First Floor Highway’s Jordan O. James recently joined host Robert Pilot live on Native Roots Radio for a conversation about music, identity, and the experiences that continue to shape the band’s distinctly Indigenous-inspirited take on rock ’n’ roll. James shared more about First Floor Highway’s Albuquerque roots, the stories behind the music, and the band’s place within a growing landscape of contemporary Indigenous artists. Native Roots Radio has built a respected platform around Native voices, community stories, tribal issues, culture, and conversations about contemporary Indigenous life. Appearing on the program gave James a chance to talk about First Floor Highway within that broader conversation and to share how humor, place, community, and everyday Native experiences naturally find their way into the band’s music. For First Floor Highway, the appearance marks another meaningful connection with Indigenous-led media and listeners throughout Indian Country. As the band’s music continues to travel beyond Albuquerque, conversations like this provide an opportunity not only to introduce new listeners to First Floor Highway, but also to contribute to the wider conversation surrounding contemporary Native creativity, music, and representation.

First Floor Highway took over the airwaves of KUNM 89.9 FM for a special edition of the Studio 505 Artist Hour, bringing the band’s music and stories to KUNM listeners. During the program, First Floor Highway shared music from across the band’s growing catalog while talking about the songs, influences, experiences, and people that continue to shape the group. The Artist Hour offered a chance to go beyond the usual radio interview and spend an entire evening introducing listeners to First Floor Highway's world. Between tracks and conversation, the evening became equal parts radio show, storytelling session, and celebration of the music and community surrounding the band. Taking over the KUNM studio marks another exciting hometown milestone for the band as its music continues to reach radio stations across New Mexico, Indian Country, and beyond. Broadcasting from one of New Mexico’s most recognizable public radio stations made the night especially meaningful for a band that has always remained closely connected to Albuquerque and the place where First Floor Highway began. A huge thank you to KUNM and Studio 505 for opening the airwaves and giving First Floor Highway the room to turn Albuquerque public radio a little more Rezzy for the night.

First Floor Highway recently joined KUNM 89.9 FM’s Singing Wire for an interview exploring the band’s music, Albuquerque roots, and the Indigenous experiences and perspectives shaping its sound. The conversation offered listeners a chance to hear more about the story behind First Floor Highway, the band’s growing collection of original music, and its distinctive blend of sun-soaked, Indigenous-inspirited rock ’n’ roll. The interview also gave the band an opportunity to talk about how humor, community, place, and everyday Native life find their way into the songs they write. Being featured on Singing Wire carries a special significance for First Floor Highway. As part of Albuquerque’s own KUNM, the program has long provided a home for Native American music ranging from traditional sounds to contemporary folk, country, and rock. The interview marks another meaningful opportunity for the band to share its music with listeners throughout New Mexico while continuing to build connections within the broader Indigenous music community. For First Floor Highway, appearing on a long-running local program dedicated to Indigenous voices also makes the interview feel especially close to home. More info can be found at: https://www.kunm.org/show/studio-505/2026-09-03/first-floor-highway