Music & Culture

Christina Aguilera's Liberation comes out June 15.

Music & Culture

New Music Friday For June 15: Six Albums You Should Hear Now

5:00am June 15, 2018

by Robin Hilton

This week's essential new releases include Christina Aguilera's powerful Liberation, SOPHIE'S trippy, futuristic debut, Lincoln Park co-founder Mike Shinoda's emotional solo record and more.

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Yissy García & Bandancha perform a Tiny Desk Concert May 10, 2018 (Eslah Attar/NPR).

Music & Culture

Yissy García & Bandancha: Tiny Desk Concert

5:00am June 15, 2018

by Felix Contreras

Come for one of Havana's most talented acts. Stay for García's incredible mohawk.

A still from the video for Drake's "I'm Upset."

Music & Culture

Drake Pulls The Nostalgia Card: Two 'Degrassi' Fans Dissect The Video For 'I'm Upset'

5:21pm June 14, 2018

Drake unites the old gang of Degrassi High School for his latest video. NPR Music breaks down the cameos, Easter eggs and (relatively low-stakes) inconsistencies of "I'm Upset."

Music & Culture

Snail Mail Delivers Sturdy Guitar Riffs And Soaring Vocals On 'Lush'

2:37pm June 14, 2018

by Ken Tucker

Eighteen-year-old Lindsey Jordan, who records under the name Snail Mail, has been playing guitar for 13 years. This combination of youth and experience creates a distinctive sound on her new album.

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Bobby McFerrin with his daughter Madison McFerrin at Monterey Jazz Festival in 2014.

Music & Culture

Finding Foundation: How Bobby McFerrin And His Daughter Make Music A Family Affair

2:35pm June 14, 2018

Bobby McFerrin is best known for his feelgood 1988 hit "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Now, his daughter Madison is a singer-songwriter on the rise.

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Music & Culture

So It's Come To This: Apparently Ryan Adams Is A Weatherman Now

1:57pm June 14, 2018

by Stephen Thompson

In exchange for giving Wednesday's forecast on a Denver TV station, the singer-songwriter recorded a new original song, which... fair warning, isn't the best thing Adams has ever written.

Drummer D.J. Fontana (far right), on stage with Elvis Presley during the singer's landmark 1968 comeback TV special. Fontana died Thursday at age 87.

Music & Culture

Elvis Presley's Longtime Drummer, D.J. Fontana, Has Died

12:55pm June 14, 2018

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The drummer who laid down the sound of rock and roll on tunes like "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Jailhouse Rock" died Wednesday at age 87. He had been the last surviving member of Presley's 1950s band.

Natalie Prass inside the World Cafe Performance Studio.

Music & Culture

Natalie Prass On World Cafe

12:47pm June 14, 2018

by Talia Schlanger

Rather than taking on an acid tongue, Prass digs into the sweeter possibilities — that tough times can make people stick together, stand up and be counted and even dance.

Music & Culture

From The Japanese Underground: A Playlist

9:43am June 14, 2018

by Ian Martin

Author and label owner Ian Martin takes us on a tour of his history with the underground music scene in Japan.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Dawes, 'Passwords'

8:46am June 14, 2018

by Stephen Thompson

Dawes returns once again to its greatest specialty: smooth and ingratiating California folk-rock that never bothers to hide its big, beating, bleeding heart.