Podcasts about npr music

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

El debut de The Last Dinner Party fue una explosión de éxito. Y son una banda íntegramente femenina, dos factores que suelen despertar suspicacias sobre su legitimidad artística. La respuesta a si son o no un simple producto de la industria tampoco queda del todo clara para los escépticos con 'From the Pyre', un segundo álbum en el que incineran sus anteriores ambiciones fastuosas y orquestales para revestir sus nuevas composiciones de un folk sombrío.Además, la escritora y guionista Laura Ferrero responde a nuestro cuestionario cultural en FAQ!, mientras que la compositora y productora Cate Le Bon nos comparte la profundidad emocional de 'Michelangelo Dying', su nuevo trabajo centrado en la sanación tras una ruptura.Playlist:Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A DreamBalu Brigada - So ColdTame Impala - The Less I Know The BetterHighSchool - New York, Paris and LondonThe Smiths - Bigmouth Strikes AgainNilüfer Yanya - HeyEla Minus - dominiqueFamily - Viaje A Los Sueños PolaresClairo - SofiaThe Weather Station - Parking LotArlo Parks - HurtChico Blanco - El Cole No Es para SiempreC. Tangana - BolsasROSALÍA - DE AQUÍ NO SALES - Cap.4: DisputaRalphie Choo - BULERÍAS DE UN CABALLO MALOYoung Franco, Master Peace - Wake UpTeo Lucadamo - HEY HOHinds, Beck - Boom Boom BackSnõõper - Star 6 9SPRINTS - NeedSleight Bells - Bunky Popstivijoes - BurdeosVVV [Trippin’you] - UrusaiBarry B - Monster TruckFour Tet - Into Dust (Still Falling)HAAi - VoicesSwimming Paul, Alecc Crisostomo - Still FadingCaroline Polachek, Oneohtrix Point Never - Long Road HomeROSALÍA, Björk, Yves Tumor - BerghainMura Masa - JUMPObongjayar - Give Me MoreNourished by Time - 9 2 5Molly Nilsson - How Much Is the WorldTRISTÁN!, Calcutta - Tutta La NotteLily Allen - Pussy PalaceThe Last Dinner Party - Count The WaysNubiyan Twist, Fatoumata Diawara - Chasing ShadowsCA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso - EL ÚNICO (Live at NPR MUSIC’s Tiny Desk)Cate Le Bon, John Cale - RideORTIGA, Joe Crepúsculo - Noche de cubatasEmpress Of - Blasting Through the SpeakersMadonna - MusicEscuchar audio

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

Gaelynn Lea is a violinist, singer-songwriter, disability rights advocate, author, and public speaker. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, Gaelynn began her musical journey with the support of a childhood music teacher and her musical family. You'll hear about how her big break happened when she won NPR Music's Tiny Desk Contest in 2016, which led to a fascinating creative life which in the last few years has included international touring and scoring Macbeth on Broadway, starring Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga. Gaelynn is really open to trying new things, and this really came through as she talked to me about how she'll never have enough time to explore all her curiosities, reflections on her first compositions and songs, how she collaborated with mentors Alan Sparhawk, and Charlie Parr, and how she created a new musical fable for the stage called Invisible Fences with disabled storyteller Kevin Kling. You'll be hearing clips from some of Gaelynn's albums during the podcast, and her Bandcamp is linked in the show notes for you. We begin with a look at her upcoming memoir—It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect— a warm, funny and deeply-felt exploration of disability, music, and the messy creativity of an artist's life. I plan to welcome Gaelynn back for a future episode focused on that work. You can find the pre-order link in the show notes. It will be published by Algonquin Press in April 2026.Episode page with video, transcript and other episodes you'll love! Gaelynn Lea Website Albums on Bandcamp Order It Wasn't Meant to be Perfect Invisible Fences with Kevin Kling Newsletter Podcast Merch Buy me a coffee photo: Explore Duluth(00:00) Intro(03:32) Gaelynn's upcoming memoir—It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect(10:42) Macbeth score and album, meeting Michael Stipe, Whippoorwill Arts Fellowship(16:02) about “Perfect”, with clip from Macbeth album(18:50) Gaelynn's childhood, learning the violin in an adapted way, her instruments(26:20) decision not to have surgery (29:01) Someday We'll Linger in the Sun with clip(32:06) other episodes you'll love, ways to support this independent project(32:53) how winning Tiny Desk changed her life and for her husband(38:32) disability visibility, mindset, beginning of song-writing and composing Alan Sparhawk, Charlie Parr(45:56) The Long Way Around with clip from The Living Room Sessions(49:46) Dragons and Fairies with clip from The Living Room Sessions, joys of improvisation, looping(54:45) fiddle repertoire, jamming in Edinburgh (59:45) Invisible Fences with Kevin Kling, disability activism, psychological challenges

