KEXP

Wow! Very cool space. Some friends from the Seattle Hero House NW Clubhouse took a field trip here, and we LOVED it. You can hear the radio station live in the coffee shop, and there is a record store and a cool outdoor stage just outside. It might be Ezekiel the Hedgehog’s favorite space in Seattle so far 😎

Vita cafe aka KEXP Coffee Shop is a true gem! Located conveniently on the main road and another entry from inside the Seattle Center, this spot offers an amazing blend of great coffee, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere. The standout feature is the live radio broadcasts—hearing the music from KEXP’s shows adds such a unique touch. The coffee is top-notch, rich, and flavorful, making it a perfect stop whether you're starting your day or taking a break from exploring the area. The ambiance is laid-back but full of energy, with local art decorating the walls, making it a great space to relax or get some work done. The mix of creative vibes and quality coffee makes it an ideal place for coffee lovers and music fans alike. Whether you're a regular KEXP listener or just passing by, the welcoming environment and excellent service will make you feel right at home. One of my all time favorites in Seattle!!!!

Very cool coffee shop in Queen Anne area to come and enjoy and explore as there great coffee, treats and even vinyl records to explore! Large coffee shop with many seats to work from and relax. It is also right near the Climate Pledge Arena which is cool to walk around and explore or catch an event or game.

Crazy cool! If you love the radio vibe of the YouTube show you will love this! Super chill with an amazing cafe, record store and plenty of space to relax. Friendly staff! Free stickers! You can see the staff spinning records while sipping a great coffee

KEXP is about as close to a real third space as exists anymore these days. While you can spend money at the coffee bar or on merch or music at sub-pop, the pressure to do so doesn't exist like it does in so many other places. The atmosphere is friendly, the bathrooms non gendered, and the music is great. Whether you're coming to work, meet up with friends, or to just relax the gathering space is open to all.

KEXP Seattle is an absolute gem for music lovers. The station’s dedication to diverse, independent, and underground music is unmatched. Their live in-studio performances are a treat, offering intimate, high-quality sessions from both emerging and established artists. The DJs are knowledgeable and passionate, curating playlists that introduce listeners to fresh and exciting sounds. The sound quality is impeccable, making for an immersive listening experience. Their community engagement, including events and workshops, shows their commitment to fostering local music culture. KEXP’s online archive is a treasure trove for anyone looking to explore new music. The station’s commitment to non-commercial, listener-supported radio ensures authentic content. Their global reach, while rooted in Seattle, connects a worldwide audience to the local music scene. Overall, KEXP is a beacon for music discovery and appreciation.

This place is the heart of Seattle in so many ways. You listen to the music online or at KEXP.org and you’re at the center of worldwide listeners with discerning tastes, then you come grab a coffee in this bright, airy space with couches and lounge chairs where they broadcast from and see into the DJ booth and there’s legit no place better to be in the city or the world at that moment.

My partner and I hung out here a couple times during our visit. The gathering space has to be one of my favorite spots in Seattle. It’s really cool to be there as a listener and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a dream third space that I wish existed in other cities in America. Café Vita also never disappoints.

I came here for the Postal Service/Deathcab exhibit, and it was incredible! There was also a really fun, inclusive party going on complete with themed drinks! I don't really listen to the station, but I was so impressed by the beautiful space and the friendly faces. Definitely stop in for an event!

This place is very spacious and great for gigs, parties, concerts, promos. We had our sons Premier this evening and had this small kine pupu style after party. It's was really awesome. The DJ was playing some good mix. Both Hawaii local and American with different culture music in the mix. I'd love to hold a party here but we don't live here. So if you know anyone from Seattle, let them know this place is pretty good.

Definitely the highlight of the Seattle Center. Music and vibes here are awesome. There's always concerts or events happening here. It's a cool space to catch up with friends or work too, and you can take a break by browsing records at Light in the Attic or grabbing a cup of coffee at Caffe Vita, which both share the same space as KEXP. The DJ's do a phenomenal job of curating playlists and showcasing local musicians, and this is the only radio station I'm willing to listen to.

