WXPN Radio

The premier guide for new and significant artists in rock, blues, and folk - including NPR-syndicated World Cafe

XPN2 - XPoNential Radio

24/7 Musical discovery. A unique mix of emerging and heritage blues, rock, world, folk, and alt-country artists.

World Cafe Archives

Join the World Cafe through performances and interviews with celebrated and emerging artists.
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Displaying items by tag: xmf14_sun

The Districts are a four-piece indie rock band from the small town of Lititz, Pennsylvania.
Band of Horses, originally known briefly as Horses, is an American rock band formed in 2004 in Seattle by Ben Bridwell.
Originally famous for his 90s hit "Loser," this L.A, Native has continued making music and is on tour right now for his new album Morning Phases. With unique instrumentation and original lyrics that have been compared to the great, Bob Dylan, Beck's postpunk-acoustic country blues sound will leave a taste in your mouth that you love, but that you've never quite had before.
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Rock band J. Roddy Walston & The Business originally formed in Cleveland, Tennessee, and have made a name for themselves dealing in "a scrapy yet sublime sound that honors their Southern roots and punk spirit." Known for their exciting and energetic live performances, thought-provoking lyrics, and signature take on the rock and roll tradition, this group is no stranger to large festival stages and is sure to make waves at Wiggins Park this year.

Tracks from the South Jersey-based singer-songwriter's recent CD Homeward Bound can be heard on XPN lately. Ginger Coyle performed last summer at the Philly Folk Festival as part of the XPN Philly Local Showcase. She is currently working on her next album and has also been making guest appearances on other music projects, including a collaboration with American Babies.

Philadelphia four-piece The Lawsuits were once described as a “schizophrenic mix of modern americana.” However, they don’t stop there - interweaving elements of reggae, 60’s pop flair, and 80’s anthemic refrains, woven together by highly literate lyrics.  They play with an energy that’s infectious, charging through changeups and reveling in every solo, making the playing of each song look as enjoyable as it is to listen to.

The London-based trio of Davie, Joey Haynes (vocals, banjo) and Kevin Jones (vocals, drums) developed a cult following after their forming in 2012 as a result of their writing, harmonies, D.I.Y. approach with custom hand-stamped CDs, and extensive touring.  In March 2014 the band released their second album Without/Within, which Davie claims is  "in many ways our most personal yet and also our most ambitious sonically.

Diego Garcia knows how to mine romantic yearning in his work, and his new album Paradise continues to expand upon the romantic sound he has been shaping throughout his career. His music drifts listeners back to the 1970's with its soft melodic riffs and use of strings, delicate percussion, and Spanish guitars; Garcia's lyrics lay gently on top in such a way that sounds like the crescendo of softly sung Spanish and lull audiences into pure enjoyment with each melodic turn.

With a distinctive voice and a diverse repertoire of musical styles and colors, singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins' new album Show Phaser is described as "a neon noir tour de force of hi-def late-night pop," with innovative and thought-provoking lyrics and melodies. Her style is constantly changing, and that's what makes her an exciting artist - with Atkins you never know what's coming next, but you always know it will be new and interesting.

Man Man is known for their eclectic musical landscaping, for pushing the envelope, and being fearlessly unique in their musical execution. The group's fifth-full length album On Oni Pond takes their reputation to new heights, and with past performances at XPN's Free at Noon and at Union Transfer proving to audiences just how much fun they can be.

Fronted by Rhett Miller, Old 97's have long been an XPN favorite, blending rootsy, country-influenced songwriting with punk energy and delivery. The group has been making music for 20 years, and their new album "Most Messed Up" finds the Old 97's at their racous, boozy best, all swagger and heart.

Singer Rachael Price, drummer Mike Calabrese, bassist Bridget Kearney, and trumpet-playing guitarist Mike Olson met and formed Lake Street Dive at Boston's New England Conservatory, and has since come along way. They find themselves on the cusp of stardom, describing themselves as a "pop-soul juggernaut", with varied influences ranging from British Invasion Rock ("Bobby Tanqueray") to horn-drivin R&B; it is clear that Lake Street Dive is destined for greatness.

Founded by Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman featuring twin lead vocals from multi-platinum recording artist Joan Osborne and singer-songwriter Jackie Greene, Trigger Hippy is a brand new, powerful, soul-infused rock and roll band ready to tear up the XPoNential stage. Rounding out the group are lead guitarist Tom Bukovac, who co-produced the EP with the band, and bassist Nick Govrik. Trigger Hippy's early shows have already garnered acclaim, and this built-for-the-stage trio is sure to excite and entertain.