
Blog
Local Group Night Moves Signs to Domino Records
Posted on 12/25/2011
Live on Radio K: Night Moves - "Horses" from Radio K on Vimeo.
Labels: c, domino, domino records, kuom, local music, Minneapolis, night moves, Radio K, twin cities, university of minnesota
Radio K's Off the Record Presents the Best New Bands of 2011
Posted on 12/23/2011
Radio K's Off the Record is presenting Minneapolis' Best New Bands of 2011! First Avenue 701 First Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55403-1327 Phone: 612-332-1775 See map: Google Maps January 25th, 2011 8 PM 18+Best New Bands of 2010 at First Avenue from Dan Huiting on Vimeo.
Labels: bloodnstuff, dream catcher, fire in the northern firs, kuom, local music, mally, Minneapolis, music, night moves, off the record, Radio K, sexcat, umn, university of minnesota
City Pages Highlights Radio K's Clashed Attitudes
Posted on 11/18/2011
Radio K's punk-rock station Clashed Attitudes sat down with Loren Green of City Pages to talk about what they're all about. View the article here.
Radio K presents: LYKKE LI
Posted on 11/14/2011
The Swedish born electro-soft pop sensation Lykke Li sold out the First Avenue mainroom last night with First Aid Kit to open.
Album Premiere: Thee Oh Sees
Posted on 11/08/2011
Come back November 14. Radio K is excited to share the new album from Thee Oh Sees for 24 hours ahead of its official release on November 15 on In The Red Records. You can pre-order the record here.
Real Estate at the 7th St. Entry
Posted on 11/02/2011
Tuesday night brought a tough decision for Radio K listeners with Future Islands playing at the 7th Street and Real Estate playing at the 400 Bar. While Future Island undoubtedly played a great set, after seeing Real Estate’s 50 minute set it’s hard to feel like I made the wrong decision.
Before Real Estate took the stage, Big Troubles played a quick set filled with lots of songs that could have fit on a number of different 90’s indie rock albums. While on record Big Troubles sound a lot like their Slumberland label mates Black Tambourine and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, live they play down the twee sound and focus more on catchy riffing that wouldn’t be completely out of place on a Dinosaur Jr. album. While they aren’t necessarily doing anything original, any attempt to emulate 90’s indie rock is worthy of commendation. If you’re looking for something simple and fun, seeing them next time they come through town wouldn’t be a terrible decision.
Opening their set with “Three Blocks”, one of the later tracks off of their excellent new album Days, Real Estate started things off slow before transitioning into the much catchier “It’s Real”. While the crowd was fairly reserved (as you would expect on a Tuesday night), it seemed for a minute like they were going to join in with the band during the repeated chorus on the song. While the band hasn’t quite reached the level of having a crowd of people sing along with them, it was easy to imagine it happening in the near future. In fact, it was obvious that the crowd hadn’t quite let the new tracks sink in yet because there was a noticeable increase in energy when the band played songs from their Self-Title debut such as “Fake Blues” and “Beach Comber.”
It’s completely reasonable that the crowd wasn’t too familiar with all of the songs off of a record that is barely 2 weeks old but it’s a shame because the new songs translated really well to their live show. Real Estate is never going to be mistaken for a high energy live act but they did a great job of performing the new songs. Every instrument came through clearly with Alex Bleeker’s bass parts standing out as a particular highlight. Bleeker also shined on the sole song he sang, “The Wonder Years”, which was one of the best of the night. “The Wonder Years” served as a nice contrast to the rest of the set with guitarist Matthew Mondanile laying down a riff that was significantly more psychedelic than any of the other songs hinted at. While this short diversion added some diversity to the set, one of the nice things about Real Estate is how cohesive all of their songs sound even though nearly every member of the group has their own side project (Ducktails and Alex Bleeker and the Freaks being the most prominent).
It wasn’t until the last two songs of the set that the crowd really started showing enthusiasm. A particularly sharp version of “Beach Comber” got the crowd moving and that energy continued through “All the Same.” That final song especially highlighted how well the band integrates extended instrumental sections into their songs. Unlike their former label mates Woods, who tend to veer off into 10 minute jams that go nowhere, Real Estate keeps them tight. After a quick encore, the band called it a night even though most of the crowd seemed like they’d be happy with a set that was twice as long. Early on in the night the band said that it was only their second time in Minneapolis. After the strength of last night’s set, it’s unlikely that we’ll have to wait very long for their return.
