KCRW’s Aaron Byrd’s Profound Interview with A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip and Jarobi White on Morning Becomes Eclectic

Prince Honored on This Week’s Special Edition of KCRW’s Guest DJ Project

Santa Monica, CA (December 16, 2016) – Today, KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic featured seminal hip-hop collective A Tribe Called Quest. Q-Tip and Jarobi White sat down for a profound and candid interview with KCRW DJ Aaron Byrd. They discussed how their critically acclaimed album – their first in 18 years – We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service came together, how it was to work with, and then lose their friend and colleague Phife Dawg, the timeliness of the album release, and the role of artists in today’s climate. And, then they hinted – hymned, actually – at things to come. Check out the interview on KCRW.com.

Prince was a prolific songwriter and guitar virtuoso who defied all genres, influencing an untold number of musicians – and music fans – along the way. KCRW honors his legacy with a Special Edition of the Guest DJ Project, hosted by Eric J Lawrence, by sharing stories from past KCRW’s Guest DJ Project episodes featuring: Actress Michaela Watkins, actor Jemaine Clement, chef Marcus Samuelsson, choreographer Kyle Abraham and comedian Fred Armisen.

Listen to the episode here.

Prince – Special Edition of KCRW’s Guest DJ Project Tracklist
Guest names, song picks and links to their full Guest DJ sessions

1. Michaela Watkins — Baby, I’m a Star
2. Marcus Samuelsson — Mountains
3. Jemaine Clement — Housequake
4. Kyle Abraham — Batdance
5. Fred Armisen — Pop Life

Morning Becomes Eclectic, hosted by KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley, is the station’s signature daily music program (9:00 AM – Noon) featuring new releases from emerging and established artists, underappreciated gems, live performances and interviews.

KCRW’s Guest DJ Project is an online-only production that features an array of cultural luminaries sharing and discussing songs that have inspired and moved them. Past guests on KCRW’s Guest DJ Project include Emeril Lagasse, D’Angelo Russell, Bill Hader, John Krasinski, Jeff Goldblum, Tilda Swinton, W Kamau Bell, Dr. Neil deGrass Tyson, Daniel Radcliffe, Jamie Lee Curtis, and many more. All previous episodes can be found here.

About KCRW:

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw

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Santa Monica, CA (November 30, 2016) – KCRW has revealed the Best of 2016, the yearly coveted collection of top ten albums assembled by KCRW’s legion of dynamic and diverse DJs. Each year KCRW takes on the arduous task of whittling down the year’s releases to highlight what shined bright.

The list was announced in front of a live audience last night at a special KCRW Apogee Session hosted by Music Director Jason Bentley at Bob Clearmountain’s Apogee Studio. Jason was joined by ten KCRW DJs who individually revealed and reviewed the winners on stage.

KCRW’s Best of 2106

1. Anderson .Paak – Malibu
2. Kaytranada – 99.9%
3. David Bowie – Blackstar
4. A Tribe Called Quest – We got it from Here…Thank You 4 Your service
5. Wilco – Schmilco
6. Andy Shauf – The Party
7. Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool
8. Bon Iver – 22, A Million
9. Autolux – PUSSY’S DEAD
10. Solange – A Seat at the Table

In addition to the station’s Best of 2016 each KCRW DJ has revealed their personal top 10. Check it all out at the interactive and immersive Best of 2016 website.

About KCRW:

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw

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Monday, November 28 (Robbie Robertson)

Tuesday, November 29 (Seu Jorge)

10:00 AM PST

Santa Monica, CA (November 28, 2016) – Today at 10:00 AM PST, one of the most beloved songwriters and guitarists of his time, Robbie Robertson will visit KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic to talk about the lasting influence of the iconic concert film “The Last Waltz,” which was released 40 years ago. With songs like “The Weight,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” and “Up on Cripple Creek,” he and his partners in The Band fashioned music that has endured for decades, influencing countless musicians. Robertson will also discuss the release of his autobiography “Testimony,” in which he finally tells his own spellbinding story of the band that changed music history, his extraordinary personal journey, and his creative friendships with some of the greatest artists of the last half-century. Check out the interview live on KCRW.com.

