Devendra Banhart On The Moment He Became A Songwriter
He was nine, and his song horrified his family when he sang it for them. But the experience also showed the songwriter and musician what performance could make him feel.
Music
On Her Latest, Norah Jones Returns To Old Influences
Jones' new album, Day Breaks, includes a song inspired by "Compared to What," a jazz protest song from the late '60s, the lyrics of which she says are "still relevant so many years later."
'I Feel Pretty Good': A Moment With Brian Wilson
The songwriter and Beach Boys co-founder reflects on his family, his mental health and his plans for the future — and names his favorite Brian Wilson song.
'Love For Sale': A History Of Pop Music That's As Personal As It Gets
NPR's Scott Simon talks to music critic David Hajdu about his new book, "Love For Sale," in which he chronicles the 100-plus year history of American pop music.
Heems and Riz MC On 'Rapping And Writing From A Very Personal Place'
The debut album from their hip-hop group, Swet Shop Boys, presents layers of meaning on race and identity — what happens when, as Riz says, "you really mine the specificity of your own experience."
Ages And Ages On World Cafe
For its new album, the Portland band takes inspiration from ancient South American ruins and its own rapidly gentrifying hometown.
On Air With Talia Schlanger, World Cafe's New Contributing Host
Get to know the Toronto native as she shares stories and songs with David Dye.
Songs We Love: Mick Jenkins, 'Angles (Feat. Noname & Xavier Omär)'
The Chicago rapper insists that his core message — Love yourself! Know yourself! — is worth repeating. Noname opens her verse with a declaration: "I am absolutely, positively happy."
Jackie And Roy On Piano Jazz
Hear the husband-and-wife duo join Marian McPartland for a trio version of "Joy Spring" in a 1998 session.
First Listen: Leonard Cohen, 'You Want It Darker'
The particular darkness that defines Cohen's 14th studio album is nearly inescapable, and found everywhere. It's a thick blanket of grim.