Their album “Woman” is out now and three of our DJs — Jason Bentley, Garth Trinidad, Aaron Byrd — reflect on why it’s made such a huge impact.

Splashh by Viktor Vauthier

The front office of KCRW is staffed by a revolving door of volunteers answering phones and helping out in a variety of ways. Some of them go on to become DJs (Travis Holcombe! Raul Campos!) so it’s safe to say their music  tastes can be trusted.

Last week, Michael Lee send me a link to a band called Splashh, describing their debut “Comfort” as a “very sun drenched sound that’s perfect for summer”.

And what do ya know, he was right!  Especially the dreamy “Sun Kissed Bliss”. The guitar part at the beginning made my hair stand on end, the way great songs do, before the vocals kick in at :30 second mark. It also made me want to run out the door and hit the beach!

The track is a bonus from their debut and available for a limited time as a download HERE.

The rest of the album is a fuzzy throwback to 90’s grunge, but decidedly dreamier. Kind of like a male version of Best Coast combined with a poppier version of Wavves.

The project is from Kiwi Sasha Carlson (guitar/singer) and Aussie Toto Vivian, who crafted their shoe-gazy poppy songs during a summer spent in Byron Bay.  “Comfort” is out now in the U.S. via Brooklyn indie Kanine Records.

Here’s another taste:

RR

CONTEST IS OVER

CONGRATS RAUL AND RICHARD!

James Blake Live at Apogee Studio for KCRW Photo: Larry Hirshowitz

My mom used to LOVE Joni Mitchell.

She probably still does deep down somewhere, buried beneath raising five kids and a few Backstreet Boys concerts (not mine, I swear!). But naturally, as a kid, I found her only slightly more bearable than those Simon & Garfunkel albums.

I was just too young and too much of a boy to understand. As I got older, I began to appreciate her more and felt grateful that I could maybe, possibly, sort of figure it out (don’t ask any old girlfriends). At the very least I was able to get the Joni Mitchell jokes and references in British comedies.

But I get James Blake. At least I get what his music makes me feel. And maybe that’s the point of growing up and onto different artists. Not necessarily what they’re about because who really knows but moreover, what do they mean to you?

At a recent Apogee Studio event in Santa Monica, James turned out one of the more emotional and soulful performances I’d seen there. It was almost too perfect that he’d chosen Joni Mitchell to cover, an artist he himself had called an inspiration during the interview.

He delivered her lyrics from this pressure packed ball in his stomach and effortlessly whispered out with slight breath. You could tell he was paying homage. I mean, how else could one do it?

Which brings me to my next point: Adam Duritz.

You see, The Counting Crows had this, umm….cover of Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi and, after re-listening to it, I was reminded of all those feelings I had as a kid about Mitchell’s music. I didn’t get it. I wanted to turn it off. I’d bargain for just plain old Paul Simon.

But after hearing Blake’s version of “A Case Of You“, I immediately ran out and bought a new copy of her ’71 release Blue and called my mom.

James Blake gets Joni Mithcell. I get James.

James Blake Live on KCRW — “A Case of You”

There’s a discoteque in Asgard that plays strictly Todd Terje tracks for all of eternity and approximately once every Earth year the resident DJ there tosses a track down to us from the heavens.

Like a bolt of lightning it crashes upon our primitive monkeymind sensibilities and compels us to move. We know not why. It simply is. Like the mysteries of space and time.

The latest sublime Scando Space Odyssey from (arguably) the world’s catchiest producer, Todd Terje, has arrived on his own relatively new Olsen Records imprint. “Strandbar” (named after the Berlin riverfront bar?) is yet another slow burning and totally euphoric epic for Terje.

Built on a bed of funk and italo discofloor synth washes, it eventually incorporates surreal Love Boat-esque samba rhythms which take over the track completely until the whole track explodes and shoots across the universe like a swirly, laser light, interdimensional worm hole portal from here to Asgard.

Terje’s unquestionable domination of the form would be enviable and frustrating to all his peers, if it weren’t so inspired, otherworldly and just full-tilt goddamned fun.

“Riptide” has been a noticeable addition to Jason Bentley’s Morning Becomes Eclectic sets  recently and when I popped into the studio to ask him about it, he said it “feels like the next smash”, continuing where bands like the Lumineers, Mumford and Sons, and Of Monsters and Men have let off.

Vance toured with the latter — as well as another Aussie we love Julia Stone – and recently passed through LA as support for Lissie.

The track is so undeniably catchy it scored the Aussie singer-songwriter a deal with Atlantic Records. It’s off an EP “’God Loves You When You’re Dancing”, which probably means a proper full length is on the way.

