Culture | Music
Valerie June’s new music embraces joy and the healing power of soulful musicWith the arrival of Valerie June’s latest album comes a chance for the singer to reflect on her artistic journey – and how music fuels her, and the world.
Move over, Vikings. Sweden’s new seafaring heroes are knitting grannies.What better way to tell a true holiday story than with singing – and knitting? In Sweden, an island choir comes together to celebrate community.
Want to hear the latest country music? Try Broadway.“Music City,” which opened off-Broadway this month, is the latest show to embrace the country genre. Can Nashville music make it in New York?
Musician Fantastic Negrito wants to spread the light. He first had to face his past.With “Son of a Broken Man,” Grammy winner Fantastic Negrito tackles his relationship with his father, and considers how to overcome the darkness in our lives.
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People turn to ‘CircleSinging’ to raise their voices – and joyBelting out a tune in front of strangers is a big ask for most people. CircleSinging participants regularly take that risk, and among their rewards are friendship and acceptance.
Cover StoryHe hears America singing. Jake Xerxes Fussell brings new life to folk music.Jake Xerxes Fussell has been seeking forgotten American folk songs his entire life. His fifth album, “When I’m Called,” releases July 12.
With hit ‘Girl, So Confusing,’ pop stars offer a model of conflict resolutionMusic history is full of feuds between musicians. But pop singers Charli XCX and Lorde just released a hit that opts for reconciliation over vitriol.
First LookWynton Marsalis and Bryan Stevenson fuse jazz, protest, and justice on Juneteenth albumCivil rights lawyer and jazz pianist Bryan Stevenson and Pulitzer-winning jazz artist Wynton Marsalis collaborated on a new live performance album of historic jazz records to honor Juneteenth and Black history.
Ann Powers was writing Joni Mitchell’s life story. She found her own.With her new biography about Joni Mitchell, NPR music critic Ann Powers says she wanted to challenge the idea that there’s only one definitive story of a life.
First LookDOJ sues Live Nation for muscling out competition in ticket salesThe U.S. Department of Justice announced an antitrust lawsuit against the entertainment company Live Nation. Ticketmaster, which merged with Live Nation in 2010, has been blamed for inflated ticket prices by both consumers and artists.
First LookOnce a ‘bedroom pop’ crooner, Billie Eilish is wide awake on her latest albumA once-in-a-generation performer, Billie Eilish rewrites the rules yet again on “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” her ambitious third release. It’s a project meant to be enjoyed in full, rich with sonic depth and emotional maturity.
First LookNemo, Eurovision’s first nonbinary winner, gets a hero’s welcome in SwitzerlandEurovision has long been embraced as a haven for the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s competition struck a particular victory for acceptance, crowning the contest’s first nonbinary winner with an eclectic anthem about being true to oneself.
First LookMamma Mia! Here we go again. Eurovision wraps up in Sweden with pomp and protests.Eurovision’s 2024 competition is bringing flashy and theatrical pop music to Malmo, Sweden. It’s also bringing thousands of protesters who are criticizing Israel’s participation in the contest.
Singer Laura Veirs finds creativity everywhere – bikes, skates, power sawsFor some artists, inspiration comes when ideas flow naturally, rather than being demanded. With the release of her latest album, songwriter Laura Veirs reflects on how creativity manifests itself.
Monitor's Best: Top 5
At Israeli protest for hostage release, Gaza’s children are in spotlight now, too
Nobody’s muse: Revisiting the art of Leonora Carrington
Called to lead Europe, Germany weighs its national guilt. Is it time to move on?
Difference MakerThis restaurateur never made it past fifth grade. Now she runs a roadside library.
As Israel blocks aid, Gaza’s mothers watch their children starve
