Music

Top: Cécile McLorin Salvant. Bottom row, left to right: Anthony Roth Costanzo, Chromeo.

Music & Culture

Tiny Desk Sketches: An Illustrator's Year In The Front Row

1:20pm January 09, 2019

by Angela Hsieh

NPR illustrator Angela Hsieh sketches Tiny Desk shows as they happen, capturing the musicians at a specific moment in time. Highlights include Yo-Yo Ma, the Wu-Tang Clan and Florence + The Machine.

This week's episode of The Thistle & Shamrock features music by Carreg Lafar.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: Underneath The Stars

1:16pm January 09, 2019

Drift through this hour with host Fiona Ritchie and releases from Carlos Núñez, Carreg Lafar and Talitha Mackenzie.

Music & Culture

'Hard Case' Is An Upbeat, Shuffling Instant Classic From Tedeschi Trucks Band

12:37pm January 09, 2019

by Bruce Warren

The Grammy Award-winning 12-piece, led by husband and wife Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, is releasing its new album, Signs, this February.

Music & Culture

Why The Blueprint For K-Pop Actually Came From Japan

12:28pm January 09, 2019

by Naomi Gingold

Japanese boy band SMAP and its powerful agency, Johnny's Entertainment, are largely responsible for creating the K-pop model. Even though SMAP broke up, its influence is still being felt.

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A screenshot from Priests' video for "The Seduction of Kansas"

Music & Culture

Priests Announces New Album 'The Seduction Of Kansas' And Shares Title Track

11:15am January 09, 2019

by Marissa Lorusso

The follow-up album to 2017's Nothing Feels Natural is out April on the band's own Sister Polygon Records.

A screenshot from SASAMI's video for "Jealousy"

Music & Culture

SASAMI's 'Jealousy' Video Casts A Compelling Spell

10:11am January 09, 2019

by Marissa Lorusso

The LA musician has played in Cherry Glazerr and contributed horn arrangements for Vagabon and Wild Nothing albums. Now, she announces her elegant debut album with this sun-drenched track.

Music & Culture

Steve Earle Sings To His Hero, Guy Clark

9:52am January 09, 2019

by Bob Boilen

At 21, Steve Earle left San Antonio, hitchhiked to Nashville and met his musical hero, Guy Clark, who was playing pool. That was 1974. Now, Earle pays tribute to Guy Clark on his new album, GUY.

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Buddy performs a Tiny Desk Concert on Dec. 4, 2018 (Cameron Pollack/NPR).

Music & Culture

Buddy: Tiny Desk Concert

8:53am January 09, 2019

by Rodney Carmichael

The preacher's son from Compton brought his flair for the dramatic, and an air of rebellion, to the Tiny Desk.

Music & Culture

Instrumentalist Harouna Samake Dazzles Crowds At World Music Expo

7:21pm January 08, 2019

by Banning Eyre

The World Music Expo showcases the industry's up-and-coming artists. This year, Malian instrumentalist Harouna Samake stole the show, dazzling crowds with his unique approach to a gourd harp.

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Lin-Manual Miranda, shot at a press event for Mary Poppins Returns in Paris in December.

Lin-Manuel Miranda And 'Hamilton' Partners Save A Manhattan Theater Bookstore

3:53pm January 08, 2019

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The Drama Book Shop, a store and creative hub that has served the acting community for more than 100 years, was slated to close this month. But the Hamilton group has stepped in to purchase the shop.