A.M. Pleasure Assassins has been good friends with KCSU for many years. Originating in 2010 after Jared Meyer's band Rad Vibes came to a conclusion, A.M. Pleasure Assassins began as a 90s rock band, pulling inspiration from bands like Modest Mouse and The Smashing Pumpkins. Jared, also a visual artist, made a collage with old vintage magazines that just happened to have the phrase "A.M. Pleasure Assassins" within it, and he snagged it as the band began to come into fruition. Developing over the decade into something more indie bedroom experimental, their new album "Cloudy Black and Red All Over" was recorded in a home studio. Jared chats about some influences for their songs, including "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert M. Pirsig and "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn. He shows off his extensive list of possible band names, and shows appreciation for his involvement with the Fort Collins Music Association.

Describing their music as "soutwest emo"/"plant rock", no fauna has been on the rise in the Fort Collins music scene since 2023. Lead singer and guitarist Trip Renner and drummer Sam Kanter met in high school and had a "pirate punk" band, splitting and reuniting years later to make more pop-punk music. The duo found bassist math rock lovers Zip Roberts and guitarist Brian Holdbrook and the band was set in stone. "Live & Local" is no fauna's first appearance on the radio waves, and their performance brings a driving energy and a clear love for their music and each other. The group chats about their new EP, fall, and the process of writing and recording their songs, reminisces over their start in bands in high school, and how a mysterious voice appeared on their song "rugby socks".

Safekeeper is one of Fort Collins' most well-known bands. Called "slacker rock", Safekeeper was created with a ragtag group of friends, with all the frontmen being Zachary Visconti and Matt Scorca. On Live & Local, Zach and newest member Gail McDonald-Crook play a few of their songs, including "us little devils", "western slope", and "ono". The two reflect on how Gail joined the band through intense enthusiasm watching Safekeeper at The Atrium, as well as how they came about playing music professionally, with both having roots as middle school band kids. Gail was also involved at KCSU years ago, so they reminisced about the On-Air studio and how much has changed since they graduated.

Describing their genre as "mysterious noise", psych-rock band The Crooked Rugs is no stranger to KCSU. Established in 2019, the band is prominent to the Fort Collins music scene and has evolved their sound over the years together. Back when the band was first getting started, they performed for KCSU's "Live In-Studio" with their song "Ska"; now, they're opening for Babe Rainbow at The Gothic and going on tour with Boogarins. The Crooked Rugs' "Live & Local" episode welcomes the band back to the studio, navigating their time together through questions of rehearsals, inspirations, and dream venues. Their performance portrays their synchronicity, complex chords, and impressive finger-picking guitar techniques.

Originally from Chicago, Johnny Speaks found his voice with a drum set in his garage as a kid. His voice grew as he did, and as he followed his career of being a plant geneticist, he started writing his own songs in college and finally performed in 2022 at The Atrium. His new EP, "JJ", looks at his familial relationships and the small details of his shared stories with them. His "Live & Local" performance is full of joy and passion, and is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Local Music Director Riley Hilbert, otherwise known as DJ Retrograde, chats with Autumnal once again for this episode of Live & Local.

CSU's Bassic A Capella got the opportunity to perform and interview live on air at KCSU with DJ Mae. The group talks about their history, what they love about acapella, and sing songs mixed by the performers themselves.

Local Music Director Riley Hilbert, otherwise known as DJ Retrograde, talks with Erich Albrecht of Robot Tennis Club and Feed Lot for this episode of Live & Local.