David Bazan's multi-part memoirs have blurred memories of his adolescence, but with the goal of being honest and accountable. NPR Music critic Ann Powers sees connections between Pedro the Lion's Santa Cruz and Jane Schoenbrun’s new film, I Saw the TV Glow.
Released in a span of three months, the new albums by Ayra Starr, Tems and Tyla are not merely career-making for the artists, but ground-shifting for the pop music of the continent.
For a sixth straight week, Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department rules the Billboard 200. The songs chart also features a returning champion: Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen.
Luiza Brina spent 10 years developing an album of nonreligious prayers. NPR Music's Lars Gotrich dives into newly released music from Brazil, featuring Milton Nascimento, Amaro Freitas and Anitta.
Scientists have long studied how near-infrared light bounces off forests and grasslands, as a proxy for plant health. Now, an artist is using the same trick to turn the Joshua tree into an instrument.
Jack Antonoff has seemingly cracked the code for producing hit albums, winning Grammys for his work with artists like Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift. But for his own writing, he leans into the unknown.
María Zardoya and Josh Conway founded The Marías as a couple. They talk to NPR's A Martinez about how their breakup has shaped their latest album, Submarine.
Sometimes, our favorite musical artists are too good to be true because they're sprung from the imaginations of Hollywood screenwriters. But what makes a fake band great? Today, we are debating the best fictional bands in TV and film — including from Mamma Mia!, Josie and the Pussycats, It's Your Move, and Miami Connection.
We want to hear your opinions about summer snacks. Are you Team Hot Dog or Team Hamburger? What's better: churro or a funnel cake? Click here to cast your votes. The results will be revealed at a virtual live event for Pop Culture Happy Hour+ supporters on Thursday, June 27th at 6 p.m. ET.
(Once you've signed up for PCHH+, make sure to set up your special feed, where you'll see a special bonus episode from May 31st with instructions on how to register for the live event. Email plus@npr.org for any extra assistance.)
Staples has always lived in a few worlds: art-rap hero, hall-of-fame interviewee, and a homebody whose inner life is none of our business. On Dark Times, his worlds finally converge.
About 25 years ago, the acclaimed cellist asked a high school student to help him name his instrument. He brings his cello — aka "Petunia" — to the Fresh Air studio for music and conversation.
The rising young singer-songwriter, who tours with Willie Nelson and sings on Beyoncé's latest album, is making a name for herself in a new era of more inclusive country music.
For the fifth week in a row, Swift's The Tortured Poets Department was the best-selling album in the country. Post Malone and Wallen's "I Had Some Help" repeated as the top song.
Sherman and his brother Robert became Disney Studios' first ever in-house songwriters. They won two Oscars for their songs and score to Mary Poppins and composed the classic "It's a Small World."
