Music News

It may look nondescript now, but New Orleans' Congo Square is where the musical foundations of jazz were laid down.

Music & Culture

In New Orleans, There's A Piece Of Music History Around Every Corner

8:52am July 15, 2017

A group of NOLA music lovers has created "A Closer Walk," an interactive map of landmarks like the birthplace of jazz, a recording studio-turned-laundromat and the home of a legendary cornetist.

From left to right: Emin Agalarov, Donald Trump and Aras Agalarov (Emin's father) on the red carpet at the Miss Universe Pageant Competition 2013 in Moscow, Russia.

Meet Emin Agalarov, Trump-Connected Russian Pop Star

10:02pm July 14, 2017

by Mandalit del Barco

Get caught up on the singer and real-estate mogul in the news for helping arrange a meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer.

Queue Listen Now

Kid Rock at the 2016 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony in New York City. He says he plans to run for Senate as a Republican in Michigan.

Kid Rock Says Michigan Senate Campaign Website Is 'Not A Hoax'

6:40pm July 14, 2017

"It's not a hoax, it's a strategy and marketing 101!" wrote the singer of "Bawitdaba" on his personal website.

First, the Grammys. Next: the Bastille Day parade?

Music & Culture

Watch Daft Punk's Hits Played By A Marching Band For Bastille Day

11:00am July 14, 2017

by Lars Gotrich

French president Emmanuel Macron was clearly into it.

Beyoncé unveiled her twins on Friday morning via Instagram.

Music & Culture

Beyoncé Introduces Twins Via Instagram, And There Was Much Rejoicing

10:26am July 14, 2017

Say hello to Sir Carter and Rumi.

Japanese Breakfast's sophomore album, Soft Sounds From Another Planet, is out now on Dead Oceans.

Music & Culture

Japanese Breakfast Explains 'Soft Sounds From Another Planet,' Track By Track

8:59am July 14, 2017

by Bob Boilen

Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner pulls inspiration from Korean breath-hold divers, robotic love, Jimmy Fallon, tubular bells and the sad and thrilling moments in life.

Music & Culture

Ben Gibbard's New Album Is Teenage Fanclub's 'Bandwagonesque,' Covered Song For Song

4:00pm July 13, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

The Death Cab For Cutie singer remakes the Scottish pop band's 1991 classic on an album due out July 28. Here, he starts out by tackling "The Concept."

Nine Inch Nails' new EP, ADD VIOLENCE, comes out July 21.

Music & Culture

Listen: Nine Inch Nails Announces 'ADD VIOLENCE' EP, Shares Cinematic New Single

12:47pm July 13, 2017

by Lars Gotrich

The first single from ADD VIOLENCE, out July 21, suggests something of a return to the cinematic pop sheen of The Fragile.

Music & Culture

Wiz Khalifa's 'See You Again' Sets New Record For YouTube Views

4:35pm July 12, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with NPR Music's Andrew Flanagan about Wiz Khalifa's "See You Again" setting the new record for YouTube views.

Spotify was criticized recently for allegedly hiring producers to create bespoke music for its platform.

Music & Culture

Spotify Is Accused Of Creating Fake Artists — But What Is A Fake Artist?

3:50pm July 12, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

The streaming service has been at the center of a controversy regarding songs made by artists who don't appear to exist anywhere else on the web. If a song exists, can it be fake?