KCSU Music

Assistant Music Director Sam Bonafe give a brief history of music festivals while also talking about how they have gained enormous amounts of popularity in the 21st century.

Music Director Lindsay Johnson provides a short insight into why humans evolved to love music, how it affects your brain, and why some people just don't like jazz.

Music director Sam Bonafe give a brief history of music festivals while also talking about how they have gained an enormous amount of popularity in the 21st century.

This week of the KCSU Music podcast features an interview with the band Alright Alright about their new album, Crucible. Listen to their creative process, how their family life mixes with their career, and what it's like to release such a personal piece of work during the chaos of the global pandemic.

Photo usage/credit courtesy of Alright Alright.

Musicians and fans everywhere are missing live shows. But despite the pandemic, Boston band Mom Rock released their first EP, “I Wish Every Day Was Today,” with hopes of reminding listeners and fans of the good times when we could all get together and dance to live music. Not only does Mom Rock play catchy, upbeat rock songs that make you want to get on your feet and dance, but their positive energy while performing is both eye-catching and contagious. In this podcast, Maddy Erskine interviews Mom Rock about the recording process and inspiration behind this EP, and the band's hopes for the future.

Songs: "White Funky Groove", "The Afterlife", and "Xylophone" by Mom Rock.

KCSU Music Director Sam Bonafe gives a brief history on disco and its influence on modern dance music.

This is a quick look into the beginnings of folk rock, hitting on artists who helped fuse the subgenre, as well as who’s holding it down today. It will fill you in on the influence that this music has had on American culture, and how folk rock has changed in the present day, over five decades since it’s start.

In this podcast, Maddy Erskine chats with hip hop artist and activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez who recently released a new song called “El Cielo”. Xiuhtezcatl explains that "El Cielo" is a personal reflection of all of the experiences and emotions that are caused by the United States immigration system, and the love he's witness always transcend these human made borders. Xiuhtezcatl also chats about his musical inspirations, and how he has grown as a climate change activist.

Photo: Armando Garcia/Industry PDX

In honor of National Coming Out Day, KCSU wanted to feature 3 amazing LGBTQ+ musicians in our community. It was a pleasure to talk to Hotel Wifi, Kitty Crimes, and Plasma Canvas about their inspirations and experiences and play 2-3 songs from each artist.