For Twin Cities Rapper Nur-D, Another Step Forward
All of a sudden, Matt Allen found himself caring for injured and teargassed protesters in Minneapolis last year. The enduring experience found its way into his sunny music.
Music Features
The Post-Brexit New Wave
On thrilling debut albums by Squid, Dry Cleaning and Black Country, New Road, the aftershocks of '80s post-punk tremble against stark new realities in British and Irish life.
What The Radio Sounded Like In 1971
NPR broadcast its first on-air original programming 50 years ago today: May 3, 1971.
Listen: The Lumineers And Gregory Alan Isakov Cover Each Other's Songs
On Amerikinda: 20 Years Of Dualtone — a new compilation celebrating the Nashville label — The Lumineers cover "Caves" by Gregory Alan Isakov, while Isakov covers The Lumineers' own "Salt and the Sea."
Remembering Christa Ludwig, The Master Singer Of Opera And Song
Classical music fans are mourning the loss of the celebrated mezzo-soprano, known for her versatility and the warmth of her voice. She died at her home in Austria on April 24 at age 93.
How PJ Harvey's 'Uh Huh Her' Taught Me To Carve My Own Path
As a kid discovering music, you assemble a hodgepodge of other people's opinions. But there's a lot of joy to be found when the urge to agree with the critics melts away, writes critic Laura Snapes.
Selena At 50: Preserving And Protecting A Precious Legacy
This week marks what would have been the 50th birthday of Selena, who died in 1995. Now, she's experiencing a remarkable revival. But has she ever really been that far from our thoughts or playlists?
On 'Our Country,' Miko Marks' Musical Lineage Comes Full Circle
Marks' catalog — especially her latest album — deserves a close listen, revealing a history lesson not just about her own experiences and repertoire but the entire last century of Black roots music.
I Grew Up Afraid. Lil Nas X's 'Montero' Is The Lesson I Needed
For all the fuss around the viral hit "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)," its true message is a tender one: Hell hath no fury like what young queer people go through every day.
Mental Health Takes Center Stage As Pandemic Devastates Nashville's Live Music Scene
WPLN News reports on surmounting mental health concerns in Nashville's live music community.