Broken Bells — Live on KEXP, Seattle, 2014

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Why this recording

In August 2014, Broken Bells were promoting After the Disco, whose title track opens this session recorded on the 12th in the KEXP studio. The Seattle station released it six days later, hosted by Cheryl Waters, with a dedicated mix by Kennie Takahashi on top of Julian Martlew's audio engineering. Three camera operators are credited, with Jim Beckmann also editing. Under twenty minutes long, it is a compact way into the repertoire of the duo formed by James Mercer and Danger Mouse.

— Simon Janvier, live-sound professional and editor of the catalogue

Recording technical sheet

Rights-holding channelKEXP
Source statusOfficial — broadcaster or organiser
Uploaded
Exact runtime
ResolutionHD (720p+)
Cameras3 cameras
Mix formatDedicated multitrack mix
Source qualityProfessional (multi-camera)

Metadata checked on YouTube on 29 September 2026; direction, camera setup and sound documented by the editors.

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Published on September 11, 2026 by Simon Janvier

Live session filmed on August 12, 2014 in the KEXP radio studio in Seattle. Broken Bells, the duo formed by James Mercer (singer of The Shins) and producer Brian Burton, aka Danger Mouse, present their indie rock tinged with psychedelic pop and electronics, drawn from the album After the Disco. Four songs are featured — “After the Disco,” “The High Road,” “Holding On for Life” and “The Angel and the Fool” — played with the hushed precision that defines the project. Captured by the KEXP team, known for the quality of its in-studio sessions, this performance highlights the alchemy between Mercer’s airy voice and Danger Mouse’s polished textures. Keywords: Broken Bells live, KEXP, indie rock, live performance 2014.

Setlist

  1. After the Disco
  2. The High Road
  3. Holding On for Life
  4. The Angel and the Fool

Personnel & credits

  • James Mercer — vocals, guitar
  • Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) — keyboards, guitar, production
Category

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