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

O programa musical Tiny Desk Concert foi criado pela rede de rádio pública estadunidense NPR Music, como uma alternativa ao circuito comercial. Por aqui, ainda não é certo que a iniciativa seguirá o mesmo compasso. O primeiro episódio foi ao ar no dia sete de outubro, tendo como atração o cantor pernambucano de forró e piseiro João Gomes. A segunda exibição, no dia 14, contou com uma parceria entre a banda Metá Metá e o músico experimental Negro Leo. O professor da UFRJ Leonardo de Marchi analisa a novidade.Reportagem: João Pedro MendesEdição: Thiago Kropf

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

This episode was recorded on August 17th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Vanessa Collier, Margaret Glaspy, Matt Andersen, Amythyst Kiah, and Ron Sowell. https://bit.ly/3KBVSX2

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

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

This episode was recorded on July 20th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Rhonda Vincent, Neal Francis, Otis Gibbs, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Chao Tian: From China to Appalachia, and Dawn Landes. https://bit.ly/4nPfG8d

This episode was recorded on June 22nd, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Kelly Willis, Sierra Green & The Giants, John Doyle & Michael McGoldrick, Sarah Klang, Craig Bickhardt & Michael G. Ronstadt. http://bit.ly/3KE3tUQ

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

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

Bad Bunny's months-long residency in Puerto Rico is coming to an end. The shows brought in hundreds of millions of dollars to the island, and sparked new debates about Puerto Rican identity and politics.For this week's episode, Alt.Latino's Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras traveled to San Juan to take in one of the final performances, and interview both locals and tourists about the musical and cultural impact of the summer of Bad Bunny.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

Bad Bunny's months-long residency in Puerto Rico is coming to an end. The shows brought in hundreds of millions of dollars to the island, and sparked new debates about Puerto Rican identity and politics. For this week's episode, Ana and Felix traveled to San Juan to take in one of the final performances, and interview both locals and tourists about the musical and cultural impact of the summer of Bad Bunny.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 June 15th, 2025 at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, WV. The lineup includes Shemekia Copeland, Tab Benoit, Charlie Musselwhite, Harlem Gospel Travelers, and Abby Posner. https://bit.ly/4gua8wQ

This week's episode of Alt.Latino is a tribute to host Felix Contreras, who just received the Hispanic Heritage Award for Journalism from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Co-host Anamaria Sayre and the Alt.Latino team surprised Felix with guest appearances from Juanes, Daymé Arocena, Chucho Valdés, Dolores Huerta and more.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 week's episode is a tribute to host Felix Contreras, who just received the Hispanic Heritage Award for Journalism from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Co-host Anamaria Sayre and the Alt.Latino team surprised Felix with guest appearances from Juanes, Daymé Arocena, Chucho Valdés, Dolores Huerta and more.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

Hear the songs we just had to share this week. NPR Music's Dora Levite joins host Robin Hilton to update our running list of the year's best songs, with head-spinning, shape-shifting wonders from Asher White, transcendent ambient sounds from Early Fern, the first new solo album from Neko Case in eight years and more.Featured artists and songs:1. Asher White: “Beers with my name on them,” from ‘8 Tips for Catastrophe Living'2. Neko Case: “Wreck,” from ‘Neon Grey Midnight Green'3. caroline: “Total Euphoria,” from ‘caroline 2'4. Sturle Dagsland: “Hugging Horses,” from ‘Dreams And Conjurations'5. Model/Actriz: “Doves,” from ‘Piourette'6. Early Fern: “Teasel,” from ‘Wetland Interiors'Weekly reset: Horses are really having a momentEnjoy 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

