The KEXP Blog » Live Performances Podcast http://blog.kexp.org/blog where the music matters Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:30:16 +0000 en hourly 1 KEXP Live Performance Podcast: The Wrens 6/9/07 http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/07/18/kexp-live-performance-podcast-the-wrens-6907/ http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/07/18/kexp-live-performance-podcast-the-wrens-6907/#comments Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:50:30 +0000 Jim Beckmann http://blog.kexp.org/blog/?p=2561 wrens.jpg
The Wrens = the hardest working band (at the office!)
photo by Gregory A. Perez

While I don’t like to wish that The Wrens would abandon their families and jobs more often, it’s been nearly three years since they last performed in our city, so my concern for their familial and financial stability becomes compromised. I want me some Wrens, dammit!

And Wrens, I got. Two doses in fact. On Saturday, June 9, the best white collar working class band from northeast New Jersey, if not the entire universe, dropped by the KEXP studio to play a live set before heading off to their sold out show at the Crocodile. The incredibly gracious and more incredibly talented group of guys sat down with Quilty 3000 for a live performance that we have now made available as a free Live Performance Podcast, which you can download here:

The Wrens - Live at KEXP 6/9/07 (MP3)

Not ready yet to try out new material in Seattle (though I hear they have elsewhere), The Wrens kept their entire KEXP set and most of their Crocodile set focused on The Meadowlands, their 2003 album that revitalized interest, and the band itself, after crappy dealings with labels for their previous releases. “We’re putting the album to bed,” bass player (among other things) Kevin Whalen said. While the band has not yet entered the “studio,” which I assume to be guitarist and resident knob-turner Charles Bissel’s basement, they do mention in the interview that “at least ten new songs” exist. Even though the enthusiastic crowd at the Crocodile was no doubt eager to hear new material, they seemed perfectly happy to hear their familiar favorites. Having seen The Wrens myself at every Seattle performance — in-studio, at record stores, and in clubs — I can attest that no matter how many times the band plays certain songs, they sound unique and fresh every time. I mean, I can’t say I ever seen one musician (Charles Bissel) sing through his Blackberry to another musician (Greg Whalen) who holds his cellphone to the strings of his own guitar. You’ve got to see it, and hear it!

Fortunately for you, we have pictures. Our own Photography Coordinator Gregory Perez was on hand at the KEXP in-studio and at the Crocodile show to take these amazing photos:

…interview with Jerry MacDonald after the break

wrens_jerry.jpg

I asked drummer Jerry MacDonald a few inane questions, which he was gracious enough to answer:
1. What are the first five songs that appear on your iPod shuffle?

Jerry: a. Green fields of France - Furey Bros. b.Gentlemen - Afghan Whigs c. Helicopter - Bloc Party d. The Plan - Built to Spill e. sing o the times - Prince 2. You get asked a lot of questions about your working lifestyles. Do you consider yourselves a working class band? If not, what kind of band would you like to be known as? Jerry: I think we’re a wannabe full time working class band….that have corporate jobs…that wanna not have corporate jobs….and would like to play all the time. 3. How many drumsticks do you buy each year? Do you buy really cheap ones when you know you’re just going to hand them out at show? Or do you try to collect them afterwards, like teachers do after an exam when they hand you those little golf pencils? Jerry: In a year I purchase approximately 35 dozen or 210 pairs…or 420 sticks or about $700 in cheapy give away sticks. I play sticks that are a little too expensive to give away…as we’re a working class band…but Kevin usually reaches into the stickbag and gives them away anyhow… I do not collect sticks after the show… 4. Who is Pedalboy? What’s his problem? Jerry: Pedalboy is the collective ghost of our parents…I think they are upset we don’t focus more on our corporate jobs. 5. If you had to go back to playing cover songs, what songs would you play and why? What’s the worst cover you ever played? Jerry: I would lobby for us to play only Prince songs. There would be something simply magical about seeing 4 fifty year old guys playing those sexy and soulful compositions. The worst cover song we ever played…I get dizzy just thinking about this and it’s too painful (tears of a clown, maybe) 6. Is The Meadowlands the first in a series of Sufjan Stevens-like geographical albums covering, in your case, the regions of New Jersey? If so, will either The Highlands or Pine Barrens be next? Jerry: Great thought…but I don’t think so. I would by a record based solely on the title if it were called either of the ones you suggested 7. What will come first, a new promotion or a new album? Jerry: my 7th child….or the new record.

