Songs We Love: D∆WN, 'Not Above That'
At this point, Dawn Richard — known these days as D∆WN — is simply beyond pop music. The Machinedrum-produced track celebrates cosmic desire with a video that moves the galaxy.
Music & Culture
Guest Dose: Steven Julien Of FunkinEven
The don of revered electronic music label Apron Records is about to release his first album under his given name. He brings the future boogie on NPR Music's latest Recommended Dose guest dance mix.
Viking's Choice: Nathan Bowles, 'Gadarene Fugue'
A member of the Black Twig Pickers, Bowles whips a meditative clawhammer banjo melody into a fury.
Mashrou' Leila: Tiny Desk Concert
A rock band from Beirut gives a stunning performance, with songs that mix hedonism and heady, hyper-literate lyrics.
First Watch: Casket Girls, 'Tears Of A Clown'
The eerie Savannah, Ga. pop band wants to express its rage with the current state of our culture as it relates to freedom and race. They've written "Tears of a Clown" to reflect their frustration.
On Parliament-Funkadelic And A Less 'Squeaky-Clean Picture' Of Blackness
Parliament showed me that being black has liabilities, but that it's also a powerful gift.
Bluegrass Pioneer Ralph Stanley Dies At 89
Stanley was one of the early leaders of bluegrass music, and enjoyed an unexpectedly broad following after he sang "O, Death" in the film O, Brother, Where Art Thou.
Bluegrass Hall Of Famer Ralph Stanley Dies At 89
Together with his brother Carter, the Stanley Brothers created a smooth duet sound but it was Ralph's a capella rendition of "O Death" that took his name and voice beyond the bluegrass audience.
Beyond Country And Blues: The Jazz Legacy Of Houston
Though not well known for its jazz scene, Houston has produced some of the country's best jazz musicians, including Jason Moran.
Real Roadies Find New Showtime Series Unrealistic
Cameron Crowe's new show Roadies chronicles the backstage world of rock-n-roll, focusing on roadies. The long-awaited show, a comedic drama, premieres Sunday on Showtime.