Listening Lyrics Archives

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Roger Kunkel, in the studio on Listening Lyrics, April 11, 2025

Here Comes The Space Cow is more than just a new LP — it’s the sound of four musicians overflowing with talent but also bound by something deeper. This group plays like they were born to find each other, blending jazz grooves with just the right dash of funk. It’s tight, soulful, and polished in the way only seasoned artists can pull off. Roger Kunkel (in photo) stopped by the studio to give us a taste, spinning a few tracks and gracing us with a couple of mesmerizing live performances on guitar. It was pure magic.

Roger Kunkel -- Guitar, vocals.   Stoo Odom --  Stand up bass, vocals.   Bart VanDer Zeuuw -- Drums.   Max Hart -- Hammond organ, pedal steel guitar.

Rainbow City Park, in the studio on Listening Lyrics, March 14, 2025

Well, that was a first! In 13 years of hosting Listening Lyrics, I have never—never—forgotten that I had a guest band scheduled. My plan was set, a themed show ready to roll… until I played my first scheduled set. And just like that, everything changed.

Enter Rainbow City Park.

This insanely talented indie-rock/dream pop band from Northern California took the studio by storm. Their sound is a beautiful collision of '90s alt-rock nostalgia and modern indie influences like Phoebe Bridgers, Diiv, and Pinegrove. Hailing from Sacramento, Davis, and San Francisco, they bring a raw, emotional depth to their music that’s impossible to ignore.

Leyna and Quy Tran in the studio on Listening Lyrics, Feb. 14, 2025

Sometimes, the best moments happen on a whim. While riding my bike, I heard music drifting through the air and followed the sound. That’s when I found Leyna on piano and Quy on guitar—two students completely lost in their moment of zen. Though music isn’t their major, it’s their passion, and their talent was undeniable. I knew I had to invite them to share their gift. After all, this is community radio—an hour of heartfelt conversation and music, from them to you. Enjoy.

Jacob Johnson interprets animal behavior on Listening Lyrics, Jan. 24, 2025

Amidst musical performances, rigorous studies, and global travels, Jacob Johnson crafted a remarkable book. Entitled Are You There God? It's Me, Darwin, this insightful work translates the intricate world of animal behavior into accessible, non-technical prose. Johnson's engaging narrative empowers readers of all backgrounds to grasp this fascinating subject. The book's Amazon release is eagerly anticipated on Feb. 12, 2025.

A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., and a fervent devotee of his home state, Johnson is pursuing a doctorate in animal behavior at the University of California, Davis.

Gordie Nodge, a Canadian banjo player/farmer, on Listening Lyrics, Jan. 17, 2025

Meet Gordie Nodge, a farmer from Saskatchewan who spends part of the winter in Davis. He is an exceptional banjo player with captivating original songs. You can sometimes catch him performing his 5-string banjo at the Davis Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. He’s also an enthusiastic regular at the Music Circle, held every Friday at noon at the Wyatt Pavilion at UC Davis. In this broadcast, Gordie even set some lyrics I wrote to music. Fun fact: Gordie busked at the Davis Farmers Market on Saturday and generously donated all his earnings to KDRT. Thank you, Gordie!

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