Podcasts about npr music

It's a slow release day to start the new year, so this week NPR Music's Stephen Thompson brings us an abbreviated episode highlighting a few of the new albums you might have missed in December. Artists and albums featured in this episode:- Pink Floyd, 'Wish You Were Here 50'- Fred Again.., 'USB002'- This Is Lorelei, 'Holo Boy'- HEALTH, 'CONFLICT DLC'- Juliana Hatfield, 'Lightning Might Strike'- DJ Sabrina The Teenage DJ, 'Fantasy'- Daniel Lopatin, 'Marty Supreme (Original Soundtrack)'Credits:Host: Stephen ThompsonAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Elle MannionEditor: Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Five Faves: 2005 Edition Executive producer Adam Harris walks us through some of the most memorable sets and performances from his first season with Mountain Stage, twenty short years ago. Tune in to hear The Del McCoury Band, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Lizz Wright, Guy Clark, Nanci Griffith, Odetta and more! https://bit.ly/4sptuc8

On the last episode of All Songs Considered for 2025, NPR Music producer Lars Gotrich takes host Robin Hilton through an exceptional year in guitar music. From Gwenifer Raymond's beautiful and brash fingerstyle to Rafael Toral's stretched-out jazz standards, not to mention William Tyler's glitched hymns and Vernon Reid's ecstatic shred, there's so much diversity to be found in six strings.Featured songs and artists: • Gwenifer Raymond: "Bleak Night in Rabbit's Wood," from 'Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark'• Hayden Pedigo: "Houndstooth," from 'I'll Be Waving As You Drive Away'• TAKAAT: "Isghmar," from 'Is Noise, Vol. 1'• Rafael Toral: "You Don't Know What Love Is," from 'Traveling Light'• Laura Snowden: "This Changing Sky," from 'This Changing Sky'• Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba: "Wemfana," from 'kwaNTU'• William Tyler: "Star of Hope," from 'Time Indefinite'• Jorge Espinal: "ají de pollería," from 'Bombos y Cencerros'• Vernon Reid: "Meditation on the Last Time I Saw Arthur Rhames," from 'Hoodoo Telemetry'Want more? See the full Viking's Choice list for the best guitar music of 2025.Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This episode was recorded on November 16th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Jack Blocker, Cole Quest & The City Pickers, Courtney Hartman, The Critton Hollow String Band. https://bit.ly/451Cjin

What's it like to date a man? Ask pop stars or your friends, and you might hear it's a struggle.From Sabrina Carpenter to Summer Walker, some of the biggest female artists on the charts today…are absolutely through with men. It's a sentiment that has a name: heteropessimism. Coined in 2019 by the writer Asa Seresin, the term encapsulates the embarrassment, disaffection and fatigue that comes from being heterosexual. “Men are trash” music that reflects these feelings isn't new, but NPR Music editor Hazel Cills says it's making a comeback. So what makes this time different? And what can we learn from this moment's heteropessimism about the realities of dating men today?Support Public Media. Join NPR Plus.Follow Brittany Luse on Instagram: @bmluseFor handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR's Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We asked and you answered. Earlier this month, we opened the polls and invited All Songs Considered's listeners to tell us their top 5 records of the year. We tabulated all of the ballots, determined the top 10, and gave the results a proper countdown in this episode of All Songs. And while we usually include the albums we discuss in our episode notes, this time you'll have to listen to find out what made the list. (OK, fine, you can click here to see the top 50 vote-getters.)NPR Music critic Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The sheer volume and variety of Spanish-language music released every year is breathtaking. Even those of us with our ears to the ground are bound to miss things. So, in this episode we travel back through the year to resurface some of the remarkable albums that somehow didn't make it on the show. Catch Afro-Caribbean jazz, a history-spanning classical strings project, the return of Juana Molina and much, much more.Artists and albums featured in this episode:- Alex Cuba, 'Índole'- Enyel C, 'Nuevo Caribe'- Berta Rojas, 'La Huella de las Cuerdas'- Cazzu, 'Latinaje'- Conrad Herwig, Eddie Palmieri and Luques Curtis, 'Reflections-Facing South'- Juana Molina, 'DOGA'This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The sheer volume and variety of Spanish-language music released every year is breathtaking. Even those of us with our ears to the ground are bound to miss things. So, in this episode we travel back through the year to resurface some of the remarkable albums that somehow didn't make it on the show. Catch Afro-Caribbean jazz, a history-spanning classical strings project, the return of Juana Molina and much, much more.Artists and albums featured in this episode:- Alex Cuba, 'Índole'- Enyel C, 'Nuevo Caribe'- Berta Rojas, 'La Huella de las Cuerdas'- Cazzu, 'Latinaje'- Conrad Herwig, Eddie Palmieri and Luques Curtis, 'Reflections-Facing South'- Juana Molina, 'DOGA'This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

