Andre 3000’s Ambient Flute Record and Finding Solace in 2023
Since iconic rap duo Outkast went on hiatus in 2006, fans have been clamoring for a solo album from Andre 3000. Now, 17 years later, he’s finally delivered with a new record called New Blue Sun… only, instead of rapping he’s playing the flute. KEXP’s Dusty Henry shares his reflections on why the a…
Live Music’s Accessibility Problem
Many venues in Seattle and beyond aren’t equipped to get wheelchair users inside or on stage, pointing to a broader issue of accessibility in live music. Emily Fox speaks with venues, performers, and concertgoers about this issue, including: Seattle musician Mindie Lind who wrote the article, “I S…
Sudan Tapes Archive: Preserving Memory
Sudan Tapes Archive is a DIY project started by Haneen Sidhamed where she digitizes and makes Sudanese music cassette tapes available to stream online. This project is important amid ongoing war in Sudan, the closure of recording and publishing companies, and the physical burning and destruction of…
The Halluci Nation’s Wrestling-Inspired EP
The First Nations electronic duo The Halluci Nation is out with the first part of a two-part EP inspired by wrestling. It's called 'Path of The Heel' and it features Damian Abraham of the Canadian hardcore band, Fucked Up. Bear Witness and 2oolman of The Halluci Nation talk with Emily Fox about th…
Duff McKagan Talks Addiction, Recovery, and New Solo Album
Seattle's Duff McKagan is best known for being the bassist of Guns N' Roses. He’s now out with his third solo album, 'Lighthouse.' Emily Fox speaks with McKagan about the new record and how his sensei and martial arts practice inspired one of his new songs. He also shares his story of addiction, r…
The Beatles' Last New Song
The Beatles released their so-called “last new song,” titled “Now and Then” on November 2nd. The song involves all four members of The Beatles — thanks to the help of artificial intelligence. For a quick breakdown of the song and how it happened, KEXP’s Roddy Nikpour speaks with KEXP’s Music Direct…
Meet KEXP’s New Music Director
For the first time in more than 30 years, KEXP got a new Music Director. They listen to all the music coming into the station each week and suggest which songs and albums should be played more often on-air. Emily Fox caught up with KEXP’s new Music Director, Chris Sanley, to learn about her throug…
SXSW Sydney Performers on Fair Pay
SXSW recently increased payments to performers from $250 to $350 but performers still have to choose between getting paid or getting access to a free wristband to attend the festival. This change happened as SXSW expanded its global footprint and just put on SXSW Sydney. Contributor Celine Teo-Bloc…
Heatmiser on Old Portland and Their Compilation Record
Heatmiser was a band co-lead by Elliott Smith and Neil Gust. It was a vital part of Portland’s early 90s punk scene. It was also the launching point for Smith’s prolific and influential solo career until his death in 2003. The band recently released a compilation record of early recordings called T…
The Memoir of Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore
Sonic Youth member Thurston Moore has released a memoir called 'Sonic Life.' It is a chronicle of the singer/guitarist’s lifelong obsession with music and the relationships he’s made along the way. KEXP’s Martin Douglas speaks to Thurston about 'Sonic Life,' his interest in record collecting, and …