Music & Culture

Gordi's new album, Reservoir, comes out August 25.

Music & Culture

Gordi's Newest Single, 'Heaven I Know,' References The Deep Layering Of Bon Iver

11:55am June 12, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

"Heaven I Know" has a stately, epic quality to it, from a chilling repetition of the opening count-off to vocal effects that conjure memories of Imogen Heap.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart's new album, The Echo Of Pleasure, comes out July 14.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, 'When I Dance With You'

10:58am June 12, 2017

by Maria Sherman

Love in pop music is often painted in grandiose gestures, but sometimes it feels truest in just feeling "OK."

Ice Cube, performing on May 6, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Music & Culture

Ice Cube Leaves Bill Maher Shaken And Stirred Over The N-Word

10:26am June 12, 2017

by Rodney Carmichael

25 years after Death Certificate, the OG reprises his role as rap's most potent race critic.

"I was very scared to enter this business knowing what I want to give of myself," ALA.NI says. "It's extremely lonely."

Music & Culture

Don't Call It Nostalgia: ALA.NI's Done This For Years

5:01am June 12, 2017

With a cabaret star for a great-uncle and Julie Andrews as her role model, the British singer has been steeped in classic pop all her life. "I just did what I grew up listening to," she says.

Jason Isbell's new album, The Nashville Sound, is out June 16.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, 'The Nashville Sound'

5:00am June 12, 2017

by Jewly Hight

With eyes clear and nerves jangled, Isbell wrestles with unpleasant social and political realities on his sixth studio album.

"If you hear the music, you don't have to be there looking at somebody's body," Sonny Rollins says. "His music is here. All the time."

Music & Culture

After 7 Decades, Sonny Rollins Can't Get Music Off His Mind

5:00am June 12, 2017

The legendary saxophonist, who recently donated his personal archives, speaks with Christian McBride and Audie Cornish about improvisation, innovation, mentorship and legacy.

Beth Ditto's new album, Fake Sugar, is out June 16.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Beth Ditto, 'Fake Sugar'

5:00am June 12, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

The Gossip singer's solo debut recasts her as a versatile, pop-minded rock star who can still shake the rafters with her voice when the moment calls for it.

The members of Paramore (from left: Taylor York, Hayley Williams and Zac Farro) pair upbeat '80s sounds with bleak lyrics on After Laughter.

Music & Culture

When Times Are Hard, Paramore Calls On '80s Pep

5:46pm June 11, 2017

The trio's new album, After Laughter, sets bleak lyrics against summertime grooves. Taylor York, Hayley Williams and Zac Farro talk about that contrast and having faith in God and each other.

Music & Culture

Alt.Latino's Favorite Music Of 2017 (So Far)

8:12am June 11, 2017

by Felix Contreras

Felix Contreras joins NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro to share three standout Latin-alternative albums from the first half of the year.

Glen Campbell's daughter Ashley played banjo on his final album, Adiós.

Music & Culture

With Help From Friends And Family, Glen Campbell Says 'Adiós'

5:51pm June 10, 2017

His daughter Ashley Campbell and producer Carl Jackson reflect on the joy and laughter that went into making his final album, recorded a year after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.