Perfume Genius mastermind Mike Hadreas is a local, but it wasn't until the 2010 Matador 21 anniversary shows in Las Vegas that I first saw him live. Sandwiched on the bill between two iconic heavyweights (Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Cat Power, for crissakes), Mike sat timidly behind his piano with his boyfriend. He seemed so fragile, yet there was an impressive strength behind it that kept me and my friends glued to the stage. Years later, Hadreas has returned with his third album, Too Bright, out now on Matador Records, and his strength radiates stronger then ever. Recorded with Adrian Utley of Portishead and featuring John Parish on several tracks, he describes the new release to DJ Cheryl Waters as "dark and nasty," but the songs still retain a beauty unique to Perfume Genius. All hail the queen. Perfume Genius plays a hometown show this Saturday, October 25th at The Neptune. Watch his dramatically potent session below:
If the recent rainy weather is getting you down, take a musical vacation with Beach Day. Formed in 2011 in an uncannily-named place called Hollywood, Florida, it would be impossible for the bright sunshine of their locale not to radiate into their retro-tinged songs. A shared love of surf-rock brou…
She & Him, Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, will drop a 13-track cover album called Classics on December 2. They've put a fun little radio widget on their website and when it's turned to AM station 1202 the site unlocks their cover of Dusty Springfield's "Stay Awhile." Check out two trailers for t…
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Midday …
It's going to take a little practice, but you'll be saying the name Ásgeir like a true Icelander soon enough. When we first introduced the young singer-songwriter to Seattle audiences two years ago, we knew his ethereal falsetto and captivating songs would appeal to KEXP listeners even if his songs…