KPop Demon Hunters, or as Brittany's mom keeps mistakenly calling it "Kidz Bop: It's the Devil," is dominating the music charts. And, thank god! These bombastic bangers are a welcome reprieve after a summer full of sad songs. We need to talk about those bangers, but we also need to talk about the void KPop Demon Hunters is filling. This summer was lacking a true shiny, shimmering song of the summer. Where were the bops? Where were the ubiquitous, undeniable culture uniting hits? It's disappointing we don't have an anthem to point to – but it's also telling.Brittany sits down with Stephen Thompson, host for NPR Music and co-host of Pop Culture Happy Hour, to discuss what we had instead of songs of the summer – and what that tells us about how our musical landscape has changed.To find out Brittany's song of the summer follow her on Instagram: @bmluseLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Felix shares the music that's helped him recover from a serious illness. Anamaria shares some new exquisite (and, in one case, slightly toxic) love songs.Featured artists and songs:• Blood Orange, "I Can Go" (feat. Mabe Fratti & Mustafa)• Draco Rosa, "Quiero Vivir"• Caetano Veloso, "Voce E Linda" (Remixed Original Album)• Tim Bernardes, "BB (Garupa de Moto Amarela)"• Tim Bernardes, "Última Vez"• Santana, "Goodness and Mercy"• Xavi, "Ojitos de Miel"• Los Lobos, "Bertha" (Live at the Carefree Theatre, 1992)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

Felix shares the music that's helped him recover from a serious illness. Anamaria shares some new exquisite (and, in one case, slightly toxic) love songs. Featured artists and songs:• Blood Orange, "I Can Go" (feat. Mabe Fratti & Mustafa)• Draco Rosa, "Quiero Vivir"• Caetano Veloso, "Voce E Linda" (Remixed Original Album)• Tim Bernardes, "BB (Garupa de Moto Amarela)"• Tim Bernardes, "Última Vez"• Santana, "Goodness and Mercy"• Xavi, "Ojitos de Miel"• Los Lobos, "Bertha" (Live at the Carefree Theatre, 1992)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

