In Our Headphones

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: 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 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. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DJ Chilly talks about stepping down as co-host of El Sonido, KEXP’s Modern Latin music show that he founded 14 years ago, and shares three tracks that run the gamut from jazz to grindcore to his favorite genre of all time, soul. Plus, KEXP Associate Music Director Alex Ruder shares a chilled-out track that’s been in his headphones, unintentionally tying together this episode’s theme of “home.” 1. DJ Green Lantern - “Falling For Jazz”" 2. BRAT - “Human Offense” 3. J Noa - “Arrogante” 4. Ohio Players - “Here Today And Gone Tomorrow” 5. ZG - “Feels Like Home” 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. Catch DJ Chilly’s latest shows on his DJ page on KEXP.org. 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. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Albina Cabrera, host of El Sonido and KEXP’s Latin Partnerships and Editorial Manager, joins Isabel for our quarterly Latin music highlight. As we pass the half-year mark, Albina takes stock of some of her favorite albums of the year so far and shares four standout tracks, ranging from industrial synth to hazy indie punk and universal tales of love and loss. As always, we end with one recommendation from KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley, this time bringing us cumbia-inspired avant-pop with ancestral depth. 1. Mueran Humanos - "Dentaduras" 2. Las Nubes - "Would Be" 3. Luisa Almaguer - "Un día nos vamos a morir" 4. La Zorra Zapata - "El Invento" 5. Angelica Garcia - "Juanita" 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 at 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 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. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DJ Kennady Quille, host of KEXP’s Pacific Northwest music show, Audioasis, shares three songs with a Northwest focus, as well as the first new music in 19 years from a legendary Olympia, WA queercore band. Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares a stunning slow-burn single off the debut LP of a Brooklyn-based artist on the verge of a breakout. Songs featured: 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 Kennady Quille on Audioasis live every Saturday from 6 to 9pm Pacific Time, 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: Emily Fox Mastered by: Jackson Long 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. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Vandy is the host of The Roadhouse, KEXP’s Sunday morning roots and American music show. He talks with Isabel Khalili about how the show is more about a feeling than a genre, and how he uses music to draw connections between the past and present. Then he shares three songs he’s been loving lately, from 60’s girl group harmonies to a soulful expression of joy, plus one lesser known track from the inventor of the power chord. Lastly, we hear from KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley about a powerful indie collaboration recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Songs featured: 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 Greg Vandy on The Roadhouse live every Sunday from 9am to noon Pacific Time, 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: 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. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Janice sits down with Larry Rose to discuss his DJ beginnings 30 years ago and how he’s seen radio evolve. Then they get into the stories behind three new song recommendations and a 1980’s “Pride” classic that holds special meaning for Larry. Plus, KEXP’s Associate Music Director Alex Ruder shares a song that brings him back to what he appreciated about early- 2000s “indietronica” sounds. Songs featured: 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. Catch Larry Rose’s latest shows on his DJ page on KEXP.org. 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. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isabel chats with DJ Miss Ashley about four songs that are playing in her headphones lately and one foundational track that ties them all together. Plus, Ashley shares a protest song that doesn't hold back. Then, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares one standout release that’s an early summer bop. Songs featured: 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 Miss Ashley live every Sunday from noon to 3pm Pacific Time, 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: 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. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overnight DJ Mike Ramos shares some songs that have been in his headphones lately, from a dirty-south-tinged track that’s an early contender for “Song of the Summer” to a chiptune jam named for an early virtual pet. Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares her own “Song of the Summer,” a standout release recently added to KEXP’s rotation. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify, or on the KEXP website. Listen to Mike Ramos on Monday nights / Tuesday mornings from 1-5 AM PT, and on-demand via the KEXP website and app. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox 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. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Janice Headley chats with her work BFF Sharlese, host of Mechanical Breakdown, about the four (dark) songs playing in her headphones lately. They also chat about World Goth Day, airing all day on KEXP Wednesday May 22 (and available on the archive for two weeks after). Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley returns from Radio Camp with a standout release recently added to KEXP’s rotation. