FEATURED
Jon Hassell: Dreaming Visionary trumpeter Jon Hassell is the originator of the musical concept known as "Fourth World," which he defines as "a unified primitive/futuristic sound combining features of world ethnic styles with advanced electronic techniques." Hassell's first recording in 9 years is on his own new label. "Dreaming" is full of the complex layers and textures that echo his ethereal trademark sound.
Young Fathers: Picking You Scottish hip-hop trio Young Fathers have a new album and an enviable opportunity to play those songs on the iconic Hollywood Bowl stage, opening for LCD Soundsystem and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. If they could raise the roof there, they would on the slow jam "Picking You."
ALL EPISODES
Jon Hassell: Dreaming Visionary trumpeter Jon Hassell is the originator of the musical concept known as "Fourth World," which he defines as "a unified primitive/futuristic sound combining features of world ethnic styles with advanced electronic techniques." Hassell's first recording in 9 years is on his own new label. "Dreaming" is full of the complex layers and textures that echo his ethereal trademark sound.
Young Fathers: Picking You Scottish hip-hop trio Young Fathers have a new album and an enviable opportunity to play those songs on the iconic Hollywood Bowl stage, opening for LCD Soundsystem and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. If they could raise the roof there, they would on the slow jam "Picking You."
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever: Talking Straight Since their start, Melbourne five-piece Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever could feel their immediate chemistry. They're stage ready to play new songs from an their upcoming debut album out early summer. Let's rock with "Talking Straight."
Cuco: Lo Que Siento Hawthorne, CA based Cuco got major props at SXSW this year. After a stint at our home base of Santa Monica College, he began to pursue music in earnest. The moniker of 19-year-old Omar Banos steers his work toward the dream-pop side, incorporating lovelorn ‘Spanglish’ lyrics into the mix. Check out why he's become a Chicano heartthrob by listening to "Lo Que Siento."
Portugal. The Man: So Young Portugal. The Man are no strangers to festival stages and their latest album Woodstock is full of summer-ready jams; in fact, the title of the album was inspired by founder John Gourley's dad's ticket stub to the famed 60's festival. Check out "So Young" co-written with Danger Mouse.
The Delirians: Give A Little Bit Emerging East LA outfit The Delirians add a lot of flavor to their blend of traditional ska and reggae. The guys are excited about their brand new recording out early summer, which features "Give A Little Bit." Get ready to rocksteady, as they make their Coachella debut!
Balún: El Espanto KCRW DJ José Galván first wrote about Puerto Rican via-Brooklyn outfit Balún on his Pan Caliente blog a couple of years ago (and again while recapping outstanding bands at SXSW this year). Originally part of a DIY scene out of San Juan, Balún features: a classically trained vocalist and songwriter, Angélica Negrón (also a NY Philharmonic commissioned composer); bassist Noraliz Ruiz, who holds a PhD in ethnomusicology; and José Olivares, a technology educator and pioneering beatmaker. The trio brands their sound as "dreambow." Check out "El Espanto."
Upcoming Episodes
Adrian Younge: Chasing Love Let's take a journey into spiritual jazz, funk, and dark-soul with LA-based composer/producer/arranger Adrian Younge. He loves the sound of analog and doesn't use samples (he is an entertainment law professor after all). Cinematic and highly orchestrated "Chasing Love" is as seductive as the title suggests.
Mirella Cesa & Mr Pauer: Respira Ecuadorian singer-songwriter Mirella Cesa is best known as the "mother of Andipop" and here, she partners up with Venezuelan DJ Mr. Pauer for “Respira.” Fusing delicate Andean and Afro-Latin rhythms with Charango and indigenous drumming, this track has an enchanting melody.
LATEST BLOG POSTS
The Week Ahead: Today’s Top Tune 4/23 – 4/27/18 This week, five days of free downloads come your way via: Young Fathers, who have captured the ears of our nighttime DJs; avant-garde trumpeter Jon Hassell, who shares his first… Read More
More from KCRW Music
Eclectic 24 KCRW's all-music channel Eclectic24, blending the collected talents and tastes of KCRW's DJs into a single voice. Free music streaming 24/7 at KCRW.com.
Metropolis Explore the hypnotic pulse of current & classic electronic dance music with Metropolis. A weekly Saturday night show from Jason Bentley, at KCRW.com.
Guest DJ Project KCRW's Guest DJ Project invites an array of cultural luminaries to share and discuss songs that have inspired and moved them with a KCRW DJ.
Subscribe