UKNY for February 9

Arriving from Cameroon to New York City as a child with her academically-minded family, math whiz Lætitia Tamko eventually studied engineering in university and worked in that field, but she was a musician at heart. Recording as Vagabon, Tamko's wiry guitarwork defined her 2017 debut album, Infinite Worlds, but she set up an entirely different challenge for herself for her second album, 2019's Vagabon. Tamko taught herself Logic via YouTube tutorials, not an easy task, and produced the album herself, exploring the emotive layers of electronic music. The result is one of the finest, dreamiest albums of last year. On UKNY at 11 tonight, an FUV Live session with Vagabon, who also shares her uplifting immigrant story, one of dreams, determination, and artistry.

Also, London's Jockstrap, led by Georgia Ellery and Taylor Skye, who blend jagged wit, fury, and jazz chops in their songs (and were a highlight of 2018's Iceland Airwaves). More surprising directions too, via artists like Jehnny Beth, stepping away from Savages for her first solo album, and Michael Kiwanuka, who delivered a luminous set of love and resistence at Terminal 5 last night.

Listen to UKNY on Sunday nights, from 11 p.m.-midnight on 90.7, also streaming online, or if you're beguiled by the Oscars tonight, find the show on demand in the Weekend Archives after broadcast.

Songs played:

1. Michael Kiwanuka, “Rolling,” Kiwanuka
2. EOB, “Shangri-La,” Earth
3. (Malmö, SE) The Radio Dept., “The Absence of Birds,” single
4. (Poitiers, FR) Jehnny Beth, “Flower,” To Love is To Live
5. (Nantes, FR) Christine and the Queens, “People I’ve Been Sad,” single
6. Jockstrap, “Acid,” single
7. Metronomy, “Up, Higher,” single
8. Mush, “Existential Dread,” 3D Routine
9. FUV Live Session with Vagabon, including live performances of “In a Bind” and “Every Woman.”