Setlist:
1.Three Blocks
2. It’s Real
3. Younger Than Yesterday
4. Easy
5. Basement
6. Fake Blues
7.Wonder Years
8. Green Aisles
9. Municipality
10. Out of Tune
11. Beach Comber
12. All the Same
Encore
13. Black Lake
Written by Cliff Batson, Radio K Volunteer
The Artist's Corner
Posted on 10/31/2011

Radio K's Music Director, Caleigh Souhan, got a chance to sit down with Baltimore-based Future Islands to talk a little bit about their newest album On The Water, out now on Thrill Jockey.
Take a listen as they discuss their influences, the rising Baltimore scene, and good tunes to travel to. Top it off with a teaser of three tracks from the record below.
Future Islands plays tonight (November 1) in Minneapolis at the 7th St. Entry. Read more about the show here.
Future Islands - Give us the Wind by thrilljockey
Future Islands - Balance by thrilljockey
Future Islands - Before the Bridge by thrilljockey
Interview: Emil Amos of Holy Sons
Posted on 10/31/2011
Radio K Music Director Caleigh Souhan sat down and had a chat with Emil Amos of Holy Sons. You can download the exclusive interview below.
Radio K presents: Neon Indian at the 7th St. Entry
Posted on 10/15/2011
Purity Ring took the stage first, rocking it with their eclectic but surprisingly quiet in volume chillwave tunes. Megan James the vocalist was very entertaining to watch as she threw around her hair and shrieked softly into the microphone. The crowd began filling out during Purity Ring, many found it hard to resist dancin' to their upbeat and catchy tunes.
Com Truise took the stage next, a delightful switch up from most electronic music, as he had a live drummer. Com Truise lived up to his self proclaimed genre, "mid-fi synth-wave, slow-motion funk” by
The now packed Entry was sweating with anticipation for Neon Indian, the Texas based band, who gained prominence in 2009 after Pitchfork placed the tracks "Should Have Taken Acid With You" and "Deadbeat Summer" on their Top 100 of 2009. Everytime something bustled backstage, the crowd started yelling, pleading with them to begin. Sound check was a hard time for us all, hearing them play little riffs and wanting so badly for them to start their set. Fortunately, it was not long after sound check ended that Neon Indian came out onstage. They stared right down into the audience, made a few quirky jokes, and started jumping about. They looked as if they were having the time of their lives, hopping between the multicolored lights that shone through a makeshift strobe box. Alan Palomo on lead vocals and keyboard was determined to make every single person in the crowd dance, hopping around and interacting with his other bandmates in a contagious way, and the audience gladly followed suit. Their energy was constant throughout the show, and they seemed as excited to be there as everyone in the crowd was. Lets hope Palomo brings them back to Minneapolis in the future, for more of that colorful dancing and thrilling experimental sound.
Show Review: Explosions in the Sky
Posted on 10/12/2011
Monday night brought the highly anticipated return of Explosions in the Sky to the First Avenue Mainroom. In the four years since the band last played Minneapolis their fans have waited patiently for the Texas post-rock pioneers to return and were rewarded with a career spanning set that highlighted all of their strengths.By the time Wye Oak took the stage the sold out show was already packed. Pulling primarily from their most recent record Civilian, Wye Oak created a tremendous racket for just two people. While on record the bands sounds relaxed and dreamy, live they were a force to be reckoned with. Singer guitarist Jenn Wasner sounded calm and controlled singing while absolutely letting loose on her guitar. Songs shifted from dreamy-folk to grunge with no warning and proved to be the perfect counterpoint to Explosions’ slow burning songs. Even if the songs hadn’t been as strong as they were, the show would have been worth seeing alone just to watch Andy Stack’s drumming. Throughout the whole show Stack plays the drums with his feet and right hand while also playing the bass part on a keyboard to his left. The band was vocal about how excited they were to be playing the main room at the First Ave and their love of the twin cities. If last night was any indication, it won’t be long before they’re back in the main room headlining their own show.
