KGNU Music

Peter Rowan sits down with KGNU’s Indra Raj to discuss his storied career, musical influences, and performance with the Steep Canyon Rangers. Rowan reflects on his musical journey and touches on the influence of Nashville as well as reggae, emphasizing the connection between bluegrass and reggae rhythms. (Interview date: 1/29/2025)

KGNU DJ Robin Claire chats with Ragged Union about their upcoming album, Pyramid Stairs, set to drop in late February 2025. The band shares insights into their creative process, the band's dynamics, including their collaborative songwriting approach and the mix of bluegrass and other musical influences and their participation in the Midwinter Bluegrass Festival and a performance at Boulder’s Chautauqua Community House in early March. (Interview date: 1/25/2025)

KGNU DJ Caitlin Kilgannon sat down with Jessie Burns of The Bow Tides and shared details about the band's show at Swallow Hill on February 7th and how the group formed during the pandemic through a collaboration with Gaelic Storm. Jessie also explained their unique sound, describing how they bring sophistication to Irish trad music by incorporating complex textures and layering with multiple fiddles and other instruments. (Interview date: 1/22/2025)

Jake Wolf, drummer for Sages and Spirits and other notable bands, joined Doug Gertner on KGNU to preview the band’s special performance at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver, celebrating the venue’s 22nd anniversary. Jake shared insights about Sages and Spirits, and shared that during the performance, he will be presented with a rare "beam" instrument from the Grateful Guitars Foundation. (Interview date: 1/22/2025)

KGNU’s Big Daddy joined cowboy poet, singer, and musician JJ Steele, sharing insights into his role as MC at the 34th Colorado Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering in Golden, Colorado. Steele also discussed his passion for preserving cowboy culture, outreach programs for youth, and shared some poetry as well. (Interview date: 1/18/2025)

Enion Pelta-Tiller, from The Enion Pelta Quintet, joins KGNU DJ Greg Schultz to discuss her show at the Dairy Center for the Arts on January 24th. During the session, she shared insights into her creative process, explained how she balances solo writing retreats with collaborative songwriting, and she introduced her custom-built, five-string viola, affectionately named "Trupial." (Interview date: 1/17/2025)

Kalos, a trio blending Celtic music from around the world with their own unique twist, joins KGNU DJ Rodger Hara to discuss their musical journey, from their early duo days to becoming a full-fledged trio. They discussed the collaborative nature of their music, their name's Greek origins, and their diverse, non-traditional approach to Celtic music. (Interview date: 1/15/2025)

KGNU DJ Fergus Stone sat down with Wood Box Heroes to discuss their musical journey, from their formation in Nashville to their growth as a band. They discussed their post-pandemic experience in Nashville, their songwriting process, and their plans for upcoming tours. Catch them live at the 2025 Midwinter Bluegrass Festival, sponsored by KGNU! (Interview date: 2/8/2025)

Salome Songbird joins KGNU DJ Indra Raj to discuss their music and performance at Swallow Hill, as well as share some of their background on how the group formed. The group also explains their “scathing lullaby” style of music and how their training in music has influenced their vocal and instrumental performances. (Interview date: 1/8/2025)

Jayme Stone joins KGNU DJ Doug Gertner to discuss his musical background, influences, and upcoming performance in Denver with Alexa Wildish on February 27th at the Savoy. Jayme shares his experience growing up in Toronto and his time traveling to Mali, and also talks about his work as an instigator of creative projects. (Interview date: 2/3/2025)