I always note the “influences” artists list on their Facebook pages because, even though many of them are meant as jokes, they always give some insight (even if its into their sense of humor).

In this case, I think Vance might be genuine, listing Paul Simon, The Flaming Lips, Elton John, Gwen Stefani, Bon Iver, Coldplay, Paul Kelly, Sia and, lastly, Alfred Hitchcock.

He honed his chops playing shows around Melbourne and hopefully he’ll be stopping into the States again soon.

RR

Ella Yelich-O’Connor,aka Lorde,has just reached double platinum status in her native New Zealand with her track “Royals”.

It’s a sensation that seems to be creeping  onto our shores.

KCRW Djs Travis Holcombe and Chris Douridas are fans and for good reason: the teenage singer translated her real life experiences into melodic snapshots about teenage life.

Despite being called “Royals”, there is little glossing over what teenage life is really like. (Take a moment to read her note below the video as well)

It’s an infectious song that is powerful in its simplicity and shows an impressive vocal prowess.

It’s off of her debut EP “The Love Club” and it’s safe to say we will be hearing more from this talented artist.

RR

p.s. the track was previously offered as a free download via Today’s Top Tune. Sign up here so you never miss goodies like these again!

Djrum (pronounced “drum”) is the alias of London-based DJ/producer Felix Manuel. A bunch of KCRW DJs are spinning his tunes, but when Jason Bentley tweeted this weekend that the entire record “Seven Lies” is “exceptional”, I knew I better pay attention.

It’s a layered patchwork with a wide range of influences, from jungle and more minimal techno to dub and film scores. Fans of James Blake should check out the instrumental version of “Anchors”, available as a free download via XLR8R.

The album, Djrum’s debut, is out now via South London’s 2nd Drop Records. On his official bio, it says the sounds “are inspired by the rawness of urban London, influences of Portishead, DJ Shadow and The Cinematic Orchestra, jungle, minimal techno, classic house, broken beat – all seamlessly segued with a nod to jazz vinyl and film music.”

He’s also an in demand club DJ, supporting Jamie XX, Gilles Peterson, Rob Da Bank, Mary Ann Hobbs and more.
RR

Crowd at One Colorado by Catie Laffoon

It’s not officially summer but, for me, summer starts when the first batch of free, outdoor shows starts rolling in for the season.

We kicked of KCRW’s all ages Summer Nights series this past Saturday with a live performance from Hot as Sun at One Colorado in Old Pasadena and DJ sets from DJ Valida. The crowd was letting loose and dancing the entire time!

We continue the fun in Chinatown this weekend with Liza Richardson and Anthony Valadez on the decks and find ourselves back in Old Pasadena with Mr. Little Jeans on June 20. Find ALL the details here.

DJ Valida by Catie Laffoon

Hot as Sun by Catie Laffoon

Hot as Sun by Catie Laffoon

NPR baby! by Catie Laffoon

by Catie Laffoon

by Catie Laffoon

Valida by Catie Laffoon

Hot as Sun by Catie Laffoon

Hot as Sun by Catie Laffoon

Hot as Sun backstage by Catie Laffoon

Valida backstage by Catie Laffoon

The violent, tragic acts of Friday on the SMC campus displaced KCRW from our studios and Anne Litt was the first DJ to return to the basement and broadcast a music show live. It was a daunting task I’m sure, but she did it so beautifully, I wanted to share the playlist with all of you.

I burst into tears at Regina Spektor’s “Real Love” – a song that would move me on a “normal” day.

A lot of us at KCRW were listening. Mourning and healing together over the senseless loss of life. I have never felt more connected to and appreciative of my KCRW family.

The last time I was in this building, I was escorted out by a heavily armed SWAT team. Today, there are lots of hugs, love and an air of defiance about taking back our home from this tragedy.

A huge shoutout to our news team who worked long hours throughout the entire weekend, as well as the Boxer Rebellion, who came to play MBE on Friday and ended up going through this with the rest of us. They had to reschedule shows because their gear was locked up in our studios. SIR ended up giving them free equipment to play their show in San Diego. A lovely show of support that is much appreciated by all of us.

RR

(Bonus Feel Good: A beautiful article from the NY Times on why we value music.)

