Music & Culture

Music & Culture

After Almost 30 Years, Patty Smyth Returns With New Album 'It's About Time'

7:39am October 10, 2020

This may be Smyth's first new material in decades, but she has been busy raising six children, touring, recording, acting and providing the Netflix series Glow with its theme.

This week's episode of The Thistle & Shamrock features music by John Doyle.

Music & Culture

The Thistle & Shamrock: Biomimicry

11:25pm October 09, 2020

Hear music inspired by the natural world featuring artists John Doyle, The Bothy Band, and Nickel Creek.

The performing arts remain in economic peril as Broadway extends closures until May due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Broadway's Reopening Is Pushed Back Again

1:39pm October 09, 2020

by Andrew Limbong

The Broadway League has announced an extension of closures related to COVID-19 to May.

The Flaming Lips perform a Tiny Desk (home) concert.

Music & Culture

The Flaming Lips: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

12:00pm October 09, 2020

by Bob Boilen

Wayne Coyne has been preparing for this era of social distancing for 10 years. Watch The Flaming Lips perform in bubbles for our Tiny Desk quarantine series.

Music & Culture

Friction Is Essential To What Makes Sylvan Esso's Creative Collaboration Tick

12:00pm October 09, 2020

Sylvan Esso's Nick Sanborn and Amelia Meath share stories behind their beautiful new album, Free Love, and perform stripped-down versions of songs from the record.

Jack White performs during the 2014 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. This week, he will perform as SNL's musical guest.

Music & Culture

Jack White Replaces Morgan Wallen As 'SNL' Musical Guest

10:02am October 09, 2020

by LaTesha Harris

The announcement came after country singer Morgan Wallen was dropped from the show for failing to maintain COVID-19 safety protocols.

Music & Culture

How Law Enforcement Has Historically Targeted Hip-Hop Artists

7:03am October 09, 2020

NPR's new podcast Louder Than A Riot looks at the interconnected rise of hip-hop and mass incarceration.

Queue Listen Now

Rapper Tory Lanez, performing in Newark, N.J. in Sept. 2019.

Rapper Tory Lanez Charged In Megan Thee Stallion Shooting

7:18pm October 08, 2020

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

Tory Lanez faces several felony charges related to a shooting in the Hollywood Hills on July 12. The incident's details line up with allegations made by rapper and singer Megan Thee Stallion.

Mohammad Reza Shajarian, onstage in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2008. The singer died Thursday in Tehran.

A Voice Of Iran, Master Singer Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Has Died

5:18pm October 08, 2020

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

With a voice by turns soaring and haunting, Shajarian was considered one of his nation's treasures — and then ran afoul of the regime. He died Thursday in Tehran at age 80.

'SNL' Nixes Morgan Wallen Appearance After Singer Violates COVID-19 Safety Protocols

3:50pm October 08, 2020

by Brakkton Booker

Video of the country singer partying without a mask last weekend has surfaced on social media. "I respect the show's decision, because I know that I put them in jeopardy," Wallen says in a video.