WXPN Radio
XPN2 - XPoNential Radio
World Cafe Archives
Lineup
Soul, blues, folk, and rock all come together to create Aaron & The Spell’s sound which is tied together by Aaron’s voice which has great range, rich tone, and is full of raw emotion.
The Districts are an impressive young four-piece from Lititz, in Lancaster County. They do the very Pixies loud-quiet-LOUD thing, but in a more textured way than simply turning their overdrive pedals on and off. Singer Rob Grote’s searing voice cut across the concert hall, blending with the band’s smartly-arranged instrumental interplay. Listen to the Performance…
Although all twelve musicians in Alo Brasil are native Philadelphians, their authentic samba-inspired sounds transport audiences to the warm breezes of Brazil. Described as “tornado of rhythm and sound,” this band spanning three generations will continue to dazzle the crowd as it has for over a decade.
Singer-songwriter Kat Edmonson has taken Texas by storm. Coming from the emerging Austin singer-songwriter scene, her self-released debut, Take to the Sky, made the top 20 on Billboard's jazz charts and landed her performances with Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett. Her newest album, Way Down Low, is the first to feature her original material. The…
In 2012, XPN listeners heard Michael Kiwanuka on World Cafe in April, as the June Artist to Watch, as July’s CD of the Month, at a Free at Noon, and at a show at the Trocadero. His first album showcases his voice, a voice that he describes as “hitting straight to the core,” and his…
Formed in 2008, Red Baraat is a pioneering eight-piece band from Brooklyn, New York. Conceived by Sunny Jain, the group has drawn worldwide praise for its singular sound -- a merging of hard driving North Indian bhangra rhythms with elements of jazz, go-go, brass funk, and hip-hop. Listen to the Performance {xpnplayer}audio,,Red Baraat - 2013…
The powerful roots-stompin', folk-anthem-beltin' dectet we all know and love is making a return to the XPoNential Music Festival. We can't wait to hear fun singalongs like "Home," and their sophomore album "Here" totes hits like "Man On Fire" not worth missing live. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros last played the XPoNential Music Festival…
Known for his decades of experience and “lovable growl,” Dr. John, or the “Night Tripper,” is a formidable figure in New Orleans-style blues and R&B. In 2012 he teamed up with the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach to produce his latest album “Locked Down,” which was met with a whirlwind of praise.
Even with so many new folk artists on the scene, it’s no wonder Lancaster natives The Stray Birds are making a name for themselves with outstanding songwriting that soars in three-part harmony. Their debut album received high praise from NPR, and XPN’s The Key Studio Session captured their traditional-yet-unique music and intimate performance style. Listen…
Between Matt Vantine’s vocals, Matt Amadio’s harmonies, and Rusty Langley’s melodic bass lines, Fleeting Ends never fails to produce catchy, upbeat anthems. Their latest full-length album “Our Eyes Are Peeled” has caught the attention of music bloggers everywhere and proven that Fleeting Ends is a band to keep your eyes on. Listen to the Performance…
This seven piece ensemble from Chesapeake, Virginia boasts a unique blend of southern folk and classical influence, self categorized as “mountain-top chamber.” The Last Bison played for XPN listeners on World Cafe back in January and remain a staple on the airwaves.
Singer-songwriter Erin McKeown has spent an average of 200 nights a year onstage over the last decade, and just released her seventh full-length studio album back in January – the very first to her own label – to rave reviews from both XPN and NPR, among others. She has collaborated with the likes of Anais…
With the new album, "The Lives Inside the Lines in Your Hand," Matt Pond is stepping forward with striking honesty and humbling optimism and delivers his strongest work to date. And with this transformative record comes some distinct changes- removing the 'PA' that has accompanied his name for nearly a decade, his first official 'solo'…
Lord Huron’s unique style of indie pop shines through on the group’s most recent release, Lonesome Dreams. The group started as a solo-project by lead singer Ben Schneider, and was featured on World Cafe and as the Artist to Watch in October of 2012.