From big-ticket albums by Taylor and Gaga, to a revival of the stomp-clap revival – 2025 had it all, for better and for worse. Now that the year has come to a close, it's time to take a look back at the past twelve months: what happened in the zeitgeist, what we loved listening to, and what we missed here on the show. Reanna, Charlie, and Nate talk about it all, including a look back at our predictions from January to check off boxes for Switched On Pop bingo. Songs discussed: Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia Alex Warren – Ordinary HUNTR/X – Golden Morgan Wallen – I'm The Problem Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga – Die With A Smile Bruno Mars – 24K Magic ROSÉ, Bruno Mars – APT. Olivia Dean – Man I Need Ravyn Lenae – Love Me Not Justin Bieber, Dijon – DEVOTION Bon Iver, Dijon, Flock of Dimes – Day One Dijon – Baby! Dijon – Yamaha CA7RIEL – SHIPEA2 Paco Amoroso – Viuda Negra CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso – EL ÚNICO - Live at NPR MUSIC's Tiny Desk CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso – EL DÍA DEL AMIGO CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso – #TETAS Breaking Rust – Walk My Walk Jack Black – Steve's Lava Chicken Saja Boys – Soda Pop Snocaps – Coast Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful Bad Bunny – DtMF MOLIY, Shenseea, Silent Addy, Skillibeng – Shake It To The Max (FLY) - Remix Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our very own musical Santa is back for another year: NPR Music critic Ann Powers joins host Marie Cecile Anderson and producer Daniel Sumstine to share her overflowing sleigh of great songs and albums from Nashville artists in 2025. We're talking Hayley Williams, Margo Price, William Tyler, Kashus Culpepper, and so many more — did your fave make the list? Check out Ann's Top 10 albums of 2025 here. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 15th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter.

If we needed any more proof that the album isn't dead, 2025 was it. On this episode, Stephen Thompson is joined by Ann Powers and Daoud Tyler-Ameen to run through 12 dazzling albums that stuck with the NPR Music team this year. And for an even deeper exploration, check out the full lists of our critics' best albums of 2025 here.Artists and albums featured on this episode:- Rosalía, 'LUX'- Wednesday, 'Bleeds'- Nourished by Time, 'The Passionate Ones'- Daniel Caesar, 'Son of Spergy'- Dave, 'The Boy Who Played the Harp'- Clarice Jensen, 'In holiday clothing, out of the great darkness'- Gwenifer Raymond, 'Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark'- Kal Banx, 'RHODA'- Mary Halvorson, 'About Ghosts'- Annie DiRusso, 'Super Pedestrian'- Queralt Lahoz, '9:30 PM'- Patrick Watson, 'Uh Oh'Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This year was bookended by two major statements in Latin music. In January, Bad Bunny released DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, and followed that up with a 31-show residency in Puerto Rico over the summer. Then, in November, the Spanish vocalist Rosalía released her genre-defying masterpiece LUX, which sent legions of music lovers scrambling to try to grasp the magnitude of an album performed in 13 different languages.But they were only the tip of the iceberg of yet another year of mind-bending creativity in Spanish language music. This week on Alt.Latino, Felix and Ana look back at some of the other artists and recordings that made 2025 another year of adventurous and rewarding listening. These six artists made only a fraction of music that caught our attention. But we only have so much time on these podcasts! Use this as a starting point to explore the year that was on your own. And check out more of NPR Music's coverage of the best music of 2025 here. Enjoy!Artists and albums featured in this episode:- Bad Bunny, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS- Rosalía, LUX- Queralt Lahoz, 9:30 PM- Roxana Amed, Todos los Fuegos- Arath Herce, Musas en Mi- Mon Laferte, Femme Fatal- rusowsky, DAISY- Lido Pimienta, La BellezaThis episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This year was bookended by two major statements in Latin music. In January, Bad Bunny released DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, and followed that up with a 31-show residency in Puerto Rico over the summer. Then, in November, the Spanish vocalist Rosalía released her genre-defying masterpiece LUX, which sent legions of music lovers scrambling to try to grasp the magnitude of an album performed in 13 different languages.But they were only the tip of the iceberg of yet another year of mind-bending creativity in Spanish language music. This week we look back at some of the other artists and recordings that made 2025 another year of adventurous and rewarding listening. These six artists made only a fraction of music that caught our attention. But we only have so much time on these podcasts! Use this as a starting point to explore the year that was on your own. And check out more of NPR Music's coverage of the best music of 2025 here. Enjoy!Artists and albums featured in this episode:- Bad Bunny, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS- Rosalía, LUX- Queralt Lahoz, 9:30 PM- Roxana Amed, Todos los Fuegos- Arath Herce, Musas en Mi- Mon Laferte, Femme Fatal- rusowsky, DAISY- Lido Pimienta, La BellezaThis episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

