KGNU Music

Chilean jazz artist Camila Meza will perform a solo show at the Savoy in Denver on May 22nd, a day before releasing her first album in six years. Meza discussed the album’s layered recording process during the pandemic, her recent Carnegie Hall performance celebrating Latin American heritage, and her musical evolution from rock to jazz. Now splitting her time between New York, Chile, and Guatemala, Meza continues to captivate audiences with her evocative sound and storytelling. (Interview: 5/14/25)

David Fodel discussed the Lafayette Electronic Arts Festival (LEAF), a multidisciplinary event featuring visual arts, electronic music, and live audiovisual performances. This year’s festival runs from May 14th to July 13th and includes a new “Electro Kissa” listening room series and two nights of performances on May 30th and 31st in Lafayette. (Interview: 5/7/25)

Denver-based bassist, composer, and educator Matt Skellenger joined Phantom Power Collective on KGNU’s Heavyset to discuss his musical journey, influences, and upcoming projects. Skellenger, who began playing bass at 14, draws inspiration from artists like Les Claypool, Victor Wooten, and the late Ron Miles, with whom he collaborated for years. He shared insights into his compositional approach, blending jazz, improvisation, and unconventional time signatures, as heard in his latest album Subspace Transmission. Skellenger also highlighted his Sunday solo bass sets at Breakfast on Broadway, his duo album release with Matt Reed set for August 16th at Dazzle, and the continued impact of Ron Miles on his music. (Interview: 5/6/2025)

Local musician Greg Schochet joined Will Two-Step on KGNU to announce the long-awaited High Beams reunion tour, with shows across Colorado and a return to the Dead on the Creek festival in California. He performed two original songs live, shared plans to reissue the band’s 2006 album Midnight Rodeo on vinyl, and teased a new record coming Fall 2025. (Interview date: 5/10/2025)

Shane and Gabriel from the contemporary jazz band DARUMA joined KGNU’s Indra Raj for a guest DJ session. They discussed the band’s roots, how their shared musical vision led them to reunite in Denver, and the band's recent momentum, including a regional tour and an upcoming performance at the Kennedy Center. Each shared influential tracks and reflected their diverse musical tastes. (Interview date: 4/2/2025)

Cellist and composer Peter Gregson discusses his new self-titled album with KGNU’s Sanford Baran, blending classical tradition with modular synthesis to create immersive, emotionally honest music. He reflects on his creative process, the evolving role of technology in classical music, and the importance of keeping music open to interpretation. Gregson also shares insights into upcoming projects, including a full-length ballet. (Interview date: 4/28/2025)

KGNU’s Music Director Indra Raj interviews Kaleta, the frontman of the Afro-Funk Super Yamba Band, who shares his musical journey from Benin and Nigeria to Brooklyn, discussing his collaborations with legends like Fela Kuti and contemporary artists like Lauryn Hill. Kaleta also talks about how he connected with the Super Yamba Band, their 2019 record 'Mèdaho,' and their upcoming energetic and dance-driven live show at The Savoy in Denver on May 15th (part of the MAS Presents series).

KGNU’s Indra Raj sat down with legendary indie rapper Lyrics Born to reflect on his 30-year career as he wraps up his final album and tour, Goodbye, Sticky Rice. Despite a recent viral boost from Snoop Dogg that reignited his popularity, he's shifting focus to new ventures like his cooking show Dinner in Place. As a trailblazing Japanese American artist in hip-hop, he shares insights on industry challenges, his DIY success, and the importance of using his platform to support others. (Interview date: 4/17/2025)

Seth Walker joined KGNU’s Meredith Carson to talk about his roots in North Carolina, how blues legends like T-Bone Walker inspired his shift from classical cello to guitar, and the organic creation of his 12th album, Why The Worry. Recorded in the mountains and shaped by both nature and a nearby hurricane, the album brings a relaxed, soulful vibe that’s different from his past work. Catch him live May 4th at the Chautauqua Community House! (Interview date: 4/25/2025)

Harpist Ashley Jackson joins KGNU’s Sanford Baran for a rich and reflective conversation. Jackson discusses her new album Take Me to the Water, which blends classical repertoire, spirituals, and original arrangements to explore water as a symbol of love, hope, and rebirth. She also reflects on her personal journey, the cultural memory behind spirituals, and the deep spiritual legacy of the harp. (Interview date: 4/21/2025)