Podcasts by World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

Sense of Place: How New York City inspired Lisbon band Hause Plants from 2023-12-13T19:19:31.842478

The Portuguese rock band talks about their latest EP, Field Trip To Coney Island.

Live from AMERICANAFEST 2023: Brennen Leigh&Bahamas from 2023-12-12T08:00:59

Today, we bring you live performances from songwriter and mandolin player Brennen Leigh and Canadian folk artist Bahamas.

Tune in to a mini-concert with Vagabon from 2023-12-11T08:00:59

The multi-instrumentalist performs songs from her new album, Sorry I Haven't Called.

The Hives are here to put some childish glee back into rock and roll from 2023-12-07T17:07:34

The Swedish band talks about their first album in eleven years, The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons

Live from AMERICANAFEST 2023: Cat Clyde&Adeem the Artist from 2023-12-05T16:19:11

Today, we bring you live performances from Cat Clyde and Adeem the Artist.

The song Rush almost nixed and other tales from Geddy Lee's 'Effin' Life' from 2023-12-04T16:50:25

Rush's frontman and bassist shares highlights from his new memoir, My Effin' Life.

Before 'GUTS,' Olivia Rodrigo first had to write a lot of 'bad songs' from 2023-12-01T17:35:52

Under pressure to repeat the success of her debut album, Rodrigo leaned heavily on her songwriting skills to create her latest record. Now, GUTS is up for six Grammys, and she's gearing up...

Ring in the holiday season with the sweet sounds of the Philadelphia Eagles from 2023-11-30T17:31:18

Philadelphia Eagles' offensive tackle Jordan Mailata and The War on Drugs' Charlie Hall join us to talk about the football team's latest Christmas album.

Live from AMERICANAFEST 2023: Brandy Clark&Tommy Prine from 2023-11-28T21:14:41

Listen to two great performances from this year's festival in Nashville.

The Culture Corner: 30 years of 'Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)' from 2023-11-27T20:17:57

World Cafe celebrates one of the most iconic debuts in hip-hop history.

How Dizzy sharpened their songwriting on the band's third record from 2023-11-22T17:43:01

The Ontario indie pop band talks about their latest, self-titled record.

Live from AMERICANAFEST 2023: Sunny War&Logan Ledger from 2023-11-21T19:02:45

Today, we bring you live performances from Logan Ledger and Sunny War.

Devendra Banhart searches for hope on 'Flying Wig' from 2023-11-20T13:28:42

The singer-songwriter talks about working with Cate Le Bon on his latest album.

The sky is the limit for Rhiannon Giddens from 2023-11-17T19:22:22

The musician talks about winning the Pulitzer Prize in Music and her latest album, You're The One.

Arkells strip down their sound on 'Laundry Pile' from 2023-11-16T12:30:15

The Canadian rock band talk about their latest album, Landry Pile, plus they revisit their favorite sports moments.

Rosanne Cash's 'The Wheel' celebrates 30 years from 2023-11-15T16:33:21

World Cafe revisits a session with Cash from 1993, featuring live performances.

Live from AMERICANAFEST 2023: Nat Myers&Jess Williamson from 2023-11-14T17:57:21

Today, we bring you live performances from blues singer Nat Myers and singer-songwriter Jess Williamson.

Tune in to a mini-concert with Lowland Hum from 2023-11-08T16:55:31

The duo from Charlottesville, Va., perform songs from their new album, From Self, With Love.

For The Chemical Brothers, joy can be a tricky emotion to get right from 2023-11-07T17:24:22

Tom Rowlands of the English electronic music duo joins us to talk about For That Beautiful Feeling and his 30+ year partnership with Ed Simons.

Kevin Drew contemplates the inevitability of 'Aging' from 2023-11-06T15:31:53

Kevin Drew, a member of the Broken Social Scene, talks about his new solo album, Aging.

Why Radiohead's Philip Selway put down the drumsticks on his latest album from 2023-10-27T15:10:17

The English musician talks about recording his new solo record, Strange Dream.

Courtney Barnett pares down her sound on 'End Of The Day' from 2023-10-20T16:07:28

The Australian musician talks about her new instrumental record, End Of The Day, and scoring a documentary about her own career, called Anonymous Club.

Ilsey channels the Laurel Canyon spirit on her debut solo album from 2023-10-18T19:22:32

She's written songs for big stars, but Ilsey says her debut record, From the Valley, was crafted from her own experience.

Why America's pastime is the perfect songwriting lens for The Baseball Project from 2023-10-16T18:13:37

Steve Wynn and Scott McCaughey talk about the supergroup's latest album, Grand Salami Time.

How Gustavo Santaolalla and his ronroco took the film industry by storm from 2023-10-13T19:09:14

The small Andean instrument has been core to the success of the Argentine film composer and music producer on projects like The Last of Us video game, 2005's Brokeback Mountain and 2006's ...