KEXP is a radio station, yes. But it's more than that. It's a community. Now, I was first turned on to the mighty 90.3 when it was known as KCMU. In those days, Kevin Cole had a Sunday show and was still working at Amazon in the music department. Now, it's 2025 and Kevin Cole once again has a Sunday show. That part's come full circle. But KEXP has evolved from its lower powered roots to a hub for what's affirming, hopeful and uplifting not just in Seattle, but globally. There's of course the insanely great variety of music. There's also the DJs, who are real, human voices with perspectives, struggles, experiences and stories they're willing to share with the listeners. There's free live performances in a community space that's also home to an amazing record shop and coffee spot, and on-air celebrations of The Clash, Black History Month, Goth Day, and so much more. If a particular DJ isn't hitting for you, check out the extensive streaming archives and you'll find something great. And if you're in Seattle or visiting, definitely spend some time at the gathering space and chill with good coffee and good tunes. In a world that's too often turned inward and virtual, KEXP represents what's real, diverse, and positive about the arts, music, and Seattle itself. It's a treasure.

KEXP FM is a Non-Profit, listener supported station located in Seattle Center. Their Tagline is "KEXP's mission is to enrich your life by championing music and discovery". Starting back in the early 70's as a student and volunteer run station. It's grown but that core doesn't seem to have changed much. I tune the dial to 90.3 as on my commute and some legit independent or otherwise not well-known tunes come on from all sorts of rock to reggae and blues and more. The actual site of KEXP is a large hall of sorts where you can hang out, grab a drink or snack from the cafe and listen to the actual broadcast. You can even view the DJ's in the broadcast booth doing their thing. There is a small store selling vinyl of various artists as well KEXP is pretty cool and contributing to community arts I think is a good thing. Drop in and give a listen or tune to 90.3 FM.

Super cool atmosphere! I was in awe of how much fit into the space without feeling cramped. A coffee bar, record shop, and live music stage?! This is hipster on another level! If I lived around here, I'd want to hang out at KEXP all the time. I visited just before closing today, so sadly didn't get to sit and chill, but would definitely recommend if you're looking for fun, approachable arts and culture activities in the city.

Thank you, dear DJs at KEXP; you keep the airwaves filled with good intention and encouraging music. You make Seattle special.

Worked on a promotion with a client in which we used the KEXP space for a charitable event and concert celebration. Wonderful place, with kind people, great music and amazing coffee.

I love this station and all they do to make music of all kinds available in our community. Their youth program where teens can DJ and participate in putting music that is meaningful to them forward is amazing. Keep up the great work KEXP!

Everything you need in one space to work, hang out, meet with friends or colleagues. I can't think of a better space for music and radio lovers to enjoy and support their local station.

Beginning where I left off in November '16: "KEXP doesn't pretend to suffice the masses. It's rock-heavy, crunch-heavy, experimental, distanced and dissonant, wily, and carefully centered on what they deem cool. And I happen to love it. But diversity is meaningful, and the majority of their deejays are predictably Caucasian. I think Seattle can do better." It feels weird to quote myself. Welcome to 2020, independent radio. Just for the record, I've been listening to this station the better part of everyday for the past four years, so calling it invaluable to me would be more than an understatement. I'm a music junkie and this publicly-funded gem does an incredible job rocking sets spanning 30+ minutes nonstop, with rare DJ interruption. The app sounds great coming out of my hefty bluetooth speakers and earbuds, to boot. And it's helmed by Kevin Cole, a musical wizard I wish to someday meet in the afterlife. This review deserves an update because the summer of 2020 changed KEXP for the much, much better -- and I didn't think that was possible. My mornings now include sets from Gabriel Teodros, a perfect segue for John. And while I loves myself some Cheryl Waters, lately I've been absolutely loving the sounds of Larry Mizell. This station has added some diversity to their lineup of spin doctors, and the results are in: even better music that often addresses and critiques the joys and ills of modern society. Bravo, guys.

I love listening to KEXP and getting to see their communal space at Seattle Center is fun. It's like a big cafeteria space so the decor itself isn't that great, but it is functional and gets plenty of use.

