Music & Culture

The London Symphony Orchestra, performing with conductor Valery Gergiev in London's Trafalgar Square in May 2016.

Music & Culture

What Does Life In An Orchestra Get You? In The U.K., Not Enough To Live On

12:08pm May 03, 2018

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

A study released by the Musicians' Union in the U.K. says that many musicians with full-time, salaried jobs are struggling to pay their bills. Two-thirds say that they have considered other careers.

Celine Dion.

Music & Culture

Céline Dion Is Too Good For Deadpool

12:03pm May 03, 2018

by Lars Gotrich

But here it is anyway: "Ashes," from the Deadpool 2 soundtrack, and guess what? It kind of slaps! You know, if a Céline Dion ballad could slap.

Singer Nellie McKay with her longtime friend, Bob Dorough. The late composer was known as the musical keystone of the beloved Schoolhouse Rock! series.

Music & Culture

Singer Nellie McKay Celebrates Bob Dorough Of 'Schoolhouse Rock'

12:00pm May 03, 2018

by Bob Boilen

McKay covers Dorough's "Small Day Tomorrow" on her upcoming album, Sister Orchid. She and the late composer, known his work on the beloved Schoolhouse Rock! series, were longtime friends.

Betse & Clarke, Oregon Coast

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: New Sounds

11:01am May 03, 2018

This week Fiona Ritchie handpicks new releases from the musical spring tide that has recently flooded the Thistle offices.

"I think surprise is always the most important element in all music," Sting says of his and Shaggy's new album 44/876.

Music & Culture

Sting And Shaggy On The 'Wonderful Luxury' Of Making Reggae

10:14am May 03, 2018

It's one of this year's most unlikely collaborations. Rock star Sting and dance hall staple Shaggy discuss their latest album 44/876.

Queue Listen Now

Watch Jade Bird's full performance at KCRW.com.

Music & Culture

Watch Jade Bird Perform 'If I Die' Live In The Studio

10:11am May 03, 2018

by Jason Bentley

Jade Bird has a country flair that belies her native England. The 2018 Slingshot artist performs her stripped-down piano ballad, "If I Die."

Erin Rae's Putting On Airs comes out June 8.

Music & Culture

To Comfort A 'Bad Mind,' Erin Rae Unearths Uneasy Truths

10:00am May 03, 2018

by Lars Gotrich

The Nashville singer-songwriter offers empathy through her own struggle with identity.

Reggie Watts and John Tejada are Wajatta. The duo's album, Casual High Technology, is out May 11.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Wajatta, 'Casual High Technology'

8:47am May 03, 2018

by Piotr Orlov

Reggie Watts teams up with John Tejada, an elder statesman of West Coast dance music, to create soulful and abstract electro-pop.

Ry Cooder's The Prodigal Son comes out May 11.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Ry Cooder, 'The Prodigal Son'

5:00am May 03, 2018

by Tom Moon

The 71-year-old raconteur returns to the old songs and inhabits the guises of death-haunted bluesmen to speak to the issues of the current era.

Sarah Louise, Deeper Woods

Music & Culture

First Listen: Sarah Louise, 'Deeper Woods'

5:00am May 03, 2018

by Allison Hussey

The fingerpicking guitarist honors the soft landscape and vivid detail of forests, embedding meticulous guitar compositions in lush arrangements.