Vampire Weekend’s BAIO Premieres “Needs” on KCRW

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Vampire Weekend bassist Chris Baio is striking out on his own as BAIO and chose KCRW for his U.S. radio debut!

He was accompanied by a string quartet for much of the session and gave us a sneak preview of the new record, which will be out in Fall. He described it as two mini mixes — with catchy pop songs, alongside more dance-oriented tracks.

He’s released a couple of EPs of electronic music, so that wasn’t surprising, but hearing the Buddy Holly-esque track  “Sister of Pearl” (which he called the “gateway” to exploring his voice) really showed his range as a singer/songwriter.

The interview, hosted by Jason Bentley, was really illuminating as far as his process in approaching his first full length.

He also announced his first U.S. here in LA — he’ll be at The Echo on September 15 (ticket go on sale this Friday)!

Find the full session here.

BAIO on KCRW – Set List

Needs
Endless Rhythm
I Was Born in a Marathon
Sister of Pearl
Brainwash Yyrr Face
The Names
Matter

BAIO in studio by Larry Hirshowitz