Music & Culture

British rocker Robert Plant and bluegrass star Alison Krauss are on tour again. They talk with NPR's Scott Simon about their ongoing collaboration.

NPR's Juana Summers talks with musical artist Shaboozey about his new album and his musical journey that started in Virginia with a Nigerian immigrant father who loved country music.

NPR's 3rd annual celebration of Black Music Month begins on Monday. Tiny Desk host and producer Bobby Carter tells us about what’s in store this year.

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Lars Gotrich are your guides to this week's new releases.

Featured albums:
• Arooj Aftab, 'Night Reign'
• Shaboozey, 'Where I've Been, isn't Where I'm Going'
• Bonnie "Prince" Billy, Nathan Salsburg & Tyler Trotter, 'Hear the Children Sing The Evidence'

Other notable albums out May 31:
• Richard Thompson, 'Ship To Shore'
• Dos Monos, 'Dos Atomos'
• Anna Tivel, 'Living Thing'
• Beak>, '>>>>'
• Swamp Dogg, 'Blackgrass'
• Thou, 'Umbilical'
• Chris Housman, 'Blueneck'
• Psychic Temple, 'Doggie Paddlin' Thru the Cosmic Consciousness'
• John Muq, 'Flying Away'
• Robin Holcomb, 'One Way or Another, Vol. 2'

What happened when the Cuban pianist Omar Sosa met with a Santería high priest? He found his life calling.

The actress and singer-songwriter takes a more optimistic turn on her third studio record.

Sometimes, our favorite musical artists are too good to be true because they're sprung from the imaginations of Hollywood screenwriters. But what makes a fake band great? Today, we are debating the best fictional bands in TV and film — including from Mamma Mia!, Josie and the Pussycats, It's Your Move, and Miami Connection.

We want to hear your opinions about summer snacks. Are you Team Hot Dog or Team Hamburger? What's better: churro or a funnel cake? Click here to cast your votes. The results will be revealed at a virtual live event for Pop Culture Happy Hour+ supporters on Thursday, June 27th at 6 p.m. ET.

Sign up for PCHH+ at plus.npr.org/happyhour to get access to the event.

(Once you've signed up for PCHH+, make sure to set up your special feed, where you'll see a special bonus episode from May 31st with instructions on how to register for the live event. Email plus@npr.org for any extra assistance.)

María Zardoya and Josh Conway founded The Marías as a couple. They talk to NPR's A Martinez about how their breakup has shaped their latest album, "Submarine." It comes out Friday.