Anne Litt Playlist – Sunday, June 9

Stevie Wonder – “Love’s in Need of Love Today”
Los Lobos – “Sabor A Mi”
George Stanford – “Meet Me in L.A.”
Mia Doi Todd – “ Last Night of Winter”
The Kinks – “Days”
Ballake Sissoko – “Chamber Music ”
Beth Orton – “Don’t Wanna Know About Evil”
General Elektriks – “Gathering All the Lost Loves”
She & Him – “Baby”
Bobby Womack – “Fly Me To The Moon”
Woody Guthrie – “This Land is Your Land”
Grateful Dead – “Ripple”
The Boxer Rebellion – “Diamonds”
Radiohead – “Everything In Its Right Place”
George Harrison – “Give Me Love”
David Gray – “ My Oh My”
Bill Evans – “Peace Piece”
The Replacements – “Left of Dial”
Elvis Costello – “What’s So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding”
Regina Specktor – “Real Love”
Weekend Players – “Jericho”
Classixx – “All You’re Waiting For”
Big Star – “The Ballad of El Goodo”
The Youngbloods – “Get Together”
Ray La Montagne – “Forever My Friend”
Seu Jorge & The Decoders – “Everybody Loves The Sunshine -Roy Ayers Cover” (Live At KCRW)
Massive Attack – “What Your Soul Sings”
Passengers – “Miss Sarajevo”
Joni Mitchell – “California”
Shelby Lynne – “I’ll Hold Your Head”
Sly & The Family Stone – “Stand!”
Stevie Wonder – “Having A Talk With God”
Irma Thomas – “It’s Raining”
Charlie Haden / Pat Metheny – “Spiritual”
Vanessa Da Mata Featuring Ben Harper – “Boa Sorte/Good Luck”
Nina Simone – “Here Comes The Sun”
The Beatles – “Sun King”
Build An Ark – “World Peace Now”

Tuesday, June 11, Queens of the Stone Age performed their dangerously sexy new songs the day before the release of their highly anticipated album “…Like Clockwork” for a live audience at Apogee Studio. We’ll air that very special session on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Wednesday, June 12, Emily Wells is a one-woman band who takes her classical training and turns it on it’s head with modern production. Hear it live on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Friday, June 14, Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi and his ensemble enchanted a small audience at Apogee Studio with his cinematic classical pieces. We’ll share the session hosted by Chris Douridas on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Monday, June 17, Glaswegian pop ensemble Camera Obscura make music to rouse the soul and fill the heart. We’ll experience both when they join Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Thursday, June 20, Bay Area soul duo Myron & E have a retro sound that has completely captured our ears. Hear their U.S. radio debut on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

KCRW PRESENTS

Sat, June 15, CSS at the Fonda
Thurs, June 20, Afro Funke’ 10 Year Anniversary with Ozomatli at Zanzibar
Fri, June 21, Sea Wolf at the El Rey Theatre
Fri, June 21, The Church Sessions with Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti at the First Unitarian Church
Sat, June 22, Josh Rouse at the Troubadour
Sun, June 23, She & Him, Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell and Matthew E. White at the Hollywood Bowl for KCRW’s World Festival
Sun, June 23, Church Sessions with Iron and Wine at the First Unitarian Church
Wed, June 26, Mavis Staples at the Fonda
Fri, June 28, AM & Shawn Lee at the Echo
Fri, June 28, Twin Shadow at the Glass House
Fri, June 28 – Sunday, June 30, Costa Mesa 60 & Fabulous in Downtown Costa Mesa
Sun, June 30, Reggae Night XII featuring Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Stephen Marley, Third World, and special guest The Ghetto Youths Crew (Wayne Marshall, Christopher Ellis, Jo Mersa and Black Am I) at the Hollywood Bowl for KCRW’s World Festival
Sun, July 14, Rodrigo y Gabriela and DeVotchKa at the Hollywood Bowl for KCRW’s World Festival
Wed, July 10, Amadou & Mariam at the Fonda
Thurs, July 11, Chico Mann with Chicano Batman at Los Globos
Sat, July 20, Pink Martini at the Hollywood Bowl
Sat, July 20, Rogue Wave at the El Rey
Sun, August 4, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, The Sun Ra Arkestra and Oliver Mtukudzi at the Hollywood Bowl for KCRW’s World Festival
Sat, August 10, Willie Nelson at the Hollywood Bowl
Sun, August 25, Goat Rodeo featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer , Chris Thile with guest Aoife O’Donovan at the Hollywood Bowl for KCRW’s World Festival
Fri, September 13, Jose James at the Troubadour
Sun, September 22, M83 with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and Phantogram at the Hollywood Bowl for KCRW’s World Festival
Sat, September 28, Vampire Weekend at the Hollywood Bowl
Sun, September 29, The xx at the Hollywood Bowl
Tues, October 1, Jake Bugg at the Fonda
Thurs, October 10, Conor Oberst and Felice Brothers outdoors at Pappy and Harriet’s
Mon, October 21, Animal Collective at the Wiltern
Tues, October 22, James Blake at the Wiltern

Atoms for Peace in KCRW’s Master Control from Jason’s point of view behind the mic!

