KAFM Music Blog

No doubt 2016 was a terrific year for new music!  We play a broad range of genres here at KAFM. A lot of it passes through the dedicated and diverse members of the Music Bureau, overseen by KAFM's Staff Music Director, Tori Miner.  It is catalogued, reviewed and rated before ultimately finding it's way to our on-air studio. Looking back on 2016, here are some of the Music Bureau's members top picks of 2016.  Up next, Alexa, who hosts KAFM's "Puttin' Down Roots".  Alexa notes that these are not in any particular order.


1   Kaleo | A/B

"...Screams Black Keys/Cage the Elephant/Gary Clark Jr....give these Icelandic-Texan transplants a listen...every song is great for airplay..."



#2   Ryan Shupe | We Rode On

"...Mix of adult alternative, rock, reggae and more all infused with a wee bit of bluegrass..."




#3   Kishi Bashi | Sonderlust

"...master of blending pop, classical training and beauty...gorgeous vocals, looping instrumentals that blend so well together and create poppy, fantastic soundscapes..."




#4   Grouplove | Big Mess

"...so much going on, it's like being hugged by a giant-wave of pop backgrounds. Male and female vocals with pretty solid harmonies. ...upbeat, energetic, and creative. Neat instrumentals & arrangements..."




#5   How to Dress Well | Care

"...gorgeous vocals...R&B stylings, pop song structures and swirling melodies...pretty, fun, and soulful tunes scattered all over this record..."




Alexa's Best of 2016 | Honorable Mention:

1. Hayes Carll | Lovers and Leavers
2. Avett Brothers | True Sadness
3. The Wood Brothers | Paradise
4. Bon Iver | 22, A Million
5. Balkan Beat Box | Shout It Out

Keep your radio tuned to KAFM as we continue to present the best in new music and emerging artists for 2017!
 

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