[Jerry and his wife, by the way, are expecting their fourth. Keep going, Jerry! Three more kids and we get a new album!]

Also, there is a documentary in the works from Little Quill Productions, who followed the band around during their last tour. If you look carefully at the promo, you’ll recognize clips from the 2004 Crocodile show. While progress on the doc has been slow going, Co-Director Christine Tadler told me that they’re hoping for a mid-2008 completion. Just in time for the new album — right, guys?

Here are some more photos from the KEXP studio. Thanks again to photographer extrordanaire Greg Perez:

]]> http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/07/18/kexp-live-performance-podcast-the-wrens-6907/feed/ 1 Today in Music: Mew, Fujiya & Miyagi, Cold War Kids, the Decemberists, the Rosebuds, and Minus the Bear http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/03/21/today-in-music-mew-fujiya-miyagi-cold-war-kids-the-decemberists-the-rosebuds-and-minus-the-bear/ http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/03/21/today-in-music-mew-fujiya-miyagi-cold-war-kids-the-decemberists-the-rosebuds-and-minus-the-bear/#comments Wed, 21 Mar 2007 20:33:43 +0000 Andrew http://blog.kexp.org/blog/?p=1942 John, Cheryl, Kevin, and an army of volunteers broadcasted live from the Austin City Limits Studios during the 2007 SXSW Music Festival last week. We’re very excited to offer the performances as special editions of our Live Performances podcast, many were available on the day of the performance. Download the performances and check out photos from the broadcast now (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3)

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Mew, live on KEXP at SXSW, courtesy of Doron Gild

Every Monday-Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. The podcast features exclusive in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent musicians that KEXP DJs think you should hear, along with songs from more well-known artists.

All this week, we’re featuring artists that performed live at our SXSW broadcast last week. Today’s selection is from the 2007 album Frengers, available on Sony…

Mew - Am I Wry? No (MP3)

Download an exclusive live performance from SXSW on 3/14/07 (MP3)

Learn more about Mew and catch them at Neumos on April 2. Learn more about podcasting and subscribe now.

More from SXSW and some other items of note…

  • Thanks to Brooklyn Vegan for posting the MP3 from Fujiya & Miyagi’s performance at our live broadcast last week.
  • Thanks also to Brooklyn Vegan for posting a video of Mayor Will Wynn speaking at Earl Greyhound’s performance at Mohawk on March 14 as part of the Gothamist/Austinist/Gorilla vs. Bear show. Download an exclusive performance from Earl Greyhound, recorded live on KEXP from SXSW:

    • Earl Greyhound - live on KEXP from SXSW (MP3)

  • Sound on Sound posted some photos from the Cold War Kids and Elvis Perkins in Dearland sets on Thursday.
  • An Aquarium Drunkard posted a song from the Rosebuds’ new album Night of the Furies:

    • The Rosebuds - Get Up Get Out (MP3)

  • The Decemberists kick off their tour tonight in Jersey City! Catch the Decemberists with My Brightest Diamond at the Paramount on May 4.
  • Pitchfork also posted a feature on an upcoming Jeff Buckley greatest hits compilation and DVD, including some rarities.
  • Last but not least, Six Eyes posted Minus the Bear tour dates, including an MP3 from the new record courtesy of Suicide Squeeze:

    • Minus the Bear - Interpretaciones Del Oso (MP3)