What a way to end the week – with Thom Yorke and Nigel Godrich (Atoms for Peace) taking over the airwaves for a full hour and debuting some never before heard tracks.  Jason Bentley ceded his rein over Master Control to the duo, who started off with Charles Mingus “Mood Indigo”, described as “the perfect way to slide into your morning”.

It wasn’t long before we got to see some of Thom’s trademark dance moves, even from atop a stool. (He also played some mean air drums at the start of Joe Jackson’s “Different for Girls”.)

He later told Jason part of why he loves deejaying in the first place is so he can “have something to dance to”. He talked about being a DJ in college and “dancing myself silly” and then suddenly finding himself in a guitar band. He also mentioned the video for “Lotus Flower” where his moves were on full display. He said it was like “suddenly seeing yourself naked for the first time”.

Thom and Nigel are like a comedy duo when they get together, poking fun at each other in ways only the best mates can. They were head bobbing in unison to the Beastie Boys “Root Down” and dropped two super special tracks – one was an untitled “piano sketch” that Thom says he doesn’t even remember writing. The other, called “Honey Pot”, started as a remix for “All I Need” but turned it into a new song that no one heard until this morning.

Thom Yorke and Nigel Godrich Present “Honey Pot”

Listen to the full session here in the archives.

Enjoy!

Atoms for Peace (Thom Yorke and Nigel Godrich) Guest DJ Set for KCRW

Charles Mingus – Mood Indigo
James Holden — Gone Feral
Ultraista — Party Line
Mursi Tribe/Olivia Wilde — Mursi Song
Hubba Hubba Group — Sumatra RNB
Quasimoto/Mad Villain — Shadows Of Tomorrow
Joe Jackson — Different For Girls
Hello Skinny — Aquarius
Beastie Boys — Root Down
Thom Yorke — Untitled Piano Sketch
Fracture & Neptune — Clissold Machine Drum Vip
Owiny Sigoma Band — Doyol Nyako Nam |
Falty DL — Finally Some Shit/The Rain
Philip Jeck — Wipe
Thom Yorke –Honey Pot

1 DAFT PUNK == Random Access Memories >> [Columbia]
2 VAMPIRE WEEKEND == Modern Vampires Of The City >> [Xl]
3 CATO, ANDY == Times & Places >> [Apollo/r&s]
4 CLASSIXX == Hanging Gardens >> [Innovative Leisure]
5 PHOENIX == Bankrupt >> [Glassnote]
6 OLMS == Olms >> [Advance]
7 BIG BLACK DELTA == Big Black Delta >> [Masters Of Bates]
8 QUADRON == Avalanche >> [Vested In Culture/sony]
9 ELECTRIC GUEST == Good America Ep >> [Because]
10 TOKIMONSTA == Half Shadows >> [Ultra]
11 MAJOR LAZER == Free The Universe >> [Secretly Canadian]
12 QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE == Like Clockwork >> [Matador]
13 KELIS == Food – Sampler >> [Advance]
14 OM COMPILATION == Om Lounge 13 >> [Om]
15 FITZ & THE TANTRUMS == More Than Just A Dream >> [Elektra]
16 DISCLOSURE == Singles Ep >> [Cherrytree/interscope]
17 MYRON & E == Broadway >> [Stones Throw]
18 EL KHATIB, HANNI == Head In The Dirt >> [Innovative Leisure]
19 KNIFE == Shaking The Habitual >> [Mute]
20 MANN, CHICO == Magical Thinking >> [Soundway]
21 BONOBO == North Borders >> [Ninja Tune]
22 SHOUT OUT LOUDS == Optica >> [Merge]
23 HOODED FANG == Gravez >> [Full Time Hobby]
24 PORTUGAL THE MAN == Evil Friends >> [Atlantic]
25 SCHWARTZ, LUCY == Timekeeper >> [Fortunate Fool]
26 CAMERA OBSCURA == Desire Lines >> [4ad]
27 JONES, SHARON & THE DAP-KINGS == Give The People What They Want – Sampler >> [Daptone]
28 MARLING, LAURA == Once I Was An Eagle >> [Ribbon]
29 WILD NOTHING == Empty Estate Ep >> [Captured Tracks]
30 NATIONAL == Trouble Will Find Me >> [4ad]
31 SINKANE == Mars >> [Dfa]
32 BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB == Specter At The Feast >> [Vagrant]
33 MVULA, LAURA == Sing To The Moon >> [Sony Uk]
34 SIGOMA, OWINY – BAND == Power Punch >> [Brownswood]
35 EINAUDI, LUDOVICO == In A Time Lapse >> [Ponderosa]
36 TORO Y MOI == Anything In Return >> [Carpark]
37 WHITLEY, TRIXIE == Fourth Corner >> [Strong Blood]
38 TAME IMPALA == Lonerism >> [Modular]
39 MOUNT KIMBIE == Cold Spring Fault Less Youth >> [Warp]
40 DJRUM == Seven Lies >> [2nd Drop]
41 WHEN SAINTS GO MACHINE == Infinity Pool >> [K7]
42 THUNDERCAT == Apocalypse >> [Brainfeeder]
43 LONDON, THEOPHILUS == Rio >> [Warner Bros.]
44 MGMT == Advance >> [Columbia]
45 LISSIE == Shameless >> [Advance]
46 BULL, ANDY == Keep On Running >> [Advance]
47 K-OS == Black On Blonde >> [Nettwerk]
48 TRICKY == False Idols >> [K7]
49 BANKS == Advance >> [Iamsound]
50 MAJICAL CLOUDZ == Impersonator >> [Matador]