After Wye Oak’s opening set I started having doubts that EITS would be able to top it. Fortunately, Explosions in the Sky are one of the most consistently impressive acts currently touring. While they’ve been exploring the same ground sonically for a decade they continue to release strong records and mesmerize crowds. Last night’s show proved to be no exception. After a few opening words from Munaf Rayani (“Hello Purple Rain!”) the band played an 80 minute set with no breaks. Over the course of the night, Explosions played a pair of tracks from each of their last four records (although a third song was played from played from their newest record Take Care, Take Care, Take Care ). From the outset it was apparent why Explosions have become the standard bearers of modern post rock. In comparison to bands like Godspeed You Black Emperor who attempt to hide in the dark, Explosions put themselves front and center and immerse themselves in the music. While the songs might be 10 minutes long, the band attacks every single one of them with a ferocity that is admirable. Historically a four piece, the band was joined by a fifth member on bass who allowed the band to add even more texture to their dense compositions.
While the band sounded great most of the night, it was apparent during the second song, “Last Known Surroudings” off of Take Care, Take Care, Take Care, Rayani was having some technical difficulties. While they were able to get the issues sorted out before the song ended, the few minutes where he wasn’t playing showed how integral every player is to the music. The song sounded alright but it was obvious that something was missing. Monday’s show demonstrated exactly why Explosions in the Sky are as loved as they are and it will be a shame if we have to wait another 4 years before they make it back to the Twin Cities.
The Only Moment We Were Alone
Last Known Surroundings
Catastrophe And The Cure
Postcard From 1952
Greet Death
Your Hand In Mine
Let Me Back In
The Birth And Death Of The Day
The Moon Is Down
Written by Cliff Batson, Radio K Volunteer
Radio K presents: Twin Sister and Wild Beasts at the Varsity
Posted on 10/06/2011
Radio K presents: Girls at First Avenue
Posted on 10/03/2011
Labels: first avenue, girls, live, Minneapolis, music, no bunny, papa, photography, Radio K
Radio K presents: The Cloak Ox CD Release show!
Posted on 10/01/2011
Labels: Andrew Broder, CD Release show, Kill the Vultures, live, local, Martin Dosh, Minneapolis, music, photography, Prisen, Radio K, Seawhores, Tender Meat, The Cloak Ox
Radio K presents: JAPANDROIDS at the 7th St. Entry
Posted on 9/27/2011
Radio K presents: Toro Y Moi, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, & Ava Luna!
Posted on 9/26/2011
Inaugural Hoedown Throwdown
Posted on 9/21/2011
This Thursday from 1:30-3PM CST, we'll be throwing an Inaugural Hoedown Throwdown in honor of new University of Minnesota - Twin Cities President, Eric Kaler!
We'll be playing his favorite tunes in the afternoon with warm greetings from fellow members of the university community. Tune in to hear classics from Dolly Parton to Dusty Springfield and The Who.
President Kaler is a major supporter of the K, and we're glad to have to have him on board and leading the University of Minnesota team. Check back after Thursday for a full playlist of the feature and enjoy the station as we go all country on your ears!
Welcome to the Twin Cities President Kaler! We're looking forward to working with you.
- Radio K
Radio K Station Tour brings in 140 new volunteers!!
Posted on 9/19/2011
Every semester Radio K opens its doors as wide as they can possibly go to show our new volunteers the ins and outs of the station. 140 University of Minnesota students took the slow elevator up to the sixth floor of Rarig Center to see the source of the music you love from 100.7 FM, 104.5 FM and 770 AM. The best way to understand the inner-workings of something is by seeing the heart of the beast and the faces behind it.
Any student of the University of Minnesota can volunteer at Radio K in any one of our departments from music to marketing, reporting to programming, photography to engineering, and video to production. Get involved with any one (or more!) of these great segments of Radio K and learn how a real radio station operates.
One thing we can't stress enough here at Radio K is that the lifeblood of the station comes from the students that put the passion, energy and time into making what we do best. Become a volunteer and add your voice to Radio K.
Get more info about any of our departments by emailing our volunteer coordinator, Morgan, at volunteer@radiok.org to get plugged into:
Radio K Presents: BRAIDS at the 7th St. Entry!
Posted on 9/17/2011
Back for their third visit in just a year, Canadian based band BRAIDS (Kanine Records) made another appearance at the 7th St. Entry in Minneapolis, this time headlining the bill. They brought with them newcomers Pepper Rabbit (also on Kanine) and Painted Palms, who did a live in-studio performance with Radio K earlier that day.Check out photos from the show. Also head over to Radio K's INSTUDIO page to hear and see our visit from Painted Palms.
Posted on 9/12/2011
California based punk band SAMIAM gave a cathartic show at the Triple Rock Club last Friday to a loyal crowd of fans.Check out photos from the show which also included local punk bands Pocket Genius and Arms Aloft.
