2020 Was The Year Of Protest Music
2020 was defined by the sounds of rage, resolve, mourning and solidarity. Here are 20 songs and albums that represent the best protest music of the year.
Music Interviews
Nilüfer Yanya Reflects On A Tumultuous Year In 'Feeling Lucky'
Nilüfer Yanya ponders on the perspective she's gained this year and how it's inspired her new EP, Feeling Lucky?
Loudon Wainwright III And Vince Giordano Play From The Great American Songbook
Wainwright and Giordano collaborated on the 1920s and '30s style music for the series Boardwalk Empire and the film The Aviator. Now they've gotten together again on the album I'd Rather Lead a Band.
Drakeo The Ruler, Less Than A Month Out Of Prison, Releases 'We Know The Truth'
NPR Music speaks with the LA rapper, who struck a plea deal earlier this month resulting in his release from prison after a four-year legal battle.
Peter Guralnick Is 'Looking To Get Lost' In The Stories Of American Music Icons
Rachel Martin speaks with the celebrated writer about Looking to Get Lost, an essay collection based on his interviews with legends of early rock and roll, blues and country.
Interview With 'Color Me Country' Radio Host Rissi Palmer
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with country singer Rissi Palmer about her radio show, "Color Me Country." It celebrates the music of Black, brown and indigenous country musicians.
Provocation and Follow-Through: Julia Bullock Talks With Lara Downes
The thoughtful soprano believes that art is good at questioning, challenging and provoking. But the real question, she says, is: "What happens after the provocation?"
Owen Pallett Is A Home-Recording Wizard
In this session, what you're going to hear are solo performances — just Pallett, using effects and looping to create layers of sound.
NEA Heritage Fellow Suni Paz Sings For Children And The Have-Nots
One of the first artists to introduce North American audiences to her style of Latin American music, the folk singer was named a 2020 National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellow.
On 'Up In The Clouds,' Sarah Jarosz Adjusts To Staying Still
The Americana artist's new song, written for Morning Edition's Song Project, is about having to hit the brakes on life after years in constant motion.