When the dust settles on 2025, what songs will remain in heavy rotation? We look back at a dizzying amount of music and share some of our picks for the best tracks of the year.What you'll hear in this episode is an incredibly incomplete list that obviously just scratches the surface of all the incredible music that came out this year. For a more comprehensive breakdown of what we loved in 2025, check out NPR Music's list of the 125 best songs. Artists and songs featured on this episode:1. Dijon: “Yamaha,” from ‘Baby'2. Nourished By Time: “Max Potential,” from ‘The Passionate Ones'3. Patrick Watson: “Peter and the Wolf,” from ‘Uh Oh'4. FKA twigs: “Room of Fools,” from ‘EUSEXUA'5. PinkPantheress: “Stateside,” from ‘Fancy That'6. Asher White: “Beers with my name on them,” from ‘8 Tips for Full Catastrophe Living'7. Wednesday: “Townies,” from ‘Bleeds'8. Gabriel Jacoby: “the one,” from ‘gutta child'9. Olafur Arnalds & Talos: “We Didn't Know We Were Ready (feat. Niamh Regan & Ye Vagabonds),” from ‘A Dawning'Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Some folks think by December all the releases for the year are complete. Not quite. This week's Alt.Latino episode features a new music show with albums that should be considered along with the year's best.  We've got pop and alternative from Mexico, funk from Colombia, rock and ambient from New York, and a Tejano master celebrated by his fellow Texans. Plus, Felix brings the zen. Artists and songs featured in this episode: - Diles que no me maten, 'Manos de Piedra - Revisitada'- Dianna Lopez, 'Sun Frequencies (Renewal)'- HUMBE, 'fantasmas'- Rene Lopez, 'Any Chance'- Duplat, 'Vete del País'- Ruben Ramos. 'El Año Viejo (ft. Gaby Moreno)'This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Some folks think by December all the releases for the year are complete. Not quite. This week we feature a new music show with albums that should be considered along with the year's best.  We've got pop and alternative from Mexico, funk from Colombia, rock and ambient from New York and a Tejano master celebrated by his fellow Texans. Plus, Felix brings the zen. Artists and songs featured in this episode: - Diles que no me maten, 'Manos de Piedra - Revisitada'- Dianna Lopez, 'Sun Frequencies (Renewal)'- HUMBE, 'fantasmas'- Rene Lopez, 'Any Chance'- Duplat, 'Vete del País'- Ruben Ramos. 'El Año Viejo (ft. Gaby Moreno)'This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We look back at the year's most defining moments in music, from the Trump administration's takeover of the Kennedy Center to Kendrick's Super Bowl performance, the Sean Combs trial, the 'Sinners' phenomenon, artists we loved and lost and more. But we begin with a question: Was it an unusually great year for music, unusually bad or par for the course?Check back for more year-end coverage from NPR Music and All Songs Considered, including our picks for best songs, best albums and more.Vote for your favorite albums of 2025.Enjoy the show? Send it to a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This episode was recorded on November 11th, 2025 at the People's Bank Theatre in Mariette, Ohio. The lineup includes Hannah Cohen, Lera Lynn, Boulevards, Amy Millan, and Oyo. https://bit.ly/445zyvT

