KGNU Music

Denver artist Jenèe Donelson of Macheté Mouth joins KGNU’s Bruce Trujillo to discuss the band’s forthcoming album, Grimoire. Donelson describes the record as a collection of spells exploring ancestry, survival, transformation, and resistance. She talks about the evolution of the songs “Solomon” and “Abacus,” the making of the “Solomon” music video, and her approach to combining music with visual art and filmmaking. Donelson also reflects on Macheté Mouth’s deep connections to Denver’s creative community and shares a preview of the band’s upcoming vinyl release and album celebration (Air Date 8/13/26).

Blues Music Award winner and Billboard chart-topping artist Albert Castiglia joins KGNU’s Shawna Sprowls to talk about his new album, Grits & Glory, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. Castiglia discusses the inspiration behind the album, his longtime connection to blues music, and the experience of recording in the same studio where The Beatles and Pink Floyd made some of their most iconic records. He also reflects on the themes of his song “In My America,” his busy touring schedule, and his appreciation for Denver’s music scene. (Air Date 8/13/26).

Salt Lake City artist Josaleigh Pollett joins KGNU’s Afternoon Sound Alternative with Jessica Numbers for an intimate in-studio session featuring three songs from their new album, If I Let It Quiet. Recorded between Pollett’s home studio in Salt Lake City and Japan with longtime collaborator Jordan Watko (Crowd Shy), the album explores a deeply personal and atmospheric sound. In this session, Pollett performs “Cherry,” “The Witness,” and “Bed of Quiet,” ahead of their August 14 performance at D3 Arts Center in Southwest Denver. (Air Date 8/12/26).

Dan Hochman and Madeleine Leigh join KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative for a live session ahead of their 8/14 show at E-Town. Hochman shares music from his forthcoming album, Constellations, a deeply personal collection shaped by time spent writing in Boulder, Austin, Toronto, and New York. Leigh performs songs from her 2024 solo album, As It Is* including “Just Fine” and “Wild Geese.” The two also discuss their creative collaboration, songwriting, recording, and the community behind their music. The session closes with Hochman performing the new song “Can’t Stay Long.” (Air Date 8/11/26).

Rebecca Frazier joins KGNU for a live studio session ahead of the Rebecca Frazier Band’s performance at the Gold Hill Inn. Frazier reflects on her musical roots, from hearing the Grateful Dead as a child to discovering bluegrass and developing a style that blends tradition, improvisation, and the spirit of collaboration.

In conversation with host Neil Smart, Frazier shares stories about her early Colorado music days with Hit N’ Run, her journey to Nashville, and the musicians joining her for this special performance. She also discusses Jerry Garcia’s influence on American music and the inspiration behind songs including “Bird Song” and “High Country Road Trip.” (Air Date 8/1/26).

Smörgåsgrass stopped by KGNU for a live session on the Morning Sound Alternative with host Sam Fuqua. The Colorado-based band performed original music and talked about blending traditional bluegrass with jazz, blues, and other influences, the Buddhist inspiration behind one of their songs, and the story behind the band's distinctive name. They also shared details about their latest EP, upcoming performances, and their evolving lineup (Air Date 7/30/26).

Backstage at RockyGrass 2026, KGNU talks with members of Slay & Stinson following their high-energy festival set. The Colorado band reflects on the excitement of returning to RockyGrass after winning last year's band contest, shares details about their latest recordings, including exclusive tracks available only at the festival, and previews several upcoming projects. They discuss a new studio album featuring guest appearances by Haven Slay and Bonnie Sims of Big Richard, announce the relocated Boogie on the Hill festival at New Terrain Brewing, and offer a preview of their special Slay & Stinson Plays Hot Rize performance with Pete Wernick, celebrating the music of the legendary bluegrass band (Air Date 7/24/26).

Backstage at RockyGrass 2026, KGNU's Fergus sits down with pioneering banjo player Tony Trischka to discuss Earl Jam 2, his project inspired by the private jam sessions between Earl Scruggs and John Hartford. Trischka shares the remarkable story of how he gained access to recordings of those historic sessions, reflects on memorable experiences performing and learning with Hartford, and talks about his approach to teaching, songwriting, and musical creativity. The conversation also looks ahead to Trischka's latest work, including new compositions based on the poetry of Emily Dickinson, offering a wide-ranging look at one of bluegrass music's most innovative and influential musicians (Air Date 7/24/26).

At RockyGrass 2026, KGNU caught up with the winners of this year's instrument contests to talk about their performances, preparation, and musical influences. Flatpicking guitar champion Forest Thurman discusses building original arrangements inspired by legends like Doc Watson and Tony Rice, while runner-up Luke Stecklein recounts the challenge of finishing his performance with a wasp on his face. Mandolin winner Oscar Caudell shares how focusing on tone and careful preparation helped him improve on last year's third-place finish, and banjo champion Corey Clark reflects on the traditional players who shaped his style and the importance of serving the song. Together, the interviews offer a glimpse into the talent, dedication, and good humor behind one of bluegrass music's most prestigious competitions (Air Date 7/25/26).

KGNU's Indra Raj spoke with Will Scherer of Scherer Violin Shop and old-time fiddler Joe Vittetoe at RockyGrass 2026 about the upcoming Second Annual Louisville Old Time Fiddle Contest. They discuss what defines old-time fiddle music, why the tradition emphasizes community and playing together, and how the contest celebrates the roots of American fiddle music. Joe shares how he discovered old-time music through bluegrass and reflects on his experience competing in the inaugural contest, while Will explains how the event came together, what participants can expect, and the prizes up for grabs. The interview also highlights the welcoming spirit of the old-time community and encourages musicians of all experience levels to take part. (Air Date 7/25/26).