KGNU Music

Joanne Shaw Taylor, world-renowned blues guitarist, chatted with KGNU’s Greg Schultz. She discussed her latest album, "Heavy Soul", and her evolution as an artist over the years. Joanne also talked about her KGNU Presents show at the Boulder Theater on October 28! (Interview date: 10/23/2024).

Cabaret Diosa, unseen since 2006, joined KGNU’s D Rider for an interview. Cabaret Diosa enthralled audiences across the globe with their intoxicating concoction of Latin rhythms, theatrical pageantry, and psych-rock sensibility. They will reunite for one night only at the Boulder Theater on November 1st! (Interview date: 10/3/2024)

KGNU’s D Rider chats with Fort Collins band Colony Funk ahead of the KGNU Funkraiser at the Velvet Elk Lounge in Boulder. The group plays a few live tunes and discusses getting ready for their Friday night show, which includes a costume contest, silent auction, and DJ performance (Interview date: 10/22/2024)

Ecuadorian music duo Cruzloma discusses their musical background, creative process, and influences with KGNU’s EC. They explain how growing up near Quito shaped their sound, blending traditional mestizo and Afro-Ecuadorian rhythms with electronic music and reggae. The duo emphasizes the organic evolution of their sound, rooted in their cultural heritage (Interview date: 10/9/2024)

In an interview with KGNU’s Doug Gertner, A.J. Croce discusses his musical journey, influenced by his father Jim Croce’s legacy. He shares how losing his sight as a child and growing up with music in his home shaped his passion, with artists like Ray Charles serving as major inspirations. A.J. talks about his "Croce Plays Croce" tour where he reinterprets his father's hits while keeping the music fresh, blending nostalgia with new arrangements and audience participation (Interview date: 10/7/2024)

The Wildwoods, a folk trio from Lincoln, Nebraska, join KGNU’s Dave McIntyre in the studio. The band shares details about their upcoming album, releasing in April 2025, and previewed several new songs, including "Footprints on the Floor" and "Sweet Niobrara," which celebrates their home state (Interview date: 10/4/2024)

Singer-songwriter and folk artist Joe Jencks joins KGNU’s Joanne Cole for a studio session. Joe reflects on his long history with KGNU, where he started performing in the late 90s. He describes his career as a folk artist, dedicated to uplifting historical and cultural narratives through music. Joe plays a few songs, including one he wrote with fifth graders inspired by social justice heroes (Interview date: 9/27/2024)

In an interview with KGNU’s Indra Raj, Martha Redbone discusses her concert “Bone Hill” and its themes of family history, culture, and resilience. The concert blends music and storytelling, drawing from Redbone's family history. She explains how the performance explores the histories of Native American and African American people east of the Mississippi, particularly focusing on the strength and survival of her matriarchal lineage (Interview date: 9/25/2024)

Acclaimed soprano Karen Slack speaks with KGNU’s Sanford Baran about her career, inspirations, and upcoming recital in Denver, featuring the "African Queens" project. Slack reflects on her non-classical music upbringing and pivotal moments that led her to opera. She discusses her frustration with traditional operatic roles and the lack of representation for Black stories, which inspired her to create the "African Queens" project—a tribute to unsung African queens and warriors. As an advocate for inclusivity in classical music, Slack emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for underrepresented voices and pushing boundaries in the art form.

Trumpeter Shamarr Allen of New Orleans joined KGNU’s D Rider for a studio session. Shamarr shared his musical journey, which began at age seven. He discussed his evolving sound, blending traditional New Orleans music with modern pop structures on his albums (Interview date: 9/24/2024)