Music Interviews

Some musicians from the Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra are protesting an invitation extended to conservative radio host Dennis Prager to guest conduct.

Music & Culture

Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra Confronts Controversy Over Right-Wing Guest Conductor

4:37pm August 13, 2017

Musicians are protesting the invitation extended to radio host Dennis Prager to guest conduct; they say Prager is "deeply bigoted." But music director Guido Lamell says: "Music trumps politics."

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The Blind Boys Of Alabama have been performing for nearly 70 years. The group's latest album is called Almost Home.

Music & Culture

'Almost Home' Celebrates The Blind Boys Of Alabama's Storied Lives

8:43am August 13, 2017

Since their 1948 debut, the Blind Boys have won 6 Grammys and performed at the White House. Songs on the group's new album consider personal and historical moments in the members' lives.

Ugly God's debut album, The Booty Tape, dropped August 4.

Music & Culture

Takes One To Know One: Rapper Ugly God Speaks To (And For) Teens

5:55pm August 12, 2017

by Frannie Kelley

The 20-year-old started making viral videos; now, he has released his debut album. He owes his success, in part, to a social media-fueled youth culture revolution that prizes teen perspectives.

Michael Angelakos of Passion Pit initially exchanged his new album Tremendous Sea of Love for tweets supporting the #weneedscience Twitter campaign. It became available to stream July 28.

Music & Culture

'Hindrance Became The Power': Passion Pit's Angelakos On Music And Mental Health

7:34am August 12, 2017

Due to his own experiences with mental illness, Angelakos has become involved in advocacy — including founding the WishArt Group and donating the royalties from sales of his new album to research.

SoundCloud co-founders Eric Wahlforss, left, and Alex Ljung in 2016. The company closed a significant financing round on Aug. 11, 2017.

Music & Culture

SoundCloud Saved By The Bell Of A Big Chunk Of Financing

2:29pm August 11, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

After a noisy month in the press and a significant round of layoffs, SoundCloud announced today it had secured its largest round of financing to date, ending speculation of its demise (for now).

Music & Culture

Weekend LISTening: Five Songs You Gotta Hear Right Now

2:29pm August 11, 2017

by Bruce Warren

From intimate duo harmonies by Penny & Sparrow to The War On Drugs rocking a '70s cover, here's five great new songs to add to your playlist.

Kesha is back after five years with Rainbow, released Aug. 11.

Music & Culture

Kesha Walks Us Through Her 'Rainbow,' Track By Track

2:06pm August 11, 2017

by Marissa Lorusso

The pop singer drew inspiration from her country roots and love of outer space for songs that shine with boundless optimism. "This whole album, for me, really is a healing album," she says.

Remembering Broadway's Barbara Cook: 'My First Memories Are Of Singing'

1:39pm August 11, 2017

Cook, who starred in Broadway shows like The Music Man and Candide, died on Tuesday. She spoke to Fresh Air in 2016 about her struggle with addiction and her second career as a cabaret singer.

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Music & Culture

Brother Ali On World Cafe

10:28am August 11, 2017

by Talia Schlanger

The Minneapolis-based artist, who's been delivering socially conscious hip-hop for nearly two decades, performs live in the Cafe studio.

Fashawn's EP, Manna, is out now on Mass Appeal Records.

Music & Culture

Fashawn Breaks Down 'Manna,' Track By Track

9:15am August 11, 2017

by Rodney Carmichael

The Fresno spitter returns with a new EP, as political as it is personal.