I am currently a junior at Aspen High and the host of The Will Kahn Show on Aspen Public Radio. At 10 pm every Friday night on APR (that’s 91.5 on your radio dial) I put together an hour-long radio show that consists of an eclectic mix of music that I curate the night before. The songs I play range in genre from Hip Hop and Electronic to Indie Rock, and I provide commentary for each tune. Sometimes the shows are thematic and I have also collaborated with fellow Aspen High students, Arthur Kelso and Ross Pingatore.

This Week’s Playlist

This playlist is comprised of an assortment of great modern indie rock tracks from the last decade. Enjoy!

“Bombs and Bruises” -Black Pistol Fire: For those unacquainted with Black Pistol Fire, they are a two-piece rock ‘n roll outfit based in Austin, Texas and Toronto. These guys bring crazy energy to the modern rock arena; their big, bluesy sound is distinctively similar to the Black Keys’ early material. “Bombs and Bruises” bridges the gap between classic rock and modern garage alternative music. Above all, this song is a catchy jam.

“November Was White, December Was Grey”- Say Hi: The layers of high fidelity production on this track emphasize the beautiful atmospheric ambiguity of the lyrics. This song will resonate with you, merely because it begs the familiar notion that the way we feel is often influenced by the weather. By the time the synth kicks in around 1:05, you will already be hooked on this intriguing composition.

“Salad Days”- Mac Demarco: From his irreverent antics on stage to his characteristically mellow attitude, Mac Demarco is one the more engaging figures to emerge on the indie music scene in some time. “Salad Days” is the title track off his superb latest record that was released earlier this year.  Demarco embodies the slacker music genre. “Salad Days” is a must listen; check it out!

“Cut Your Bangs”- Radiator Hospital: “You say you’ll cut your bangs, I’m calling your bluff,” croons Sam Cook-Parrot, lead singer of Philadelphia-based band Radiator Hospital. This line is a remarkably original metaphor for a dysfunctional relationship; these lyrics are vivid and anything but clichéd. Be sure to make note of these guys.

“U Angel U” – Elvis Depressedly: Elvis Depressedly are masters of DIY (do it yourself), lo-fi production. Their music usually has a melancholic vibrancy, but “U Angel U” is an uncharacteristically upbeat melody. The song is simple, but strikingly pretty; it’s sure to paint a smile over your dour, high school-induced frown.