Music

Producer Dave Cobb in the studio at his Nashville home. Cobb's work has added traditional notes to the slick sound that dominates country, but he challenges the idea that what he's doing is more "authentic."

Music & Culture

An Outsider Remakes Nashville's Traditional Sound

1:46pm December 16, 2015

by Ann Powers

After making acclaimed albums with Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton, producer Dave Cobb has quietly staked out territory as the man behind country music's roots revolution.

Music & Culture

Iceland's Solstafir Seeks Salvation In Sublimely Shot 'Miðaftann'

12:00pm December 16, 2015

by Lars Gotrich

In a new video, Solstafir's somber and haunting song about wandering in darkness is set against the stark landscape of Iceland.

Guitar, drums and piano instructor Loren Kranz (left) listens to Natalya Andrews, 8, play "Up on the Housetop" during Andrews' piano lesson. Kranz started teaching instrument lessons through Major Chords for Minors in September of 2014 and now gives lesso

National

Free Music Lessons Strike A Chord For At-Risk Kids

9:35am December 16, 2015

by Pam Fessler

John and Katrina Vowell used their small savings to start Major Chords for Minors in Saginaw, Mich., because they were worried about the city's youth. Now they have 130 students and a long wait list.

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Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Janet Feder, 'Happy Everyday, You'

9:00am December 16, 2015

by Tom Cole

"Prepared" guitar virtuoso explains the process behind a composition that is also a gift to her listeners.

This is your chance to get creative, have fun and maybe win your own Tiny Desk Concert.

Music & Culture

Announcing Our 2016 Tiny Desk Contest

6:22pm December 15, 2015

by Bob Boilen

Calling all undiscovered artists: This might be your chance to perform at music's most famous desk.

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Music & Culture

Holly Miranda On World Cafe

5:42pm December 15, 2015

The Brooklyn singer has Kanye West's stamp of approval. Hear songs from her new self-titled album.

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Music & Culture

'All I Want For Christmas Is You' Falls From Top Of Holiday Playlists

4:15pm December 15, 2015

by Andrew Limbong

After years, Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" has been displaced from the top of retail stores' holiday music playlists. NPR investigates the news behind this startling development.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.

Music & Culture

A Paul Winter Solstice Concert 2015

3:50pm December 15, 2015

Celebrate the return of the sun with the 35th annual Winter Solstice concert, captured live in the majestic Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

Music & Culture

KEXP Presents: Dilly Dally

3:37pm December 15, 2015

by Janice Headley

Watch the grunge-inspired Toronto band perform "Desire" live in a Seattle studio.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Zane Campbell, 'Layaway Plan'

1:55pm December 15, 2015

by Lars Gotrich

An alcoholic's holiday carol that's ultimately a letter to the mother the narrator never calls, from one of American folk and country music's great recluses.