KGNU Music

KGNU's Neil Smart interviews Missy Raines, Bluegrass trailblazer and Grammy-nominated bassist (Interview date: 4/6/2024)

In an interview with KGNU’s Sanford Baran, Harumi Rhodes, the second violinist of the Takács Quartet, discusses her inspirations and role in the quartet. Rhodes expresses her lifelong passion for chamber music and the joy of performing within an ensemble. She shares insights into the preparation and collaboration involved in the upcoming world premiere of Gabriela Lena Frank's "Kachkaniraqmi” at the Colorado Music Festival on July 21st.

KGNU's Aaron Benko welcomes Alexa Wildish to the studio, where they discuss her musical journey and her upcoming KGNU Presents performance at The Riverside in Boulder on August 4th. They delve into Alexa's time on The Voice, where she competed in season 24. Alexa’s new EP, After Love, consists of cover songs and will be released on September 27th. The first single, "everything i wanted," a Billie Eilish cover, will be released on July 19th (Interview date: 7/16/24)

KGNU’s Sanford Baran interviews Gabriela Lena Frank, a composer and pianist known for blending classical music with Latin American influences, drawing from her Peruvian, Chinese, Lithuanian, and Jewish heritage. Her work "Kachkaniraqmi" will premiere on July 21st at the Colorado Music Festival, performed by the Takács Quartet and the Colorado Music Festival String Orchestra.

Sanford Baran of KGNU interviewed internationally renowned violinist Vadim Gluzman, who performs on the legendary 1690 ex-Leopold Auer Stradivarius. Gluzman, performing at the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder on July 11th and 12th, shares insights into his early musical influences and his career.

KGNU’s Dennis Rider chats with Hector Flores of Las Cafeteras. Hector talks about how the band incorporates diverse musical styles like hip hop, cumbia, and electronic music. The band's live shows are energetic and engaging, emphasizing social consciousness and community involvement. The band members met through organizing work and use music to promote social justice causes like immigrant rights and gender justice. Las Cafeteras is performing at the Denver Botanic Gardens on July 30th! (Interview date: July 8, 2024)

KGNU’s Neil Smart interviewed the band Slay & Stinson, who performed live in the studio. Slay & Stinson are scheduled to perform at the SnowyGrass Festival in Estes Park, Colorado the weekend of July 12th! (Interview date: 7/6/2024)

KGNU’s Dave McIntyre talks with Brian Johansen, Eric Lunde, and Jeff Finlin of Sugar Britches. The band members share personal stories and connections to John Prine's music, highlighting its emotional and inspirational impact. They also recall anecdotes about Prine's life and career, illustrating his influence on their musical journeys. Sugar Britches will be performing a John Prine Tribute concert on July 10th at Four Mile Historic Park in Denver (Interview date: 7/5/2024)

KGNU's Indra Raj chats with DJs Hannah Taub and Michael Buck about their favorite releases of June.

Good Looks, Lived Here for A While (Keeled Scales). "Can You See Me Tonight"

Man Man, Carrot on Strings (Sub Pop). "Cryptoad"

Irini Arabatzi, Songs for Them (Albert's Favourites). "I'm a Joke (for W.)"

Raveena, Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain (Moonstone Recordings/Empire). "Lucky"

O., WeirdOs (Speedy Wunderground). "Green Shirt"

Staples Jr. Singers, Searching (Luaka Bop). "Living In This World Alone" Feat. Annie Brown Caldwell

This Is Lorelei, Box for Buddy, Box for Star, "Where's Your Love Now"

Cola, The Gloss (Fire Talk). "Albatross"

MJ Lenderman, "She's Leaving You" (Anti)

Hermanos Gutierrez, "Sonido Cosmico" (Easy Eye Sound)

Derek Warfield speaks to KGNU’s Rodger Hara about his life, music career, and passion for historical songs. Warfield has authored two books and is working on a third about the significance of Irish songs and music in Ireland's literature and history. He emphasizes how music and song have preserved Irish heritage and nationality over centuries. Derek has an interest in American history and discusses his album of Revolutionary War songs (Interview date: 7/3/2024)