Tune in to a mini-concert with Usted Señalemelo from 2023-10-12T16:59:40

The Argentine indie rock band performs songs off their acclaimed third album, Tripolar.

Pachyman forges his own version of dub music on 'Switched-On' from 2023-10-11T16:20:09

The Puerto Rican artist's new album harkens back to a wildly creative era when musicians first started tinkering with synths.

Remembering Avándaro, a watershed moment in Mexican rock history from 2023-10-10T17:00:52

In the shadow of a government crackdown on rock music, a music festival in 1971 eclipsed all expectations and eventually helped the genre break free.

Tune in to a mini-concert with Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices from 2023-10-05T17:30:48

The vocalist behind New York City's all-female mariachi band Flor de Toloache teams up with the Kansas City-based country and western band.

Sense of Place: Riding the changing tides of Lisbon's dance music scene from 2023-10-04T17:59:49

Music producer Nídia specializes in batida, one of the many exciting electronic subgenres being championed by Lisbon's Príncipe Discos label.

Sense of Place: Lisbon's Salvador Sobral sings with a sense of 'saudade' from 2023-09-29T16:12:25

Salvador Sobral, the winner of the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest talks about his latest album, Timbre, on World Cafe.

Sense of Place: Maria Reis wants her Portuguese roots front and center from 2023-09-28T17:25:12

The Lisbon-based musician talks about helping cultivate the music scene in her hometown.

Margaret Glaspy calls off the search on 'Echo The Diamond' from 2023-09-21T13:00:39

Glaspy talks about the influences behind her fourth record, from Alanis Morissette to Bruce Lee.

On 'Sidharth,' Sid Sriram zeroes in on his true path from 2023-09-19T13:30:10

The Indian star talks about his playback career and creating his first full-length album in English.

Alt.Latino shares 4 Latinx artists you should have on your radar from 2023-09-18T11:30:44

Alt.Latino's Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre help us ring in Hispanic Heritage Month with new music picks.

Enter Mitski's cinematic universe from 2023-09-15T10:30:15

From Ennio Morricone to sonic "jump scares," Mitski digs into the inspirations and making of The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We.

Shamir turns grief into gold on 'Homo Anxietatem' from 2023-09-11T16:01:19

Philly-based Shamir talks about his latest album and exploring an alternative pop rock sound on Homo Anxietatem.

Hannah Jadagu delivers a jagged, yet warm, performance on 'Aperture' from 2023-09-05T14:16:11

The Texas musician talks about signing to Sub Pop and making her debut album.

Splitting up only made the Jonas Brothers' reunion even sweeter from 2023-09-01T11:30:12

Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas make their World Cafe debut to talk about The Album, their second record since reuniting in 2019.

Tune in to a mini-concert with Wilder Woods from 2023-08-31T11:30:38

The NEEDTOBREATHE frontman performs songs off his latest album, FEVER / SKY.

Under the heavy guitars, there's Speedy Ortiz returns with from 2023-08-30T14:42:04

The Philadelphia band returns with their fourth LP, Rabbit Rabbit.

How a chance encounter kickstarted Abraham Alexander's music career from 2023-08-29T15:20:50

The musician from Fort Worth, Texas, talks about his debut album, SEA/SONS.

The Culture Corner: Philadelphia's place in hip-hop history from 2023-08-23T18:53:27

As we celebrate 50 years of hip-hop, World Cafe takes a look at the history of the genre in Philly.

Blondshell is Sabrina Teitelbaum at her most honest and vulnerable from 2023-08-22T14:54:45

Los Angeles musician Sabrina Teitelbaum talks about the making of her self-titled debut album, Blondshell.

Genesis Owusu's 'Struggler' takes you on a Kafkaesque journey from 2023-08-21T17:55:15

The Australian musician Genesis Owusu talks about making his sophomore album, Struggler.

Brandy Clark teams up with Brandi Carlile on her latest, self-titled album from 2023-08-18T17:48:14

One of country music's go-to songwriters leaned into a more personal, Americana sound with the help of Carlile.

Bethany Cosentino looked to '90s heartland rock on her solo debut from 2023-08-16T14:52:57

The vocalist and guitarist for Best Coast strikes out on her own with Natural Disaster.

The Milk Carton Kids wanted to go back to the start from 2023-08-14T18:20:13

The Los Angeles-based duo talk about their latest album, I Only See The Moon.

'She did everything with me': Bully's beloved dog is at the heart of her new album from 2023-08-09T15:07:19

Bully's Alicia Bognanno talks about how losing her longtime companion influenced the making of Lucky For You.

No one does a cover song quite like Cat Power from 2022-04-18T13:58:57

Don't go into Chan Marshall's latest album, Covers, expecting a karaoke party — Chan transforms, inhabits and recreates them, makes them entirely new and entirely hers.

