Kaija Saariaho, a composer with ears wide open
From sexist professors and low self-esteem to worldwide acclaim, the Finnish composer talks about her path to success and her relentless pursuit of sound.
Music Interviews
Mountain Man's Alexandra Sauser-Monnig and Amelia Meath are The A's
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with the band The A's about their debut album, "Fruit."
Folk artist Lucy Kaplansky writes as a psychologist on 'Last Days of Summer'
NPR's Scott Simon talks with folk artist Lucy Kaplansky about her new album, "Last Days of Summer," and about how her insight as a psychologist informs her songwriting.
The debut album from NoSo is a postcard to a former, younger self
Abby Hwong, who makes music as NoSo, talks with NPR's Ailsa Chang about getting comfortable in their own skin and their debut album, Stay Proud Of Me.
Singer-songwriter Geoff Muldaur performs jazz and blues from the '20s and '30s
Muldaur's new double CD, His Last Letter, traces the musical influences of his life, and is arranged for, and performed with, Dutch chamber musicians. Originally broadcast December 2009.
Remembering Richard Taruskin, a writer who made you care about 1,000 years of music
Hear the towering – and polarizing – author in conversation about his 4,000-page book, The Oxford History of Western Music.
Singer Hollie Cook on new album 'Happy Hour'
NPR's Miles Parks speaks with singer Hollie Cook about her new album, Happy Hour.
Wryn's Tiny Desk Contest entry sends love and affirmation to transgender youth
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with musician Wryn about their Tiny Desk Contest entries and their forthcoming album.
Tim Heidecker reaches into the depths of his past on new album 'High School'
NPR's Scott Simon talks to Tim Heidecker about his music, his new sentimental album "High School," and about his sometimes crass comedy.
Caterina Barbieri's rapturous electronica was forged in deep solitude
The Italian composer Caterina Barbieri's euphoric new album Spirit Exit was made in pandemic isolation but longs for "the outside world," in all of its imperfections and wonder.