Music & Culture

Music & Culture

Remembering Folk Singer/Songwriter Dan Hicks

1:40pm February 08, 2016

by Ed Ward

Hicks, who died on Saturday, began performing with his band Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks in the late '60s. Rock historian Ed Ward has an appreciation. Originally broadcast Jan 10, 2002.

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This week's episode of Metropolis features a new song by Moderat.

Music & Culture

Metropolis: 2/6/16

1:25pm February 08, 2016

KCRW's Jason Bentley spins music by Flume, Massive Attack, Jamie xx and more in a two-hour EDM mix.

Beyonce's new music video "Formation" is full of social commentary.

Music & Culture

With 'Formation,' Beyoncé Lights Up The Internet. Here's What People Are Saying

1:21pm February 08, 2016

by James Doubek

The singer's new music video quickly drew commentary of all kinds — on its references to being black in America, Hurricane Katrina and Black Lives Matter.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: HXLT (feat. Kathleen Hanna), 'Together'

9:30am February 08, 2016

by Timmhotep Aku

Flanked by the original riot grrrl, Chicago's genre-crossing singer-rapper unleashes an afro-punk anthem of unity.

Carter Burwell has scored 16 films for the Coen Brothers, including their latest, Hail, Caesar!

Music & Culture

Love The Music Of Coen Brothers Films? You Can Thank Carter Burwell

11:56am February 07, 2016

by Tim Greiving

Burwell has scored 16 movies for the Coens, but his work on Hail, Caesar! — as well as Todd Haynes' Carol, for which he's nominated for an Oscar — presented a few brand-new challenges.

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Ane Brun's new album is called When I'm Free.

Music & Culture

For Singer Ane Brun, 'Freedom Is Really An Absence Of Fear'

11:55am February 07, 2016

by NPR Staff

"Let your mind and body rest so it can heal." That's the mantra that inspired the Norwegian artist on her latest album, When I'm Free.

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Cultural Appropriation In Pop Music — When Are Artists In The Wrong?

9:44am February 07, 2016

When Coldplay and Beyoncé released the music video for their new song, they were immediately accused of cultural appropriation. What does that mean? And how pervasive is it in the music industry?

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Beyoncé in the video for Coldplay's "Hymn for the Weekend."

Theft And Artistry: Coldplay, Beyoncé In India Spark Discussion On Appropriation

5:36pm February 06, 2016

by Eyder Peralta

These days, it's pretty much impossible to miss a discussion on cultural appropriation. But we explore where we draw the line between what's acceptable and what's downright offensive.

Soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan has performed more than 80 world premieres.

Music & Culture

A Fearless Soprano's Case For Contemporary Music

8:28am February 06, 2016

by Tom Huizenga

With more than 80 world premieres to her credit, Barbrara Hannigan, an intrepid soprano and conductor, has a knack for making modern music sound effortless and approachable.

Alejandra Deheza finished the album SVIIB on her own after the death of her School of Seven Bells collaborator Benjamin Curtis.

Music & Culture

School Of Seven Bells, A Musical Partnership Cut Short, Crosses The Finish Line

6:17am February 06, 2016

by NPR Staff

The duo School of Seven Bells wrote its final album together in 2012. Alejandra Deheza didn't know then that her bandmate and songwriting partner wouldn't live to see its release.