Thom Yorke and Nigel Godrich have teamed up on many projects, from Radiohead to their current musical outlet Atoms For Peace, and will join forces for an unprecedented DJ set in our studios — their first time doing a live set on U.S. radio — THIS Friday, June 7 at 10am.

KCRW is handing over an entire hour of Morning Becomes Eclectic to the duo, who will alternate between DJ sets and short interview segments with host Jason Bentley.

Atoms For Peace’s debut album “Amok” was released in February on XL Recordings. Tickets are still available for their full band performance at the Hollywood Bowl on October 16.

Five years after the release of their groundbreaking, moody, genre-bending “After Dark” compilation, Italians Do It Better have finally released the proper follow-up.

In some respects 5 years seems like a mere blink, however if we take an inventory of all that’s happened since, it’s rather stunning.

IDIB co-founder Johnny Jewel has released several full lengths and EPs under the Desire, Chromatics, Glass Candy and Symmetry monikers and inspired and helped craft the sound and tone of cinematic cult phenomenon Drive.  Glass Candy is performing at this years Primavera Sound and Pitchfork Music Festivals. Chromatics released one of last year’s finest albums “Kill For Love” and were invited by Karl Lagerfeld to perform at Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2013 runway show and will be opening for The xx at The Hollywood Bowl at the end of the season. Essentially, IDIB is on a runaway train level tear, and it’s all good.

Quietly released without much fanfare or promotion, “After Dark 2″ was as hotly anticipated as it was totally unexpected.

Featuring all new material from Glass Candy, Chromatics, Farah, Appaloosa and Mike Simonetti and more, it’s rich with all the moods and textures that made “After Dark“ a hit, while taking the level of songwriting to new unexpected places.

Album closer, “The Possessed” is a particularly heavy and gloriously emotive track that may very well be the Rosemary’s Baby of dance music. I can’t think of anyone else currently creating as deliriously desolate a musical landscape as Johnny Jewel and Ida No. I don’t know if either of them are actually ACTUALLY Italian, but fact, FACT: nobody does it better.

Seu Jorge with The Decoders

If you’re confused as to how Brazilian singer Seu Jorge and The Decoders (a group of some of LA’s most talented musicians, including members of Fool’s Gold and Rhye) ended up joining forces for this particular song, look no further than legendary BBC DJ Gilles Peterson.

At a special event held at the Sonos Studio in Los Angeles, the gatekeeper of world music and the ultimate tastemaker, Gilles hosted a live version of his radio show which included an interview by KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley and a post show performance The Decoders.

It was no secret that Jorge was in attendance as he was one of a handful of artists, producers, and DJs to be interviewed by Gilles throughout the course of his “live” Radio Show, but whether or not he would be performing was a mystery.

After Gilles had wrapped up his show and officially passed the torch over to the Decoders, you started to get the feeling that something really special might happen. After all, with that kind of talent in one room, how could it not?

After a few excellent tracks that got the crowd moving, there was a slight pause until Jorge was introduced and the band played the first few bars of Roy Ayers’ famous song “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”. What happened next was an instant classic. Seu’s deep, unpolished voice mixing perfectly with power and  soul of singer Jimetta Rose.

After giving it a listen, it’s hard to imagine that this wasn’t planned. But leave it up to Gilles to collect such a troupe of talent that anything and everything is possible.

