Music

In a music rut? Or want to know what’s hot in the college music world? The KWVA music blog is your solution!

The KWVA music blog is a creative space for all musically curious folks. You’ll find coverage of station and local events, album reviews, interviews with local bands, oh-so-perfectly curated playlists, the weekly charts so you know what’s cutting edge, and more music-related topics.

BendreTheGiant | Sunday Live Sessions

Belltower | Sunday Live Sessions

Belltower | Sunday Live Sessions Recap

Music Video / Full Performance / Interview

On February 23rd, Belltower…

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Prager Youth | Sunday Live Sessions

Prager Youth | Sunday Live Sessions Recap

Music Video / Full Performance / Interview

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Irish Music, its histories, and the UO’s ensemble

Irish music is ‘as old as the hills’ – at least according to Sarah Wilfong-Joblin, longtime Irish music enthusiast and music instructor at the University of Oregon. In her work at the UO, Wilfong-Joblin is continuing this musical legacy in Eugene with her own Irish music ensemble. 

 

With a rich history spanning centuries, the oral traditions of Irish music have persevered through years of wars and cultural shifts, remaining an enduring part of Ireland's cultural heritage. 

 

In a full-length interview, Wilfong-Joblin delves into the fascinating history and vibrant traditions of Irish music, shedding light on its influence on Irish culture and beyond. Along with clips from the ensemble themselves, this interview has been adapted into an audio story, offering an exploration of Irish music’s lineage, and its presence on the UO campus with an inside look into the ensemble’s playing.

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A Conversation With Bendrethegiant–The Future of Neo-Soul Pop Music

The musical group Bendrethegiant is a melodic, jazz-funk fusion musical visionary. The band consists of six members: Avery Scanlon (guitar), Eli Hansen (Bass), Ben Harris (Saxophone), Delos Erickson (Keys), Nate Hansen (Drums), and the face of the group Bendre on vocals. It was clear from the beginning that this group had amazing chemistry and their artistry was through the roof.


About three years ago, Bendre began making music while living in Seattle. In 2023, he moved to Eugene where he reconnected with his old friend from high school, Delos Erikson, who was finishing his last year at the University of Oregon School of Music. They began playing together, and Erikson started to help Bendre write out some of his songs, that’s when they decided to create/join a band. Erikson, who had worked on a project with Eli and Nate Hansen, brought them in to work on this project as well and help make music. They connected with different musicians involved in Jazz Studies at UO and…

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Cosplay Jesus | Sunday Live Sessions

Cosplay Jesus | Sunday Live Sessions Recap

Music Video / Full Performance / Interview

On February 9th, local rocker Cosplay…

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Trimmo | Sunday Live Sessions

Trimmo | Sunday Live Sessions Recap

Music Video / Full Performance / Interview

On January 26th, UO student and singer/songwriter Trimmo performed on KWVA Live Sessions.

Film pictures and Live Session produced by DJ Taco Supreme.

Interested in performing on KWVA's Live Sessions? Email scheduling@kwvaradio.org for more information.

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Modern Influences and Revivals: Billy Strings and Bluegrass

Cover art created by Alex Tenta for the album, "Billy Strings | Live Vol. 1." 

 

Music genres, much like fashion, ebb and flow with societal trends. What was once out of style can quickly find itself back in the spotlight. Such is the case with bluegrass, a genre that since its start in the 1940s has continued to blend tradition with contemporary influences.

 

Once considered a niche corner of Americana, bluegrass has found itself at the center of a cultural resurgence. Among the largest artists at the forefront of this revival is Grammy-winning artist Billy Strings, whose rapid rise reflects the genre's contemporary success. His 2024 album “Highway Prayers” propelled his career – and the revival of old-time music – to new heights as the first Bluegrass album to top …

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Forest Mountain Lion | Sunday Live Sessions

Forest Mountain Lion | Sunday Live Sessions Recap

Music Video / Full Performance / Interview

On January 19th, folk musician and singer/songwriter Forest Mountain Lion performed on KWVA Live Sessions. He was accompanied by bassist Jacob and vocalist Courtney. Listeners interested in Forest's music can find it on his website.

Film pictures and Live Session produced by DJ Taco Supreme.

Interested in performing on KWVA's Live Sessions? Email…

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Top 30 Charts - February 11th

1. BEYONCÉ
Album: Cowboy Carter
Label: Parkwood/Columbia/Sony

2. CHARLI XCX
Album: Brat And It's Completely Different But Also Still Brat
Label: Atlantic

3. DOECHII
Album: "nosebleeds" [Single]
Label: Capitol

4. WORLD BRAIN
Album: Open Source
Label: Mansions & Millions

5. MAC MILLER
Album: Balloonerism
Label: Warner

6. BILLIE EILISH
Album: Hit Me Hard And Soft
Label: Interscope

7. OKLOU
Album: Choke Enough
Label: True Panther

8. GUIDED BY VOICES
Album: Universe Room
Label: GBVinc

9. LADY GAGA
Album: "…

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