Celebrating Women’s Voices: Saturday, March 5 | 9pm

by Maggie Molloy
Reena Esmail, Nathalie Joachim, and Caroline Shaw are featured in this week’s episode.

Throughout history, the classical tradition has been made richer by women’s contributions—even if they didn’t always receive proper credit.

On this Saturday’s episode of Second Inversion, we’re celebrating women’s voices. In honor of Women’s History Month, we’ll hear music from women who have helped shape, inspire, and expand the world of classical music. From the modal musings of Hildegard von Bingen to the ear-expanding experiments of Pauline OIiveros and the vibrant, cross-cultural folk songs of Nathalie Joachim, we’ll hear music from women who have made a mark on classical music history. Plus, we’ll talk about why women composers have been historically underrepresented in classical music—and how that’s changing in the 21st century.

To listen, tune in to KING FM on Saturday, March 5 at 9pm PT.

American Road Trip: Saturday, Feb. 26 | 9pm

by Maggie Molloy

America is a melting pot—and so is our music. From folk to jazz, pop, classical, and the avant-garde, American music has always been a merging of different cultures, influences, and ideas. And as you travel to different parts of the country, you find each region has its own unique music to share and story to tell.

On this week’s episode of Second Inversion, we’re taking a road trip around the U.S. We’re exploring music from the people and places that make up our country. We’ll hear music inspired by coal miners in Pennsylvania, stories of slavery in the American South, sounds from the Pacific Crest Trail, and songs of the Alaska Natives.

To listen, tune in to KING FM on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 9pm PT.

The Butterfly Effect: Saturday, Feb. 19 | 9pm

by Maggie Molloy
Tomoko Mukaiyama is among the featured artists in this week’s episode. Photo by Shinji Otani.

The meteorologist Edward Lorenz once said that a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil could ultimately cause a tornado in Texas. The smallest change can lead to chaos. A simple, whimsical little insect can transform our lives in ways we never expected.

This Saturday on Second Inversion: The Butterfly Effect. We’ll take wing with some big music inspired by these delicate little creatures. From evenings at a butterfly greenhouse to afternoons spent studying the different species, we’ll get lost in the bold colors and dazzling transformations of butterflies.

To listen, tune in to KING FM on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 9pm PT.

21st Century Troubadours: Saturday, Feb. 12 | 9pm

by Maggie Molloy

Love is in the air and on the airwaves this weekend! In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we’re exploring the music of 21st century troubadours.

In medieval times, troubadours were poets and musicians who wrote songs about chivalry and courtly love. But of course, love and heartbreak are pretty timeless themes—and composers today are still writing love ballads for the hopeless romantic. On this Saturday’s episode, we’ll hear modern spins on the age-old love ballad. Songs about love, songs about heartbreak—and songs about online dating nightmares.

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

Songs of Liberation: Saturday, Feb. 5 | 9pm

by Maggie Molloy
Julius Eastman, Matana Roberts, and Duke Ellington are among this week’s featured artists.

Music is rooted in change: chord change, tempo change, dynamic change. But music can also ignite change.

This Black History Month, we are celebrating the ways in which Black artists continue to shape and enrich American music. On this Saturday’s episode: songs of liberation. From intimate folk songs to sprawling musical manifestos, we’ll explore cutting-edge new music by Black composers—all culminating in a live recording of Julius Eastman’s radical 1973 composition Stay On It.

To listen, tune in to KING FM on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 9pm PT.