KCRW DJ Aaron Byrd on the Making of the “Are You Ready” Ozomatli Remix
So the phone call from Bentley went a little something like this…”Nighthawk (an inside joke) do you want to do a remix for Ozomatli?” I was both humbled and terrified. I told El Jefe (Jason, another inside joke) “Man, thanks for thinking of me but I don’t know anything about making music. I mean, I’ve never produced music before.” He ensured me that in fact I do know a lot about producing and making music, “you have …

There are not many artists who can claim to have appeared on Morning Becomes Eclectic SEVEN times (off the top of my head, only Beck and the Flaming Lips can top it) but Ozomatli is one of them. They are truly a Los Angeles institution and are celebrating 15 years as a band with the release of their new album “Fire Away.” We love it so much that a handful of KCRW DJs remix tracks from the album on a new EP called Ozomatli vs KCRW Soundclash which you can …

The latest exclusive CD release from KCRW — the Ozomatli vs KCRW Soundclash Remix Project – is currently available streaming online and hard copies are being distributed around the city. Today, the EP will be given as a gift with purchase during the Grammy-winning Latin ensemble’s in-store performance at Amoeba, Hollywood. The band goes on at 6pm.
Physical copies of the CD will also be available at select KCRW Presents events around town as well as at various residencies hosted by KCRW DJs. To see the full list of events, as …

Upcoming Live Performances on MORNING BECOMES ECLECTIC with host JASON BENTLEY
Monday, April 19, Sigur Ros frontman Jonsi brings the joyful sound of his solo project to Morning Becomes Eclectic listeners at 11:15am.
Tuesday, April 20, Australian artists The Temper Trap have taken the U.S. by storm with their yearning vocals and grand guitars. Their live show blew everyone away at SXSW and we’ll experience it on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.
Wednesday, April 21, Vocal acrobat Pepi Ginsberg has made a fan out of our own Henry Rollins, among many others. Hear …

We just announced our Ozomatli vs KCRW Soundclash Remix Project where five KCRW DJs — Jason Bentley, Anne Litt, Anthony Valadez, Tom Schnabel and Aaron Byrd — remix songs from the Grammy-winning Latin ensemble’s soon-to-be-released fifth studio album “Fire Away” on Mercer Street / Downtown Records. You can here the entire EP streaming online at KCRW.com now.
You’re welcome to download the “Love Comes Down” remix from Anthony Valadez available here: http://www.kcrw.com/soundclash
Love Comes Down Remix – by Anthony Valadez
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]
A little history: KCRW was …

Upcoming Live Performances on MORNING BECOMES ECLECTIC with host JASON BENTLEY
Wednesday, April 14, Mad Professor is a leading producer in dub and reggae music who’s lent his golden touch to Sade and Massive Attack. He’s released hundreds of original recordings and will treat us to some songs live on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.
Thursday, April 15, Jose James has dazzled critics and audiences alike with his rich baritone voice and deft combination of soul, hip-hop and jazz. He makes a rare Los Angeles appearance to perform live on Morning Becomes …

Upcoming Live Performances on MORNING BECOMES ECLECTIC with host JASON BENTLEY
Tuesday, April 6, Clarence Greenwood aka Citizen Cope has built a loyal and ever-expanding audience for his urban folk music thanks to constant touring. His new record is his most gorgeous effort yet and we’ll hear the new songs live on Morning Becomes Eclectic at 11:15am.
Friday, April 9, For the first time ever on KCRW, we will bring you a performance recorded at one of our live events. Hear Corinne Bailey Rae‘s stunning set from the historic Vibiana’s cathedral on …

SXSW is over.  It took me an eternity to get home.  I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus.  But — what an amazing 5 days of music!  It’s rare that I get to be in a time and place where my only obligation (in between radio shows) is to see as much music as possible.
SXSW is a remarkable music festival because its key is community and enthusiasm.  Being together with thousands of people who just want to immerse themselves in music is quite remarkable.  Yes, there were music …

A lot of listeners have been asking me how you can attend KCRW events in Austin during the SXSW music conference if you can’t afford a badge or a wristband. The good news is, its easier than ever this year!
While our official night showcase on Wednesday, March 17 with Ozomatli, Miike Snow, Fanfarlo, Fitz & the Tantrums, Choir of Young Believers & Soko is only open to badgeholders and wristbands, we have a special promotion for our Saturday, March 20 showcase at the Convention Center with Rogue Wave, The Middle …

KCRW is proud to be the radio sponsor for Filter’s Showdown at Cedar St at SXSW. The line up for the 3-day event (March 18-20) includes Dr. Dog, Frightened Rabbit, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Minus the Bear, Local Natives, The Boxer Rebellion, Temper Trap and many more. You can see the full line up and RSVP online here: http://filtermagazine.com/index.php/rsvp/sxsw/
Below are KCRW’s official showcases and anyone with a festival badge or wristband is welcome.
**We will also be featuring a special promotion with day passes for our Saturday showcase headlined by …