TOPS, 'Perfected Steps'
Penny's airy vocals and the band's soft-rock jangle gently present a case for moving forward and moving on, regardless of your stage in life.
Music & Culture
On her new album, Tomberlin cultivates a community garden
The singer-songwriter says her sophomore album, i don't know who needs to hear this..., is a kind of altar for her feelings, made by bringing other "deep feelers" into the studio with her.
A Strange Loop: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
The cast of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical cram into a booth at a New York institution for this whirlwind of a performance.
Rapper-activist Linqua Franqa is on a mission to change both music and politics
Athens, Ga. is often regarded as one of the best college towns in America, but around 30% of residents live below the poverty line. Mariah Parker—aka Linqua Franqa—is looking to bridge that divide.
Entries We Love: Ollella 'Lava'
This Seattle-based Tiny Desk Contest entrant describes her entry as a "contemplation on playfulness."
Her Voice Is In The Air
The Brazilian singer Flora Purim helped create the sound of jazz fusion. Now, as she releases what she says will be her final album, it's time to give her artistic legacy its due.
Ravyn Lenae, 'M.I.A.'
R&B singer Ravyn Lenae strikes a balance between carefree and commanding.
Under Greg Tate's direction, musical possibilities were limitless
Greg Tate's death left an immeasurable hole in the universe of cultural criticism. Vernon Reid, Matana Roberts, Jared Michael Nickerson and Christina Wheeler pay tribute to his music as Burnt Sugar.
Rosalía is unafraid to pull from every corner of the world
The genre-bending star talks her new album Motomami, expressing sexuality in music and her global approach to pop.
Aaron Nigel Smith and Andy Furgeson on their new album for children 'Smith & Yarn'
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with musicians Aaron Nigel Smith and Andy Furgeson, who performs under the name Red Yarn, about their new children's album, Smith & Yarn.