On Tuesday, November 29, at 10:00 AM PST, KCRW features Seu Jorge in studio for a short acoustic set and conversation. Jorge is in the midst of playing several sold-out shows in Los Angeles as a special tribute to the late David Bowie. Jorge, one of Brazil’s most talented contemporary singers, rose to international fame in the Wes Anderson film A Life Aquatic. In his acclaimed role as Pelé dos Santos, a singing sailor, Jorge performed several of Bowie’s songs in Portuguese, accompanying himself simply on an acoustic guitar. Jorge’s adaptations of Bowie’s music underscore the breadth and depth of his compositions and have gone on to have a significant cultural impact. Bowie himself commented, “Had Seu Jorge not recorded my songs in Portuguese, I would never have heard this new level of beauty which he has imbued them with.”

This week on MBE continues with Two Door Cinema Club on Wed, November 30 in advance of their show at The Shrine, and James Vincent McMorrow kicks off the month of December with his sexy, soulful, hip hop-inspired sounds on Thursday, December 1st.

Morning Becomes Eclectic, hosted by KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley, is the station’s signature daily music program (9:00 AM – Noon) featuring new releases from emerging and established artists, underappreciated gems, live performances and interviews.

About KCRW:

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw

Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio

Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw

Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

Full episode online now at:

https://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/guest-dj-project/emeril-lagasse

Santa Monica, CA (November 23, 2016) – Emeril Lagasse, one of the most recognizable chefs in the world, joins host Eric J. Lawrence for the current installment of KCRW’s Guest DJ Project. Lagasse, a regional James Beard Award winner who owns 13 restaurants, and is well known for his Food Network shows Emeril Live and Essence of Emeril, serves up some of his favorite tunes just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.

For Lagasse’s Guest DJ set, he highlights a New Orleans’ legend, expresses the importance of music in his everyday life and work, and shares some songs that simply make him happy. He also reveals a personal connection to one of Billy Joel’s biggest hits, “Piano Man.” “The interesting story is that there’s a character in one of the lyrics of the song [now John at the bar is a friend of mine]… and John used to work for me at Commander’s Palace, way before he was with Billy Joel. But what’s amazing about the song is that it’s, for me, it’s very deep, it’s very personal, there’s a lot in there that says a lot about people and places, and just things going on in life then and things that are going on in life now.”

Emeril Lagasse currently stars in the globetrotting Amazon series “Eat the World.”

Emeril Lagasse Guest DJ Project Tracklist:

1. Piano Man – Billy Joel

2. Vertigo – U2

3. Free – Zac Brown Band

4. Right Now – Van Halen

5. Iko Iko – Dr John

KCRW’s Guest DJ Project is an online-only production that features an array of cultural luminaries sharing and discussing songs that have inspired and moved them. Past guests on KCRW’s Guest DJ Project include Joe Mantegna, Andy Cohen, D’Angelo Russell, Bruce Campbell, Bill Hader, John Krasinski, Jeff Goldblum, Tilda Swinton, W Kamau Bell, Dr. Neil deGrass Tyson, Daniel Radcliffe, Jamie Lee Curtis, and many more. All previous episodes can be found here.

About KCRW:

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw

Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio

Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw

Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

Full episode online now at:

http://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/guest-dj-project

Santa Monica, CA (November 2, 2016) – Los Angeles Lakers’ point guard D’Angelo Russell is one of the most promising players in the current lineup. KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley visited the Lakers’ practice facility to shine a light on some of Russell’s favorite songs for the current installment of KCRW’s Guest DJ Project. His all hip-hop playlist shows many sides of the 20-year-old Kentucky native.

