Music

Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm, with Steve Jordan on drums, perform live at WXPN's 2017 Non-COMMvention in Philadelphia, Pa.

Music & Culture

Robert Cray And Steve Jordan On World Cafe

2:32pm June 12, 2017

by David Dye

The bluesman and producer-drummer Steve Jordan discuss the record they made at Royal Studios, birthplace of Al Green's hits. Plus, hear a live performance featuring original members of Hi Rhythm.

Perfume Genius performs at NPR's Tiny Desk on May 15, 2017. (Raquel Zaldivar/NPR)

Music & Culture

Perfume Genius: Tiny Desk Concert

2:08pm June 12, 2017

by Robin Hilton

The band's long-awaited performance at the Tiny Desk was both beautiful and, at times, intense, featuring three deeply personal songs by frontman Mike Hadreas.

A still from Ex Eye's "Xenolith; The Anvil" video.

Music & Culture

Colin Stetson's Ex Eye Will Smash Us All – Watch And Fear 'Xenolith; The Anvil'

1:33pm June 12, 2017

by Lars Gotrich

To call the saxophonist's new band "metal" isn't quite right. Ex Eye is heavy, maximalist music made compact.

Gordi's new album, Reservoir, comes out August 25.

Music & Culture

Gordi's Newest Single, 'Heaven I Know,' References The Deep Layering Of Bon Iver

11:55am June 12, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

"Heaven I Know" has a stately, epic quality to it, from a chilling repetition of the opening count-off to vocal effects that conjure memories of Imogen Heap.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart's new album, The Echo Of Pleasure, comes out July 14.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, 'When I Dance With You'

10:58am June 12, 2017

by Maria Sherman

Love in pop music is often painted in grandiose gestures, but sometimes it feels truest in just feeling "OK."

Ice Cube, performing on May 6, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Music & Culture

Ice Cube Leaves Bill Maher Shaken And Stirred Over The N-Word

10:26am June 12, 2017

by Rodney Carmichael

25 years after Death Certificate, the OG reprises his role as rap's most potent race critic.

"I was very scared to enter this business knowing what I want to give of myself," ALA.NI says. "It's extremely lonely."

Music & Culture

Don't Call It Nostalgia: ALA.NI's Done This For Years

5:01am June 12, 2017

With a cabaret star for a great-uncle and Julie Andrews as her role model, the British singer has been steeped in classic pop all her life. "I just did what I grew up listening to," she says.

Jason Isbell's new album, The Nashville Sound, is out June 16.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, 'The Nashville Sound'

5:00am June 12, 2017

by Jewly Hight

With eyes clear and nerves jangled, Isbell wrestles with unpleasant social and political realities on his sixth studio album.

"If you hear the music, you don't have to be there looking at somebody's body," Sonny Rollins says. "His music is here. All the time."

Music & Culture

After 7 Decades, Sonny Rollins Can't Get Music Off His Mind

5:00am June 12, 2017

The legendary saxophonist, who recently donated his personal archives, speaks with Christian McBride and Audie Cornish about improvisation, innovation, mentorship and legacy.

Beth Ditto's new album, Fake Sugar, is out June 16.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Beth Ditto, 'Fake Sugar'

5:00am June 12, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

The Gossip singer's solo debut recasts her as a versatile, pop-minded rock star who can still shake the rafters with her voice when the moment calls for it.