    ]]>     http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/03/21/today-in-music-mew-fujiya-miyagi-cold-war-kids-the-decemberists-the-rosebuds-and-minus-the-bear/feed/ 4     KEXP Live from SXSW - Day 3: The Stooges, Okkervil River, Under Byen, The Good The Bad & The Quuen, Beirut! http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/03/16/kexp-live-from-sxsw-day-3-the-stooges-okkervil-river-under-byen-the-good-the-bad-the-quuen-beirut/ http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/03/16/kexp-live-from-sxsw-day-3-the-stooges-okkervil-river-under-byen-the-good-the-bad-the-quuen-beirut/#comments Sat, 17 Mar 2007 03:08:31 +0000 Andrew http://blog.kexp.org/blog/?p=1930 Thanks so much to everyone who was a part of our live broadcast from the Austin City Limits Studios during the 2007 South By Southwest Music Festival this week! We had a TREMENDOUS week of performances and interviews from Ghostland Observatory, Earl Greyhound, Mew, Peter Bjorn & John, Fujiya & Miyagi, The Apples in Stereo, Okkervil River, Under Byen, Beirut and more. Thanks so much to everyone for listening to such a groundbreaking event for us. Many of the performances are now available as special editions of our Live Performances podcast.

    SXSW-The Stooges.jpg
    Iggy Pop… AMEN! The Stooges, live on KEXP at SXSW
    Photo courtesy of Doron Gild
    SXSW-Okkervil River.jpg
    Okkervil River, live on KEXP at SXSW, courtesy of Doron Gild
    SXSW-Under Byen.jpg
    Under Byen, live on KEXP at SXSW, courtesy of Doron Gild
    SXSW-The Good The Bad The Queen.jpg
    The Good, The Bad & The Queen, live on KEXP at SXSW
    Photo courtesy of Doron Gild
    SXSW-Beirut.jpg
    Beirut, live on KEXP at SXSW, courtesy of Doron Gild
    SXSW-John_Cheryl.jpg
    John and Cheryl, during Beirut at SXSW, courtesy of Doron Gild
    SXSW-Kevin & Iggie.jpg
    Kevin, Cheryl, Courtney with Iggy, courtesy of Doron Gild

    Thanks again to Doron Gild for photographing all the performances this week. Learn more about Doron’s work here. Check out all the photos from the broadcast (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3) and download today’s performances:

    The Stooges - live on KEXP from SXSW (MP3)
    Okkervil River - live on KEXP from SXSW (MP3)
    Under Byen - live on KEXP from SXSW (MP3)
    The Good, The Bad & The Queen (interview) - live on KEXP from SXSW (expired)
    Beirut - live on KEXP from SXSW (MP3)

    Learn more about podcasting and subscribe tour Live Performances podcast now to receive exclusive live performances from our SXSW broadcast all week long.

    Check out the KEXP and Flatstock Showcase at Mohawk (912 Red River) on Saturday, March 17. It starts at 7pm and features: The Black Angels, Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter, Moonlight Towers, Li’l Cap’n Travis, The Blakes, The Cops, and Wax Fang.

    ]]>     http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/03/16/kexp-live-from-sxsw-day-3-the-stooges-okkervil-river-under-byen-the-good-the-bad-the-quuen-beirut/feed/ 9     KEXP Live from SXSW - Day 2: Apples in Stereo, Peter Bjorn & John, The Holloways, Fujiya & Miyagi, The Ponys http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/03/15/kexp-live-from-sxsw-day-2-apples-in-stereo-peter-bjorn-john-the-holloways-fujiya-miyagi-and-the-ponys/ http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/03/15/kexp-live-from-sxsw-day-2-apples-in-stereo-peter-bjorn-john-the-holloways-fujiya-miyagi-and-the-ponys/#comments Fri, 16 Mar 2007 03:23:08 +0000 Andrew http://blog.kexp.org/blog/?p=1922 Day two is in the books and it was another HUGE day from SXSW! John Richards, Cheryl Waters, and Kevin Cole are broadcasting live from the Austin City Limits Studios for 2007 South By Southwest Music Festival. The three day broadcast features exclusive live performances from thirteen artists including Ghostland Observatory, Earl Greyhound, Mew, Peter Bjorn & John, Fujiya & Miyagi, The Apples in Stereo, Okkervil River, Under Byen, Beirut and more. We intend to deliver each of these performances as special editions of our Live Performances podcast.