Great place to chill and hangout with your friends and family! It is also huge inside!! You can also seat comfortably with their leather sofa and high back chase!! There is also a gallery towards the back, where you will view up and coming local artist! Concerts are played here so make sure to check their schedules. They are located right in the heart of Seattle City Center, right next to the fountain. They have three clear glass garage door, overlooking the courtyard and on a nice day, it will let the air in, and you will have the feeling of nature from the inside. This is also a very famous radio station KEXP, and they broadcast some of the finest music with eclectic genre. Both my espresso and cappuccino were fantastic, and all their staff were very kind. Until then, be kind to one another and Cheers! ~ :p

KEXP FOREVERRRRR! Man! Was I a happy lady when my boyfriend and I decided to come by the station to catch a band play during one of their daytime live recording sessions in the middle of Seattle Center! This spot just had great music vibes with coffee smells and Light In the Attic records in the corner of the place. I fell in love in here! The La Marzocco Cafe that sells coffee does this cool thing where each month a coffee roaster takes over the cafe and curates a completely different coffee experience and drinks. While we visited, ironically enough, Cuvee Coffee (Austin TX) was the roaster of the month! I love the idea that each month you can have and explore coffee roasters from all over the world. That makes me a smitten coffee lover with that alone! We didn't get to check out Light in the Attic Records (which made me sad because I've loved their zine for many yrs) but I will have to come back to do so and grab some vinyl. Outside courtyard is a cool little spot as well. I can imagine KEXP books bands and puts a stage right outside their large windows when the weather is perfect. Hey KEXP I was kinda sad I couldnt get myself a shirt or a pen or a pencil or even a sticker when I came by. You're just gonna make me a KEXP donor and that's okay! I am down.

Had the opportunity to chill in adjacent La Marzocco for about 2 hours, where live broadcast from KEXP is played. Great selection of music played (can catch glimpses of the actual DJ) while I was immersed in the urban people watching and reading culinary magazines. Very hard to resist not getting up and dancing...especially when a nostalgic Talking Heads song played reminding me of carefree college days at UW. Saw two rounds of folks stream in for live performances in the studio. Really cool to have music accessible to all ages, including bands playing a few live sets before heading to the last day of the Capitol Hill Bock Party. Love the big screen so all of us in the cafe can also share in the music in real time. Totally privy to the creative spirit!

I miss this place. Its temporarily closed due to COVID, but hands down my favorite coffee shop to "get lost" in. Half of this place is a radio station. The vibe is generally very chill, mixed bag of folks--from families to young professionals. I usually see folks in the sitting area. I can't imagine working here as its usually not super quiet. its the perfect coffee shop to people watch. Great vibe, great art, great music, oh and great coffee

I went to the Opening of the new KEXP Studio at Seattle Center. They had a large crowd here with free bands, Beer Garden, Molly Moon and a Greek Gyro Truck. The Greek Truck ran out of most of their menu items except for Gryos. Easy St. Records had a Popup Store too. The area around the outside stage became too crowded. It's too bad they couldn't use a larger venue like the Mural Stage or Armory Stage, but they wanted to keep everything in front of their Studios. There were on displays of different Rock and Hip Hop icons and bands on the wall. The studio Lobby will be open to the Public after the Opening because they have a Coffee Bar here that sells only coffee. No pastries or other Food today.

Affiliate of the University of Washington I got tuned in to KEXP on TuneIn through my Google Home. The station was recommended to me by a buddy from Redmond, WA. I enjoy the rock-heavy grungific sounds that come from this station. They play a wide mix of rock mainly, with an incredibly knowledgeable set of DJs who know incredibly obscure rock facts. They occasionally do the birthday show, where they play all the bands whose members are celebrating their birthday on that day. Since this is a community radio station, they don't play a bunch of commercials like other stations! This station has some history behind it with REM. They played them waaaay before they ever got big! I'm used to jamming out to KSYM in San Antonio, which is another excellent college radio station with a wider range of music, but they're not available on TuneIn.

Get some coffee here (they serve Vita coffee), browse some records, sit and listen to the live broadcast of the station. Plenty of space inside, friendly staff...what's not to love? Glad this place exists.

