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.

Listening to the Birds: Saturday, July 17 | 9pm

by Maggie Molloy
The red-whiskered bulbul is one of the birds that inspired composer Olivier Messiaen. Photo by Prasanna Venkatesh G.

You can learn a lot from the birds—when you’re quiet enough to listen.

The freedom and spontaneity of birdsong has inspired composers across the ages, including many composers today. Each one has its own unique melody, rhythm, timbre, and tune.

This week on Second Inversion, we’re listening to the birds. From mourning doves to evening vespers, we’ll hear music written for an entire orchestra of birds. Plus, a piece that brings together birdsongs from all around the globe.

To listen, tune in to KING FM on Saturday, July 17 at 9pm PT.

Late-Night Happy Hour: Saturday, July 10 | 9pm

by Maggie Molloy

Wanna grab a drink this Saturday night?

Nothing pairs with an ice-cold cocktail quite like some hot new music! On this Saturday’s episode of Second Inversion: late-night happy hour. We’ll hear music inspired by salty food, strong drinks, and nights at the local pub. Pour yourself a cold drink and join us for some hot musical appetizers.

To listen, tune in to KING FM on Saturday, July 10 at 9pm PT.