    SXSW-The Ponys.jpg
    The Ponys, live on KEXP at SXSW, courtesy of Doron Gild
    SXSW-PBJ3.jpg
    Peter of Peter Bjorn & John, live on KEXP at SXSW
    Photo courtesy of Doron Gild
    SXSW-The Holloways.jpg
    The Holloways, live on KEXP at SXSW, courtesy of Doron Gild
    SXSW-Fujiya & Miyagi3.jpg
    Fujiya & Miyagi, live on KEXP at SXSW, courtesy of Doron Gild
    SXSW-Apples In Stereo.jpg
    Apples in Stereo, live on KEXP at SXSW, courtesy of Doron Gild

    Thanks so much to Doron Gild for photographing all the performances this week. Check out Doron’s photos (Day 1, Day 2) and download the performances from today:

    Peter Bjorn & John - live on KEXP from SXSW (MP3)
    The Holloways - live on KEXP from SXSW (MP3)
    Fujiya & Miyagi - live on KEXP from SXSW (MP3)
    Apples in Stereo - live on KEXP from SXSW (MP3)

    Learn more about podcasting and subscribe tour Live Performances podcast now to receive exclusive live performances from our SXSW broadcast all week long.

    Here’s what’s on top for Friday (all times PDT)…

    The Stooges - 11am
    Okkervil River - 1pm
    Under Byen - 3pm
    The Good, The Bad & The Queen Interview - 4pm
    Beirut - 5pm

    The entire 8-hour broadcast and the live performances are open to the public and we encourage you to come down and watch. If you plan to come to view a live band please arrive and be seated at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time. Viewing will be limited to a first come first served basis only. The Austin City Limits studios are located at KLRU TV. Directions and parking.

    Check out the KEXP and Flatstock Showcase at Mohawk (912 Red River) on Saturday, March 17. It starts at 7pm and features: The Black Angels, Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter, Moonlight Towers, Li’l Cap’n Travis, The Blakes, The Cops, and Wax Fang.

    ]]>     http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/03/15/kexp-live-from-sxsw-day-2-apples-in-stereo-peter-bjorn-john-the-holloways-fujiya-miyagi-and-the-ponys/feed/ 4     KEXP live from SXSW - Day 1: The Early Years, Lily Allen, Ghostland Observatory, Early Greyhound, Mew http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/03/14/kexp-live-from-sxsw-day-1-the-early-years-lily-allen-ghostland-observatory-early-greyhound-mew/ http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/03/14/kexp-live-from-sxsw-day-1-the-early-years-lily-allen-ghostland-observatory-early-greyhound-mew/#comments Thu, 15 Mar 2007 03:23:41 +0000 Andrew http://blog.kexp.org/blog/?p=1920 SXSW 2007-Earl Greyhound.jpg
    Earl Greyhound, rocking faces on KEXP at SXSW-3/14/07
    Photo courtesy of Doron Gild

    What an amazing day! John Richards, Cheryl Waters, and Kevin Cole are broadcasting live from the Austin City Limits Studios for 2007 South By Southwest Music Festival. The three day broadcast features exclusive live performances from thirteen artists including Ghostland Observatory, Earl Greyhound, Mew, Peter Bjorn & John, Fujiya & Miyagi, The Apples in Stereo, Okkervil River, Under Byen, Beirut and more. We intend to deliver each of these performances as special editions of our Live Performances podcast. Thanks so much to Doron Gild for photographing all the performances this week. Check out Doron’s photos and download all of Wednesday’s performances now:

    The Early Years - live on KEXP from SXSW (MP3)
    Ghostland Observatory - live on KEXP from SXSW (MP3)
    Earl Greyhound - live on KEXP from SXSW (MP3)
    Mew - live on KEXP from SXSW (MP3)

    Learn more about podcasting and subscribe tour Live Performances podcast now to receive exclusive live performances from our SXSW broadcast all week long.

    Here’s what’s on top for Thursday (all times PDT)…

    The Ponys - 11am
    Peter Bjorn & John - 11:45am
    The Holloways - 1pm
    Fujiya & Miyagi - 3pm
    Apples in Stereo - 5pm

    The entire 8-hour broadcast and the live performances are open to the public and we encourage you to come down and watch. If you plan to come to view a live band please arrive and be seated at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time. Viewing will be limited to a first come first served basis only. The Austin City Limits studios are located at KLRU TV. Directions and parking.

