (Hao Ma)</a>&rdquo; by Chinese American Bear
Support the podcast:<a href="http://kexp.org/headphones"> kexp.org/headphones </a>Contact us at headphones@kexp.org.

KEXP’s Songs of the Year (2024)

Albina Cabrera returns to the podcast for a very ”roquera” episode, spotlighting four new tracks from Argentina and Spain with elements of shoegaze, psychedelic, and punk, partly inspired by her recent travels. She also shares the 2020 song she keeps coming back to from the riot grrrls of Madrid.

And Music Director Chris Sanley talks about the moving tribute that Sade Adu wrote for her son (her first new music in six years) as part of TRAИƧA, the 8-part compilation record celebrating trans artistry.

Songs featured:


Winona Riders - "No hagas que me arrepienta"


Dum Chica - "Such a Witch"


Alcalá Norte - "La Vida Cañón"


Carolina Durante - "Hamburguesas"


Aiko el grupo - "Si me conoces tanto (¿por qué me haces sufrir?)"


Sade Adu - "Young Lion"

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 other Monday from 7-10 PM PT, or on-demand anytime 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.

Albina Cabrera returns to the podcast for a very ”roquera” episode, spotlighting four new tracks from Argentina and Spain with elements of shoegaze, psychedelic, and punk, partly inspired by her recent travels. She also shares the 2020 song she keeps coming back to from the riot grrrls of Madrid.
And Music Director Chris Sanley talks about the moving tribute that Sade Adu wrote for her son (her first new music in six years) as part of TRAИƧA, the 8-part compilation record celebrating trans artistry.
Songs featured:
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Winona Riders - "No hagas que me arrepienta"
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Dum Chica - "Such a Witch"
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Alcalá Norte - "La Vida Cañón"
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Carolina Durante - "Hamburguesas"
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Aiko el grupo - "Si me conoces tanto (¿por qué me haces sufrir?)"
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Sade Adu - "Young Lion"
</li>
</ol>
Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sh4e3BK7fjr9qtI8GNSY5?si=53afc0b820744434">In Our Headphones 2024</a>" playlist on Spotify or the “<a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bZLwyPT01b-QQ6lhw5T0BnVUYQbSUvm&amp;feature=shared">What's In Our Headphones</a>” playlist on YouTube.
Listen to El Sonido with Albina Cabrera every other Monday from 7-10 PM PT, or on-demand anytime at<a href="http://kexp.org/"> KEXP.org</a> 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 “<a href="https://chineseamericanbear.bandcamp.com/track/hao-ma">好吗 (Hao Ma)</a>” by Chinese American Bear
Support the podcast:<a href="http://kexp.org/headphones"> kexp.org/headphones </a>Contact us at headphones@kexp.org.

Albina Cabrera: Winona Riders, Dum Chica, Alcalá Norte, Carolina Durante

In this episode, we make space for calm with a selection of new ambient tracks curated by KEXP DJs and editorial staff. We hear from Alex Ruder, host of the ambient and neo-classical show, Pacific Notions, about where his interest in ambient music began and the first song he ever played on his show. Then, we get recommendations that play with heavy distortion, post-rock, jazz, and field recordings.

Songs featured:


Helios - “First Dream Called Ocean” (Alex Ruder’s foundational ambient pick)


KMRU - “opener” (Dusty Henry’s pick)


Austyn Wohlers - “How Heavy the Slow World” (Brit Hansen’s pick)


Evan Chapman - “Windows” (Roddy Nikpour’s pick)


Nala Sinephro - “Continuum 4” (Isabel Khalili’s pick)


Mark McGuire - “Anhedonia” (Alex Ruder’s pick)

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 more ambient tunes with DJ and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder on Pacific Notions every Sunday from 6-9am Pacific Time or on-demand anytime 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.

In this episode, we make space for calm with a selection of new ambient tracks curated by KEXP DJs and editorial staff. We hear from Alex Ruder, host of the ambient and neo-classical show, Pacific Notions, about where his interest in ambient music began and the first song he ever played on his show. Then, we get recommendations that play with heavy distortion, post-rock, jazz, and field recordings.
Songs featured:
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Helios - “First Dream Called Ocean” (Alex Ruder’s foundational ambient pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
KMRU - “opener” (Dusty Henry’s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Austyn Wohlers - “How Heavy the Slow World” (Brit Hansen’s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Evan Chapman - “Windows” (Roddy Nikpour’s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Nala Sinephro - “Continuum 4” (Isabel Khalili’s pick)
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Mark McGuire - “Anhedonia” (Alex Ruder’s pick)
</li>
</ol>
Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6sh4e3BK7fjr9qtI8GNSY5?si=53afc0b820744434">In Our Headphones 2024</a>" playlist on Spotify or the “<a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4bZLwyPT01b-QQ6lhw5T0BnVUYQbSUvm&amp;feature=shared">What's In Our Headphones</a>” playlist on YouTube.
Listen to more ambient tunes with DJ and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder on Pacific Notions every Sunday from 6-9am Pacific Time or on-demand anytime 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 “<a href="https://chineseamericanbear.bandcamp.com/track/hao-ma">好吗 (Hao Ma)</a>” by Chinese American Bear
Support the podcast:<a href="http://kexp.org/headphones"> kexp.org/headphones </a>Contact us at headphones@kexp.org.

Sonic Reducer: Jean Mignon, Candy Apple, Powerplant

In 1 playlist(s)

In Our Headphones

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips