1,632 episodes

Finding good new music can be a full time job, so let KEXP help! In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. We learn stories and insights about the artists, make connections between the music and the world around us, and get to know the diverse roster of DJs that make up the KEXP airwaves. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery.

In Our Headphones KEXP

    • Music
    • 4.6 • 1K Ratings

Finding good new music can be a full time job, so let KEXP help! In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. We learn stories and insights about the artists, make connections between the music and the world around us, and get to know the diverse roster of DJs that make up the KEXP airwaves. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery.

    Albina Cabrera: AEREA, Otro, Mon Laferte

    Albina Cabrera: AEREA, Otro, Mon Laferte

    Janice Headley chats with Albina Cabrera, co-host of El Sonido, KEXP’s modern Latin music show, and also our Latin Partnerships and Editorial Manager. Albina shares highlights from her recent travels to SXSW in Austin, TX, and the Isle of Light music festival in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, plus three songs that are playing in her headphones lately, and one that reminds her of moving to Seattle.

    And, as always, we hear about one standout release recently added to KEXP’s rotation, straight from KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley.

    Songs featured:


    AEREA – “+”
    Otro – “Hausu” 
    Mon Laferte – “Autopoietica”
    ela minus – “el cielo no es de nadie”
    Baby Rose & BADBADNOTGOOD – “On My Mind”

    Listen to the full songs on KEXP's "In Our Headphones 2024" playlist on Spotify.

    Listen to El Sonido with Albina Cabrera and DJ Chilly every Monday at 7-10 PM PT, or anytime on the two-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App.

    Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel KhaliliMixed by: Emily FoxEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American BearSupport the podcast: kexp.org/headphonesContact us at headphones@kexp.org. 
    Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 17 min
    Kevin Sur: Y La Bamba, T H R O N E, Wyatt C. Louis

    Kevin Sur: Y La Bamba, T H R O N E, Wyatt C. Louis

    In this episode, Isabel Khalili talks with Kevin Sur, co-host of KEXP's global Indigenous music show, Sounds of Survivance. They discuss the way he approaches his show and defining "Indigeneity," then Kevin shares the stories behind three new songs he's been loving. He also talks about his journey to find the origins of a West Papuan funk track from the 70s, and what it taught him about their freedom struggle.

    Plus, KEXP Music Director Chris Sanley shares a haunting new track about isolation and connection.


    Y La Bamba – “Nunca”
     T H R O N E – “Wrestling God”
    Wyatt C. Louis – “Dancing With Sue"
    The Black Brothers – “Saman Doye”
    mary in the junkyard - "ghost"

    Listen to Sounds of Survivance with Kevin Sur and Tory J every Monday from 3-5am PT, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App.

    Hosted and produced by: Isabel Khalili and Janice HeadleyMixed by: Emily FoxEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.

    Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear

    Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphonesContact us at headphones@kexp.org
    Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 27 min
    Cheryl Waters: Brimheim, English Teacher, Lair

    Cheryl Waters: Brimheim, English Teacher, Lair

    On our inaugural episode of In Our Headphones, host Janice Headley chats with Cheryl Waters about three new songs that are playing in her headphones lately, plus one song that stands the test of time for her. They also talk about how Cheryl got her start as a DJ and some stand-out memories from hosting Live on KEXP in-studio sessions.

    Plus, as always, we hear about one standout single recently added to KEXP’s rotation, straight from Music Director Chris Sanley.

    Songs featured:


    Brimheim - “Fell Through the Ice”
    English Teacher - “R&B”
    Lair - “Tatalu”
    Heart - “Crazy On You”
    Rilo Kiley - "The Execution Of All Things"
    Hana Vu - “Hammer”

    Listen to The Midday Show with Cheryl Waters every weekday at 10-1 PT, or anytime on the 2-week archive, at KEXP.org or the KEXP App.

    Hosted and produced by: Janice Headley and Isabel KhaliliMixed by: Emily FoxEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.

    Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear

    Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphonesContact us at headphones@kexp.org.
    Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 35 min
    Welcome to "In Our Headphones"

    Welcome to "In Our Headphones"

    Introducing KEXP’s newest music discovery podcast. In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. We learn stories and insights about the artists, make connections between the music and the world around us, and get to know the diverse roster of DJs that make up the KEXP airwaves. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery. Our first episode launches Monday April 15 with the legendary Cheryl Waters.

    Hosts: Janice Headley and Isabel KhaliliTrailer mixed by: Roddy NikpourEditorial director: Larry Mizell Jr.

    Our theme music is “好吗 (Hao Ma)” by Chinese American Bear

    Support the podcast: kexp.org/headphonesContact us at headphones@kexp.org.
    Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 1 min
    Our final "Song of the Day"

    Our final "Song of the Day"

    Before introducing you to 2024's most downloaded Song of the Day, Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili share an exciting update about what's to come on this feed on Monday, April 15.

    Song of the Day has brought listeners full song downloads every weekday for nearly 20 years – that's close to 5,000 songs! We appreciate you being along for the ride, and we hope you'll stick with us as we evolve the series to bring you more of what KEXP does best: music discovery with a human touch. 

    Next week, this feed will become "In Our Headphones." Like Song of the Day, you'll still be getting 5 new songs each week, but now you'll hear about them straight from KEXP DJs. Stay tuned for our first episode featuring Cheryl Waters.

    Feedback, questions, suggestions? Email us at headphones@kexp.org.
    Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 10 min
    Song of the Day's Greatest Hits: 2023

    Song of the Day's Greatest Hits: 2023

    On April 15, a new music discovery podcast is coming to this feed.

    Until then, we're counting down ten of the most downloaded songs from each of the last ten years. Today, Isabel Khalili brings us back to 2023 with ODESZA & Yellow House's "Heavier." Read more about the track on KEXP.org.
    Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donate
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 6 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
1K Ratings

1K Ratings

whydoIneedanicknamejustasking ,

Play full songs?

I have been a huge fan of the song of the day for years - really loved listening to a new song every morning.

I understand you want the DJs to provide more context around the songs they are picking, but I wish that in the new format you’d let them play the entire song, not just talk about the songs and play a small snippet. That way - those of us that just want to experience the new songs can still listen to them in full. With this new format, I’ll probably unsubscribe, as for me the joy was listening to music, not talking.

Graham in Vegas ,

Thanks for the Memories

I've subscribed to Song of the Day by KEXP since 2006-07. It was a daily dose of fun, interesting music by unknown, off-the-path bands that were up-and-coming. Even when the music was not that great you could bet that by next week a different DJ would send something you would enjoy. I've saved hundreds of songs from this podcast to listen to over the years. I understand why the change had to happen (getting rights to play full songs is now a lot of money they can no longer afford), but the snippets are unbearable. I understand interviewing the DJs and it would be cool to get to know the people who chose the music I've enjoyed for almost two decades, but I'm not going to listen exclusively for that.
Thanks for the great memories and music. I'm sad it's come to an end.

mmmzz ,

Feels like commercial radio UGGHHH

Stumbled upon a gold mine over a decade ago. I could listen to the songs on my time, I discovered new artists, bought their music

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