KGNU Music

Pianist David Korevaar joined Chris Mohr for KGNU’s A Classic Monday to discuss his ambitious new recording project: the complete 32 Beethoven piano sonatas. In conversation with Chris Mohr, Korevaar reflected on his lifelong relationship with Beethoven’s music, the challenges of recording nearly 12 hours of repertoire in under a year, and the evolution of Beethoven’s compositional style across the sonatas. The interview also touched on upcoming performances with the Colorado Ballet, Boulder Symphony collaborators, and chamber music programs in Boulder. Throughout the program, listeners heard selections from the Appassionata, Opus 101, and the monumental Hammerklavier Sonata. (Air Date 2/23/2026)

Singer-songwriter Duncan Coker joined Wendy Mills for KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative to talk about his latest album, Roadside Attractions, his upcoming house concert with Flattop Rider, and his journey through Colorado’s vibrant folk and Western music scene. Describing himself as an “unrepentant balladeer from the Colorado Piedmont,” Coker shared stories about songwriting, community, and the influence of Western landscapes on his music. He also performed live acoustic versions of songs from the new record and discussed the collaborative spirit behind his Colorado-based band and recording process. (Air Date 2/23/2026)

Boulder-based duo Trouble’s Braids joined Meredith Carson on KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative for an in-studio session featuring live performances and conversation about their music, influences, and upcoming releases. Emily Pennington and Oliver Franklin performed songs including “Strange Weather,” “Lion’s Mouth,” “Precipice,” and “Pilot Light,” showcasing material from past releases and a forthcoming EP.

The band also discussed their creative partnership, shaped by their shared musical influences and background in performance, and previewed upcoming 2026 shows in Denver and Boulder, along with an EP release show at Roots Music Project. (Air Date 2/20/2026)

Boulder-based artist Stryder Jones joined DJ Jules in the KGNU studio for a live interview and in-studio session. He discussed his new album Kitchen Window, including the personal childhood moment that inspired its title track, as well as his hands-on production style where he builds songs using keys, drums, and synths.

Stryder also spoke about his early influences, including Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, and Tyler, the Creator, whose album IGOR led him to begin making music at a young age. The session featured his tracks Kitchen Window and Chase Sensation, along with conversation about his debut album Love and Forgiveness and his current work as an emerging local artist performing and releasing new music. (Air Date 2/17/2026)

Taarka joined Ginger Perry in the KGNU studio to talk about their long-running musical partnership, which began in New York City in 2001 and has since evolved into a genre-blending sound rooted in folk, jazz, and global influences. Now based in Colorado, the duo—joined by their teenage son on upright bass—shared stories of their early days busking, their move west after 9/11, and how their collaborative songwriting process has grown over time.

During the session, Taarka performed live in studio, including their newly released single “Have You Ever,” offering listeners a preview of their dynamic, multi-instrumental style. They also discussed a February 22 show at the Dairy Center for the Arts in Boulder as part of the Musical Vanguard series. (Air Date 2/17/2026)

Singer-songwriter Logan Farmer joins Deana Bianco in the KGNU Boulder studio to perform songs from his latest album, Nightmare World: I See the Horizon, and discuss the intention behind the record. Farmer shares how taking time away from releasing music allowed him to write more deliberately, exploring themes of complacency, complicity, and the emotional weight of modern life. He also talks about balancing creativity with the pressure to constantly produce content, and how giving himself space shaped the album’s sound.

During the session, Farmer also highlights a recent benefit EP, with proceeds supporting the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, and reflects on the contrast between that project’s raw, immediate recording style and the more intentional process behind his latest release. (Air Date 2/16/2026)

High Horse joined Meredith Carson for KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative in the Cabaret Studio for a live session and interview. The band features Carson McKinney (fiddle), Carl Henry (cello), Noah Harrington (bass), and G Rockwell (guitar and banjo).

They performed a mix of songs, including covers of Tim O’Brien and Townes Van Zandt, along with original instrumental and vocal pieces. The group also shared that a new EP is currently in the final stages of production.

High Horse will be playing several shows in Colorado, including dates in Boulder, Golden, Alamosa, Greeley, and Fort Collins. More information is available at their website and social media pages. (Air Date 2/13/26)

Donavon Frankenreiter spoke with Indra Raj on KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative ahead of his upcoming Colorado shows, including two nights at the Velvet Elk Lounge in Boulder. He discussed his “Heading Home” performances, which focus on small, intimate acoustic sets with audience interaction and song requests.

Frankenreiter also reflected on his background as a professional surfer and how traveling helped shape his music. He shared how his songwriting has evolved over time, influenced by life experiences and family.

The interview also touched on his son Hendricks, who is beginning his own music career and preparing to release new material. (Air Date 1/28/2026)

Fia joined DJ Soul Rock on KGNU’s Bloodlines ahead of his upcoming show at the Bluebird Theater in Denver on March 7. He talked about his musical roots, which began in church, and how his upbringing shaped the soulful sound heard in his music today.

He also shared the meaning behind his name, explaining that “Fia” is his given name and a reflection of his identity and heritage. During the conversation, he highlighted his song “Love Me,” originally written for his wife while he was on tour, which went on to become a defining track in his career.

Fia also mentioned that new music is on the way, with plans to release a new single following his tour. (Air Date 1/24/26)

Singer-songwriter Penelope Jane joined Meredith Carson on KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative for a live in-studio session ahead of the release of her debut album Evergreen. Joined by her sister Emilia on fiddle and harmony vocals and her father on guitar and mandolin, she performed several original songs, including “Smoke in the Mountains,” “Wish That I Could Love You,” and “Unforgettable.”

Penelope shared that she began writing songs just a couple of years ago and has since been performing around the Boulder area. Now a student at Berklee College of Music, she draws inspiration from folk and bluegrass artists like Sarah Jarosz, Molly Tuttle, and John Prine. (Air Date 1/9/2026)