This cafe is the definition of a hip cafe. They rotate their beans monthly, supporting international roasteries, not only the beans- they change the whole set up of the cafe! How cool is that. Techniques that this cafe uses is very traditional and it's done right. Even for a cup of tea and coffee, they hand-drip them at the right temperature with perfect timing. It's bougie and one of a kind for sure!

Come here for the quintessential Seattle experience. There's always great music playing overhead because it's KEXP's live programming which includes a nice range of local musicians. The coffee is always good with new surprises every month(?) as they rotate roasters regularly. The open air layout is conducive to the community vibe, but the seating is arranged as such so that there are different zones that allow for coziness and a small gathering feel. Always great photography in the back with changing exhibits that spotlight record labels and musicians. An excellent place to hang out solo to get reading and work done, or with a friend to catch up with. Their wifi is solid from what I've experienced, though come charged as I haven't been able to find an outlet. If you get hungry, there are tons of spots nearby for food and street parking is fairly easy to find.

KEXP is where the music matters! When planning our trip to Seattle, KEXP was the only place I absolutely wanted to visit. I've been listening to their livestream and Music That Matters podcasts for years, and have discovered so many favorite new tracks and artists as a result. They moved to this new space in 2015, and it's lovely. There's a La Marzocco cafe (which in itself is beautiful), and a ton of public seating. There's also a record store on premises. We were lucky enough to get tickets to watch the New Pornographers do an in-studio session. They led us into this dark room behind one-way glass, and piped in the sound directly from the next room. It was a great experience all around. I just wish they sold merch here! At some point, I actually stumbled across the old KEXP location. Other than some cool graffiti outside, it wasn't in such a great area and looked rundown, so I can safely say this new space is an upgrade!

All good music deserves to be heard. First time visiting the event space and the station. Very welcoming atmosphere, and they are committed to serving the community and adding diversity to the community. Excellent space and station, looking forward to their work!

These guys have been a part of my life for 25 years now--though, ironically, I came to appreciate them a lot more AFTER I graduated from the U. So the first few of these 25 years, I wasn't very active as a listener. I used to walk right by their production offices when they were still on campus at the UW. Pretty much every day, in fact. They weren't online (neither were we), and I didn't actually tune in to a radio very often as an undergrad. Moved away from the U District and pretty soon they were the only station I listened to. I even worked in the radio business for a couple years, and it was for a station I loved as a kid--but preferred these guys to my employer. Still do. Now I listen both online and on air, and the relationship between me and the station is always deepening. I'm old enough to donate to public radio now, for one thing. They put together great diverse sets with no real commercials, other than a few thank-yous. You do have to listen to pledge drives 2 or 3 times a year, but you'll live. It really is surprising how much easier they are to ignore if you just send them $20 or whatever. And the sets are what it's all about. They need a better lunchtime host(ess) without a doubt, but every other shift is always a great listen. The DJs tend to be in their 30s and 40s during the day, and their tastes span well back through the years. They do an awesome job of stringing songs together in a way that shows you how ideas and styles influence each other down through the generations. They bring in cool bands for live on-air sets and interviews, too. Sometimes the interviews are just awkward because the DJs clearly admire the musicians so much, and the conversations jerk along. But it makes for a relaxed vibe and the bands play really well. Some of them are really funny and charming during the interviews, too. The evenings and some of the weekend day parts have cool shows dedicated by genre--latin, Americana, rockabilly, blues, punk, hip-hop, electronic, metal, local, and a bunch of others. Most of the DJs who host the "shows" are really active in their respective scenes, hosting club nights and doing other stuff to get the word out. That doesn't necessarily affect what they broadcast, but it does tell you they're huge believers in the music they spin, which is really cool. They say that with the connection to the EMP museum and the investments that got them, they were one of the first radio stations to broadcast simultaneously over the web. They still seem to be one of the very best at it. They're really adapted to the changing times, and they seem to get better and better at what they do every year. Through the years, KCMU/KEXP has introduced me to dozens of cool bands and rekindled my love of many others. And they're always cool to have on with whatever you happen to be doing. They do a bunch of stuff in the community I haven't even mentioned here, and rumor has it they launched the Mtv "grunge" explosion 20 years ago by sending a compilation cassette around to labels marked "Bands That Will Make Money." That cassette was just something one volunteer DJ did on her own because it seemed like a cool thing to do. Long time ago, maybe true, maybe apocryphal. But plenty of people still believe it and occasionally repeat it. That says a lot about how easy it is to take KEXP completely seriously as a part of the industry--not just a stream of playlists for the car.