During the taping, Russell reveals his game day anthem, how it feels to be a celebrity in Los Angeles, his penchant for discovering new music, and his thoughts on the upcoming season which just launched on October 26. “I think pre-season was great,” Russell comments. “As a team, we took a lot of steps forward. Everything was new for us; you know, new players, new coaching staff. It was just a whole whirlwind as far as those aspects, but I feel that we are on the right track.”

Russell is off to a great start. In the Lakers’ season opener, he scored 20 points in a 120–114 win over the Houston Rockets.

D’Angelo Russell Guest DJ Project Tracklist

1. J. Cole – “Rise and Shine”
2. Lil Uzi Vert – “I Can Drive”
3. Future – “Married to the Game”
4. Rae Sremmurd – “Look Alive”
5. Travis Scott – “Goosebumps”

*Note this podcast contains explicit language

KCRW’s Guest DJ Project is an online-only production that features an array of cultural luminaries sharing and discussing songs that have inspired and moved them. Past guests on KCRW’s Guest DJ Project include Bruce Campbell, Bill Hader, John Krasinski, Jeff Goldblum, Tilda Swinton, W Kamau Bell, Dr. Neil deGrass Tyson, Daniel Radcliffe, Jamie Lee Curtis, and many more. All previous episodes can be found here.

Upcoming guests include Emeril Lagasse, Andy Cohen, John Waters and more!

About KCRW:

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw

Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio

Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw

Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

Wednesday, October 26, at 11:00 AM PDT

Santa Monica, CA (October 25, 2016) – Hamilton Leithauser (The Walkmen) and Rostam Batmanglij (Vampire Weekend) joined forces for I Had A Dream That You Were Mine. Called “beautiful and mysterious” by the Los Angeles Times, the debut from the duo has been met with overwhelming critical acclaim. Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam will visit the KCRW studio for a rare live radio session on Morning Becomes Eclectic – Wednesday, October 26, at 11:00 AM PDT – performing tracks from their recently released collaboration.

During the past several weeks some incredible musical moments have been captured on Morning Becomes Eclectic. Below are just a few of the highlights:

• Dawes – “We’re All Gonna Die” is the most ambitious album to date from the LA-based indie folk rockers. They returned to the KCRW studios for a live session that closed with a cover of Warren Zevon’s “Desperados Under the Eaves” which Taylor Goldsmith dubbed, “the king of all L.A. songs.”  Listen/Watch

• The Avett Brothers – “True Sadness” is the group’s highest debuting album ever, and their most autobiographical. They experimented with new sounds under the guidance of producer Rick Rubin. Highlights from their live session at Apogee Studio include the very first live rendition of “Murder in the City” as a full band.  Listen/Watch

• Wico –  In the midst of three sold out shows in L.A., Wilco set aside an afternoon to record a special live session for KCRW at The Theatre at Ace Hotel. They played selections from their latest album “Schmilco,” as well as old favorites, and set aside some time for Jeff Tweedy to chat with KCRW’s Chris Douridas.  Listen/Watch

• Jamie Lidell – The latest album from Jamie Lidell is a meditation on love and family, inspired by the birth of his first child. His personal stories are told through smooth psychedelic soul. KCRW welcomed him and a top notch group of musicians for a live session recorded at the Village studio. Listen/Watch

• Norah Jones –  “Day Breaks,” Norah Jones’ new album, is being hailed as a “kindred spirit” to the singer’s breakout debut, “Come Away With Me.” The nine-time Grammy winner recorded a live session at Apogee Studio,which included a reworked version of the smash hit, “Don’t Know Why.”  Listen/Watch

• Ludovico Einaudi – Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi performed solo on a floating platform in the middle of the Arctic Ocean earlier this year. He brought a full band to the KCRW studio to share his breathtaking compositions.  Listen/Watch

• Lush – When acclaimed UK indie band Lush announced their reunion last year, KCRW snagged them for their first live U.S. radio performance in 20 years!  Listen/Watch

Morning Becomes Eclectic, hosted by KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley, is the station’s signature daily music program (9:00 AM – Noon) featuring new releases from emerging and established artists, underappreciated gems, live performances and interviews.

