Music

Vic Mensa's debut album The Autobiography is out July 28.

Music & Culture

On 'The Autobiography,' Vic Mensa Faces His Personal Demons And Emerges Stronger

5:42pm July 28, 2017

The rapper tells stories of loss, love and violence on his new debut album. He speaks with Kelly McEvers about his childhood in Chicago and how he views his responsibility to the city today.

Music & Culture

Watch Angel Olsen And Offa Rex Perform Live

5:21pm July 28, 2017

Inclement weather on Day 1 of the XPoNential Music Festival won't stop us from bringing you two great sets.

Music & Culture

An Archival Interview With Ray Manzarek, Keyboardist For The Doors

2:23pm July 28, 2017

To mark the 50th anniversary of "Light My Fire" hitting No. 1, Fresh Air listens back to an interview with the band's keyboardist, who died in 2013. Originally broadcast in 1998.

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Music & Culture

For Jazz Pianist Dave Frishberg, Music And Wit Go Hand In Hand

2:23pm July 28, 2017

Frishberg's playful songs include "Peel Me a Grape" and "A Little Taste." To mark the publication of his new memoir, My Dear Departed Past, we listen back to a 1991 interview with the songwriter.

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Music & Culture

Dancers Take Over A Pillow Factory In Begonia's 'Out Of My Head' Video

1:17pm July 28, 2017

by Talia Schlanger

Winnipeg singer Alexa Dirks finds strength in the act of breathing in this video from her new EP, Lady In Mind.

Music & Culture

Earl St. Clair Sings I 'Ain't Got It Like That,' But He Actually Does

12:47pm July 28, 2017

by Suraya Mohamed

Watch Earl St. Clair tell a personal story of redemption and fortitude with his raw and soulful style of R&B.

Music & Culture

Patti Bown On Piano Jazz

10:56am July 28, 2017

Hear the pianist in the Quincy Jones Orchestra join host Marian McPartland for some swinging music and a discussion about the role of women in jazz.

Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn of Sylvan Esso.

Music & Culture

Hear And See Sylvan Esso's Complete Visual EP 'Echo Mountain Sessions'

9:44am July 28, 2017

by Robin Hilton

See the complete studio sessions for the electronic duo's latest project, a collection of Sylvan Esso songs performed by a full band, with saxophone, electric guitar, piano and more.

Aldous Harding performs a Tiny Desk Concert on June 6, 2017. (Claire Harbage/NPR)

Music & Culture

Aldous Harding: Tiny Desk Concert

9:00am July 28, 2017

by Bob Boilen

Intensity in songs often expresses itself as volume – a loud guitar, a scream, a piercing synth line. But in the case of Aldous Harding it's in the spaces, the pauses, and her unique delivery.

Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso, performing in studio in a video for the song "Radio."

Music & Culture

Sylvan Esso: 'Radio' From The Echo Mountain Sessions

8:35am July 28, 2017

by Bob Boilen

Sylvan Esso perform "Radio" with a big band of friends in the duo's final installment of the Echo Mountain Sessions.