Gitkin: "Grand Street Feast" Once upon a time, a man named Gitkin sold knock-off guitars. Days were spent selling his wares, and in the evening late night jams would pierce through the darkness. Decades later, his nephew pieced his story together and was inspired to make his own music. Gitkin uses the guitar as a common thread that binds a myriad of styles. "Grand Street Feast" touches on Sahara's Tuareg music.
Mura Masa: “What If I Go” (feat. Bonzai) Live on MBE UK producer Mura Masa stepped out from behind the scenes and into the limelight with his star-studded debut album, released last year. Stopping by the KCRW studios recently for a live session on MBE, Mura Masa left us with some insight and a lovely, exclusive version of "What If I Go," featuring Bonzai.
Jake Shears: “Sad Song Backwards” Recently Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears has spent more and more time in New Orleans, where the pulse and musical traditions of the city inspired his initial work on his new music. Then he hit the road to Louisville, where he teamed up with Sturgill Simpson's horn section, Jim James' drummer Dave Givan, and VHS or Beta guitarist Craig Pfunder for further inspiration on "Sad Song Backwards."
Jim James: "No Secrets" Live on MBE On a recent visit to MBE, My Morning Jacket frontman and guitar hero Jim James brought a full band to our studios to play songs from his fuzz-drenched new solo album. We've cherry-picked our favorite track, "No Secrets," and asked him to tell us a little about it.
Masayoshi Fujita: 'It's Magical' Vibraphones are usually unseen instruments, tucked away in the back of an orchestra and hiding in jazz outfits. Japanese-born and Berlin-based composer Masayoshi Fujita makes the relatively new instrument a focal point in his music, as exemplified in "It's Magical."
Katzù Oso: 'Crazy4luvinU' Montebello-based indie pop artist Paul Hernandez, aka Katzù Oso, has gone under the radar long enough. After loads of backyard shows and his debut mixtape released this summer, he's ready to soothe our souls with his upbeat, danceable production and his dreamy vocals on "Crazy4luvinU."