Music & Culture

Andrew Bird, Are You Serious

First Listen: Andrew Bird, 'Are You Serious'

by Stephen Thompson

On his 13th album, Bird delves deeper into alternately peppy and muted ruminations on love and chemistry. Always a thoughtful songwriter, he's found a way to sound playful while maturing with time.
Charli XCX performs at SXSW with pop music deviant SOPHIE.

SXSW 2016 In 10 GIFs

by NPR Music Staff

Photographer Adam Kissick captured amazing SXSW moments in GIF form: an epic jump from Diet Cig's Alex Luciano, pop alchemist D∆WN's killer moves and thrash metal band Black Fast's shredding.
Chvrches performs at the SXSW 2016 Radio Day Stage.

Watch Chvrches Perform At SXSW

by Bruce Warren

The Scottish electro-pop trio stripped down at Austin's Radio Day Stage showcase for a few songs, including "Leave A Trace" and "Never Ending Circles."
Declan McKenna plays "Brazil" next to Waller Creek in Austin, Texas, on the final night of SXSW 2016.

South X Lullaby: Declan McKenna

by Bob Boilen

Declan McKenna has had a whirlwind year. At 1:00 a.m., as SXSW 2016 drew to a close, he played a quiet, reflective version of the song that changed his life.