Music Features

The term "urban" has been used for decades as a catch-all term for Black music — but it is now quickly falling out of favor in the music industry in the midst of a growing new civil rights movement.

Music & Culture

Is This The End For 'Urban' Music?

1:54pm June 15, 2020

by Cate Young

Two influential organizations in the music world recently announced they would cease using the term "urban" to describe certain genres or artists. But it's more complicated than a simple cancellation.

Moving through themes of isolation and recovery in real time, Gia Margaret reshapes her world around her circumstances on her latest album, Mia Gargaret.

Music & Culture

How Gia Margaret Lost Her Voice And Reassembled Her Songwriting Identity

11:21am June 15, 2020

by Emma Bowers

The singer-songwriter canceled tour dates for her debut album when an illness incapacitated her singing voice. On Mia Gargaret, she overcomes the creative challenge with a stunning ambient album.

Music & Culture

Our Daily Breather: Recipes For Staying Sane During The Pandemic

10:00am June 15, 2020

In Our Daily Breather, we asked artists to recommend ways to find calm in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. We've collected some of the recipes that artists have shared with us.

Music & Culture

RMR, Pre-Fabulous Breakout Of The Year, Is Nothing But Smiles

10:34am June 13, 2020

by Mano Sundaresan

The anonymized, countryfied singer-rapper came barreling into the mainstream in February, seemingly out of thin air.

Music & Culture

Our Daily Breather: Bobby Bare's Sage Advice For Taking It Day By Day

10:00am June 13, 2020

by Bobby Bare

In Our Daily Breather, we ask writers and artists to recommend ways to find calm in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Bobby Bare is reflecting on time spent with family and loved ones.

Music & Culture

Bootsy Collins Shares A New Song, Plus His Thoughts On Gratitude During A Crisis

10:01am June 12, 2020

by Bootsy Collins

In Our Daily Breather, we ask artists to share ways to find calm during the COVID-19 crisis. Bootsy Collins recommends being thankful, and shares his new song, "Stars."

Music & Culture

Watch Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf Episode 1 Featuring Bobby Carter

5:57pm June 11, 2020

by Elle Mannion

Live on YouTube, Bob Boilen and Bobby Carter will watch their favorites entries to the 2020 Contest and discuss what made them stand out from the thousands we saw this year.

Music & Culture

Not-So-Lone Rangers: Out In The Country All Year Long

12:07pm June 11, 2020

by Jewly Hight

The intersections of country music and LGBTQIA+ communities can sometimes come across as solitary acts of bravery. But the state of queer country is better measured by its full time residents.

Freshly laundered quilting fabric, courtesy of Emma Bowers.

Music & Culture

Our Daily Breather: How Quilting Can Help Us Cope With Uncertainty

10:00am June 11, 2020

by Emma Bowers

In Our Daily Breather, we ask writers and artists to recommend ways to find calm in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. NPR Music intern Emma Bowers has been quilting.

Music speaks truth to anger and frustration, but also provides a sense of hope and beauty.

Music & Culture

This Is How I Feel: A Playlist By Young Black Listeners

1:06pm June 10, 2020

by Suraya Mohamed

Music has always been a vital part of protest and social justice. We asked our young Black listeners: Is there one song that's helping you address your feelings right now?