Music & Culture

Sarai Isaura Gonzalez stars in the music video to Bomba Estereo's "Soy Yo."

Music & Culture

In 'Soy Yo' Video, Bomba Estéreo Pays Tribute To 'What's Inside Of You'

7:49am September 18, 2016

by NPR Staff

The music video for the Colombian band's song "Soy Yo" has made headlines this week. The group's Simon Mejia tells NPR's Rachel Martin why it's being called an ode to little brown girls everywhere.

"I dismissed it as an emotional release, and I didn't listen to it for three weeks. I was not planning on doing anything with the song," Yoakam says of his cover of Prince's "Purple Rain."

Music & Culture

Dwight Yoakam Looks To The Past — And Prince

7:49am September 18, 2016

by NPR Staff

Yoakam's latest album, Swimmin' Pools, Movie Stars..., is composed almost entirely of songs from his catalog. The only exception? A cover of "Purple Rain."

"For me, it is a pure love song," Lisa Hannigan says of her song "Funeral Suit."

Music & Culture

Lisa Hannigan On The 'Pivotal Moment' Of Defining A Relationship

7:49am September 18, 2016

by NPR Staff

Hannigan's song "Funeral Suit" tells the story of a familiar moment early in a relationship: "that crossroads where you ... make a choice." The song appears on her newest album, At Swim.

Richard Shindell performs live for Folk Alley.

Music & Culture

Watch Richard Shindell Perform Live In The Studio

8:00am September 17, 2016

by Linda Fahey

The veteran folk singer-songwriter calls his new songs "ambitious and lush." Watch him play one, "The Deer On The Parkway," live for Folk Alley.

"What I really wanted so much was for this record to be helpful for people," Will Sheff says of Away, the new Okkervil River album.

Music & Culture

Will Sheff Isn't 'Singing About Death' — He's Singing About Rebirth

6:41pm September 16, 2016

by NPR Staff

Okkervil River, as fans once knew it, is no longer — but its frontman says he sees the transition as "a free moment." Sheff spoke with Kelly McEvers about the band's new album, Away.

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Dawes' new, Blake Mills-produced album, We're All Gonna Die, is out now.

Music & Culture

Dawes On World Cafe

4:38pm September 16, 2016

Producer Blake Mills brings a new sound to the California band's fifth album. Hear Taylor Goldsmith and company perform live in the World Cafe studio.

Music & Culture

Across the Blue Ridge #38 - New Fiddle Tunes from Erynn Marshall

3:56pm September 16, 2016

by Paul Brown

This week we hear some great new fiddle tunes in the constantly evolving old time style from Erynn Marshall. This Canada-born musician has spent 20 years studying southern U.S fiddle styles i

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Music & Culture

Leonard Feather On Piano Jazz

1:53pm September 16, 2016

The "Dean of Jazz Journalists" was also a pianist and composer. He performs several original blues tunes in this 1988 session.

The Head And The Heart performs songs from Signs Of Light live at City Winery in NYC.

Music & Culture

WFUV Presents: First Listen Live With The Head And The Heart

12:55pm September 16, 2016

by Rita Houston

NYC's City Winery provided the perfect setting for a lucky crowd of a few hundred to watch the adored folk-rock band perform its new album, Signs Of Light.

William Michael Morgan's debut album, Vinyl, will be out Sept. 30.

Music & Culture

A Country Newcomer Finds Inspiration In Tradition

12:31pm September 16, 2016

by Jewly Hight

William Michael Morgan, who will soon release his debut album, Vinyl, traces his lineage to country music heritage through the 1980s and '90s, and — of course — YouTube.