    Check out the KEXP and Flatstock Showcase at Mohawk (912 Red River) on Saturday, March 17. It starts at 7pm and features: The Black Angels, Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter, Moonlight Towers, Li’l Cap’n Travis, The Blakes, The Cops, and Wax Fang.

    ]]>     http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2007/03/14/kexp-live-from-sxsw-day-1-the-early-years-lily-allen-ghostland-observatory-early-greyhound-mew/feed/ 6     Michael Franti, live from Ballard! http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2006/12/12/michael-franti-live-from-ballard/ http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2006/12/12/michael-franti-live-from-ballard/#comments Tue, 12 Dec 2006 16:50:54 +0000 Andrew http://blog.kexp.org/blog/?p=1496 Michael Franti-Ballard-Crowd.jpg
    Michael Franti, live on KEXP - 10/13/06, courtesy of Gregory Perez

    From The Arcade Fire to Zero 7, live performances have consistently been an important and unique aspect of KEXP’s programming. While the KEXP Live Performances section provides you access to hundreds of exclusive live performances, now you can subscribe to a weekly podcast that brings you a series of complete live in-studio sessions.

    This week we’re delivering a very special performance from Michael Franti, recorded live on KEXP from Sonic Boom Records in Ballard on 10/13/06. KEXP celebrated Ballard - the Seattle neighborhood that pledged the most during the 2006 Spring Pledge Drive - with a day-long celebration. Hear the crowd sing and cheer along with Michael Franti as he performs soulful acoustic originals at Sonic Boom.

    Michael Franti (MP3)

    Also check out Music That Matters Vol. 21. Michael Franti talks about his visit to the Middle East where he filmed a documentary and wrote songs for his new album Yell Fire. This audio movie mixes Michael’s first hand stories with tracks from the new record. Produced by KEXP DJs Michele Myers and Kevin Cole. Download the podcast now…

    Music That Matters Vol. 21 (MP3)

    Learn more about Michael Franti, learn more about podcasting and subscribe now.

    ]]>     http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2006/12/12/michael-franti-live-from-ballard/feed/ 2     Jamie Lidell, Live Performances Podcast http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2006/12/06/jamie-lidell-live-performances-podcast/ http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2006/12/06/jamie-lidell-live-performances-podcast/#comments Wed, 06 Dec 2006 17:00:55 +0000 Andrew http://blog.kexp.org/blog/?p=1473 Jamie Lidell-London.jpg
    Jamie Lidell at Scala, Kings Cross, London - 11/2/05
    Photo courtesy of neil365

    From The Arcade Fire to Zero 7, live performances have consistently been an important and unique aspect of KEXP’s programming. While the KEXP Live Performances section provides you access to hundreds of exclusive live performances, now you can subscribe to a weekly podcast that brings you a series of complete live in-studio sessions.

    This week’s featured performance is from the man who set the P.A. on fire at Bumbershoot this year - Jamie Lidell, recorded live at KEXP on 11/4/06…

    Jamie Lidell (MP3)

    Get info an his upcoming European tour dates and learn more about Jamie Lidell. Learn more about podcasting and subscribe now.

    ]]>     http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2006/12/06/jamie-lidell-live-performances-podcast/feed/ 0     The Black Angels, Live Podcast http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2006/11/20/the-black-angels-live-podcast/ http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2006/11/20/the-black-angels-live-podcast/#comments Mon, 20 Nov 2006 17:49:18 +0000 Andrew Corey http://blog.kexp.org/blog/?p=1410 The Black Angels-KEXP-live podcast.jpg
    The Black Angels at KEXP - 10/23/06, courtesy of Bootsy Holler

    From The Arcade Fire to Zero 7, live performances have consistently been an important and unique aspect of KEXP’s programming. While the KEXP Live Performances section provides you access to hundreds of exclusive live performances, now you can subscribe to a weekly podcast that brings you a series of complete live in-studio sessions. This week’s featured performance is from The Black Angels, recorded live at KEXP on 10/23/06…

    The Black Angels (MP3)

    Learn more about The Black Angels and check out more photos from the in-studio. Learn more about podcasting and subscribe now.

    ]]>     http://blog.kexp.org/blog/2006/11/20/the-black-angels-live-podcast/feed/ 0