Sabrina Carpenter. The Beaches. Margo Price. This week, Stephen Thompson chats with NPR Music's Hazel Cills and WMOT's Jessie Scott about the best new albums out this new music Friday.The Starting 5:• The Beaches, 'No Hard Feelings'• The Beths, 'Straight Line Was A Lie'• Margo Price, 'Hard Headed Woman'• Rodney Crowell, 'Airline Highway'• Anna Tivel, 'Animal Poem'Read more about WMOT's live webcast from AMERICANAFEST 2025.The Lightning Round:• Blood Orange, 'Essex Honey'• Jaelee Roberts, 'Let Me Be Lonely'• Brad Mehldau, 'Ride Into the Sun'• CMAT, 'EURO-COUNTRY'• Tiwa Savage, 'This One Is Personal'See the long list of albums out Aug. 29 and sample dozens of them via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week, NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez-Sarmiento is back on the mic, bringing host Anamaria Sayre new music in the vein of her 2010s Tumblr era. Think emo bangs, bright blue skinny jeans and a Warped Tour T-shirt. Sonically, this week's picks run through bedroom pop, sultry balladry and Bronx-Dominican rap over post-punk basslines.Featured artists and songs:• Titanic (I. la Católica and Mabe Fratti), “Escarbo dimensiones"• Mon Laferte, “Esto Es Amor"• Planta Industrial, “Teteo in The Bronx”• Santi Muk and Zenon Pereyra, “seu carinho,” “CUÁNTO FALTA PARA CONOCERTE?” and “ANA BAILABA”• Maria Usbeck, “Mar”• LATIN MAFIA and Omar Apollo, “Hecho para ti”This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Otis Hart. Suraya Mohamed is the Executive Producer of NPR Music and the madrina of Alt.Latino.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week, NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez-Sarmiento is back on the mic, bringing host Anamaria Sayre new music in the vein of her 2010s Tumblr era. Think emo bangs, bright blue skinny jeans and a Warped Tour T-shirt. Sonically, this week's picks run through bedroom pop, sultry balladry and Bronx-Dominican rap over post-punk basslines.  Featured artists and songs:• Titanic (I. la Católica and Mabe Fratti), “Escarbo dimensiones"• Mon Laferte, “Esto Es Amor"• Planta Industrial, “Teteo in The Bronx”• Santi Muk and Zenon Pereyra, “seu carinho,” “CUÁNTO FALTA PARA CONOCERTE?” and “ANA BAILABA”• Maria Usbeck, “Mar”• LATIN MAFIA and Omar Apollo, “Hecho para ti”This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Otis Hart. Suraya Mohamed is the Executive Producer of NPR Music and the madrina of Alt.Latino. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On Alt.Latino we often discuss the way that traditions are recognized and expanded upon. Usually it's when we're talking about new artists. But this week we are spending time honoring two legends: Tex Mex accordion player Flaco Jimenez and Latin jazz pianist/composer Eddie Palmieri each died within the last few weeks. They were foundational to their respective musical cultures, products of two distinct Latino cultural and musical traditions who also expanded the idea of tradition with their musical visions. Tune in this week to see how Felix connects the dots between these two seemingly dissimilar icons — and hear some new music that also blends tradition with modernity.    Music heard in this episode:Orquestra Afro-Brasileira, “Saudação ao Rei Nagô” and “Obaluayê”Doctor Nativo, “Caminantes” feat. Roco PachukoteBikôkô, “The Other” feat. Isaiah Hull and “La Mano” feat Crystal Murrayday2k, “OBSSD” and “más q todoooooo”Flaco Jimenez, “Lucerito”Eddie Palmieri, “Una Rosa Española”  Audio and production for this episode was done by Noah Caldwell.Suraya Mohamed is Executive Producer for NPR Music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On Alt.Latino we often discuss the way that traditions are recognized and expanded upon. Usually it's when we're talking about new artists.But this week we are spending time honoring two legends: Tex Mex accordion player Flaco Jimenez and Latin jazz pianist/composer Eddie Palmieri each died within the last few weeks. They were foundational to their respective musical cultures, products of two distinct Latino cultural and musical traditions who also expanded the idea of tradition with their musical visions.Tune in this week to see how Felix connects the dots between these two seemingly dissimilar icons — and hear some new music that also blends tradition with modernity. Music heard in this episode:Orquestra Afro-Brasileira, “Saudação ao Rei Nagô” and “Obaluayê”Doctor Nativo, “Caminantes” feat. Roco PachukoteBikôkô, “The Other” feat. Isaiah Hull and “La Mano” feat Crystal Murrayday2k, “OBSSD” and “más q todoooooo”Flaco Jimenez, “Lucerito”Eddie Palmieri, “Una Rosa Española”Audio and production for this episode was done by Noah Caldwell.Suraya Mohamed is Executive Producer for NPR Music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Alt.Latino host Anamaria Sayre and frequent guest Isabella Gomez Sarmiento share their favorite Latin pop earworms of the moment. Featured artists and songs:• Simon Grossmann, "Copa Del Mundo"• Xavi & Kapo, "Bien Pedos"• Ana Frango Elétrico, "A Sua Diversão"• Piek & Letón Pé, "Prendan Un Fokin Abanico"• Letón Pé, "Madrugá"• Martox, "Si Es Verdad"• Lena Dardelet & Martox, "A mí de ti"• stivijoes, "Solo"• stivijoes, "No he nacido rico"The audio for this episode has been produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is Executive Producer of NPR Music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Felix Contreras is on vacation, so Anamaria Sayre invited her friend and colleague Isabella Gomez Sarmiento on to the show for an exchange of songs at the vanguard of Latin pop. Featured artists and songs:• Simon Grossmann, "Copa Del Mundo"• Xavi & Kapo, "Bien Pedos"• Ana Frango Elétrico, "A Sua Diversão"• Piek & Letón Pé, "Prendan Un Fokin Abanico"• Letón Pé, "Madrugá"• Martox, "Si Es Verdad"• Lena Dardelet & Martox, "A mí de ti"• stivijoes, "Solo"• stivijoes, "No he nacido rico"The audio for this episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is Executive Producer of NPR Music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ethel Cain. Charley Crockett. J.I.D. Plug in to the week's top new releases with NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and guest DeShun Nance of WJSU's The Sipp in Jackson, Miss.The Starting 5:• J.I.D, 'God Does Like Ugly' (Stream)• Ethel Cain, 'Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You' (Stream)• Amaarae, 'BLACK STAR' (Stream)• Charley Crockett, 'Dollar a Day' (Stream)• Gordi, 'Like Plasticine' (Stream)The Lightning Round:• Hayes Carll, 'We're Only Human'• Big Freedia, 'Pressing Onward'• Ashley Monroe, 'Tennessee Lightning'• Bryson Tiller, 'The Vices'• Ada Lea, 'when i paint my masterpiece'See our long list of albums out Aug. 8 and sample more than 50 of them via our New Music Friday playlist on the All Songs Considered blog.CreditsHost: Stephen ThompsonGuest: DeShun Nance (WJSU's The Sipp)Audio Producer: Noah CaldwellDigital Producer: Elle MannionProduction Assistant: Dora LeviteEditor: Otis HartExecutive Producer: Suraya MohamedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Some might call it whiplash, the way we sometimes zip from one genre of Latin music to another in our New Music shows. But I like to think of it as an expression of the richness and vitality of all music made under what is known as Latin music. This week's selections reinforce the idea that trying to identify this music under one heading is impossible. Let's just call it Good Music. Featured artists and songs: Harold Lopez-Nussa, “Niña Con Violin” Sofia Kourtesis, "Canela Pura” and "Ballumbrosio" Lucrecia Dalt, “caes” and “cosa rara” goodtoknow (paula prieto, benjamin walker, sir hope), "Mareas,” "October," and "I'll stay" Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet, “Panabe” Natanael Cano, “Presidente” and “El Juez” Gabito Ballesteros and Carin Leon, “Regalo de Dios” The audio for this episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the Executive Producer of NPR Music and the madrina of Alt.Latino. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Some might call it whiplash, the way we sometimes zip from one genre of Latin music to another in our New Music shows. But I like to think of it as an expression of the richness and vitality of all music made under what is known as Latin music. This week's selections reinforce the idea that trying to identify this music under one heading is impossible. Let's just call it Good Music. Featured artists and songs: • Harold Lopez-Nussa, “Niña Con Violin" • Sofia Kourtesis, "Canela Pura" and "Ballumbrosio" • Lucrecia Dalt, “caes” and “cosa rara” • goodtoknow (paula prieto, benjamin walker, sir hope), "Mareas," "October" and "I'll stay" • Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet, “Panabe” • Natanael Cano, “Presidente” and “El Juez” • Gabito Ballesteros and Carin Leon, “Regalo de Dios” The audio for this episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the Executive Producer of NPR Music and the madrina of Alt.Latino.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Nearly halfway through the summer and NPR is asking... do we have a "song of the summer" yet? Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, NPR Music reporter, breaks down this season's contenders and listeners share their nominations.

