Music

Music & Culture

Charles 'Yardbird' Parker At 100: Remembering The Legendary Jazz Musician

5:06am August 28, 2020

by Tom Vitale

Jazz legend Charles "Yardbird" Parker, would have turned 100 on August 29. His career spanned less than 20 years, but he created a legacy that continues to be a strong influence on musicians today.

Queue Listen Now

"This record is really about hopefulness. It's about resilience, it's about joy," says Katy Perry. "To me, it's not just about noise, it's about me walking through real hell."

Music & Culture

Katy Perry On Expanding And Reframing Herself On 'Smile'

9:28am August 27, 2020

The pop music power house drops her new album, Smile, on Friday, and she's given birth to her first child. Perry talks about the loss of certainty and rebuilding her confidence while making Smile.

Queue Listen Now

Randa Leigh, one-half of the R&B-ish duo Black Grapefruit alongside Brian Dekker, the photographer.

Music & Culture

Black Grapefruit Seeks Balance 'Inside' Turmoil

8:00am August 27, 2020

by Andrew Flanagan

In a pastoral track from the New York duo, Randa Leigh asks an essential question: "What you follow, fear or love?"

Independent music venues have been among the hardest hit by the global pandemic, raising the possibility of them being forced to sell.

Financially Vulnerable, Independent Music Venues Worry Of Having To Sell

6:00am August 27, 2020

by Marissa R. Moss

Independent music venues continue to be among the businesses hardest hit by the global pandemic. The corporate behemoths of concert promotion, however, can weather the storm.

The Reminders perform at the Mishawaka Amphitheater in Fort Collins, Colo

Music & Culture

How Colorado's Outdoor Venues Are Reimagining Live Music

2:35pm August 26, 2020

by Robert Leja

Colorado is famous for its summer festivals and world class venues, like the Red Rocks Amphitheater. See how some have found creative ways to keep the music alive during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Music & Culture

Amidst The Pandemic, The New Music Out Of Nashville Never Stops

12:41pm August 26, 2020

by Ann Powers

World Cafe's Nashville correspondent, Ann Powers, talks about the state of Music City and five new releases that she's excited about.

Riley Gale, performing with Power Trip on Nov. 8, 2015 in Austin, Texas.

Music & Culture

Riley Gale, Fiery Singer Of Power Trip, Dead At 34

12:09pm August 26, 2020

by Lars Gotrich

The politically active Gale was beloved among his peers for his generosity, and by his fans for the sheer power of his performances.

From left: Randy Bewley, Curtis Crowe, Vanessa Briscoe Hay and Michael Lachowski. Over two albums and a handful of singles released from 1979-1983, Pylon's music roared with a danceable chaos.

Music & Culture

The Long Tail Of Pylon, According To Pylon

10:49am August 26, 2020

by Lars Gotrich

New bands still sound like Pylon and beloved bands still like the music better than their own. Ahead of a catalog reissue, its three remaining members discuss how it feels to last forever.

Billie Eilish plays a Tiny Desk (home) concert.

Music & Culture

Billie Eilish: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

10:00am August 26, 2020

by Stephen Thompson

Billie Eilish used some of her signature video magic to perform in front of the Tiny Desk from the comfort of her own home.

Electric Lady "was this colorful, vibrant space that encouraged you to use your imagination and and inspired new music," says Lee Foster. It's an atmosphere he continues to cultivate in the studios today.

Music & Culture

50 Years Later, Jimi Hendrix's Electric Lady Studios Is Still An Artistic Haven

9:12am August 26, 2020

On Aug. 26, 1970, Jimi Hendrix opened his legendary studios New York City. He died just three weeks later before he could see its success, decline and rebirth as a palace of hits.

Queue Listen Now