Music Interviews http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1105&ft=1&f=1105 Explore NPR Music's best musician interviews and profiles as heard on Morning Edition, All Things Considered and other award-winning NPR programs. en Copyright 2013 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.94 Sat, 18 May 2013 05:13:00 -0400 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_music_image_75.jpg Music Interviews http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1105&ft=1&f=1105 concert,performance,recording,album,band,composer,instrument,grammy,guitar,bass,drums,piano,violin,viola,cello,flute,piccolo,clarinet,oboe,english horn,rap,NPR,National Public Radio,Music,Morning Edition,All Things Considered,Fresh Air Ana Popovic Shreds The Belgrade Blues The Serbian guitarist fell in love with American blues music as a kid — well before she could understand the words. Sat, 18 May 2013 05:13:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/18/183970525/ana-popovic-shreds-the-belgrade-blues?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/18/183970525/ana-popovic-shreds-the-belgrade-blues?ft=1&f=1105 The Serbian guitarist fell in love with American blues music as a kid — well before she could understand the words. 567 no The Serbian guitarist fell in love with American blues music as a kid — well before she could understand the words.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Audra McDonald, A Broadway Star Gone Roaming, Comes Home After extended jaunts in TV and on the road, McDonald's first new album in seven years marks a return to her roots in musical theater. Sat, 18 May 2013 02:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/18/183965997/audra-mcdonald-a-broadway-star-gone-roaming-comes-home?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/18/183965997/audra-mcdonald-a-broadway-star-gone-roaming-comes-home?ft=1&f=1105 After extended jaunts in TV and on the road, McDonald's first new album in seven years marks a return to her roots in musical theater. 424 no After extended jaunts in TV and on the road, McDonald's first new album in seven years marks a return to her roots in musical theater.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Bobby McFerrin: Spirituals As Sung Prayers On <em></em><em>Spirityouall</em>, McFerrin performs classic black spirituals with roots in enslaved communities, as well as songs he composed himself. Throughout the album, he says, he hears the influence of his father, Robert McFerrin Sr., a renowned operatic baritone. Fri, 17 May 2013 16:10:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/17/184797055/bobby-mcferrin-spirituals-as-sung-prayers?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/17/184797055/bobby-mcferrin-spirituals-as-sung-prayers?ft=1&f=1105 On <em></em><em>Spirityouall</em>, McFerrin performs classic black spirituals with roots in enslaved communities, as well as songs he composed himself. Throughout the album, he says, he hears the influence of his father, Robert McFerrin Sr., a renowned operatic baritone. 539 no On Spirityouall, McFerrin performs classic black spirituals with roots in enslaved communities, as well as songs he composed himself. Throughout the album, he says, he hears the influence of his father, Robert McFerrin Sr., a renowned operatic baritone.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Sam Amidon: Reshaping An American Folk Tradition Shape-note singing is a communal form of music that began in New England 200 years ago, mostly from townsfolk without any musical training. Sam Amidon says the melodies of shape-note hymns are some of the "deepest-seated for me." Fri, 17 May 2013 02:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/17/184547006/sam-amidon-reshaping-an-american-folk-tradition?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/17/184547006/sam-amidon-reshaping-an-american-folk-tradition?ft=1&f=1105 Shape-note singing is a communal form of music that began in New England 200 years ago, mostly from townsfolk without any musical training. Sam Amidon says the melodies of shape-note hymns are some of the "deepest-seated for me." 182 no Shape-note singing is a communal form of music that began in New England 200 years ago, mostly from townsfolk without any musical training. Sam Amidon says the melodies of shape-note hymns are some of the "deepest-seated for me."

