KGNU Music

SHADOWLANDS, a project by John Raymond and S. Carey, joined KGNU’s Indra Raj in the studio. S. Carey, known for his work with Bon Iver, shared how he first connected with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. John Raymond, a jazz trumpeter recognized for his innovative work, discussed how he blends various musical influences into his jazz style. The band performed live tracks and discussed their musical journeys, influences, and formal training in jazz and classical music (Interview date: 9/25/2024)

Ingrid Avison and Jeff Dean joined KGNU’s Meredith Carson in the studio for a live performance. Ingrid discussed her upcoming EP release dedicated to her late father. She also mentioned an upcoming KGNU Presents show on October 11th at the Chautauqua Community House, where she will open for Reed Foehl (Interview date: 9/20/2024)

Mark from Desert Atlas joined KGNU’s Indra Raj live from the Mapleton Hill Porchfest. He shared his appreciation for the event and the community and discussed his songwriting inspirations. Mark performed two songs, including one titled Lakeside, inspired by Denver's historic amusement park (Interview date: 9/22/2024)

Angel Corsi, a local musician, recently performed at PorchFest and joined Indra Raj for a live session on KGNU. Known as the "Chicano Bruce Springsteen" for his socially conscious folk music, Corsi discussed his influences, including soul, hip hop, and Americana. He emphasized the importance of storytelling in his music, drawing inspiration from artists like Ice Cube, Smokey Robinson, and Marvin Gaye. Corsi also announced an upcoming performance on October 9th at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder (Interview date: 9/22/2024)

Reuben Kebede, first violinist of the Ivalas Quartet, speaks with KGNU’s Sanford Baran. Reuben shares insights about the group's journey, mission, and dedication to spotlighting underrepresented composers. He emphasizes the importance of engaging younger audiences to ensure the longevity of classical music. The Ivalas Quartet is performing on September 24th at Dazzle in Denver.

Local musician Kayla Marque talks with KGNU’s Indra Raj about her new album "Midheaven", released on August 29th. She also discusses her recent tour, which began in London, and her musical journey. Kayla performs several songs from Midheaven, including "Slow Burn" and "Insecurious” (Interview date: 9/18/2024)

KGNU’s Doug Gertner hosts musicians Zoë Aqua and Nani Vazana. Zoë, a Denver native and recent Fulbright scholar, shares her experiences studying Transylvanian folk music and klezmer traditions in Romania. She reflects on learning from rural musicians in Transylvania, where she found influences from Jewish, Romanian, Hungarian, and Roma cultures.

Nani, based in Amsterdam with roots in Israel and Morocco, is one of the few artists composing new music in the endangered Ladino language (Judeo-Spanish). She recounts how a visit to Morocco reconnected her with her Ladino heritage, inspiring her to write new songs in the language. Nani also discusses her unique blend of traditional and modern Ladino music, including a composition based on 11th-century homoerotic poetry by a Jewish rabbi (Interview date: 9/17/2024)

KGNU’s Neil Smart hosts musicians Tony Furtado and John Reischman, who talk about their show at Swallow Hill in Denver along with Eric Thorin. They play a few songs and discuss their musical backgrounds (Interview date: 9/14/2024)

Steve Hoffman, also known as Tales of Hoffman, joins KGNU’s Meredith Carson in the studio. Steve discusses his participation in the upcoming Mapleton Hill Porchfest in Boulder. The event, taking place on Sunday, September 22nd from noon to 4:00 p.m., is a community gathering where local musicians perform on porches around the neighborhood. Hoffman shares the history of the Porchfest, which started in Ithaca, New York, and has since spread to other cities (Interview date: 9/13/2024)

Elana Brody discusses her recent performances and her new album "The Garden" with KGNU’s Cameron Henderson. She performs several songs and reflects on her musical journey, contrasting the gritty experience of busking in New York subways with the natural inspiration of her upbringing in nature. She also touches on her spiritual connection to liturgy and the healing power of music, expressing how her work combines both ritual and emotional transcendence. The Garden will be released September 20 (Interview date: 9/12/2024)