Stream “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” Live on KCRW:

Hot as Sun by Ethan Lovell

Funny how a song can stop you in your tracks even if you’re not moving. I’ve had that experience with LA (by way of Mississippi and New York City) band Hot as Sun. The very M83-esque sounds of “So Many Times” completely caught my ear.

Driven by synths and the sensual singing of Jamie Jackson, the band’s music mostly fits firmly in the dance category. Jamie’s vocals have a good dose of reverb which creates this dreaminess. If Beach House turned dance pop, I could imagine it would sound a bit like this.

The trio has opened for Gotye, Foster The People, Phantogram and their debut record came out on Last Gang Records earlier this Spring. “Night Time Sound Desire” is pretty addictive and I find myself turning to it a lot when I need some midday musical motivation.

Hot as Sun will be kicking off KCRW’s Summer Nights — our free, all ages, music series — THIS Saturday, June 8 at One Colorado in Old Pasadena. Find out more here and don’t miss it!

RR

Hanni El Khatib is best known for his late-night brand of 60s inspired garage rock which he brought back to KCRW after a little bit of a tune-up.

In his first album, Hanni delivered a no-frills, stripped down and in your face style of rock n’ roll with his guitar and drummer, Nicky Fleming-Yaryan. And while the style between the two releases has stayed intact—basically the soundtrack to bar brawls and drag races—the production has been overhauled.

In his interview, Hanni tells Jason that it was at a bar in Paris where he met The Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach and the two of them talked about Hanni’s upcoming recording (over glasses of absinthe one would imagine). After that, Auerbach signed on to produce “Head In The Dirt” and the result was a more layered & dynamic sound which still features the heavy guitar and smash-mouth lyrics.

In his return to Morning Becomes Eclectic, Hanni rips through new tracks like the rollicking “Save Me” the shiny and radio-ready “Penny” (which was the first song he wrote for the album and was before meeting Auerbach) and the street anthem “Can’t Win Em All” which made its debut during the Super Bowl behind an ad for Audi.

Someone in marketing is paying attention.

Editor’s Note: Hanni was just announced as a performer at the Twilight Concert Series this summer. It’s part of KCRW’s free, all ages show series Summer Nights!

Hanni El Khatib Live on KCRW — Set List

Penny
Skinny Little Girl
Save Me
Family
Head In The Dirt
Pay No Mind
Can’t Win Em All
Loved One

Hanni El Khatib by Brian Lowe

Josh Homme and Michael Shuman by Jeremiah Garcia

(Watch the full session here)

Without hesitation I can say that Queens of the Stone Age have made one of the best albums of the year with “…Like Clockwork”  – certainly the best rock album so far as we hit the mid-year mark.

According to frontman Josh Homme it came from somewhat of a dark place – a bit of writer’s block, some health issues — but, on the other side of it, QOTSA was reborn. And they are rocking with even more grit, both dark and sexy, than ever before. The new songs are chock full of emotion and delivered with the precision of master musicians who want to do nothing less than blow your mind. And they show no mercy in their live shows.

Troy Van Leeuwen by Jeremiah Garcia

I was lucky enough to watch the soundcheck before the QOTSA show at Apogee Studio for a small invited audience and two things immediately struck me – they were playing full force, not holding back, at soundcheck, even as Josh battled a cold (he joked throughout the night about his current diet of codeine, cortisone and tequila). Also, Josh has an amazing sense of humor and was joking constantly. For someone who could truly be dubbed a rock star, with that mysterious air of danger that is missing from so many rock frontmen, he was incredibly down to earth.

They kicked off the first set with the fierce “If I Had a Tail” and ended it with album opener “Keep Your Eyes Peeled”, which Josh said is “almost like bacon, it’s the gateway meat, sort of. That song is kind of, I think, quintessentially strange and a little esoteric and that is traditionally our thing.”  If that song is the gateway to the album, “The Vampyre Of Time And Memory” is the solemn ballad that holds out its hand to you to enter directly into Josh’s difficult emotional state while writing the record.  It seems like a bit of a departure, and it’s one of the best songs they’ve ever done.

The record took years to make and Josh said he’s fine with the hardships he’s dealt with. As he said, “everyone gets knocked down, it’s the style with which you get up that’s important”.

As far as the sound of the record, he said “I really think you do have to sort of do as you’re told musically, by the music,” adding “whatever feels scary. You go there”.

We talked backstage about how a lot of music press make him out to be something of a bad boy but others (Elton John among them) think he’s a pussycat. The truth is definitely a bit of both from what I can tell, but he was immensely gracious all evening – to the audience and KCRW. (He told me a story about blaring KCRW from speakers on his motorcycle and not realizing how crazy loud it was until he removed his helmet.)