This episode was recorded on October 19th, 2025 at WVU's Canady Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, WV. The lineup includes SHADOWLANDS feat. John Raymond & S. Carey, TAE & The Neighborly, Ken Yates, Damn tall Buildings, Erin McKeown. https://bit.ly/3M4Zkdj

Odeal. Snarky Puppy. The return of Tobias Jesso Jr. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Justus Sanchez from KNKX in Seattle and Tacoma to chat about their favorite new albums out Friday, Nov. 21.The Starting 5:- Tobias Jesso Jr., 's h i n e'- Haley Heynderickx and Max Garcia Conover, 'What of Our Nature'- SHOLTO, 'The Sirens'- Snarky Puppy with Metropole Orkest, 'Somni'- Odeal, 'The Fall That Saved Us'The Lightning Round:- Keaton Henson, 'Parader'- John Scofield and Dave Holland, 'Memories of Home'- Fabiano do Nascimento, 'Cavejaz'- Magic Fig, 'Valerian Tea'- Max Richter, 'Hamnet (OST)'See the long list of albums out Nov. 21 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.Credits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Justus Sanchez, KNKXAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Elle MannionEditor: Otis Hart Executive Producer: Suraya MohamedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The annual Latin Grammy awards are always full of glamour and glitz. But they're also an ideal time to take the pulse of the industry - which is exactly what Anamaria Sayre did this year, perusing the red carpet to talk with the most exciting names in Latin music. In this episode, Ana brings Felix her report from Las Vegas, where Bad Bunny won Album of the Year, the independent Brazilian music scene made a splash, and the whole industry seemed to be saying: "Show us where you're from."This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The annual Latin Grammy awards are always full of glamour and glitz. But they're also an ideal time to take the pulse of the industry - which is exactly what Anamaria Sayre did this year, perusing the red carpet to talk with the most exciting names in Latin music. In this episode, Ana brings Felix her report from Las Vegas, where Bad Bunny won Album of the Year, the independent Brazilian music scene made a splash, and the whole industry seemed to be saying: "Show us where you're from."This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This episode was recorded on October 12th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Craig Finn & The Band of Forgiveness, East Nash Grass, Deb Talan, Nicki Bluhm, and Two Runner. https://bit.ly/3XJq7hP

In our final contenders episode of 2025, we've got some late additions to our running list of the year's best songs, including Robyn's first new release in seven years, the return of the existential shoegaze band Nothing and, of course, we've gotta include Rosalía.NPR Music editor Hazel Cills joins host Robin Hilton.Featured artists and songs:Robyn: “Dopamine” (single)Rosalía: “Divinize,” from 'LUX'Snocaps: “Over Our Heads,” from ‘Snocaps'Bassvictim: “Mr. President,” from ‘Forever'Lola Young: “SPIDERS,” from ‘I'm Only F****** Myself'Nothing: “cannibal world,” from ‘a short history of decay'Weekly reset: Walking through Nara Park (the deer park) in Nara, Japan, on an autumn afternoon.Enjoy the show? Send it to a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

