Music & Culture

Balloons are a central feature of every Loft party.

Music & Culture

Still Saving The Day: The Most Influential Dance Party In History Turns 50

2:10pm February 19, 2020

by Piotr Orlov

The Loft, a party that David Mancuso first threw at his Manhattan home 50 years ago, seeded a community — and cemented a belief system that continues to reverberate.

Music & Culture

Go-Go Becomes The Official Music Of Washington, D.C.

12:13pm February 19, 2020

Since the 1970s, go-go's free-flowing funk has been associated with the nation's capital. And now the mayor has signed a measure making go-go the official music of the nation's capital.

Queue Listen Now

Madison McFerrin performs for a Key Studio Session at WXPN

Music & Culture

Madison McFerrin's Hypnotic Music Will Pull You In

11:56am February 19, 2020

The daughter of Bobby McFerrin, Madison is like a hypnotist: She creates expansive, atmospheric grooves that grow and bloom, layer by layer.

Counterpoint: A Memoir of Bach and Mourning, by Philip Kennicott

In 'Counterpoint' Bach Helps An Art Critic Mourn A Mother Whose Criticism Lingers

10:38am February 19, 2020

by Martha Anne Toll

The Washington Post's Philip Kennicott suffered his mother's harsh words and actions throughout childhood. His book is partly a need to acknowledge her "sadness and anger and unaccountable rages."

One of the pioneers of London's acid house scene, Andrew Weatherall had an influential career as an electronic music artist, DJ and producer.

Music & Culture

Andrew Weatherall, Champion Of Underground Music, Dies At 56

6:53pm February 18, 2020

by Noah Caldwell

DJ and artist Andrew Weatherall died Monday at 56. He was widely heralded in the electronic music world and was a hero of underground dance music.

Queue Listen Now

Music & Culture

Encore: On 'Seeking Thrills,' Georgia Channels A Lifetime On The Dance Floor

4:05pm February 18, 2020

British musician Georgia has a new album out full of throwback dance beats and stripped-back vocals. It's called Seeking Thrills. She speaks with NPR's Ari Shapiro.

The Kraken Quartet collaborates with Hikes singer/guitarist Nay Wilkins on a lily-pad-jumping post-rock EP.

Music & Culture

Viking's Choice: Ancient Metal, Soft Synths, The Perfect Choogle

3:49pm February 18, 2020

by Lars Gotrich

On this week's playlist, a doomy and gorgeous incantation from Psalm Zero featuring Lingua Ignota, Pulse Emitter's emotionally rich synths and guitarist Chris Forsyth's ultimate form.

Rachael & Vilray first met in 2003 when they were students at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, but didn't begin performing together until 2015.

Music & Culture

Rachael & Vilray Share A Mic — And A Love Of Old Swing Standards

1:31pm February 18, 2020

by Sam Briger

The music duo perform songs from their self-titled debut album, which draws on the music of the '30s and '40s. "There is a timeless quality to these old standards," Vilray says.

Queue Listen Now

Justin Bieber, photographed with fans at the premiere of his self-produced YouTube documentary series Seasons, on Jan. 27, 2020 in Los Angeles. The pop star released his first album in five years, Changes, on Feb. 14.

Music & Culture

Justin Bieber Finds His Bliss

1:21pm February 18, 2020

by Lindsay Zoladz

On Changes, his first studio album in five years — after a trying decade-plus of growing up in the digital spotlight — Justin Bieber sounds reinvigorated.

Snoh Aalegra plays a Tiny Desk Concert (Laura Beltran Villamizar/NPR).

Music & Culture

Snoh Aalegra: Tiny Desk Concert

12:45pm February 18, 2020

by Sidney Madden

The Iranian-Swedish singer draws her musical cues from Brandy and Sade while racking up a list of collaborators such as Vince Staples, James Fauntleroy and, most recently, Pharrell Williams.