Kumu-
Apply named to teach many new listeners how to by sound hear an era of music quickly. Yes, it is easier listening, almost all the words are easily distinctly heard. You won't hear Snow's Informer on it ever. You will likely hear a modern ballad like a Sam Smith but also a classic 80's like Soft Cell's Tainted Love classic.
That is important for new listeners. Being able to hear and appreciate music from a few eras in a row and enjoy that music.
Twitter blows up when Paul McCartney performs alongside a modern rapper. That they feel bad for an older male singer- but if they had listened to music on stations like KUMU they wouldn't make dumb comments immediately but appreciate music for listening sake.
KUMU is easy contemporary listening, safe radio edit all the way. Is it for everyone- in general yes, that the music has such a wide variety and calm instrumentation which is heavy on vocals, it is good background music especially for an office.
Easy listening/ non confrontational/ contemporary music, heavy on male and female vocals, great harmonies, easy melodies.
What is unique about Kumu verses another contemporary station on the mainland is that you may hear great local female singers like Helm, Anuhea, and Na Leo, and the greatest Braddah Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. I still feel that Iz could be played in a loop about 3 or 4 songs like his Over the Rainbow at a wedding, funeral, or keiki first birthday for an angry crowd waiting impatiently and after just a few bars of him- the entire mood of the crowd would be calm and relaxed- not just in Hawaii but mainland too, most wouldn't recognize his voice by name but people would connect to the universal-ness of his peaceful voice.
KUMU is a good station to go to for keeping the peace on longer car rides if there is a mixed group- always some song playing that more than one person will remember and really connect with emotionally.
Every now and then - they have a pop up tent playing music live or semi live, for example I've seen then play at the Art Museum and broadcast during a family event. Sometimes it is neat to see them live. read more