FKA twigs. The Avett Brothers. Madi Diaz covering blink-182. Stephen Thompson from NPR Music is joined by Liz Warner from WDET in Detroit to chat about their favorite albums out Friday, Nov. 14. The Starting 5:- FKA twigs, 'EUSEXUA Afterglow' (Stream)- The Avett Brothers & Mike Patton, 'AVTT/PTTN' (Stream)- Gabriel Jacoby, 'gutta child' EP (Stream)- K-LONE, 'sorry i thought you were someone else' (Stream)- Sword II, 'Electric Hour' (Stream)The Lightning Round:- Summer Walker, 'Finally Over It'- V/A, 'DJ-Kicks: Eris Drew'- Austra, 'Chin Up Buttercup'- Everything But the Girl, 'The Best of Everything But the Girl'- Tony Molina, 'On This Day'See the long list of albums out Nov. 14 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org.Credits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Liz Warner, WDETAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Elle MannionEditor: Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Spanish vocalist and composer Rosalía has been a major presence in Spanish language music since she released her first album, "El Mal Querer," in 2018. She started by leaning into her flamenco roots, but since then she has expanded her musical vision to become one of those musicians who defies category.Her new album "LUX" stretches that descriptor to its limit. Her musical tools this time include the London Symphony Orchestra, singing in 13 languages, guests like Icelandic performer Björk, and her own vocals that hit operatic heights. This week, Ana and Felix dissect the album and play excerpts from Ana's interview with Rosalía. How can you go wrong?You can read extended highlights of Ana's interview with Rosalía at NPR.orgThis episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Spanish vocalist and composer Rosalía has been a major presence in Spanish language music since she released her first album, "El Mal Querer," in 2018. She started by leaning into her flamenco roots, but since then she has expanded her musical vision to become one of those musicians who defies category.Her new album "LUX" stretches that descriptor to its limit. Her musical tools this time include the London Symphony Orchestra, singing in 13 languages, guests like Icelandic performer Björk, and her own vocals that hit operatic heights. This week, Ana and Felix dissect the album and play excerpts from Ana's interview with Rosalía. How can you go wrong?You can read extended highlights of Ana's interview with Rosalía at NPR.orgThis episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This episode was recorded on October 5th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Jim Lauderdale & The Game Changers, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Lilly Hiatt, Joachim Cooder, and Woodbine. https://bit.ly/4qXuRhh

Mavis Staples. Young Miko. A jaw-dropping project from Rosalía. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson is joined by Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Liz Felix from WYEP in Pittsburgh to discuss their favorite new albums out November 7.The Starting 5:- Rosalía, 'Lux'- Young Miko, 'Do Not Disturb'- Various Artists, 'All Things Go: 10 Years'- Portugal. The Man, 'Shish'- Mavis Staples, 'Sad and Beautiful World'The Lightning Round:- Juana Molina, 'DOGA'- Liam Kazar, 'Pilot Light'- The Mountain Goats, 'Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan'- The Cranberries, 'MTV Unplugged'- Sarathy Korwar, 'There Is Beauty, There Already'See the long list of albums out Nov. 7 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.orgCredits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuests: Anamaria Sayre and Liz Felix, WYEPAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Elle MannionEditor: Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week's broadcast of Mountain Stage is a Five Favorites edition featuring a collection of favorite sets from 2023, chosen by our host Kathy Mattea. This special episode includes performances by Jason Isbell, Catherine Russell, Karla Bonoff, The High Kings, and Jennifer Hartswick Band. https://bit.ly/3LokYcs

