KGNU Music

Prairie Wolf joined DJ Jules live in the KGNU Boulder studio to share music and talk about their upcoming shows with pedal steel player Luke Schneider—September 12 at The Neighbor in Fort Collins and September 13 at Glob in Denver. The band performed songs including Common Exotic, Burning Edges, and Modifications, discussed their psychedelic lounge-inspired sound, and highlighted influences ranging from Krautrock and spiritual jazz to dub reggae, Eddie Harris, and Neil Young. They also previewed future shows, including an October date with Bitchin Bajas, and invited listeners to visit prairiewolfmusic.com for more information. (Studio Session: 9/9/25)

Dave McIntyre welcomed Jeb and Tara from Donna the Buffalo to KGNU for a conversation about the band’s long career, their role in starting the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival, and how festival culture has evolved into a broader Americana community. They discussed writing socially conscious songs, balancing positivity with commentary, and their ongoing work with culture camp workshops. The band performed a couple of new songs in the studio and shared details about upcoming shows at Swallow Hill and the Aggie Theater, highlighting their mix of roots, dance, and Americana music. (Studio Session: 9/5/25)

This KGNU interview features legendary Jamaican dancehall artist King Yellowman ahead of his headlining performance at the 23rd annual Soul Rebel Festival in Denver. Yellowman shares his early life story, from growing up at Alpha Boys School in Kingston to winning the Tasty Talent Competition, joining sound systems, and becoming the first Jamaican reggae artist signed to Columbia Records. He reflects on his music career, collaborations with Sister Nancy, Grammy nominations, and receiving Jamaica’s Order of Distinction. Yellowman also speaks about overcoming a cancer diagnosis in the 1980s, crediting his faith and mindset for his survival. The conversation highlights both his musical legacy and personal resilience, while inviting fans to celebrate his upcoming Colorado performance. (Interview: 9/4/2025)

On September 1’s edition of A Classic Monday, Iris Berkeley speaks with Denver composer Loretta Notareschi, who is among the composers highlighted at a chamber music concert titled “Within Reach: New Music from Denver and Beyond” September 15 at Regis University.

B. Smith talks with Noah Lennox this week, better known as Panda Bear, about his new album Sinister Grift, his first solo release in five years. Lennox reflects on his lifelong creative process, the joy of making music, and the collaborative role of his Animal Collective bandmates and his daughter on the record. He also discusses how life in Lisbon has shaped his work, the energy of touring with a full band, and the evolving nature of songs in live performance. Looking ahead to his Boulder Theater show on September 30, he promises a fresh set list each night that blends Sinister Grift tracks with reimagined favorites from his catalog.

In this studio session, Oregon singer-songwriter Joel Chadd joined host Dave McIntyre to share music and stories from his life and career. He discussed upcoming Colorado shows, including performances at Stone Cottage Studios, Swallow Hill, and the Velvet Elk, as well as his roots in a musical family and his journey into songwriting at age 23. Chadd performed two originals, “It’ll All Come Back” and “Live It Out,” highlighting his folk-inspired sound and heartfelt lyrics. He also talked about his 2022 debut album and plans for a new set of live recordings, giving listeners a glimpse into both his past influences and future projects. (Studio Session: 8/29/25)

In the first half of this multi-airing interview, Laurie Pepper recalls her artistic upbringing in Los Angeles, her early love of jazz, and how struggles with addiction led her to Synanon, where she met saxophonist Art Pepper. She describes their relationship, the seven-year process of creating his autobiography Straight Life, and Art’s constant reinvention as a musician. Laurie also reflects on how their partnership transformed her, giving her responsibility, confidence, and a deep mutual respect with Art. (Interview: 8/28/25)

In this KGNU interview, singer-songwriter Finn O’Sullivan joined Morning Sound Alternative to share songs from her new self-produced EP Dog Days. She performed live in studio, including tracks like Museum, Someone in Texas, and Cherry Pop Rocks, while discussing her creative process, inspirations from fictional characters and artists like Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers, and her journey from childhood bedroom performances to professional stages. O’Sullivan also announced an upcoming full-band show at Jamestown Mercantile on October 2nd, inviting listeners to experience her heartfelt storytelling and indie-folk sound live. (Studio Session: 8/28/25)

In this KGNU interview, Scotty Stoughton, founder of Small Town for the Cause, shared details about the new festival happening September 19–20 in downtown Salida. He explained that the event is an evolution of Camp Out for the Cause, blending live music, yoga, late-night sets, and family-friendly activities. The festival will feature local and national acts, including Elephant Revival, Clay Street Unit, and Lindsay Lou, while also partnering with the Coltrane Music Academy to provide kids with hands-on music workshops. With camping options, community engagement, and a strong emphasis on giving back, Stoughton described the event as both intimate and purpose-driven, celebrating music, family, and local culture. (Interview: 8/27/25)

In this KGNU interview, pianist and composer Caili O’Doherty discussed her new album Bluer Than Blue: A Tribute to Lil Harden Armstrong. She shared how her discovery of Lil’s music during graduate school at Queens College inspired the project and led her to highlight Harden’s overlooked contributions as a pianist, composer, and bandleader. O’Doherty reflected on Lil’s role alongside Louis Armstrong, her groundbreaking compositions like Struttin’ with Some Barbecue and Just for a Thrill, and her influence on later genres and artists. She also spoke about her own jazz journey, musical influences, and passion for giving voice to women in jazz history. (Interview: 8/26/25)