Music

Music & Culture

Introducing 'Play It Forward': An Ongoing Chain Of Gratitude From Musicians

5:20pm March 24, 2020

by Ari Shapiro

We introduce listeners to a new music segment called, "Play It Forward." Like our annual Thanksgiving chain of gratitude, it's an opportunity for artists to talk about the music they're thankful for.

Queue Listen Now

An undated portrait of Afro-funk saxophonist Manu Dibango. He died Tuesday in Paris after contracting the coronavirus.

Afro-Funk Saxophonist Manu Dibango Dies Of COVID-19

12:54pm March 24, 2020

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The Cameroonian musician who became an international star with his song "Soul Makossa" died Tuesday at age 86 in Paris. His music helped fuel disco — and songs by Michael Jackson and Rihanna.

Music & Culture

Bright Eyes' 9-Year Hiatus Ends With 'Persona Non Grata'

12:30pm March 24, 2020

by Stephen Thompson

Plans for a world tour are on hold, but the band insists that a new album is coming this year — no matter what. In the meantime, hear its first new song since 2011.

Katherine Paul of Black Belt Eagle Scout has been making a new normal by going on walks outside and focusing on the big picture.

Music & Culture

Our Daily Breather: Black Belt Eagle Scout's Walk In The Woods

10:57am March 24, 2020

by Katherine Paul

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, Our Daily Breather seeks guidance on the health of the psyche. Katherine Paul of Black Belt Eagle Scout has been taking walks and focusing on the big picture.

Serpent Column's new EP is called Endless Detainment — quite the 2020 mood.

Music & Culture

Viking's Choice: Raging Black Metal, Burly Math Rock, Escapist Shoegaze

10:33am March 24, 2020

by Lars Gotrich

The world's gushing hot garbage, so hate-spewing black metal must be the remedy. Plus new music from Control Top, Horse Lords and the return of We Versus The Shark.

The Joshua Redman Quartet. From left: drummer Brian Blade, pianist Brad Mehldau, saxophonist Joshua Redman and bassist Christian McBride.

Music & Culture

Now That They've Conquered The World: Joshua Redman Quartet Readies A New Album

7:13am March 24, 2020

by Nate Chinen

A quarter-century after it first formed, the storied ensemble of Joshua Redman, Brian Blade, Brad Mehldau and Christian McBride reunites. Hear a premiere now.

Soccer Mommy plays a Tiny Desk Home concert.

Music & Culture

Soccer Mommy: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

5:00am March 24, 2020

by Bob Boilen

The New Normal includes some Tiny Desk concerts without the Tiny Desk. Sophie Allison, aka Soccer Mommy, performed a short set while quarantining in her Nashville home during the coronavirus crisis.

A statue of Queen's late singer Freddie Mercury, wearing a protective facemask.

A Playlist Tracking The Many New Tracks Being Written About The Coronavirus

4:43pm March 23, 2020

by Ann Powers

Spotify "data alchemist" Glenn McDonald has been regularly scanning the platform for new songs addressing the crisis, updating his master playlist along the way.

Father John Misty inside the World Cafe Performance Studio

Music & Culture

A Playlist For The Socially Distanced

4:13pm March 23, 2020

by Raina Douris

Hear songs both chaotic and quiet that take on loneliness, staying inside, wondering what it's like outside and how to pass the time.

Alex Isley's "Gone" perfects the art of subtle, fear-inducing seduction.

Music & Culture

Heat Check: Make It Make Sense

1:43pm March 23, 2020

by Sidney Madden

When parts of reality seem unfathomable, music always makes sense. New music from Alex Isley, Childish Gambino, Melanie Faye and more on this week's Heat Check.