Our fourth installment of music to slow the blood is a mix of all-new releases from this year, from the world-building, ambient sounds of Ozbolt and Klein to the hope, optimism and good company found in the music of Samia, Hand Habits, KeiyaA and more.NPR Music's Dora Levite and Sheldon Pearce join host Robin Hilton.Featured songs and artists:1. Kieren Hebden & William Tyler: “Secret City,” from ‘41 Longfield Street Late ‘80s'2. Cassandra Jenkins: “Only Relaxation,” from ‘My Light, My Massage Parlor'3. David Cordero & anthené: “Humedal,” from ‘Let One Bird Sing'4. KeiyaA: “stupid prizes,” from ‘hooke's law'5. Annahstasia: Unrest,” from ‘Tether'6. Klein: “it is what it is in d minor,” from ‘sleep with a cane'7. Mark Pritchard & Thom Yorke: “The Spirit,” from ‘Tall Tales'8. Hand Habits: “Jasmine Blossoms,” from ‘Blue Reminder'9. Ozbolt: “Harkerville Coastal Trail,” from ‘Chasyng Drakens'10. Samia: “Pool (Stripped),” from ‘The Baby (5th Anniversary Edition)'11. The Armed: “I Steal What I Want,” from ‘The Future Is Here And Everything Needs To Be Destroyed'12. Stars of the Lid: “Goodnight,” from ‘Music for Nitrous Oxide (30 Year Anniversary 2025 Remaster)'Enjoy the show? Send it to a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A Waxahatchee side project. Guided By Voices. keiyaA. Marfa Public Radio's Julie Bee joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to break down the best albums out on Halloween. The Starting 5:- Snocaps (Katie and Allison Crutchfield), s/t- Guided By Voices, Thick Rich and Delicious- Chat Pile & Hayden Pedigo, In The Earth Again- keiyaA, hooke's law- Anna von Hausswolff, IconoclastsThe Lightning Round:- Florence + The Machine, Everybody Scream- The Charlatans, We Are Love- Saintsenaca, Highwalllow & Supermoon Songs- Hilary Woods, Night CRIÚ- Lily Lyons, Re-Open The WorldSee the long list of albums out Oct. 31 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on NPR.org. Follow Julie Bee's weekly Marfa Public Radio show on Mixcloud.Credits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Julie Bee, Marfa Public RadioAudio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Elle MannionEditor: Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Not to sound like a broken record, but I'll say it again: the variety of creative expression in what is inadequately labeled "Latin music" continues to astound me.From the bossa nova-by-way-of-Guatemala of Fabuloso and Los Skeepers, to the evolving torch singing of the Chilean-via-Mexico vocalist Mon Laferte, to the ‘Western noir' of California singer Andrés Miguel Cervantes, to Nathy Peluso's Argentine take on Seventies New York City salsa, to jazz from southern Spain's Chano Domínguez... how do we even try to keep up with this kind of output?Someone has to do it, and we're glad it's us. Featured artists and songs:- Milo J, 'OLIMPO', 'Bajo De La Piel', 'Jangadero'- Fabuloso & Los Skeepers, 'Si Te Gusta'- Mon Laferte, 'Las Flores Que Dejaste En La Mesa', '1:30'- Chano Domínguez & Emaginario, 'March Of The Siguiriyas'- Nathy Peluso, 'ÁNGEL'- Andrés Miguel Cervantes, 'Dreams of Jacumba'This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Not to sound like a broken record, but I'll say it again: the variety of creative expression in what is inadequately labeled "Latin music" continues to astound me.From the bossa nova-by-way-of-Guatemala of Fabuloso and Los Skeepers, to the evolving torch singing of the Chilean-via-Mexico vocalist Mon Laferte, to the ‘Western noir' of California singer Andrés Miguel Cervantes, to Nathy Peluso's Argentine take on Seventies New York City salsa, to jazz from southern Spain's Chano Domínguez... how do we even try to keep up with this kind of output?Someone has to do it, and we're glad it's us.Featured artists and songs: - Milo J, 'OLIMPO', 'Bajo De La Piel', 'Jangadero'- Fabuloso & Los Skeepers, 'Si Te Gusta'- Mon Laferte, 'Las Flores Que Dejaste En La Mesa', '1:30'- Chano Domínguez & Emaginario, 'March Of The Siguiriyas'- Nathy Peluso, 'ÁNGEL'- Andrés Miguel Cervantes, 'Dreams of Jacumba'This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's a week of surprises as we update our running list of the year's best music, with a mix of songs that refuse to be any one thing. Plus, singer Brandi Carlile drops a stunning, stadium-sized rock anthem.NPR Music editor Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton.Featured artists and songs:1. Brandi Carlile: “Church & State,” from ‘Returning to Myself'2. Hannah Frances: “The Space Between (feat. Daniel Rossen),” from ‘Nested in Tangles'3. Kelly Moran: “Don't Trust Mirrors,” from ‘Don't Trust Mirrors'4. Blood Orange: “The Last of England,” from ‘Essex Honey'5. Magdalena Bay: “Second Sleep” (single)Weekly reset: A family of bears rummage through a forest on an autumn afternoon.Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This episode was recorded on September 28th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes The Baseball Project, The Minus 5, Bob Mould, Chris Stamey, Loose Cattle. https://bit.ly/4hvWHNn

The new film "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere" follows Bruce Springsteen at a particular time in his life, as he was writing his album Nebraska. It's a unique take on the music biopic, a genre that has been mocked in films like "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story," but is also one of the most beloved and celebrated styles of filmmaking. Stephen Thompson, host, writer, and reviewer for NPR Music, joins to discuss his thoughts on "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere" and share some of his favorite music biopics. Plus, listeners share their favorites.