It was a sweaty evening of rock n roll – just the way rock is supposed to be.

The session, hosted by Jason Bentley and recorded by Bob Clearmountain, will air on Morning Becomes Eclectic Tuesday, June 11.

Queens of the Stone Age Live on KCRW Set List

If I Had A Tail
My God Is The Sun
…Like Clockwork
Keep Your Eyes Peeled
The Vampyre Of Time And Memory
I Sat By The Ocean
Smooth Sailing
I Appear Missing
Little Sister
Make It Wit Chu

by Jeremiah Garcia

by Jeremiah Garcia

Dean Fertita and Jon Theodore by Jeremiah Garcia

Troy by Jeremiah Garcia

Josh and Michael by Jeremiah Garcia

by Jeremiah Garcia

Thumbs up! Josh and Jason Bentley by Jeremiah Garcia

QOTSA backstage by Jeremiah Garcia

Today we are honored that Lynch selected KCRW to premiere a track from his new album, The Big Dream, out July 16th.

“I’m Waiting Here” is a bonus track on the album, and it features that soft breathy vocals of Lykke Li.

David Lynch talked about the new album with Billboard Music. Check it out here!

If you missed the on-air debut, check out the track right here!

Image of David Lynch is from the KCRW portrait collection by photographer, Larry Hirshowitz.

KCRW returns as the media sponsor for the Twilight Concert Series at the Santa Monica Pier this summer. The concerts are part of KCRW’s free, all ages Summer Nights series and the lineup is better than ever!

The shows start on July 11 with station favorite Surfer Blood and take place every Thursday until September 12, with all shows starting at 7pm.

TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES SCHEDULE:

July 11: Surfer Blood
(Hosted by KCRW DJ Jason Bentley)
Thursday, July 18: Meshell Ndegeocello
(Hosted by KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez)
Thursday, July 25: No Age
(Hosted by KCRW DJ Marion Hodges)
Thursday, August 1: Xavier Rudd
(Hosted by KCRW DJ Eric J. Lawrence)
Thursday, August 8: Hanni El Khatib
(Hosted by KCRW DJ Dan Wilcox)
Thursday, August 15: The English Beat
(Hosted by KCRW DJ Eric J. Lawrence)
Thursday, August 22: Nick Waterhouse
(Hosted by KCRW DJ Jeremy Sole)
Thursday, August 29: Artist TBD
(Hosted by KCRW DJ Aaron Byrd)
Thursday, September 5: Artist TBD
(Hosted by KCRW DJ Anne Litt)
Thursday, September 12: Jimmy Cliff
(Hosted by KCRW DJ Raul Campos)

The series is now in its 29th year and, for the first time ever, the concerts will be live streamed so fans everywhere can tune in to check out these phenomenal acts.

See the full Summer Nights lineup here and view details on the Pier shows below!

Twilight Concert Series Details

Location: The Santa Monica Pier. Go West, then decide if you’re the beach or the pier type.

Parking: Parking info can be found at http://santamonicapier.org/visit

Monday, June 3, KCRW joined forces with renowned BBC DJ and tastemaker Gilles Peterson for an incredible evening of music and conversation at Sonos Studio. We’ll air highlights from the event on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Tuesday, June 4, Seductive electro-soul outfit Quadron charmed KCRW supporters at a recent live session at Apogee Studios. Singer Coco O is clearly a star and you can hear it yourself on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Wednesday, June 5, The Olms is a new project by singer-songwriter Pete Yorn and his collaborator J.D. King. Their very first LA show was a live session for KCRW recorded in front of a live audience at Apogee Studio, which we will broadcast live on Morning Becomes Eclectic listeners at 11:15am.

Friday, June 7, Jason Bentley says The Boxer Rebellion‘s music and lyrics have a gravitational pull that is undeniable as each song builds with rolling intensity. We’ll experience that for ourselves when The Boxer Rebellion joins Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Tuesday, June 11, Queens of the Stone Age performed their dangerously sexy new songs the day before the release of their highly anticipated album “…Like Clockwork” for a live audience at Apogee Studio. We’ll air that very special session on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Wednesday, June 12, Emily Wells is a one-woman band who takes her classical training and turns it on it’s head with modern production. Hear it live on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

Friday, June 14, Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi and his ensemble enchanted a small audience at Apogee Studio with his cinematic classical pieces. We’ll share the session hosted by Chris Douridas on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.

