The fantasia of Angelo Badalamenti, veil-piercing composer
Among other things Badalamenti's music, soft and bizarre and surging, was an emotional compass for the uncanny creations of director David Lynch.
Music & Culture
More than 500 musicians demand accountability after Juilliard misconduct allegations
After VAN magazine published accusations against Robert Beaser, a former head of The Juilliard School's composition department, hundreds of composers, educators and presenters are demanding change.
The Best Roots Music of 2022
This year artists working within the orbit of the unstable category "roots music" got personal even as they explored complex cultural lineages and challenged the rules of established scenes and forms.
Rapper Ab-Soul is back after taking time off from music to deal with his grief
NPR's A Martinez talks to Herbert Anthony Stevens IV, better known as rapper Ab-Soul, about his new album: Herbert. The new songs are all about grief.
Congolese rumba maestro Fally Ipupa on his new album 'Formule 7'
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks to Congolese rumba maestro Fally Ipupa about his new album Formule 7.
Emeli Sande on her latest album 'Let's Say For Instance'
NPR's Ayesha Roscoe speaks with singer Emeli Sande about her latest album, "Let's Say For Instance."
SZA, 'Conceited'
On the fun and bouncy "Conceited," SZA isn't letting circumstances beyond her control — naysayers; who her ex is currently seeing — dictate her worth, even if only briefly.
Thomas Mars, lead singer of Phoenix, on the group's new album 'Alpha Zulu'
NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Thomas Mars, lead singer of the nearly 30-year-old French pop band Phoenix, about the group's new album, "Alpha Zulu."
The story of jazz in 2022: A year-end listening party
After a year defined by emergence and creative combination, our critics zoom in on their own listening to choose one inescapable album and song each.
How niche rap stars quietly conquered 2022
Artists like NBA YoungBoy, Rod Wave and a resurgent Kodak Black pulled in massive streaming numbers this year (and, at times, outran controversy) while barely registering on mainstream pop's radar.