This is the first episode of a new series on All Songs Considered, hosted by NPR Music critic Ann Powers and editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen. Most of what you hear on All Songs is focused on new music, but now, every other Thursday, Ann and Daoud will pick an old song and discuss how it has managed to stand the test of time and why we still care about it. This week's song: “I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)” by Stevie Wonder, from 1972. This episode is available for everyone, but upcoming episodes in this series will be just for NPR Music+ supporters. NPR Music+ is a new way to support NPR and public radio. When you join, you'll get access to every episode in this new series, and you'll get to hear every episode of All Songs Considered and Alt.Latino sponsor-free. Sign up at plus.npr.org/nprmusicFollow Ann and Daoud's work at NPR MusicSubscribe to the NPR Music newsletterFollow NPR's Tiny Desk ConcertsLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The past month has been a whirlwind. The El Tiny takeover of the Tiny Desk... interviews with some of the most exciting artists in Latin music... and, of course, puppets! So, for today's episode, we emerge from the craziness and dig into our neglected mailbag, which is brimming with new music. What did we find? Simple beauty. A young songwriter from Veracruz whose spare compositions have wowed his elders. An offbeat producer from Madrid. And, a joyful ode to a city half a millennium old. Featured artists and songs:- Arath Herce, "Musas en Mi" and "Quien Pensaría"- iLe, "Si Te Contara"- TRISTAN!, "Voyage" and "Ártico"- Venezonix ft. Pahua, "La Soledad"- Meme de Real, "Estaba Sentado" and "Embeces"- Bomba Estereo ft. Carlos Vives, "La Samaria"This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The past month has been a whirlwind. The El Tiny takeover of the Tiny Desk... interviews with some of the most exciting artists in Latin music... and, of course, puppets! So, for today's episode, we emerge from the craziness and dig into our neglected mailbag, which is brimming with new music. What did we find? Simple beauty. A young songwriter from Veracruz whose spare compositions have wowed his elders. An offbeat producer from Madrid. And, a joyful ode to a city half a millennium old. Featured artists and songs:- Arath Herce, "Musas en Mi" and "Quien Pensaría"- iLe, "Si Te Contara"- TRISTAN!, "Voyage" and "Ártico"- Venezonix ft. Pahua, "La Soledad"- Meme de Real, "Estaba Sentado" and "Embeces"- Bomba Estereo ft. Carlos Vives, "La Samaria"This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This episode was recorded on September 21st , 2025 at the Canady Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, WV. The lineup includes Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes, The SteelDrivers, Basia Bulat, The Wildwoods, and Taylor Rae.  https://bit.ly/3Wmpn1E

Love it or hate it, your favorite pop star is a person and a product. How much are you willing to pay?Taylor Swift's latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, smashed records for first week album sales. This was in part due to all the different limited-edition variants that went on sale; some for only 24 hours. Talk about pressuring your fans! Is this business strategy fan service, or fan exploitation? Where's the line? Brittany sits down with Stephen Thompson, host for NPR Music and Pop Culture Happy Hour, and Ann Powers, NPR music critic and correspondent, to get into the life of a business woman, why they think Swift had to make this album, and whether or not it's worth the cost.Read Ann's (mostly positive) review of The Life of a Showgirl.(0:00) Is Taylor exploiting her fans? Yes and No!(3:08) Taylor's business strategy isn't hers alone...(6:11) Why Taylor is a proxy for all our rage(10:43) Why vinyl sales in general have skyrocketed(13:46) How the charts impact the music industry (15:50) Why Taylor Swift HAD to make 'The Life of a Showgirl'(18:15) Does greed make bad art?(21:00) Responding to your comments :)Follow Brittany Luse on Instagram: @bmluseFor handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR's Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

There is no question that Mexican vocalist and composer Silvana Estrada is special to Alt.Latino. Ever since she launched her 2022 album "Marchita" with a series of revelatory singles, she seemingly spoke directly to Alt.Latino co-host Anamaria Sayre.Since those earliest days, the two have been able to spend quite a bit of time together in interviews and other public gatherings, which only brought them closer on a personal level. Now, as Estrada releases her new album, "Vendrán Suaves Lluvias," and celebrates the publication of her Tiny Desk Concert, it seemed like a good time to sit in on the ever-flowing conversations between the two of them.The result is a conversation that is probably a lot more personal than you're used to. And that's OK. Because Silvana is a performer of complex emotions, and while you can experience those emotions through songs, sometimes you have to hear things for yourself. Enjoy.This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

