Desert Mirage: Saturday, Aug. 7 | 9pm

Bassist Robert Black is among the artists featured in this week’s episode. Photo by Gabriel Gomez.
by Maggie Molloy

Blinding sun, shimmering sands, prickly plants and an endless, open sky—there is something magical about the desert.

It’s difficult to put it into words, to capture it on paper, or to sum it up in a song. The music of the desert slips through your hand like sand, evaporates like a mirage—but composers have never stopped trying to capture it. This Saturday on Second Inversion: Desert Mirage. From singing sands to desert duets, cactus needles to cricket songs, we’ll hear music and stories from deep within the desert.

To listen, tune in to KING FM on Saturday, August 7 at 9pm PT.

Knock on Wood: Saturday, July 31 | 9pm

by Maggie Molloy
Ian David Rosenbaum is one of the featured percussionists in this week’s episode. Photo by Matt Fried.

A couple planks of wood might not sound like the most riveting orchestration—but it turns out the musical possibilities are endless!

This Saturday on Second Inversion: Knock on Wood! We’ll hear from composers who have built entirely new sound worlds from some very humble lumber. From the warm wooden tones of the marimba to literal two-by-four planks of wood, we’ll hear from artists who have logged some serious hours exploring the timbre of—well, timber.

To listen, tune in to KING FM on Saturday, July 31 at 9pm PT.

Voice as an Instrument: Saturday, July 24 | 9pm

by Maggie Molloy
Pamela Z is among the featured artists in this week’s episode. Photo by Lori Eanes.

The human voice may be the original musical instrument, but in the 21st century composers are taking it to new heights—literally.

On this week’s episode of Second Inversion: Expanding the Human Voice. We’ll hear new and novel approaches to vocal music, including music that loops, layers, and transforms the human voice—plus artists who speak volumes without ever using words.

To listen, tune in to KING FM on Saturday, July 24 at 9pm PT.

Let There Be Light: Saturday, June 12 | 9pm

“Chaser of Sunlight” by Nils Tamlag.

As we inch closer to the summer solstice, we’re celebrating the longer days this weekend on Second Inversion.

On this Saturday’s episode: Let There Be Light! From shimmering sunbeams to bright white prisms of sound, we’ll “lighten things up” with music inspired by the sun. We’ll get lost in 24-hour daylight from the Arctic Circle, ruminate on spiritual illuminations, and brighten our evening with brassy, golden beams of light. Plus, one instrument that requires a very “light” touch.

To listen, tune in to KING FM on Saturday, June 12 at 9pm PT.

Wildflowers: Saturday, May 22 | 9pm

by Maggie Molloy
Namaqualand in South Africa is known for its superblooms. Photo by Martin Heigan.

April showers bring May flowers—and we’re celebrating the new blooms this weekend on Second Inversion!

On this Saturday’s episode: wildflowers. Join us for a musical bouquet of pieces inspired by rare blooms, exotic bulbs, and vibrant blossoms. From the delicate gardens of Pennsylvania to the superblooms of South Africa, we’ll hear musical flowers from all around the world.

To listen, tune in to KING FM on Saturday, May 22 at 9pm PT.