Music News

Cover detail of Volume Control, by David Owen.

From Lawn Mowers To Rock Concerts, Our 'Deafening World' Is Hurting Our Ears

4:44pm November 05, 2019

by Dave Davies

Volume Control author David Owen says our ears largely evolved in a far quieter time than the one we currently live in. He warns that the ambient noises that surround us pose a threat to our hearing.

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Music & Culture

British Politician's Catchphrase Lives On In Belgian Dance Track

6:13am November 05, 2019

John Bercow relinquished his post as speaker of Britain's House of Commons, but he has a new place in the world of house music. Bercow's catchphrase "Orderrrr" can be heard in the song called "ORDER."

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D.C.-hailing duo April + VISTA take a new immersive step with "Every Void."

Music & Culture

Heat Check: Off-Kilter Cuts For The In-Between

1:12pm November 04, 2019

by Sidney Madden

From a surprisingly sinister Frank Ocean freebie to a new direction for the normally airy and joyful April + VISTA, these Heat Check selections give you space to suspend yourself.

Chilean singer-songwriter Víctor Jara is depicted on the guitar of a protester in Santiago. Jara's song, "El Derecho de Vivir en Paz" was sung by a crowd of demonstrators on October 25, 2019.

Music & Culture

'El Derecho De Vivir En Paz' Gives Voice To Protesters In Chile

7:57am November 02, 2019

Amidst the enormous protests against inequality, Chileans turn to song. Music once used to protest the brutal dictator Augusto Pinochet in the '70s has been revamped for the demonstrations.

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WNYC's new podcast, Dolly Parton's America, examines the role of the country icon in building social bridges in a divided country.

Music & Culture

Can Dolly Parton Heal America?

5:16pm October 29, 2019

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to WNYC's Jad Abumrad about his new podcast which explores the life and legacy of the prolific songwriter and her ability to bridge the divide in America.

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Dan Deacon's Mystic Familiar comes out Jan. 31, 2020.

Music & Culture

Dan Deacon Announces New Album With A Music Video Full Of Creepy Crawlies

11:02am October 29, 2019

by Lars Gotrich

"Sat by a Tree" stars actor and comedian Aparna Nancherla as... a decomposing corpse, in celebration of life. Very Deacon.

Kanye West performs Sunday Service during the 2019 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival in April 2019. The rapper's ninth studio album, Jesus Is King, is available now.

Music & Culture

Listen: Kanye West Finally Drops 'Jesus Is King'

12:29pm October 25, 2019

by Sidney Madden

After some confusion, mixed messaging and conflicting timelines, Kanye West's ninth studio album, Jesus Is King, has arrived.

Protesters march to an Amazon store to raise awareness of Amazon's facilitation of surveillance efforts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Music & Culture

Hundreds Of Musicians Pledge To Cut Ties With Amazon In 'No Music For ICE' Letter

8:06pm October 24, 2019

by Andrew Flanagan

The letter, which has been signed by Deerhoof, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Damon & Naomi and more, comes in light of a music festival put on by Amazon Web Services.

'Mixtape Potluck' Is Inspired By Questlove's 'Food Salon' Dinner Parties

6:05am October 24, 2019

NPR's David Greene talks to musician Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, the co-founder of the iconic hip-hop band The Roots, about his cookbook Mixtape Potluck.

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Colorado was recorded in the titular state in a studio sitting at 9000 feet.

Music & Culture

A Legendary Collaboration Continues: Neil Young And Crazy Horse Reunite For 'Colorado'

5:04am October 23, 2019

Neil Young and Crazy Horse have put out music together for 50 years. Young talks to NPR's David Greene about their latest album, Colorado.