Macklemore on the inspiration behind his new album 'Ben'
NPR's Scott Simon speaks with rapper Macklemore about the triumphs, struggles and realizations that inspired his new album, "Ben."
Music & Culture
What's making us happy: A guide to your weekend listening and viewing
Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: South Side, Ariana DeBose's BAFTA performance and Paramore's This Is Why.
Entries We Love: Juno Lev, 'I had gay sex with god (it could've gone better)'
Sometimes a song pulls you in with an incredible title, an intriguing first line or an artist's potent emotion — this Tiny Desk Contest entry does all three.
How Volker Bertelmann created the score for "All Quiet On The Western Front"
NPR's Robin Hilton sits down with composer Volker Bertelmann to talk about how he channeled the drama and horror of World War I into his Oscar-nominated score for "All Quiet On The Western Front."
Missy Mazzoli is a symphonic composer with a photographer's eye
On her new album, Dark with Excessive Bright, the vibrant, young composer coaxes unusual sounds from a symphony orchestra.
Mya Byrne, 'Come On'
In light of proposed (and passed) bills to legislate gender expression, Byrne's rocker resonates as a declaration of rage and a pledge to fight.
'Fresh Air' celebrates the centennial of legendary bluegrass guitarist Doc Watson
Watson, who died in 2012, was born in North Carolina went on to become widely regarded as the single greatest flat-picking guitar player in America. Originally broadcast in 1988 and 1989.
The Thistle and Shamrock: Welsh Dragon
Join your host, Fiona Ritchie this week for some dynamic Welsh contemporary folk and roots music, featuring artists like Crasdant, Ar Log, and the Adagio Trio.
Jazz legend Wayne Shorter has died at 89 in Los Angeles
Whether as a solo act, working with Miles Davis or Art Blakey, or as a founding member of Weather Report, Wayne Shorter routinely introduced new audiences to jazz.
2023 is the magic number
After years absent from the digital music landscape, what does it feel like to listen to one of hip-hop's most storied groups with fresh ears?