KCRW PRESENTS

Mon, June 3, The Olms at the Troubadour
Thurs, June 20, Afro Funke’ 10 Year Anniversary with Ozomatli at Zanzibar
Fri, June 21, Sea Wolf at the El Rey Theatre
Fri, June 21, The Church Sessions with Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti at the First Unitarian Church
Sat, June 22, Josh Rouse at the Troubadour
Sun, June 23, She & Him, Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell and Matthew E. White at the Hollywood Bowl for KCRW’s World Festival
Wed, June 26, Mavis Staples at the Fonda
Fri, June 28, AM & Shawn Lee at the Echo
Fri, June 28, Twin Shadow at the Glass House
Fri, June 28 – Sunday, June 30, Costa Mesa 60 & Fabulous in Downtown Costa Mesa
Sun, June 30, Reggae Night XII featuring Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Stephen Marley, Third World, and special guest The Ghetto Youths Crew (Wayne Marshall, Christopher Ellis, Jo Mersa and Black Am I) at the Hollywood Bowl
Sun, July 14, Rodrigo y Gabriela and DeVotchKa at the Hollywood Bowl for KCRW’s World Festival
Wed, July 10, Amadou & Mariam at the Fonda
Thurs, July 11, Chico Mann with Chicano Batman at Los Globos
Sat, July 20, Pink Martini at the Hollywood Bowl
Sat, July 20, Rogue Wave at the El Rey
Sun, August 4, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, The Sun Ra Arkestra and Oliver Mtukudzi at the Hollywood Bowl for KCRW’s World Festival
Sat, August 10, Willie Nelson at the Hollywood Bowl
Sun, August 25, Goat Rodeo featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile with guest Aoife O’Donovan at the Hollywood Bowl for KCRW’s World Festival
Fri, September 13, Jose James at the Troubadour
Sun, September 22, M83 with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and Phantogram at the Hollywood Bowl for KCRW’s World Festival
Sat, September 28, Vampire Weekend at the Hollywood Bowl
Sun, September 29, The xx at the Hollywood Bowl
Tues, October 1, Jake Bugg at the Fonda
Mon, October 21, Animal Collective at the Wiltern
Tues, October 22, James Blake at the Wiltern

When I heard this Dreams West track featuring Tokyo Hands (both North Carolina natives) it instantly brought me right back there.

The song is available as a free download via their Soundcloud page.

RR

by Larry Hirshowitz

KCRW DJ Chris Douridas introduced Ludovico Einaudi as one of the few composers in the jazz/classical world pushing those genres forward, saying he is an incredibly creative artist at the top if his form.

The Italian pianist brought a fantastic ensemble of musicians to Apogee Studio to perform songs from his latest album “In a Time Lapse” in front of a live audience.

This kind of music may not be my specialty but it was notable to me that the piano wasn’t always the central focus of these compositions. On some of the early songs in the set, the acoustic guitar seemed to drive the sound. But throughout the entire set Ludovico led the group through waves of playing that was, at times, delicate and others intense, always beautiful.

Ludovico was inspired by Henry David Thoreau in the making of this new album, as well as the idea that we all have such busy lives, we rarely take a moment to appreciate our surroundings. His track “Life” had a furious pace that echoed that sentiment, one I personally feel all the time.

What was so wonderful is that everyone in the room united to enjoy THIS moment of music together. His manager walked by towards the end of his set and joked “is everyone zen-ed out yet?”  But we all were. Everyone was glowing as they walked out of the room.

As I was listening, I started reflecting on my day, then memories would flood in, and then I found myself daydreaming — for from worrying about my everyday existence and responsibilities.

Bob Clearmountain engineered the session and you’ll be able to hear it on Morning Becomes Eclectic on June 14. If you can’t wait, he plays tonight, May 31, at the John Anson Ford theater.

Ludovico Einaudi Live on KCRW Set List

Waterways
Walk
In a Time Lapse
Life
Experience
Underwood
Brothers
Orbits
Newton’s Cradle
Fly
Tower

by Larry Hirshowitz

by Larry Hirshowitz

by Larry Hirshowitz

by Larry Hirshowitz

by Larry Hirshowitz

by Larry Hirshowitz

by Larry Hirshowitz

The music of Swedish band Junip is so nuanced and beautiful and their performance yesterday was easily one of my favorites of the year. There is a lot going on (just check out how many keyboards they have) but it was all played very delicately, with each instrument perfectly layered and occupying its own space.

Jose Gonzalez’s voice gets right up under my rib cage. It’s so powerful, even though he’s not a belter by any means.

The band is super tight and in great form, and joined us between two sold out LA shows. Check out the full session online

Junip Live on KCRW – Set List

Walking Lightly
Suddently
Your Life Your Call
Pling/Always
Beginnings
Line of Fire
After All I Said and Done

Jose Gonzalez by Larry Hirshowitz