If I die tomorrow, please bury me with my radio tuned to KEXP. While most people are moving away from FM radio into other formats, KEXP serves up a strong argument for why radio is still relevant. Why do we still need DJs? Because they know a thing or two that you may not. At this station, they are curating alternative music that just left enough of center to expose you to songs you may not have heard before. While I love how Pandora serves up music it knows I'll like within a narrow "type" (good for what it is) a station like KEXP can take you out of your comfort zone into new territory. Sure, sometimes it ventures into the obscure. Most of the time though, they really get it. Its rarely the same old same old that you'd get on just about any other mainstream station. If I do move away, I know I will still be streaming KEXP, which streams live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's probably one of Seattle's best exports.

Chill, cool spot to listen to music and have some great coffee. Lots of seating areas to choose from. Awesome!

Seriously impressed with this station!!! The students of University of Washington should consider themselves lucky. My favorite things about KEXP are their live in the studio sessions, the fact it's a nonprofit listener-powered station, the diversity in music, NO crappy commercials or advertisements, and dedicated listeners keeping this station alive! Even though I do not live in Seattle I feel blessed having this station for my listening ears.

Seattle's Best Radio Station hands down. The specialty programing (M.-F. 6pm S-S 9am) is amazing with; Wo' Pop, Best Ambiance, Roadhouse, Swingin' Doors, Positive Vibrations, and my favorite Preachin' the Blues.

The perfect rendezvous to chill with a beverage and sit at Seattle Center. Many people don't realize it's right there, tucked away by the north side of the Key. Relax to cool indie grooves, purchase some new music, warm up at La Marzocco Cafe, and reenergize in this artfully designed space adjacent to Key Arena. One of the coolest spots in Seattle IMO.

KEXP is so eclectic that you can't have it on all day long. For example their long-running Positive Vibrations show is for reggae heads only. I like their lefty news programming and their late night weirdness. The DJs are very professional - nice work!

Cute place with different "stations" there is the coffee place that almost looks like a chemistry lab with extremely expensive equipment, then some tables and a hangout place, a little booth that looked like record store. You must probably know a thing or two about coffee to be able to appreciate the unique tastes of pure coffee. I just like the atmosphere overall and it's a great place to work on your computer since space is quite large!

Super kind people that work there good vibes friendly workers great cafe you feel like you are one big family great DJs!

I used to be on the KUBE 93 bandwagon for my main beats... [later on] I switched to Movin' 92.5... [later on] I switched to a clusterfuck of different stations - mos def including KEXP! *banana dance* o.O

KEXP 90.3 FM "Where the Music Matters" Thank you Yelp for showing me KEXP. =D ---None of the Main Stream Loop Back Music is Played Over the Waves here. Variety & Quality Galore...KEXP has made Listening to the Radio Super Cool Again. Music is My Medicine.... =D KEXP Keeps me Healthy!! Tune in 90.3 FM !

The best music selection in the USA. I deducted two stars, however, because of the non-stop political babble. It's really a shame. It's like going to a wonderful art museum only to be lectured by the security guards while you walk between paintings.

KEXP is afraid of new music that threatens their cocoon. other than that their pretty chill and middle of the road .

Grab a cup of coffee and hang out to do some work or study or read a book while listening to the station broadcast their programs/music over this high-ceiling, open space. This is a great looking place if you're looking for cafe options to hang out at.

Went to Clash for climate and had an epic time. Huge fan of this station and what they are up to. Bravo

Will I ever actually visit KEXP in Seattle? Perhaps. But meanwhile I listen to them most every day from my crib in the SF Bay Aream as I have for the past six years. I've learned a ton about music thanks to the knowledge and easy-going/unassuming manner of their announcers. I'm probably most musically simpatico with Larry Rose and Morgan (Won't even attempt last name), but they are all fantastic, even that highly caffeinated John dude. And yes I am a member and would highly recommend you become one too. P.S. So many of their 'live appearance' videos on YouTube are priceless - the late Sharon Jones, Tame Impala, and this amazing ditty (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw5PVGcDbEA), which a cynic might think is slightly satirical - who...me? - but it is not, and it is amazing.