There's no question that Mexican vocalist and composer Silvana Estrada is special to Alt.Latino. Ever since she launched her 2022 album "Marchita" with a series of revelatory singles, she seemingly spoke directly to Alt.Latino co-host Anamaria Sayre.Since those earliest days, the two have been able to spend quite a bit of time together in interviews and other public gatherings, which only brought them closer on a personal level. Now, as Estrada releases her new album, "Vendrán Suaves Lluvias," and celebrates the publication of her Tiny Desk Concert, it seemed like a good time to sit in on the ever-flowing conversations between the two of them.The result is a conversation that is probably a lot more personal than you're used to. And that's OK. Because Silvana is a performer of complex emotions, and while you can experience those emotions through songs, sometimes you have to hear things for yourself. Enjoy.This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This episode was recorded on August 24th, 2025 at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg, WV. The lineup includes Robert Randolph, Carolyn Wonderland, Patty Larkin, and Nellie McKay. https://bit.ly/472AlQd

We've got two of the most-talked-about albums of the year, the return of electro-folk wonder Juana Molina, guitar rock from Alien Boy, Agriculture and more.  NPR Music's Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton as we update our running list of the year's best songs.Featured artists and songs:1. Geese: “Islands of Men,” from ‘Getting Killed'2. Juana Molina: “Siestas ahí,” from ‘DOGA'3. Dijon: “Yamaha,” from ‘Baby'4. Devin Shaffer: “All My Dreams Are Coming True,” from ‘Patience'5. Agriculture: “Hallelujah,” from ‘The Spiritual Sound'6. Alien Boy: “Cold Air,” from ‘You Wanna Fade?'Weekly reset: A pixilated afternoon in the Minecraft universe.Enjoy the show? Share it with a friend and leave us a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.orgLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Gloria Estefan is one of those musicians whose work and mere presence in the record industry deserves without question platitudes like ‘pioneering' or ‘ground breaking.' In fact, we have often mentioned her in that light throughout the fifteen years of Alt.Latino. So it was a thrill to invite her to chat with us once again, this time immediately after a stunning Tiny Desk performance that will publish on October 13th. She gives serious Favorite Tiá vibes, and since she and Felix are close in age, it felt like a conversation with a good friend with a fascinating life story - who just happens to have one of the richest song catalogs in Latin music history.This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Gloria Estefan is one of those musicians whose work and mere presence in the record industry deserves without question platitudes like ‘pioneering' or ‘ground breaking.' In fact, we have often mentioned her in that light throughout the 15 years of Alt.Latino. So it was a thrill to invite her to chat with us once again, this time immediately after a stunning Tiny Desk performance that will publish Oct. 13. She gives serious Favorite Tiá vibes, and since she and Felix are close in age, it felt like a conversation with a good friend with a fascinating life story - who just happens to have one of the richest song catalogs in Latin music history.This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It's that time of year again: NPR's Tiny Desk becomes El Tiny, featuring concerts from some of the most exciting and legendary Latin artists around. So, this week Felix and Ana run through this year's El Tiny lineup and listen to performances from Fito Paez, Carlos Vives, Chuwi and more. Plus, a conversation about the news that Bad Bunny will perform at next year's Super Bowl LX.This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The way new music comes to Alt.Latino World Headquarters says a lot about our slight age difference. I still get CDs in the mail, with an occasional music file sent via email. Ana is constantly playing me audio files she gets vial email or texts from her new music sources, very rarely on CD. So while we were busy putting the finishing touches on our fist annual El Tiny takeover of the Tiny Desk Concert series, our mail piled up. Which means we had lots to choose from for this week's new music episode. There's bound to be something that catches your ear and makes you think: 'How did I live without that in my life?"Featured artists and songs:- Making Movies, “La Marea” ft. Mireya Ramos- Teo Planell, “El Mundo Delante de Ti”, “Como Pensarte Mal”- Ramona and the Holy Smokes, “Esta Herida”, “I Want You To Be My Man”- Lorea, “Se me ve la cabeza”, “Mi alma sobre la mesa”- Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Yainer Horta and Joey Calveiro, “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás”- Martox, “Enganchao de Ti”This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy