Music & Culture

Olivia Baez, a nurse at Orlando Regional Medical Center, cared for victims of the shooting that night. She says she comes to the Pulse memorial nearly every day.

One Year After Pulse Shooting, Orlando Honors Those Who Died

8:06am June 13, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

Hundreds gathered outside the nightclub Monday to remember the 49 people who were killed that night. Mourners have created a makeshift memorial there — and plans for a permanent one are underway.

Queue Listen Now

The Lone Bellow's new album, Walk Into A Storm, comes out Sept. 15.

Music & Culture

The Lone Bellow Announces 'Walk Into A Storm,' Releases New Single

12:03am June 13, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

Hear "Time's Always Leaving," the rousing first single from the folk-rock band's forthcoming third album, due out Sept. 15.

Ben Platt performing "Waving Through A Window" from Dear Evan Hansen at Sunday night's Tony Awards.

At The Tonys, 'Dear Evan Hansen' Has A Big Night In A Dark Season

10:36pm June 12, 2017

by Linda Holmes

The 2017 Tony Awards weren't a coronation of any one show, but it was hard not to notice a theme of pointed social and political thought behind many of the winners.

Music & Culture

2018 NEA Jazz Masters Class Honorees Include Dianne Reeves, Pat Metheny

10:05pm June 12, 2017

by Nate Chinen

Pianist Joanne Brackeen, guitarist Pat Metheny, singer Dianne Reeves and producer Todd Barkan will receive what is often described as the nations highest honor for jazz.

Olutosin Oduwole at his home in New Jersey.

Rap on Trial: How An Aspiring Musician's Words Led To Prison Time

9:01pm June 12, 2017

Olutosin Oduwole was a college student and aspiring rapper when he was charged with "attempting to make a terrorist threat." We explore how perceptions of rap music may have played a role.

Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm, with Steve Jordan on drums, perform live at WXPN's 2017 Non-COMMvention in Philadelphia, Pa.

Music & Culture

Robert Cray And Steve Jordan On World Cafe

2:32pm June 12, 2017

by David Dye

The bluesman and producer-drummer Steve Jordan discuss the record they made at Royal Studios, birthplace of Al Green's hits. Plus, hear a live performance featuring original members of Hi Rhythm.

Perfume Genius performs at NPR's Tiny Desk on May 15, 2017. (Raquel Zaldivar/NPR)

Music & Culture

Perfume Genius: Tiny Desk Concert

2:08pm June 12, 2017

by Robin Hilton

The band's long-awaited performance at the Tiny Desk was both beautiful and, at times, intense, featuring three deeply personal songs by frontman Mike Hadreas.

A still from Ex Eye's "Xenolith; The Anvil" video.

Music & Culture

Colin Stetson's Ex Eye Will Smash Us All – Watch And Fear 'Xenolith; The Anvil'

1:33pm June 12, 2017

by Lars Gotrich

To call the saxophonist's new band "metal" isn't quite right. Ex Eye is heavy, maximalist music made compact.

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."