Bint il Sham - "Ishtar” from the 2023 compilation album By the People, For the People on House of Afandi Records
A relatively new singer/songwriter, Bint il Sham says her music is "driven by translating the journey of being a Palestinian refugee between Amman and Damascus." Her songs mix minimal electronica with poetry and sociopolitical messages related to her own experiences. 
Today's Song of the Day is the title track from her 2023 EP, inspired by the book Lugz Ashtar (or The Mystery of Ishtar) by author Firas Al-Sawwah. 
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Bint il Sham - Ishtar

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.

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

Sonic Reducer: Jean Mignon, Candy Apple, Powerplant

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:

Sothy – “Lam Seung Bang Fai”
South Acid Mimi – “The End”
Habibi – “On The Road”
TamTam –  “Ramble In the Rainbow”
Mei Semones – “Tegami”

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.

Diana Ratsamee: South Acid Mimi, Habibi, TamTam

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:

AEREA – “+”
Otro – “Hausu” 
Mon Laferte – “Autopoietica”
ela minus – “el cielo no es de nadie”
Baby Rose & BADBADNOTGOOD – “On My Mind”

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.

Albina Cabrera: AEREA, Otro, Mon Laferte

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.

Y La Bamba – “Nunca”
 T H R O N E – “Wrestling God”
Wyatt C. Louis – “Dancing With Sue"
The Black Brothers – “Saman Doye”
mary in the junkyard - "ghost"

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.

Kevin Sur: Y La Bamba, T H R O N E, Wyatt C. Louis

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:

Brimheim - “Fell Through the Ice”
English Teacher - “R&B;”
Lair - “Tatalu”
Heart - “Crazy On You”
Rilo Kiley - "The Execution Of All Things"
Hana Vu - “Hammer”

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.

Bint il Sham - Ishtar

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