“KEXP… up and running.” That’s how John Richards begins The Morning Show during the week. The station where the music matters is up and running, and up with running. From DJ’s and staff, to hundreds of volunteers, to thousands of supporters and listeners, the KEXP community is filled with runners, walkers, cyclists, and other active persons. Both running and music discovery are marked by the same spirit of excitement, enthusiasm, and joy. It’s terrific for KEXP to nurture and support both.
Did you know that there’s a KEXP Running Club? During the Spring Fundraising Drives the last two years, donors had the opportunity to make a gift and join with KEXP staff and volunteers for a run or walk around Green Lake, followed by rehydration at a local pub. Wearing their KEXP T-shirts, this diverse group has laughed and gasped its way together. It’s been great fun and we’ll do it again next year. Stay tuned.Did you know that there are KEXP running podcasts? Avid runner John Richards has curated four running podcasts to inspire you and accompany you as you run. The first one is a 16-song, hour-long motivational tape. The second one gets you out on the road for two hours. Volume 3 is another hour-long high energy set of favorites and new music. The just-released Volume 4 features songs by such artists as The Thermals and Young Fathers to get you up and keep you moving. John promises more of these running podcasts in the future, saying, “I absolutely love curating these podcasts, and hope that all of you enjoy it, whether you’re a runner or not.”
Did you know that there’s a KEXP Running Song of the Week? On Fridays, John and I often pick a song that you could include in your own running playlists. These songs tend to be fast, like John, and old, like me. Here’s a list of the songs that we have chosen to date:
1. BRONCHO – Class Historian
2. The Clash – Police On My Back
3. Otis Redding – Mr. Pitiful
4. Augustines – Book of James
5. Iggy Pop – The Passenger
6. U2 – Beautiful Day
7. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Despair
8. The War on Drugs – Red Eyes
9. Arcade Fire – Keep The Car Running
10. Prince – Let’s Go Crazy
11. Cymbals Eat Guitars – Jackson
12. Japandroids – the House That Heaven Built
13. Nina Simone – Feeling Good
14. Harry Nilsson – Jump Into the Fire
15. Elvis Costello – (What’s So Funny ‘bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding
Did you know that you can be a runner if you want to be?
Enjoy the running and keep listening to the station that’s “up and running.”
Check out some of the KEXP DJ’s favorite artists from the Pacific Northwest and around the world on-the-go. KEXP’s Music That Matters weekly podcast brings you an exclusive mix of new music from the world’s best independent artists.
It’s time again for Friday on My Mind. Our weekly blog post where we look at videos centered around one common theme. This is a collaborative effort between KEXP and King 5 News.
