Take a musical moment for singer Rina Sawayama's new album
Laura Snapes, music editor for The Guardian, reviews Sawayama's "Hold the Girl."
Music & Culture
Danielle Ponder — a singer who was once a lawyer — enjoys critical raves
The rising singer-songerwriter from Rochester, New York, talks about finding success after 40 in music, working with Billie Eilish's booking agent, and leaving behind a career as a public defender.
Sudan Archives' sophomore album 'Natural Brown Prom Queen' resists categorization
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with Sudan Archives about her sophomore album, "Natural Brown Prom Queen."
Celebrating the legacy of Peruvian singer Yma Sumac
The late Peruvian singer Yma Sumac would have turned 100 years old this week, a fantastic excuse to examine her legacy and listen to her nearly five octave voice.
On 'Hideous Bastard,' Oliver Sim mines horror tropes to embrace queer identity
On his debut solo album, Sim — best known as a member of The xx — takes inspiration from horror movie villains on songs that look for humanity in the aspects of our identity that society rejects.
This weekend, stream live performances from the XPoNential Music Festival
Beginning Friday, Sept. 16, watch Taj Mahal, Lucinda Williams, Felice Brothers, Kathleen Edwards, Jenny Lewis and more perform live on the Camden Waterfront in Camden, N.J.
On 'Hold the Girl,' Rina Sawayama's stadium sound obscures her signature appeal
The pop singer has superstar ambition and a knack for clever genre collisions. But while her new album sometimes matches intensity with innovation, it more often grinds her nuanced story to a paste.
What's making us happy: A guide to your weekend reading, listening and viewing
Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Sheryl Lee Ralph, Kenan & Kel, and more.
'Moonage Daydream' isn't the Bowie biography you're probably expecting
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with director Brett Morgen on his documentary on David Bowie, Moonage Daydream. It's the first film since Bowie's death in 2016 that had the full cooperation of his estate.
On debut solo album, Marcus Mumford explores healing, mercy and forgiveness
NPR's Juana Summers chats with Marcus Mumford about his debut solo album, Self-Titled, which is a deeply personal exploration of healing, mercy and forgiveness.