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify, or on the KEXP website. Listen to Mechanical Breakdown with Sharlese, every Friday night (Saturday morning) from 1-3 AM PT, or anytime on the two-week archive, at KEXP.org, or the KEXP App: https://www.kexp.org/shows/mechanical-breakdown/ Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox 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 Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: 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. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To celebrate the start of “Pushing Boundaries,” KEXP’s programming for Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Isabel Khalili chats with Diana Ratsamee. Diana is the host of Eastern Echoes, KEXP’s weekly show exploring music of all styles from Asia and the Asian diaspora. They talk about the 1980’s Lao song that connects Diana with her family’s story, plus three new songs that span the globe, from brain-tingling electro-punk from Southern China to Middle Eastern surf rock. And, as always, we hear about one standout release recently added to KEXP’s rotation, straight from KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify. Listen to Eastern Echoes with Diana Ratsamee every Thursday at 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 Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox 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. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Janice Headley chats with Albina Cabrera, co-host of El Sonido, KEXP’s modern Latin music show, and also our Latin Partnerships and Editorial Manager. Albina shares highlights from her recent travels to SXSW in Austin, TX, and the Isle of Light music festival in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, plus three songs that are playing in her headphones lately, and one that reminds her of moving to Seattle. And, as always, we hear about one standout release recently added to KEXP’s rotation, straight from KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify. Listen to El Sonido with Albina Cabrera and DJ Chilly every Monday at 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 Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox 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. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Isabel Khalili talks with Kevin Sur, co-host of KEXP's global Indigenous music show, Sounds of Survivance. They discuss the way he approaches his show and defining "Indigeneity," then Kevin shares the stories behind three new songs he's been loving. He also talks about his journey to find the origins of a West Papuan funk track from the 70s, and what it taught him about their freedom struggle. Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares a haunting new track about isolation and connection. Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify. Listen to Sounds of Survivance with Kevin Sur and Tory J every Monday from 3-5am PT, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Isabel Khalili and Janice Headley Mixed by: Emily Fox 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 Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On our inaugural episode of In Our Headphones, host Janice Headley chats with Cheryl Waters about three new songs that are playing in her headphones lately, plus one song that stands the test of time for her. They also talk about how Cheryl got her start as a DJ and some stand-out memories from hosting Live on KEXP in-studio sessions. Plus, as always, we hear about one standout single recently added to KEXP’s rotation, straight from Music Director Chris Sanley. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify. Listen to The Midday Show with Cheryl Waters every weekday at 10-1 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: Emily Fox 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. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing KEXP’s newest music discovery podcast. 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. Our first episode launches Monday April 15 with the legendary Cheryl Waters. Hosts: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Trailer mixed by: Roddy Nikpour 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. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before introducing you to 2024's most downloaded Song of the Day, Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili share an exciting update about what's to come on this feed on Monday, April 15. Song of the Day has brought listeners full song downloads every weekday for nearly 20 years – that's close to 5,000 songs! We appreciate you being along for the ride, and we hope you'll stick with us as we evolve the series to bring you more of what KEXP does best: music discovery with a human touch. Next week, this feed will become "In Our Headphones." Like Song of the Day, you'll still be getting 5 new songs each week, but now you'll hear about them straight from KEXP DJs. Stay tuned for our first episode featuring Cheryl Waters. Feedback, questions, suggestions? Email us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Isabel Khalili brings us back to 2023 with ODESZA & Yellow House's "Heavier." Read more about the track on KEXP.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Janice Headley brings us back to 2022 with Samora Pinderhughes' “Masculinity (feat. Immanuel Wilkins)”. Read more about the track on KEXP.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Isabel Khalili brings us back to 2021 with Bizarrap, Duki & Nicki Nicole's "YaMeFui" chosen by Albina Cabrera and DJ Chilly. Read more about the track on KEXP.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Janice Headley brings us back to 2020 with Chicano Batman's "I Know It," chosen by Kevin Cole. Read more about the track on KEXP.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.