Out of the many artists coming out of the folk revival woodwork, Trampled By Turtles stands out with true bluegrass worship, alternative hooks and four-part harmonies that wake up your eardrums. The Duluth, MN band’s sixth album no doubt an incredible compilation of which Paste Magazine most astutely writes has “rambling jams that exceed the…
Touring with the likes of Corinne Bailey Rae, Sheryl Crow, and John Mayer, Brett Dennen has come a long way from his days convincing venue owners to let him play despite his inexperience. His magical lo-fi sound has been recognized by NPR and Rolling Stone and will be dazzling audiences at this year’s festival. Listen…
XPN listeners heard the John Butler Trio when the band was our Artist to Watch March 2005, and their 2007 album Grand National from Atlantic Records was featured by XPN’s Dan Reed. The trio was formed in Freemantle, Australia in 1998, and after more than ten years of gold and platinum albums, the Trio will…
The buzz on Seattle's chamber-indie outfit, Hey Marseilles, started in their hometown where they quickly earned praise for their 2008 debut To Travels & Trunks. Now their new one, Lines We Trace, release in March, has taken the buzz national. This band has mastered the art of making songs that are both catchy and meaningful.…
Dr. Dog are probably XPN's favorite hometown heros- their music is a timeless mixture of catchy hooks and feel-good lyrics. The Free At Noon and Wold Cafe veterans are back for a second round at the SBC Stage this summer.
Honorary Artist to Watch in July 2012, Polica no doubt captured the hearts of XPN listeners with their eclectic mix of media. Channy Leaneagh's heavily manipulated and psychedelic voice booming through the SBC speakers for this year's festival will shoot the audience into outer space for a stellar performance.
Artist to Watch in April 2012 and an instant hit at last year's festival, this Denver five-piece has rocketed from playing small venues to being a co-headliner at the SBC Stage this year. Their music features an eclectic mix of acoustic rock, classic pop, and folk styles all rolled into one intriguing sound, creating a…
Philly’s DRGN KING is an indie pop force with an album exploding with definite hits. Their debut album, Paragraph Nights incorporates a multitude of up-beat tempos and melodies to create original and dance-inducing indie pop. Paragraph Hits is available at XPN’s The Key. Listen to the Performance
The Kopecky Family Band of six dedicated, creative and unrelated musicians from Nashville sold out MilkBoy Philly in February. Their sweet folk rock sound pulls you under with their melodies and intelligent string arrangements that make for incredible and catchy compositions. Their 2012 self-released album Kids Raising Kids has generated a sea of positive feedback…
Just recently, XPN listeners had the opportunity to confront the smooth soulful and urban beats of vocalist José James. Having his album No Beginning No End (Capitol Records) featured as an Exclusive First Listen, James has mastered the craft of blending beautifully captivating hybrid soul music with the intense and upbeat rhythms of hip hop.…
A festival veteran and April 2010’s Artist To Watch, Dawes will be captivating audiences at XPoNential once again with driving beats and lively presence. Their new release, Stories Don’t End is another collection of excellent songs featuring the storytelling and songwriting work of lead singer Taylor Goldsmith.
XPN featured Phosphorescent's sixth album Muchacho as the Album of the Week because it is " the best work of Matthew Houck's career." Listeners can expect a combination of charming tunes and heart-wrenching tunes from this American singer-songwriter.
Due to illness, unfortunately, Liane La Havas is not going to be to perform today. Artist to Watch in August 2012, past opener for John Legend and Bon Iver, and nominee for BBC’s Sound of 2012, 22-year-old Lianne La Havas is truly a force to be reckoned with. Her debut album Is Your Love Big…
Justin Townes Earle was recognized twice by the Americana Music Awards, for New and Emerging Artist of the Year in 2009 and Song of the Year category for "Harlem River Blues" in 2011. His latest album, Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now, is a heartfelt composition of Memphis-soul singing steeped in…
Ryan Bingham kicks off the AmericanaramA Music Festival on Sunday evening at 5:30pm! Bob Dylan's summer "AmericanaramA Music Festival" tour featuring Bob Dylan & His Band, Wilco, My Morning Jacket and Ryan Bingham will visit 26 venues, kicked off, Wednesday, June 26 in West Palm Beach, Florida and wraps-up August 4 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre…
Wake Owl's debut EP Wild Country will transport you to a tender mountain picnic landscape. It's only fitting they play for you bench and lawn dwellers at this year's SBC stage. The sweet melodies of violin, piano and acoustic guitar is made sweeter with Cameron's scratchy folk singing.