I am in awe with KEXP station! My local friends took me here and I just can't thank them enough. KEXP is a non-profit organization that emphasis in local Seattle music and culture. There is lots of seating area and you can watch the DJs play live. Also, they have daily free tours to check out the action of inside of the radio station. A great place to hang out with friends and catch up on life. I will definitely come back!

I absolutely LOVE the gathering space. I work best in open environments with background noise and endless amounts of coffee and this spot has it all! It's such a unique environment where it almost blends a coffee shop with an open office workspace. There is plenty of seating, great music on the speakers, and fantastic coffee. It is worth it to spend a good chunk of time here as it really feels like the heart of Seattle.

Today was a banner day for John. I don't know if it was the Ravonettes live in NYC, or the Port O'Brien. Maybe it was the Friday song, or the new Maps. At any rate, I still love this radio station like King Curtis loves him some bacon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRGz9xSP_SA After all, KEXP is good for me, good for me, good for me.

Whether you're 'Of Montreal' or from 'Calexico', Whether you prefer 'Elbow' or 'The Shins', Whether you have 'Talking Heads' or 'Flaming Lips', KEXP is there. When I moved to Seattle in 2000, my music choices had deteriorated into the same six albums, forever stuck in my CD changer, never to leave. My music was boring. I had begun listening to AM talk radio to pass time. My late-twenties were more like my late-fifties. In short, I needed a music intervention. KEXP provided that intervention and single-handedly renewed my love for music in the process. KEXP introduced me to bands that I had never heard of; local acts like FCS North and Sleater-Kinney, local hip-hop from bands like Common Market and Blue Scholars, great indie bands from all over the country like Wilco and Arcade Fire. My music collection grew exponentially as I would hear something new on KEXP, check their online playlist, and then head out to pick up new CDs each week. My wallet shrank exponentially as well, but for once in a long while, I was loving music again. The best part of KEXP is that it is public radio. They play what the listeners want to hear. I can remember calling in early on Saturday morning during Kid Hops' Reggae show and requesting The Abyssinians and actually speaking to the DJ. I got hooked up with tons of free shows by Jon in the Morning and Darek Mazzone. I attended special KEXP events at Bumbershoot and the Triple Door. I became connected to the station. As my love for KEXP grew, I began volunteering my time for the station's fundraising drives. I would man the phones and take donations from other loyal listeners from all over the country. New York City, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco and San Diego. I would take calls from Spain, London, Italy, Finland and Sweden. Why were there loyal listeners from all over the world you might ask? Well, it's because of their live, CD quality Internet stream that you can access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Oh, and if you miss a show, you can listen to their archives for two weeks after the show airs. By using KEXP.org, you can also access live, in-studio performances by some of the best indie recording artists alive. I know I may sound like a commercial, I know I may sound superlative, but when something this special comes along, you need to tell people about it. Alas, I no longer live in Seattle, where I can listen to my heart's content, but I always have KEXP.org to turn to. For my 200th review, I wanted to thank KEXP, for making me a music lover again.

Knowing how many people love this station, this will sound like sour grapes and an isolated opinion: try as I might, I just cannot get myself to like this station. It's sort of like loving the Seattle Mariners - you want to root for the home team that has heart, but after a while you give up due to continuing disappointments. The self-congratulatory shtick about how great KEXP is, how listener-oriented, how independent, how righteous etc. is annoying to no end. The emo-shoegazing slant on indie music might appeal to some, but frankly I think there's a much bigger world that doesn't get consistently covered. For example, quality punk is sorely lacking. And while Sonic Reducer does a great job of covering the garage movement that led to punk, there is hardly any reference to bands from the late 70's to mid-80s that laid the foundation for the current indie scene. If KEXP truly believes "The Music Matters," we'd hear more quality and have more DJs who are well-informed picking the tunes. Good music transcends time & genre, but 90% of the time I'm tuning in that's not what I'm hearing. Shame, because KCMU seemed to understand this pretty well.