Hear a performance from Hayes Carll at AMERICANAFEST from 2022-04-14T14:03:10

Hayes Carll is a Texas singer-songwriter with an easygoing, everyman style of storytelling that's earned him comparisons to John Prine and Townes Van Zandt.

AHI lives like someone before his time is counting on him from 2022-04-12T11:20:40

AHI's third album, Prospect, is informed by the past but paving the present road toward the future.

Ben Bridwell's resilience led to one of the best Band of Horses albums from 2022-04-11T14:47:38

In this session, Ben Bridwell takes us through the events that led to Things Are Great in his usual self-deprecating charm.

Hear Tré Burt's performance at AMERICANAFEST 2021 from 2022-04-07T15:26:55

Burt's latest album, You, Yeah, You, builds on his previous work as he grows ever more sophisticated, empathetic and razor-sharp as a storyteller and musical philosopher.

Buffalo Nichols on his self-titled debut album from 2022-04-05T14:40:01

The last few years, Buffalo Nichols' heart led him back to the blues, in the process releasing one of the beat blues albums in recent memory.

St. Paul and the Broken Bones on 'The Alien Coast' from 2022-04-04T12:27:29

The foundation of the group remains, but they've added psychedelic- and stoner-rock influences in their latest album.

Erin Rae's voice on her new 'Lighten Up' album is both arresting and intimate from 2022-03-31T10:25:41

Erin tells Nashville correspondent Jessie Scott that the idea of "lightening up" wasn't about the outside world, but her own inner world.

The Culture Corner: Arrested Development's impact on the sound of Atlanta in the '90s from 2022-03-29T15:24:35

The hip-hop group's album, 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of..., turned 30 this year.

Lawrence Rothman drops two deeply personal records from 2022-03-28T15:05:26

The first release, Good Morning, America, features appearances from Lucinda Williams, Katie Pruitt, Mary Lattimore and Amanda Shires.

Stevie Van Zandt reflects on his career's highlights in 'Unrequited Infatuations' from 2022-03-25T10:30:17

The memoir spans his time with Bruce Springsteen, his diverse and underrated solo career, and of course his work on The Sopranos as Sylvio Dante.

Hear a performance from Sierra Ferrell at AMERICANAFEST from 2022-03-24T12:17:11

Hear Sierra performing live in her adopted home city, starting off with a song from her debut album, "The Bells of Every Chapel."

ÌFÉ explores the distance between the seen and the unseen worlds from 2022-03-22T10:30:01

As Otura Mun's connections to Afro-Cuban rhythms have deepened, so has his commitment to Afro-Cuban spiritual traditions. Hear a live performance.

Punch Brothers reinterpret an album by one of their heroes from 2022-03-21T12:53:01

Mandolinist Chris Thile and guitarist Chris Eldgridge share their love of Tony Rice's music, their longtime friendship with Tony himself.

Hear a performance from Sue Foley at AMERICANAFEST from 2022-03-17T14:26:39

Her love of the blues drew her to Austin, Texas, when she was 21 years old, and she's never looked back.

Rüfüs du Sol used the big pause to learn some self-care, record new album 'Surrender' from 2022-03-11T12:05:09

After years of touring, the trio realized that they'd developed some bad habits — COVID presented the band a much-needed opportunity to hit pause.

Hear a performance from Brandy Clark at AMERICANAFEST from 2022-03-10T11:48:19

Not only did she co-write the hit song with Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally, she's also written for Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, Sheryl Crow, and Keith Urban.

Janis Ian ties the bow on a long, prolific career as a singer-songwriter from 2022-03-08T12:32:56

In this session, Janis Ian joins World Cafe for a conversation about her career, her creativity and her first new album of new material in 15 years

Tears For Fears share a unique bond, heard on their new album 'The Tipping Point' from 2022-03-07T11:04:10

In this session, Roland and Curt join us for a conversation about making a new record 17 years after the last, as well as their past, their present and the future of Tears for Fears.

Michael Stipe shares stories and mementos from his life spent creating art from 2022-03-04T09:22:11

Since R.E.M.'s amicable end in 2011, the frontman has continued to create and write. He spoke to World Cafe about revisiting New Adventures in Hi-Fi and what it's like making new ...

Geese prefers instruments to Mario Kart from 2022-03-01T12:05:43

Realizing they were spending more time playing instruments than Mario Kart they formed a band and, by the time they graduated high school, Geese had hit its stride.

The Black Opry: a joyful, supportive celebration of Black artists from 2022-02-28T12:19:43

The Black Opry was founded in Nashville by Holly G, starting as a website that's now grown into a collective of artists. Hear from members of the Black Opry Revue in the World Cafe studio.

Amos Lee wants to remind us that there is a path to mental wellness from 2022-02-25T14:00:28

Lee acknowledges how hard it can be to live with anxiety and talks about how he was finding ways to heal.

