It’s that list-making time of year! So for this episode, we've brought together 12 KEXP DJs and tastemakers for a sonic collage of the best new music from 2024. We hear from each DJ about one song that rose above the rest, getting a diverse sampling of the year in music. From hardcore to reggae to ambient and everything in between, this episode is sure to bring something unexpected for even our most voracious listeners.

Songs featured:

1. Mk.gee - “Dream Police” (DJ Alex’s pick)

2. Bures Band - “Green Town” (Greg Vandy’s pick)

3. Clay Birds - “Call Out My Name” (Gabriel Lopez’s pick)

4. Rapsody - “Never Enough (feat. Keznamdi)” (DJ Miss Ashley’s pick)

5. MUÑECA - “Bambi” (DJ Chilly’s pick)

6. Brimheim - “Dancing in the Rubble” (Kevin Cole’s pick)

7. The Scoffs - “Factories In Heaven” (Brian Foss’s pick)

8. Burning Hammer - “Howling With The Wolves” (Jenn’s pick)

9. Chat Pile - "Masc" (Reeves’ pick)

10.  Rich Ruth - “No Muscle, No Memory” (Noel Brass Jr.’s pick)

11.  Seiji Oda - "a gentle gigg.." (Mike Ramos’s pick)

12.  Porridge Radio - “Sick Of The Blues” (Chris Sanley’s pick)

Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube.

Stream KEXP at any hour, any day, for live DJ curation and recommendations. Tune into 90.3 FM in Seattle, 92.7 FM in the Bay Area, or KEXP.org and the KEXP App anywhere in the world.

Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili
Mixed by: Emily Fox
Mastered 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 [email protected].

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Albina Cabrera returns to the podcast for a very ”roquera” episode, spotlighting four new tracks from Argentina and Spain with elements of shoegaze, psychedelic, and punk, partly inspired by her recent travels. She also shares the 2020 song she keeps coming back to from the riot grrrls of Madrid.

And Music Director Chris Sanley talks about the moving tribute that Sade Adu wrote for her son (her first new music in six years) as part of TRAИƧA, the 8-part compilation record celebrating trans artistry.

Songs featured:

1. Winona Riders - "No hagas que me arrepienta"

2. Dum Chica - "Such a Witch"

3. Alcalá Norte - "La Vida Cañón"

4. Carolina Durante - "Hamburguesas"

5. Aiko el grupo - "Si me conoces tanto (¿por qué me haces sufrir?)"

6. Sade Adu - "Young Lion"

Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube.

Listen to El Sonido with Albina Cabrera every other Monday from 7-10 PM PT, or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App.

Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili
Mixed by: Emily Fox
Mastered 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 [email protected].

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we make space for calm with a selection of new ambient tracks curated by KEXP DJs and editorial staff. We hear from Alex Ruder, host of the ambient and neo-classical show, Pacific Notions, about where his interest in ambient music began and the first song he ever played on his show. Then, we get recommendations that play with heavy distortion, post-rock, jazz, and field recordings.

Songs featured:

1. Helios - “First Dream Called Ocean” (Alex Ruder’s foundational ambient pick)

2. KMRU - “opener” (Dusty Henry’s pick)

3. Austyn Wohlers - “How Heavy the Slow World” (Brit Hansen’s pick)

4. Evan Chapman - “Windows” (Roddy Nikpour’s pick)

5. Nala Sinephro - “Continuum 4” (Isabel Khalili’s pick)

6. Mark McGuire - “Anhedonia” (Alex Ruder’s pick)

Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube.

Listen to more ambient tunes with DJ and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder on Pacific Notions every Sunday from 6-9am Pacific Time or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App.

Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili
Mixed by: Emily Fox
Mastered 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 [email protected].

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darek Mazzone – KEXP’s longtime host of Wo’Pop, our Modern Global music show – takes us on a melodic journey from Cyprus to Lebanon to his homeland of Poland on today’s episode, concluding with a track that transcends all language for him.

And Music Director Chris Sanley shares a haunting, hypnotic, moody song from a Danish-Chilean composer, collaborating with a Copenhagen-based artist. 

Songs featured:

1. SANAM - “Ya Nass”
2. Warsaw Village Band - “Kalinowy Mostek/Bridge of Wayfarer Tree”
3. Buzz' Ayaz - “Buzzi Ayazi”
4. John Coltrane - “Acknowledgment”
5. Molina - "Organs (feat. ML Buch)”

Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube.

Listen to Darek on Wo' Pop every other Tuesday from 7-10pm PT or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App.

Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili
Mixed by: Emily Fox
Mastered 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 [email protected].

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we welcome Troy Nelson, Variety Mix DJ and host of the KEXP podcast, Live on KEXP. Not only does Troy share some recent faves with a ‘90s vibe, but stories of casino concerts, a childhood best friend turned Grammy-nominated producer, and discovering a post-punk gem behind a “one-hit wonder.”

Our Music Director Chris Sanley closes things out with a magical, mystical track from two Annas that’s sure to transport you.

Songs featured:

1. Freak Slug - "Spells"
2. Cults - “Crybaby"
3. Casino Hearts - "In & Out of Time"
4. Modern English - “Gathering Dust"
5. Anna B Savage - "Agnes (feat. Anna Mieke)"

Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube.

Listen to Troy Nelson every Saturday from 3-6pm Pacific Time, or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. 

Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili
Mixed by: Emily Fox
Mastered 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 [email protected].