About KCRW:

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw

Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio

Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw

Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

Full episode online now at:

http://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/guest-dj-project

Santa Monica, CA (October 19, 2016) – Actor, writer and producer Bruce Campbell discusses songs that have inspired him in the latest installment of KCRW’s Guest DJ Project. Campbell talks to Eric J. Lawrence about a few of his favorite tracks, stating “I’m very happy to be here, because no one asks me about music, EVER!”

During the taping, Campbell professes his love of Motown, admiration of good lyrics, what not to listen to if you’re going through a break-up, and what motivated the cast and crew on the set of Burn Notice.

In addition to TV shows such as Xena: Warrior Princess and Burn Notice, and films like the critically acclaimed Bubba Ho-Tep, Campbell is the star of the cult horror comedy franchise the Evil Dead — and now the Ash vs Evil Dead TV series on Starz, where he reprises his role as the reluctant demon fighter.

Listen to the episode here.

Bruce Campbell Guest DJ Project Tracklist:

1. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
2. “Delilah” – Tom Jones
3. “Small Town Saturday Night” – Hal Ketchum
4. “Bad Moon Rising” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
5. “Time in a Bottle” – Jim Croce

KCRW’s Guest DJ Project is an online-only production that features an array of cultural luminaries sharing and discussing songs that have inspired and moved them. Past guests on KCRW’s Guest DJ Project include Bill Hader, John Krasinski, Jeff Goldblum, Tilda Swinton, W Kamau Bell, Dr. Neil deGrass Tyson, Daniel Radcliffe, Jamie Lee Curtis, and many more. All previous episodes can be found here.

Upcoming guests include Emeril Lagasse, Andy Cohen, John Waters and more!

About KCRW:

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw

Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio

Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw

Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw

Full episode online now at:

http://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/guest-dj-project/bill-hader

Santa Monica, CA (October 12, 2016) – Actor/comedian Bill Hader is featured in the first-ever live taping of KCRW’s Guest DJ Project, recorded as part of LA Podcast Fest. Hader talks to KCRW DJ Anne Litt about his father’s influence on improving his musical taste, the comedic inspiration of Frank Zappa, getting over stage fright with the help of XTC, the humor in De La Soul’s particular brand of hip hop, and more.

During the taping, Hader’s comedic prowess is in full force throughout, opening the session with, “This is great. You guys are going to have to sit and watch me listen to a song. At eleven o’clock at night. In a weird ass hotel.”

Hader was a standout during his eight seasons on Saturday Night Live and starred in Amy Schumer’s breakout comedy Trainwreck. The second season of his parody series Documentary Now! is airing now on IFC.

Bill Hader Guest DJ Project Tracklist:

1. Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention – “Who Needs the Peace Corp?”
2. XTC – “Making Plans for Nigel”
3. John Prine – “Hello in There”
4. NoMeansNo – “It’s Catching Up”
5. De La Soul – “Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin’s Revenge)”

Special Producer’s Cut Extended Version:

http://www.kcrw.com/music/shows/guest-dj-project/bill-hader-full-version

KCRW’s Guest DJ Project is an online-only special that features an array of cultural luminaries sharing and discussing songs that have inspired and moved them. Recent guests on KCRW’s Guest DJ Project include Eric Andre, Penn Jillette, W Kamau Bell and many more. All previous episodes can be found here.

Upcoming guests include Bruce Campbell, Emeril Lagasse, Andy Cohen, John Waters and more!

About KCRW:

KCRW creates and curates a unique mix of content centered around music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs. We are driven by the spirit of LA and deliver in innovative ways — on the radio, digitally and in person — to diverse, curious communities around the corner and around the world.  A community service of Santa Monica College, KCRW can be found on the air in LA, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Mojave, Palm Springs, and via five KCRW-developed smart phone apps and online at kcrw.com.

Twitter | twitter.com/kcrw

Facebook | facebook.com/kcrwradio

Instagram | instagram.com/kcrw

Google+ | plus.google.com/+kcrw