Music & Culture

Lizzo performs during NPR Music's 2017 SXSW Showcase at Stubb's.

Music & Culture

Why Lizzo Should — Nay, Must — Play The Super Bowl LII Halftime Show

10:08am July 13, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

The singer nominated herself via Twitter, proposing an epic performance that pays tribute to Prince, including the release of a hundred doves, 300 dancers and cheeseburgers falling from the sky.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Lizz Wright, 'Seems I'm Never Tired Lovin' You'

10:00am July 13, 2017

by Jewly Hight

Wright tells NPR that this Nina Simone song is "literally the statement of belonging and affection." A full gospel choir gives it an old, marching, rocking feel.

Nicole Atkins' new album, Goodnight Rhonda Lee, is out July 21.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Nicole Atkins, 'Goodnight Rhonda Lee'

5:00am July 13, 2017

by Jewly Hight

Atkins' 11-song set depicts high-stakes personal struggles, but the Nashville-based pop singer doesn't treat them as somber affairs.

Daphni's new album, Fabriclive 93, is out July 21.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Daphni, 'Fabriclive 93'

5:00am July 13, 2017

by Piotr Orlov

The new album from Caribou's Dan Snaith is a continuous mix consisting entirely of brand new music and exclusive remixes.

Music & Culture

Wiz Khalifa's 'See You Again' Sets New Record For YouTube Views

4:35pm July 12, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with NPR Music's Andrew Flanagan about Wiz Khalifa's "See You Again" setting the new record for YouTube views.

The message of Empress Of's new single is simple.

Music & Culture

Empress Of's Message To Haters And Saboteurs: 'Go To Hell'

3:50pm July 12, 2017

by Karen Gwee

Co-written by Caroline Polachek (formerly of Chairlift), artist and producer Lorely Rodriguez is unruffled and direct on her latest song since her 2015 debut Me.

Spotify was criticized recently for allegedly hiring producers to create bespoke music for its platform.

Music & Culture

Spotify Is Accused Of Creating Fake Artists — But What Is A Fake Artist?

3:50pm July 12, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

The streaming service has been at the center of a controversy regarding songs made by artists who don't appear to exist anywhere else on the web. If a song exists, can it be fake?

Paul Shaffer & The World's Most Dangerous Band perform live in this World Cafe session.

Music & Culture

Paul Shaffer On World Cafe

2:59pm July 12, 2017

by Talia Schlanger

With a career defined by his stint as one of the most lovable bandleaders on late-night TV, Shaffer now brings The World's Most Dangerous Band to World Cafe for a performance and interview.

Guitarist Ray Phiri on stage with his band Stimela in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2007.

Music & Culture

'Graceland' Guitarist And Arranger Ray Phiri Dies, Age 70

12:55pm July 12, 2017

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The South African guitarist and vocalist was best known in the U.S. for his collaboration with Paul Simon on the iconic album Graceland -- but at home, he was a jazz fusion star.

American fiddler Liz Carroll is part of the U.S.'s evolving Irish traditional music scene.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: Made In America

12:26pm July 12, 2017

Hear the sounds of the Irish traditional music scene in the U.S., from the 1920s to today.