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Daft Punk On 'The Soul That A Musician Can Bring' In spite of the robotic persona they've cultivated for years, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo elected to make their new album, <em>Random Access Memories,</em> in a real studio, with real musicians. Hear the elusive electronic duo in conversation with <em>All Things Considered</em>'s Audie Cornish. Thu, 16 May 2013 16:29:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/16/184499357/daft-punk-on-the-soul-that-a-musician-can-bring?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/16/184499357/daft-punk-on-the-soul-that-a-musician-can-bring?ft=1&f=1105 In spite of the robotic persona they've cultivated for years, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo elected to make their new album, <em>Random Access Memories,</em> in a real studio, with real musicians. Hear the elusive electronic duo in conversation with <em>All Things Considered</em>'s Audie Cornish. 346 no In spite of the robotic persona they've cultivated for years, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo elected to make their new album, Random Access Memories, in a real studio, with real musicians. Hear the elusive electronic duo in conversation with All Things Considered's Audie Cornish.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> A Songwriter And An Army Dad Share One Touching Story The song "I Drive Your Truck" is a No. 1 country hit. It began with a father's remembrance of his son, who was killed in action in Afghanistan — and a songwriter who just happened to be listening. Wed, 15 May 2013 17:32:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/15/184246172/a-songwriter-and-an-army-dad-share-one-touching-story?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/15/184246172/a-songwriter-and-an-army-dad-share-one-touching-story?ft=1&f=1105 The song "I Drive Your Truck" is a No. 1 country hit. It began with a father's remembrance of his son, who was killed in action in Afghanistan — and a songwriter who just happened to be listening. 540 no The song "I Drive Your Truck" is a No. 1 country hit. It began with a father's remembrance of his son, who was killed in action in Afghanistan — and a songwriter who just happened to be listening.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Vampire Weekend: New Sounds Signal The End Of An Era Singer Ezra Koenig says the band's new album, <em>Modern Vampires of the City</em>, is the final part of a trilogy — and the product of a lot of reflection on time and aging. Tue, 14 May 2013 16:36:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/14/183922426/vampire-weekend-new-sounds-signal-the-end-of-an-era?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/14/183922426/vampire-weekend-new-sounds-signal-the-end-of-an-era?ft=1&f=1105 Singer Ezra Koenig says the band's new album, <em>Modern Vampires of the City</em>, is the final part of a trilogy — and the product of a lot of reflection on time and aging. 500 no Singer Ezra Koenig says the band's new album, Modern Vampires of the City, is the final part of a trilogy — and the product of a lot of reflection on time and aging.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Dawes Knows Where It's Been And Where It's Headed Dawes has just released its third album, <em>Stories Don't End</em>. The band has cited Neil Young and Crosby, Stills & Nash among its influences, but channels them with good humor and confidence that its own distinctiveness will shine through. Tue, 14 May 2013 12:07:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/14/176709173/dawes-knows-where-its-been-and-where-its-headed?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/14/176709173/dawes-knows-where-its-been-and-where-its-headed?ft=1&f=1105 Dawes has just released its third album, <em>Stories Don't End</em>. The band has cited Neil Young and Crosby, Stills & Nash among its influences, but channels them with good humor and confidence that its own distinctiveness will shine through. 451 no Dawes has just released its third album, Stories Don't End. The band has cited Neil Young and Crosby, Stills & Nash among its influences, but channels them with good humor and confidence that its own distinctiveness will shine through.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> When The Right One Comes Along: How 'Nashville' Tells Stories In Song The mostly unreleased songs on the TV show <em>Nashville</em> are easily woven into the drama. They appear organically in living room songwriting sessions, late night honky-tonks or stadium dress rehearsals. But someone has to track them all down. Mon, 13 May 2013 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2013/05/14/183643357/when-the-right-one-comes-along-how-nashville-tells-stories-in-song?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2013/05/14/183643357/when-the-right-one-comes-along-how-nashville-tells-stories-in-song?ft=1&f=1105 The mostly unreleased songs on the TV show <em>Nashville</em> are easily woven into the drama. They appear organically in living room songwriting sessions, late night honky-tonks or stadium dress rehearsals. But someone has to track them all down. 501 no The mostly unreleased songs on the TV show Nashville are easily woven into the drama. They appear organically in living room songwriting sessions, late night honky-tonks or stadium dress rehearsals. But someone has to track them all down.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Balancing Influences: Saxophonist Mahanthappa Blends Styles Rudresh Mahanthappa's work always seems to be filed under jazz, but it's hard to find a style he doesn't touch: hip-hop, country, metal and soul fused with traditional sounds from India, Africa and Indonesia. And he makes it rock. Sun, 12 May 2013 15:49:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/12/182956820/balancing-influences-saxophonist-mahanthappa-blends-styles?