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we hear from KEXP’s queen of psychedelia and host of Astral Plane, DJ Jewel. She shares the mellow yet mind-bending tracks that have been easing her into shorter and darker days. She also talks with Isabel about the way psych music bends time, how you can find ego death in a good jam session, and the krautrock roots of much of the psychedelia that’s popular today.

Music Director Chris Sanley then shares a song that’s been bringing her a sense of calm amidst chaos.

Songs featured:

1. Nice Biscuit - “SOS”
2. Nolan Potter - “Dig Me As I Am”
3. Black Moth Super Rainbow - “All 2 Of Us” 
4. Amon Duul - “Snow Your Thirst and Sun Your Open Mouth” 
5. Haley Heynderickx - “Seed of a Seed” 

Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube.

Listen to DJ Jewel on Astral Plane every Wednesday from 7-10pm PT or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App.

Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili
Mixed by: Emily Fox
Mastered 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 [email protected]

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Variety Mix DJ Sean brings a dreamy, synth-heavy vibe to the show with his song choices, including a nod to an influential Krautrock guitarist and a salute to an ‘80s Scottish new wave duo who helped set the standard for his picks.

And Associate Music Director Alex Ruder spotlights the latest from a long-running Detroit-based artist/producer/composer whose latest LP is a showcase of masterful collaborations.

Songs featured:

1. James K - “Blinkmoth (July Mix)”
2. Alex Kassian - “A Reference to E2-E4 by Manuel Göttsching”
3. Safe Mind - “6’ Pole”
4. Maraschino - “Rosy Boas”
5. Shigeto - “Let​’​s Talk (feat. KESSWA and Ahya Simone)”

Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube.

Listen to Sean every Monday night from 10pm -1am, or on-demand anytime at KEXP.org or the KEXP App. 

Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili
Mixed by: Emily Fox
Mastered by: Jackson Long
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 [email protected].

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To kick off this late October episode, Atticus brings us into the spirit of his favorite holiday with a Chelsea Wolfe track remixed by Boy Harsher - a perfect goth/dark wave pairing for Halloween. He also shares some dizzying psych-pop, his favorite lines from a singer-songwriter with “goofy and smart” lyricism, and the story of how he first discovered The Cramps’ Halloween classic. Atticus hosts a Variety Mix every Friday morning (aka late Thursday night) from 1-5am and will be doing a Halloween special the night of Oct 31/Nov 1.

We also hear an honest, heart wrenching song from former Girls-frontman Christopher Owens, recommended by Music Director Chris Sanley.

Songs featured:

1. Chelsea Wolfe - “House of Self-Undoing (Boy Harsher Remix)"
2. Dummy - “Nine Clean Nails” 
3. MJ Lenderman- “Wristwatch"
4. The Cramps - “Goo Goo Muck”
5. Christopher Owens - "Do You Need a Friend” 

Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube.

Listen to Atticus every Friday from 1-5 am, 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: Roddy Nikpour
Mastered 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 [email protected].

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Our Headphones will be back next week with song recommendations from Atticus.

But this week, we'd like to share another KEXP podcast: A Deeper Listen. It’s hosted by Emily Fox and every week it features a conversation with an artist bringing you deeper into their music. After hearing about their inspirations and the experiences that inform their work, you’ll find yourself hearing their music in a whole new way.

On this episode, Emily talks with Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff about their recent album, 'The Past Is Still Alive.' They share some of the stories that informed the album, like hitchhiking and train hopping around the country. They also talk about their experience helping those struggling with addiction, and how grief is an act of love.

Get more stories like this delivered straight to your feed. Subscribe to A Deeper Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Support KEXP podcasts at kexp.org/headphones.

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this episode, we welcome back Kevin Sur (Kānaka Maoli) and Tory J (Quinault), hosts of KEXP’s global Indigenous music show. They share the origins of their show name, Sounds of Survivance, and how the notion of survivance relates to the music they play and informs a way of being. They bring a mix of new releases from Indigenous artists pushing the boundaries of sound, from experimental electronic to soul to hardcore, then share a lesser known track from the 70s group that brought the hit “Come and Get Your Love.”

Finally, Music Director Chris Sanley shares a propulsive piece of futurist folk celebrating Black and Indigenous solidarity.

Songs featured:

1. Ghostkeeper - “Storm Chaser”
2. Ombiigizi  - “Connecting”  
3. Liv Rion - "In My Way"
4. Indian Giver - “Purity (feat. Wiidaaseh)” 
5. Redbone - “Alcatraz”
6. Jake Blount & Mali Obomsawin - "Live Humble” 

Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube.

Listen to Sounds of Survivance with Tory J and Kevin Sur every Monday from 3-5am 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
Mastered 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 [email protected].

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the 36th Annual Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle, we chat with John Gilbreath, long-time host of KEXP’s Jazz Theatre. He spotlights a few of the artists playing – offering everything from an R&B-infused song to a meditative flute-led track – and closes out his set with a classic from the great “Ambassador of Jazz” and the story of how he fell in love with radio. The Earshot Jazz Festival runs from October 17th through November 3rd in various venues throughout Seattle. 

Our Associate Music Director Alex Ruder ends the episode with not one, but two tracks from a new Brussels-based group that he has on loop. 

1. Shabaka - “Breathing”
2. Afrocop - “Get In, Let’s Ride”
3. Wayne Shorter - “Footprints (Live)”
4. Dizzy Gillespie - “Theme from The Cool World”
5. Another Dancer - “How to, Slow" + "You Know Where I Start" 

Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify or the “What's In Our Headphones” playlist on YouTube.

Listen to John Gilbreath every other Monday from 1-3am 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
Mastered 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 [email protected]

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.