In Our Headphones

Overnight DJ Mike Ramos shares some songs that have been in his headphones lately, from a dirty-south-tinged track that’s an early contender for “Song of the Summer” to a chiptune jam named for an early virtual pet. Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares her own “Song of the Summer,” a standout release recently added to KEXP’s rotation. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify, or on the KEXP website. Listen to Mike Ramos on Monday nights / Tuesday mornings from 1-5 AM PT, and on-demand via the KEXP website and app. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Editorial Director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Janice Headley chats with her work BFF Sharlese, host of Mechanical Breakdown, about the four (dark) songs playing in her headphones lately. They also chat about World Goth Day, airing all day on KEXP Wednesday May 22 (and available on the archive for two weeks after). Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley returns from Radio Camp with a standout release recently added to KEXP’s rotation. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify, or on the KEXP website. Listen to Mechanical Breakdown with Sharlese, every Friday night (Saturday morning) from 1-3 AM PT, or anytime on the two-week archive, at KEXP.org, or the KEXP App: https://www.kexp.org/shows/mechanical-breakdown/ Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Editorial Director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isabel Khalili sits down with Brian, Jenn, and Dr. West, hosts of KEXP’s punk show Sonic Reducer, to celebrate its 20th anniversary. After reminiscing about the origins and evolution of the show, each DJ shares a new short, fast ‘n loud track they’re excited about. Plus, we hear about the show’s namesake song and what makes it an all-time great. As always, we end on one standout release from KEXP’s Music Director team. This time, we hear about a sprawling track with an unconventional story from Associate Music Director Alex Ruder. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify. Listen to Sonic Reducer with Jenn, Brian, and Dr. West every Saturday at 9-midnight PT, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: William Myers Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To celebrate the start of “Pushing Boundaries,” KEXP’s programming for Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Isabel Khalili chats with Diana Ratsamee. Diana is the host of Eastern Echoes, KEXP’s weekly show exploring music of all styles from Asia and the Asian diaspora. They talk about the 1980’s Lao song that connects Diana with her family’s story, plus three new songs that span the globe, from brain-tingling electro-punk from Southern China to Middle Eastern surf rock. And, as always, we hear about one standout release recently added to KEXP’s rotation, straight from KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify. Listen to Eastern Echoes with Diana Ratsamee every Thursday at 7-10pm PT, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Janice Headley chats with Albina Cabrera, co-host of El Sonido, KEXP’s modern Latin music show, and also our Latin Partnerships and Editorial Manager. Albina shares highlights from her recent travels to SXSW in Austin, TX, and the Isle of Light music festival in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, plus three songs that are playing in her headphones lately, and one that reminds her of moving to Seattle. And, as always, we hear about one standout release recently added to KEXP’s rotation, straight from KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify. Listen to El Sonido with Albina Cabrera and DJ Chilly every Monday at 7-10 PM PT, or anytime on the two-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Isabel Khalili talks with Kevin Sur, co-host of KEXP's global Indigenous music show, Sounds of Survivance. They discuss the way he approaches his show and defining "Indigeneity," then Kevin shares the stories behind three new songs he's been loving. He also talks about his journey to find the origins of a West Papuan funk track from the 70s, and what it taught him about their freedom struggle. Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares a haunting new track about isolation and connection. Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify. Listen to Sounds of Survivance with Kevin Sur and Tory J every Monday from 3-5am PT, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Isabel Khalili and Janice Headley Mixed by: Emily Fox Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On our inaugural episode of In Our Headphones, host Janice Headley chats with Cheryl Waters about three new songs that are playing in her headphones lately, plus one song that stands the test of time for her. They also talk about how Cheryl got her start as a DJ and some stand-out memories from hosting Live on KEXP in-studio sessions. Plus, as always, we hear about one standout single recently added to KEXP’s rotation, straight from Music Director Chris Sanley. Songs featured: Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify. Listen to The Midday Show with Cheryl Waters every weekday at 10-1 PT, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Mixed by: Emily Fox Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing KEXP’s newest music discovery podcast. In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. We learn stories and insights about the artists, make connections between the music and the world around us, and get to know the diverse roster of DJs that make up the KEXP airwaves. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery. Our first episode launches Monday April 15 with the legendary Cheryl Waters. Hosts: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili Trailer mixed by: Roddy Nikpour Editorial director: Larry Mizell Jr. Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphones Contact us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before introducing you to 2024's most downloaded Song of the Day, Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili share an exciting update about what's to come on this feed on Monday, April 15. Song of the Day has brought listeners full song downloads every weekday for nearly 20 years – that's close to 5,000 songs! We appreciate you being along for the ride, and we hope you'll stick with us as we evolve the series to bring you more of what KEXP does best: music discovery with a human touch. Next week, this feed will become "In Our Headphones." Like Song of the Day, you'll still be getting 5 new songs each week, but now you'll hear about them straight from KEXP DJs. Stay tuned for our first episode featuring Cheryl Waters. Feedback, questions, suggestions? Email us at headphones@kexp.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Isabel Khalili brings us back to 2023 with ODESZA & Yellow House's "Heavier." Read more about the track on KEXP.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Janice Headley brings us back to 2022 with Samora Pinderhughes' “Masculinity (feat. Immanuel Wilkins)”. Read more about the track on KEXP.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Isabel Khalili brings us back to 2021 with Bizarrap, Duki & Nicki Nicole's "YaMeFui" chosen by Albina Cabrera and DJ Chilly. Read more about the track on KEXP.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Janice Headley brings us back to 2020 with Chicano Batman's "I Know It," chosen by Kevin Cole. Read more about the track on KEXP.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Isabel Khalili brings us back to 2019 with Hezza Fezza's "Like Prince," chosen by Kevin Cole. Read more about the track on KEXP.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Janice Headley brings us back to 2018 with Among Author's "Lure," chosen by Kevin Cole. Read more about the track on KEXP.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Isabel Khalili brings us back to 2017 with Nilüfer Yanya's "Baby Luv," selected by Kevin Cole. Read more about the track on KEXP.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Janice Headley brings us back to 2016 with Morgan Delt's "Some Sunsick Day," chosen by John Richards. Read more about the track on KEXP.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KEXP's Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili make an appearance on Song of the Day for a special announcement. Change is coming to this feed on April 15. Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, we revisit Mike Gervais' "Lost (Sone Remix)" from 2015, selected by Sharlese. Read more about the track on KEXP.org. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chalk - "Asking" from the 2023 Conditions EP on Dutch Tilt Belfast-based post-punk trio Chalk reflect on past relationships on today's Song of the Day. As vocalist Ross Cullen explains in a press release, “It’s a reaction to feelings of ours that look at the past and a longing for others who aren’t in your life anymore. How we grow as people and those we leave behind as a result. We wanted 'Asking' to follow the recollection of someone whose memories are fading when trying to remember about someone in the past." The track appears on Conditions, their debut EP which was released last year. Their follow-up EP, titled Conditions II, was released earlier this month. Read the full story at KEXP.org Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bantu Spaceship - "Bantu Cakes" from the 2023 album Bantu Spaceship on Nyami Nyami Harare, Zimbabwe-based duo Bantu Spaceship celebrates the music of their homeland with their Afro-futuristic self-titled debut album, out now via Nyami Nyami. Vocalist Ulenni Okandlovu incorporates Ndebele chants to the laid-back production work of his partner Joshua Madalitso Chiundiza. As they explain in an interview with 15questions.net, "The both of us were in search of unique alternative Zimbabwean sound, having grown up listening to Mbaqanga, Mbube, Zamrock, Sungura, Jit, and Chimurenga. We wanted to create something that borrowed from these influences, but merging those styles with synth-wave, electro, and hip-hop elements." Read the full story at KEXP.org Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.