I know this will probably ostracize me from all of Seattle...but I really don't think KEXP is that good...In general I think the DJs are a bunch pretentious jackasses with no concept of how to be a DJ. A 5 year old who has never seen a mixer could mix better than most of these jokers. The first basic step in DJing is to not mix 2 completely different styles of music, or to at least beat match to some degree, yet at every transition I am jarred by the incongruity of the two songs. The lack of any sense of continuity makes it really difficult to listen to this station. I do appreciate that they play a wide variety of music and support unknown/little known artists...I think that's great! The DJs are also generally very knowledgeable and provide some interesting insight...although they can be a bit talkative and awkward at times. The specialty shows on the other hand are pretty good. They're focused and allow listeners to enjoy a style of music that might not get much radio play normally. I particularly like Positive Vibrations (the Reggae show) on Saturdays from 10-12.

Soundtrack: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mruCGjmTbKc I love wakin' up on Saturdays and listening to the Positive Vibes show (reggae/dub/ska/island). Instead of sleeping off a Friday night, I always make a point to jump outta bed, blast this program, and clean house (while skankin' to the beat). How could KEXP get anything less than 5-stars?! "Bad Corey! Bad!"

Soothe me, excite me, taint me, surprise me. That's everything KEXP provides for one who has drifted from the mainstream crap blaring on much of the airwaves. Especially in moving to Seattle, this has become my #1 station of choice. From Good ol Rock & Alternative, to Raggae/World Music, Rockabilly, Underground Rap, Drum n Bass, Jazz & Blues...just the right dose for a person who enjoys the trickles of variety. Oh, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.... They played Cocoa Tea's Barack Obama today. You wouldn't hear that anywhere else. They are the only radio station (besides KGRG where I used to work at) that plays my favourite band- Sky Cries Mary. They also play the most unique remixes, and lots of Radiohead too. Ooh, and Johnny Cash. Atmosphere, Sigur Ros, Frou Frou, and Imogen Heap while we're at it. Oh I sink into their music. It's hard for me to leave my car sometimes because of this station. But when I do get home, I race to the computer and look up the playlist to see who was just on so I can note it and find it to buy. No commercials. Lots of love & donations from loyal listeners (like myself) to keep it running. There's something for EVERYONE with the variety of shows they have. They keep you updated with the smaller (cooler) shows in town. When you fall in love with or are intrigued by a song, you can go on their site and pull the playlist to see what it was so you can go get it yourself. Lots of cool KEXP-hosted events all the time. The Dj's are super real and not jerks AT ALL. No radio egos here. KEXP- K.I.T., stay sweet.

Just making my mark. Carry on. KEXP's worth is self evident.

I happened across KEXP while eating at Pinky's Kitchen on a Monday night. Words can't adequately describe how the music became the perfect backdrop and soundtrack to a warm summer night. The whole time we ate, my hubby and I kept commenting that "We've gotta ask them for a copy of this playlist." When the DJ announced it was KEXP, we looked at each other in disbelief. We were unaware that radio stations were still capable of producing such amazingness. From old-school hip hop, to house music, to 90s pop, to tribal music (don't knock it until you've heard it!), to 80s dance tracks, to current rap (which the DJs mix effortlessly into one seamless track), this station has the most eclectic mix of music, period. As if it couldn't get any better, it's commercial free! ("Thanks to donors who keep KEXP listener-powered and commercial-free.") The minute we got back in the car, we cranked the radio up, rolled down the windows, opened the sun roof, and drove around Seattle for the night listening to the awesomeness that is KEXP. Needless to say, our radio stayed on 90.3 for the rest of our trip. And ever since we got back to Cali, we've been streaming online and through the app. We've gotten to know some pretty rad artists through this station and enjoy listening to it as a way to wind down before going to bed. Confession: when I find myself really missing Seattle, I listen to KEXP on my phone and pretend I'm in Seattle (especially on rainy winter nights as I sit by the fire).