And while you're at it, check out Radio K's punk rock specialty show Clashed Attitudes online or over the airwaves Sundays from 2:00-4:00 PM CST.
Fruit Bats in the First Avenue Mainroom
Posted on 9/10/2011
Radio K Hootenanny at the State Fair!
Posted on 9/07/2011
Post view! If, for some far-out unlikely circumstance, you were unable to rock out at the Radio K stage at the Minnesota State Fair (or if you attended and want to relive this magical memory), check out photos from this two-day event.Radio K's Hootenanny at the State Fair!
Posted on 8/27/2011
It’s time for the annual Minnesota State Fair, and alongside deep-fried pickles, the birthing barn, and potentially shoddy carnival rides, we’ll be keeping you entertained down at the University of Minnesota stage for a special Radio K Hootenanny!Join us at the corner of Dan Patch Ave. and Underwood St., two blocks west of Gate 5 on Friday, September 2, and Saturday, September 3 from 3-6PM. Rock and Roll over morning show host Todd and Culture Queue’s Managing Editor Cristeta will be spinning tunes for you inbetween performances from rising local bands you won’t want to miss. The K Suit will be in the crowd prodding you to dance, and we’ll have plenty of free Radio K merchandise up for grabs.
Here’s the schedule:
Friday, September 2:
Night Moves - 3:45PM
MaLLy - 5:00PM
Saturday, September 3:
Buffalo Moon - 3:45PM
The Goondas - 5:00PM
Read more about the University of Minnesota’s stage schedule here.
Subscribe to the Facebook event for your chance to win a copy of Stuck On AM 7 featuring over 40 instudios from Radio K in the past three years.
Check out past instudios from these artists below!



Mansions Take Away with Radio K
Posted on 8/12/2011
Kentucky based band Mansions joined us at Radio K last Thursday for an intimate take-away session before their show at the 7th St. Entry. This was originally meant to be a live session, but due to some technical difficulties, we crafty kids at Radio K took an alternate route. If you had tuned in to hear the session, we have a special treat for you.
Check back in a couple of days for exclusive video with songs and interviews with Mansions.
For now, let these pics act as a tempting teaser.
The Vandelles at the Kitty Cat Klub
Posted on 7/30/2011
Late Friday night, just around the corner from the chaos of Recess at the Varsity Theater was a decidedly different atmosphere at the Fire in The Northern Firs show in Dinkytown's finest non-air-conditioned sweatbox venue The Kitty Cat Klub. The Vandelles, a touring act from Brooklyn who apparently decided to add Minneapolis to their cross-country jaunt on a last minute whim, had whipped through Studio K to lay down a killer in-studio performance before taking the stage later to prove they could hold their own live as well.
The searing, reverb drenched surf riffs from guitarists Jason and Christo were anchored by the thoroughly badass rhythm section of Honey and LuLu. While The Vandelles might feature sweetly crooned backing vocals and memorable hooks, the group's punk pedigree was obvious when they cranked up the noise on some of their more raucous numbers.
Local buzzmiesters Fire in the Northern Firs feature members of much-beloved-and-now-defunct band First Communion Afterparty and after a bit of effects-pedal tweaking they took the stage bathed in the glow of two projectors throwing psychedellic images against the back wall, a fitting backdrop for the group's experimental vibe. At once thought provoking and totally funky thanks to the bassist Shane David Kramer's dance-inflected groove, the band powered through their usual set plus a couple of exciting new tunes, with frontwoman Carin Barno keeping the crowd entertained with a bit of well timed profanity and the heartbreaking news that she's getting married before their next gig (maybe in another life I'll get a second chance).
Handsome Furs at the Triple Rock
Posted on 7/28/2011
Written by Caleigh Souhan, Radio K Music Director
Kill the Vultures at Northrop Plaza
Posted on 7/22/2011
Radio K Got Knocked Up: Introducing 100.7 FM
Posted on 7/14/2011
Radio K Exclusive: John Maus
Posted on 6/22/2011
Tomorrow night (Friday, June 24), join Radio K as we present John Maus and Puro Instinct at the 7th St. Entry. More information can be found here.
Off the Record Presents: OTR III at Hell's Kitchen
Posted on 6/19/2011




