Newcomer Emily Hines. Hardcore collective The Armed. A Susumu Yokota boxset. WDET's Liz Warner joins NPR Music's Stephen Thompson to dive into their favorite albums out this week.The Starting 5:• Emily Hines, 'These Days'• The Armed, 'THE FUTURE IS HERE AND EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DESTROYED'• Mal Devisa, 'Palimpsesa'• Caimin Gilmore, 'BlackGate'• Susumu Yokota, 'Skintone Edition Volume 1' (box set)The Lightning Round:• Buddy Guy, 'Ain't Done With The Blues'• René Najera, 'Painted Life'• Hieroglyphic Being, 'The Sound Of Something Ending'• Spafford Campbell, 'Tomorrow Held'See our long list of albums out August 1 and sample dozens of new records via our New Music Friday playlist on npr.org.Credits:Host: Stephen ThompsonGuest: Liz Warner, WDETAudio producer: Noah CaldwellEditor: Otis HartExecutive producer: Suraya MohamedLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Global superstar Bad Bunny is hosting an unprecedented 30 concert residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fans are calling it a defining cultural moment for the island. Anamaria Sayre attended two recent shows and shared her reflections.Music featured in this episode:• Bad Bunny, "Callaita" • Bad Bunny, "Baile Inolvidable" • Los Pleneros de la Cresta, "Los de la Isla"• Gilberto Santa Rosa,"La Agarro Bajando" • Bad Bunny, "Lo Que Le Paso A Hawaii" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Before Ana heads off to see Bad Bunny's unprecedented residency in Puerto Rico, we chat a little about why the celebration is significant to the island and Latin music in general.We also dig deep into new releases that include four different approaches to the guitar and a musician from Peru who defies genre to create his own musical language.Music heard in this episode:• Hermanos Gutiérrez, "Elegantly Wasted (ft. Leon Bridges)"• Bebo Dumont, "Hoy" • Eljuri, "Karma"• Yamil Quiere Ser Artista & Oliver Berg, "Bandido," "Gatito Miau Miau Miau" • Yasser Tejeda, "Una Cascada de Miel" • Yerai Cortés, "Sonar por Bulerías," • Judeline & Yerai Cortés, "Un puente por la Bahía, la Cruz del Campo"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy