Dan Willging welcomed Boulder indie-rock trio Asteroid Please into the studio for KGNU’s Morning Sound Alternative for a live performance and interview ahead of their appearance at a fundraiser and compilation release show hosted by Roots Music Project. The band performed acoustic versions of original songs including “We Go On,” “To Another Time,” and “Wander in My Dreams.”
During the conversation, the group discussed Colorado’s growing local music scene, the community-building work of Roots Music Project, and the TEMPO mentorship program, which helps young musicians develop professional music industry skills. Frontman Matthew Burks also shared the inspiration behind the band’s name and the group’s focus on bringing people together through music. (Air Date 2/26/26)
Listen to the studio session here:
Transcript:
Dan Willging: We have special guests in the studio today who are going to play live for you — Asteroid Please. We’ll hear a couple of songs, talk about what’s going on with the band, and then hear some more music. Sound good, Matthew? All right, let’s head over to the studio.
“We Go On” — Live Performance
Asteroid Please: All right, we’re going to do one more. This one is called “To Another Time.” It’s off one of our EPs, and we’ll be playing it Saturday night. Cayton Sollenberger on guitar and Tim Kingsbury on bass — honored to play with these guys.
“To Another Time” — Live Performance
Dan Willging: Awesome. We have Asteroid Please in the studio today. You guys sound great. Is this the earliest gig you’ve ever played?
Matthew Burks: It’s pretty early.
Tim Kingsbury: We’ve had earlier ones — Sunday mornings at church.
Dan Willging: That’s true. So the lead voice of Asteroid Please is Matthew Burks on guitar, Tim Kingsbury on bass, and Cayton Sollenberger on electric guitar. Great to have you all here.
You have a big show coming up Saturday at Roots Music Project.
Matthew Burks: We’re really excited. It’s a celebration of the Roots Music Project compilation album On The Rise. We’re one of the featured bands along with Bear Hat. It’s also a fundraiser for the National MS Society chapter serving Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. It’s really a celebration of the local music community that came together to support the project.
Dan Willging: It’s awesome that these bands are all from around here.
Matthew Burks: Exactly. Boulder, Denver, the Front Range — there’s so much talent here. This compilation is hopefully just the beginning.
Dan Willging: It’s nice seeing local bands getting attention and reminding people there’s amazing music happening right here in town.
Matthew Burks: That’s the whole point. The partnerships between KGNU, Paradise Records, Roots Music Project, and all the people supporting the local music ecosystem have been incredible.
Dan Willging: You connected with KGNU through the Roots Music Project festival?
Matthew Burks: I’ve listened to KGNU for 20 years since moving to Boulder, but the festival really brought everyone together. Seeing musicians and audiences move from venue to venue and support each other was inspiring.
Dan Willging: Do you think Roots Music Project is helping unite the Colorado music scene?
Matthew Burks: I hope so. There’s already a strong music community in Boulder, Fort Collins, and Denver. It’s exciting seeing people support each other and build a stronger statewide music scene. Colorado has an incredible musical history.
Dan Willging: Before we hear another song, tell us about the name Asteroid Please. It sounds scientific but polite at the same time.
Matthew Burks: I describe it as having a similar spirit to the band Devo after Kent State. Devo came from the idea of “de-evolution,” that society can sometimes move backward instead of forward.
The name Asteroid Please is kind of a joke — like maybe humanity deserves an asteroid at this point because we’ve forgotten how to treat each other kindly. But the real point is the opposite: bringing people together through music and community.
Dan Willging: I’m glad you’re not wearing the Devo hats.
Matthew Burks: They definitely looked better in those than we would.
Dan Willging: You’ve got another song for us?
Matthew Burks: Yes, this is “Wander in My Dreams,” which appears on the compilation album. We’re playing acoustically today, but the full band includes drums and keyboards as well.
“Wander in My Dreams” — Live Performance
Dan Willging: I love that groove you’re playing, Tim. The rhythmic feel really pulls you in and makes you focus on the lyrics.
Matthew Burks: Thank you. One thing I want to highlight is the pipeline of young musicians developing through programs connected to Roots Music Project. Cayton works with the TEMPO program.
Dan Willging: Tell us about that.
Cayton Sollenberger: TEMPO stands for Training Emerging Musicians for Professional Opportunities. It’s about more than just learning your instrument. Students learn professional skills like writing lead sheets, setting up sound systems, networking, stage work, songwriting, and getting promotional photos done.
The program is for ages 15 to 19, and students also get access to workshops at Roots Music Project. It helps prepare young musicians for the realities of working in the music industry.
Dan Willging: That’s fantastic. So they’re not starting from scratch if they pursue music professionally.
Cayton Sollenberger: Exactly. It’s a little like a college prep course for musicians. We wanted to teach the things we wish we’d known when we were younger.
Dan Willging: Even the way you prepared notes for this interview shows professionalism. It really helps people get to know you quickly.
Matthew Burks: Professionalism matters if you’re trying to do this full time. We really appreciate KGNU and the Front Range community for supporting local music.
Dan Willging: That’s one thing that makes KGNU special — giving back to the community. We’re also excited about moving into our new building later this year and becoming even more connected with Boulder’s arts scene.
Matthew Burks: I’ve seen the new space — it’s incredible.
Dan Willging: The view of the Flatirons from the third floor is going to be amazing.
Matthew Burks: I might just move in there.
Dan Willging: Do you have one more song for us?
Matthew Burks: We do. This one’s called “Wish I Had the Words.” It’s more of a ballad.
“Wish I Had the Words” — Live Performance
Dan Willging: You’ve been listening to Asteroid Please live in the KGNU studio. Thank you all for coming in.
Matthew Burks: Thank you so much for having us.
Dan Willging: Don’t forget the fundraiser at Roots Music Project this Saturday.
Matthew Burks: Doors at 7:00 PM. Logan Hayes and Bear Hat are also performing, and we’ll go on around 9:00 PM. The event will also stream online through Volume.com if people can’t attend in person.
The event supports Roots Music Project and the National MS Society chapters serving Colorado and Utah.
Dan Willging: Thanks again for joining us.
Matthew Burks: Anytime. We’d love to come back.
Dan Willging: Take care.
Asteroid Please: Thank you.
