Song of the Day: Fresh Espresso - Big or Small

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Each and every Friday we offer songs by local artists. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Afternoon Show host Kevin Cole, is “Big or Small” by Fresh Espresso from their album Glamour available on Out for Stardom.

Chances are good that even if you haven’t heard of Fresh Espresso yet, you’ve heard of Mad Rad. Known for their booze/drug-fueled stage antics (which got them banned from several Capitol Hill venues), Mad Rad have garnered quite a reputation for their party rap around town and have a considerable collection of press clippings as well as fans. Connecting the dots... what these two Seattle hip hop groups have in common is composer/producer P Smoov. Bring in the vocal talents of MC Rik Rude and the collaboration takes fans of both in a distinctly different direction. While Mad Rad is more like the Beastie Boys on steroids, Fresh Espresso takes a smoother approach to hip hop and combines electronic instruments and looping. Today’s Song of the Day, “Big or Small,” is the perfect addition to your summer sound track. A little dance, a little chill, and hey, any song that samples childhood favorites (the Bee Gees) can’t be all that bad right? Fresh Espresso has been getting quite a bit spins on KEXP and are starting to accumulate their own mountain press lately including a profile by Stranger dignitary Charles Mudede, who seems to be quite infatuated with these guys.

You can catch Fresh Espresso tomorrow night at the High Dive with Project Lionheart. They will also be live on KEXP on Tuesday, August 4, at noon and are part of KEXP’s Concerts at the Mural series on on August 7th with Dyme Def at the Mural Ampitheater at Seattle Center. Check out the details on their MySpace page. In the meantime, check out some freestyle rhymes from MC Rik Rude: