Music Interviews

Dolly Parton's Dumplin' soundtrack is all about finding the confidence to be yourself. "You star in your own role. You be the star of your own life," Parton says.

Music & Culture

'Dream It On Through': Dolly Parton On Her New Album, Inspiring Young People And More

9:38am December 09, 2018

The country legend talks about creating the soundtrack to Dumplin', the new Netflix film starring Jennifer Aniston that's inspired by her music.

"At the and of the day, I feel like your purpose can come from making one person feel like they're not alone," Alessia Cara says.

Music & Culture

'It's A Learning Curve': Alessia Cara On Growing Up, The Grammys And More

5:32pm December 08, 2018

The Canadian singer-songwriter took home the Grammy Award for best new artist in 2018. Now she's back with her sophomore album, The Pains of Growing.

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"I think what makes a song good is, for a listener, there always has to be something new happening," Benny Blanco says.

Music & Culture

The Continuous Work Ethic Of Benny Blanco

7:55am December 08, 2018

The songwriter and producer has worked with Rihanna, Katy Perry and more. Now, Blanco has released his debut album, Friends Keep Secrets.

Glorietta inside the World Cafe Production Studio

Music & Culture

Glorietta On World Cafe

12:38pm December 07, 2018

A bunch of exceptional songwriters and performers rent a house in Glorieta, N.M. for a week of tequila, hot tubs, home cooking and music-making. Just like that, out pops an album!

Ernie Isley (left) of The Isley Brothers and Chuck D of Public Enemy met at Mr Musichead Gallery in Los Angeles to discuss their respective versions of "Fight the Power."

Music & Culture

'Fight The Power': A Tale Of 2 Anthems (With The Same Name)

11:24am December 07, 2018

by Phil Harrell

NPR's American Anthem series brings together two songwriters — Ernie Isley of The Isley Brothers and Chuck D of Public Enemy — whose respective versions of "Fight the Power" eyed the same struggle.

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"I'm out here still updating and like, you have to interact with these updates," Earl Sweatshirt says.

Music & Culture

Earl Sweatshirt On Resentment, Growth And Giving Yourself A Chance

9:15am December 07, 2018

Beachside in Santa Monica, Calif., Earl Sweatshirt spoke with NPR's Ari Shapiro about memorializing his father, working through anger and his latest album, Some Rap Songs.

Doe Paoro (third from the left) with her band, inside the World Cafe Performance Studio.

Music & Culture

Doe Paoro On World Cafe

2:08pm December 06, 2018

The songwriting in Paoro's latest album, Soft Power, examines control, loss, struggle and a woman's place in it all.

Hozier performing live during this World Cafe Session

Music & Culture

Hozier On World Cafe

12:21pm December 05, 2018

Hozier creates musical moments big enough to galvanize every molecule around them into action and tiny enough that they can burrow themselves in the hidden corners of your heart.

Swinging on a Star, written by jazz and film critic Gary Giddins, is out now.

New Biography Chronicles Bing Crosby's Most Beloved Years

5:06pm December 04, 2018

by Tom Vitale

Crosby set the mold for the multimedia star: on radio, on the big screen and on record. The 1940s was the period when his star shone brightest and Swinging on a Star by Gary Giddins tells that story.

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Music & Culture

Talking Shop With Nashville Creators Natalie Hemby And Luke Dick

3:02pm December 04, 2018

by Jewly Hight

Over breakfast biscuits and coffee, the two Nashville artists talk about songwriting, filmmaking and how one medium informs the other.