KGNU’s DJ Jules caught up with Jeff Franca of Theivery Corporation to talk about his experimental electro-dub project, DUBLDRGN, ahead of a live show at the Velvet Elk in Boulder. Franca shared insights into the improvised, dub-influenced set he’s creating with producer and keyboardist Bom Lee, blending live instrumentation, reggae roots, and spontaneous sound manipulation. Drawing inspiration from dub pioneers like King Tubby and Scientist, the project embraces experimentation and in-the-moment creativity. The conversation highlights Boulder’s vibrant music community and invites listeners to experience a unique, one-night-only performance.
(Air Date: 1-20-2026)
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Transcript:
Afternoon Sound Alternative — January 20, 2026
DUBLDRGN: Enjoying a beautiful day up here in the mountains.
DJ Jules: Beautiful. You got snow up there?
DUBLDRGN: We got some a couple days ago, but it’s been sparse this year.
DJ Jules: Yep, it has. But we’re just gonna keep going. That’s all we can do.
DUBLDRGN: Right.
DJ Jules: One of the silver linings of sparse snow is easier roads. On Friday, when you have a show in Boulder, will you share with the KGNU listeners what’s happening?
DUBLDRGN: Yeah, what’s up Boulder? My name’s Jeff Franca. I play drums in Dire Corporation, and my solo project is Ethno. If you’re an avid listener, you might’ve heard me do The Shape of Jazz at the end of last summer on Live with Indra.
Me and my buddy Bom Lee, who’s an amazing producer and keyboardist and a founding member of Brake Science, and also in the Pretty Lights Live band, are putting together a set of electro-dub improvisational music. It’s kind of a new style of performing for us.
We’re mixing original sounds inspired by some classic reggae and reworking them live into an improvisational set. I’ll be playing bass and keyboards, Bom will be playing bass and keyboards, and we’ll both be manipulating all the parts live in a dub style.
King Tubby, Scientist, and Adrian Sherwood are huge influences. We’re branching out into sounds that go beyond your average reggae. My band, Dire Corporation, has a worldly sound, and Bom has a huge depth of musical inspiration to pull from.
We know what we’re going to do, but a lot is left up to the moment. We’re really looking forward to diving in. It’s at the Velvet Elk this Friday. DJ Naysayers, Drew Sayers from The Motet, will be warming up the night. He’s a total reggae guru and will get the sound system going for us.
We encourage everybody to come out with open, thirsty ears. “Experimental” is probably the best first description.
DJ Jules: I love that. With this experimental vibe, do we need the crowd to bring good energy and dancing shoes?
DUBLDRGN: It’s Boulder, so the good vibes are already there. Anyone tuning into KGNU is already on that level of musical awareness we’re bringing. We’d love to see listeners grab tickets in advance. Velvet Elk isn’t a huge venue.
Bom and I both tour a lot, so it’s nice to create a completely unique experience for our local community. We’re really looking forward to it.
DJ Jules: Amazing. Thank you so much. This sounds like a fabulous night, and I’m glad we could share more about what’s happening in Boulder this Friday at the Velvet Elk Lounge.
DJ Jules: Thank you, Jeff. Anything else you want to share with the listeners?
DUBLDRGN: Keep the peace.
DJ Jules: There we go. Thanks so much, and we’ll get back into the music.
(Music and lyrical content continues)
DJ Jules: You know how I feel about live music — there’s nothing else like it. Dancing around, enjoying musicians sharing their talents, and honoring the blood, sweat, and tears they put into their craft. I’m obviously going to dance around and have fun, whether that’s here in the KGNU studio or live at a show.
Music makes you feel feelings, and that’s okay. I’ll play music that brings it out of you. It might come flooding out your eyeballs — it happens to me all the time. It means you’re alive.
It’s 1:20, and you’re listening to The Afternoon Sound Alternative. I’m still your girl, DJ Jules, hanging out at the Boulder studio.
I’ve got a ticket giveaway coming up — maybe not at the end of this song, but definitely before the end of the set. Stick with me. If you like winning tickets to shows along the Colorado Front Range, this is the place to be.
DJ Jules: Let’s talk about the music we just heard. We started with Nectar Woods, followed by Love Language, Lisp, All a Dream, then shifted the vibe a bit. We heard Take Me to Beijing by Chinese American Bear, and then Haley Williams with Good Old Days. That song hits deep.
Now, let’s talk about The Gallatines. I have two tickets to give away for their show on Thursday, February 12th at the Fox Theatre in Boulder. These are guest list tickets. All ages are welcome, but under 16 must be with an adult.
The Gallatines are an all-girl indie rock band at the heart of Boulder’s local music scene, known for stunning harmonies blended into epic instrumental solos.
If you want those tickets, call me at (303) 442-4242. Make sure you’re available on February 12th and haven’t won anything from the station in the last 30 days.
Call now. Talk to the winner soon.