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/12/182956820/balancing-influences-saxophonist-mahanthappa-blends-styles?ft=1&f=1105 Rudresh Mahanthappa's work always seems to be filed under jazz, but it's hard to find a style he doesn't touch: hip-hop, country, metal and soul fused with traditional sounds from India, Africa and Indonesia. And he makes it rock. 597 no Rudresh Mahanthappa's work always seems to be filed under jazz, but it's hard to find a style he doesn't touch: hip-hop, country, metal and soul fused with traditional sounds from India, Africa and Indonesia. And he makes it rock.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> LL Cool J On 'Accidental Racist' And Authenticity "The last thing that I want to do is be a hack," says the rapper and actor. His latest album, his first since splitting with the record label that launched his career, is called <em>Authentic</em>. Sat, 11 May 2013 16:54:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/11/182956651/ll-cool-j-on-accidental-racist-and-authenticity?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/11/182956651/ll-cool-j-on-accidental-racist-and-authenticity?ft=1&f=1105 "The last thing that I want to do is be a hack," says the rapper and actor. His latest album, his first since splitting with the record label that launched his career, is called <em>Authentic</em>. 572 no "The last thing that I want to do is be a hack," says the rapper and actor. His latest album, his first since splitting with the record label that launched his career, is called Authentic.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Yngwie Malmsteen: 'I've Always Been A Little Bit Of An Extremist' Malmsteen is the king of the neoclassical shred guitar. The Swedish musician and composer has somehow bridged centuries, from Paganini to his own arpeggiated acrobatics. Here, the guitarist speaks with NPR's Scott Simon about being a family man and growing up on Bach and Jimi Hendrix. Sat, 11 May 2013 02:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/11/182627398/yngwie-malmsteen-ive-always-been-a-little-bit-of-an-extremist?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/11/182627398/yngwie-malmsteen-ive-always-been-a-little-bit-of-an-extremist?ft=1&f=1105 Malmsteen is the king of the neoclassical shred guitar. The Swedish musician and composer has somehow bridged centuries, from Paganini to his own arpeggiated acrobatics. Here, the guitarist speaks with NPR's Scott Simon about being a family man and growing up on Bach and Jimi Hendrix. 432 no Malmsteen is the king of the neoclassical shred guitar. The Swedish musician and composer has somehow bridged centuries, from Paganini to his own arpeggiated acrobatics. Here, the guitarist speaks with NPR's Scott Simon about being a family man and growing up on Bach and Jimi Hendrix.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> 'It Led Us On A Journey': The Musical World Of 'The Great Gatsby' In overseeing the new film's soundtrack, music supervisor Anton Monsted says he hoped to create a "sliding door" effect between the Jazz Age and the hip-hop era. Fri, 10 May 2013 17:18:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/10/182882003/it-led-us-on-a-journey-the-musical-world-of-the-great-gatsby?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/10/182882003/it-led-us-on-a-journey-the-musical-world-of-the-great-gatsby?ft=1&f=1105 In overseeing the new film's soundtrack, music supervisor Anton Monsted says he hoped to create a "sliding door" effect between the Jazz Age and the hip-hop era. 500 no In overseeing the new film's soundtrack, music supervisor Anton Monsted says he hoped to create a "sliding door" effect between the Jazz Age and the hip-hop era.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> A Funky-Fresh Sound From Somalia, With A Political History A dance band called Dur-Dur Band ruled the nightclub scene in 1980s Mogadishu, thanks to a unique sound made possible by access to Western culture and instruments. Sun, 05 May 2013 15:49:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/05/180871371/a-funky-fresh-sound-from-somalia-with-a-political-history?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/05/180871371/a-funky-fresh-sound-from-somalia-with-a-political-history?ft=1&f=1105 A dance band called Dur-Dur Band ruled the nightclub scene in 1980s Mogadishu, thanks to a unique sound made possible by access to Western culture and instruments. 699 no A dance band called Dur-Dur Band ruled the nightclub scene in 1980s Mogadishu, thanks to a unique sound made possible by access to Western culture and instruments.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Natalie Maines On Motherhood, Eddie Vedder And Leaving Country Music A decade after the Dixie Chicks' frontwoman came out against the Iraq War — the response to which brought the band's career to a halt — Maines returns with her solo debut, <em>Mother</em>. Thu, 02 May 2013 16:42:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/02/180594953/natalie-maines-on-motherhood-eddie-vedder-and-leaving-country-music?ft=1&f=1105 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/02/180594953/natalie-maines-on-motherhood-eddie-vedder-and-leaving-country-music?ft=1&f=1105 A decade after the Dixie Chicks' frontwoman came out against the Iraq War — the response to which brought the band's career to a halt — Maines returns with her solo debut, <em>Mother</em>. 500 no A decade after the Dixie Chicks' frontwoman came out against the Iraq War — the response to which brought the band's career to a halt — Maines returns with her solo debut, Mother.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]>