Music

Lil Nas X, photographed on May 17, 2019 in Los Angeles.

Music & Culture

Lil Nas X Is More Than Just A Meme Lord, Apparently

8:35am June 21, 2019

by Meaghan Garvey

The internet native parlayed his brilliance for virality into a breakout career via the year's most indelible single, and its most unlikely cultural flashpoint. But that was then.

Detail from the cover art of Mort Garson's cult electronic album, Mother Earth's Plantasia.

Music & Culture

Music For Plants Is Real (Even If The Science Isn't)

7:00am June 21, 2019

by Eric Ducker

The bestselling 1970s book The Secret Life of Plants has been effectively debunked — but that hasn't stopped Stevie Wonder, Solange and scores of ambient musicians from chasing its leafy muse.

Breakdown on 20th Ave. South is Buddy & Julie Miller's first album together in nearly a decade.

Music & Culture

Missed For A Decade, Roots Icons Buddy And Julie Miller Return To A Shared Spotlight

5:08am June 21, 2019

by Jewly Hight

A prolific force in Americana, beloved and emulated by Nashville royalty, the couple is back with its first album together in a decade — guided, as always, by a powerful but adaptable partnership.

Queue Listen Now

A woman walks through La Perla, a neighborhood on the edge of Old San Juan, in 2017.

Music & Culture

For Those Missing Puerto Rico, A Song About Dreaming Of Home

10:10pm June 20, 2019

by Adrian Florido

The official anthem of the capital city, "En Mi Viejo San Juan" also serves as a nostalgic lament, evoking memories of the island for the many forced to leave it behind.

Queue Listen Now

Imogen Heap plays a Tiny Desk Conert on May 4, 2019 (Colin Marshall/NPR).

Music & Culture

Imogen Heap: Tiny Desk Concert

6:59pm June 20, 2019

by Bob Boilen

Imogen Heap takes us through her many musical talents, from her Frou Frou musical partner, Guy Sigsworth — and their first new song in 17 years — to an extraordinary performance with musical gloves.

Philippe "Zdar" Cerboneschi, left, and Hubert Blanc-Francard, better known as "Boom Bass," performing as Cassius on April 24, 2010 in Paris, France. Cerboneschi died Jun. 19, 2019 in an accident that occurred at his home in Paris.

Music & Culture

Philippe 'Zdar' Cerboneschi, Influential Producer And Electronic Artist, Dead At 52

3:19pm June 20, 2019

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The French-born artist was one-half of the lauded dance group Cassius and worked with a long list of big names in the studio, including MC Solaar, the Beastie Boys, Phoenix and Hot Chip.

Original artwork created for the series by Al Smith.

Wade In The Water: An Introduction

3:17pm June 20, 2019

Produced in 1994 by NPR and the Smithsonian Institution, Wade in the Water is a 26-part documentary series detailing the history of American gospel music and its impact on soul, jazz and R&B.

Music & Culture

Wade In The Water

3:00pm June 20, 2019

Hear the history of American gospel music and its impact on soul, jazz and R&B.

The Cactus Blossoms performing at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia during WXPN's Free At Noon Concert - recorded live World Cafe.

Music & Culture

The Cactus Blossoms Go From A Fictional Bar To The Studio With Dan Auerbach

2:55pm June 20, 2019

Page Burkum and Jack Torrey's sibling harmonies have caught the attention of producers and music fans alike.

Host Christian McBride and Saxophonist Lou Donaldson in Florida.

Music & Culture

Good Gracious! Words Of Wisdom And Soulful Reflection From 'Sweet Papa' Lou Donaldson

2:54pm June 20, 2019

Host Christian McBride sits down with saxophonist Lou Donaldson to talk about Lou's life as a performer, his thoughts on jazz today and how hip-hop brought new ears to his music.