The Black Innovators Of Rock And Roll: Part 4 from 2022-02-22T12:17:28

In our final entry, we look at innovators of the new millennium — including the music of Santigold who, John Morrison says, has a unique way of combing rock with lots of other genres.

Hurray for the Riff Raff's 'Life on Earth' is an affirmation of humanity from 2022-02-18T11:45:24

Alynda Segerra talks about making the new record, alongside a whole host of topics including astrology, life in New Orleans and why she calls the band's music "nature punk."

Chris Pierce speaks up with his latest album, 'American Silence' from 2022-02-17T10:52:22

At a certain point, it's time to speak up — that's what Pierce has done with his new album, American Silence. And, as maybe you can guess from the title, he's hoping other people join him.

The Black Innovators Of Rock And Roll: Part 3 from 2022-02-15T11:26:07

This week, our ongoing series focuses on the end of the '80s and the '90s, starting with two of the biggest Black rock acts of the '90s: Living Colour and Fishbone.

Hear Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram's AMERICANAFEST performance from 2022-02-14T10:42:02

The blues musician is known for his transcendent live shows. We'll hear one in this session of World Cafe.

Spoon captures the energy of the stage on 'Lucifer on the Sofa' from 2022-02-11T12:38:16

On its 2017 album Hot Thoughts, Spoon wove in new, electronic textures in the studio. Now, for its follow-up, the band tried a totally different direction.

The Black Innovators Of Rock And Roll: Part 2 from 2022-02-08T12:54:47

In celebration of Black History Month, today's episode celebrates Black innovators of rock and roll from the 1970s and '80s: a time of musical experimentation.

The Linda Lindas' music is incredibly fun — and has something to say from 2022-02-07T17:26:08

A video of the teenage group playing in the Los Angeles Public Library went viral last year; since then, the group has released new songs and earned a spot on the Epitaph Records roster.

Questlove breaks down the process of directing his celebrated doc 'Summer of Soul' from 2022-02-04T12:12:49

Extensive footage and recordings from the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969 were packed away in a basement for decades. And then, Questlove was approached to make all of it into a documentary.

The Black Innovators Of Rock And Roll: Part 1 from 2022-02-03T13:57:52

To celebrate Black History Month, World Cafe correspondent John Morrison is digging deep into the Black Innovators of Rock and Roll throughout February.

How a post-show writing session became Jackson + Sellers debut, 'Breaking Point' from 2022-01-31T10:45:22

World Cafe talks to the pair of Americana songwriters about the trajectory of their rocking new record and how effortless that collaboration was.

Sting's 'The Bridge' connects phases of his life and career from 2022-01-28T13:04:15

In this session, Sting discusses his new album and the latest stage of his career.

The Whitmore Sisters, live at Americana Fest in Nashville from 2022-01-27T11:33:27

The duo teamed up during quarantine and recorded their first album together – the newly released Ghost Stories.

The Culture Corner: What was David Bowie up to in Philly in the '70s? from 2022-01-25T15:12:49

You may know about Bowie's time in New York City and Berlin. But do you know about his connection to Philadelphia? In this episode of The Culture Corner, correspondent John Morrison explains.

Neal Francis finds salvation recording 'In Plain Sight' inside a Chicago church from 2022-01-24T11:00:01

How did the singer-songwriter end up living in a church parsonage? He tells the story in this World Cafe session, and perform songs from his new album.

Tom Morello's wildly eclectic Atlas Underground from 2022-01-18T11:41:38

Fire and Flood, features appearances by Nathaniel Rateliff, Chris Stapleton, X Ambassadors, Phantogram, Eddie Vedder and Bruce Springsteen.

Elvis Costello is still trying to grow up from 2022-01-14T11:17:20

The phrase "young at heart" is a cliché, but when it comes to Elvis Costello, it really does apply. The Boy Named If is a trip through the inner life of a young person growing up ...

Aimee Mann adapts songs for 'Girl, Interrupted' on stage from 2022-01-13T11:26:54

Mann was tapped to write songs for a stage adaptation of Susanna Kaysen's memoir, and released several of the songs on her album Queens of the Summer Hotel.

The pandemic has been rich with inspiration for Tré Burt from 2022-01-11T11:23:23

Burt's latest album, You, Yeah, You, builds on his previous work as his songwriting grows ever more sophisticated.

Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon reflects on the 'Future Past' from 2022-01-07T11:36:56

The band''s fifteenth studio album, Future Past, has all the familiar sonic signatures — while exploring the contours of modern production.

A conversation with the awe-inspiring Pastor T. L. Barrett from 2022-01-06T11:12:54

In this session, Pastor T. L. Barrett joins me for an inspiring conversation on the incredible music of his Youth For Christ Choir, first released 50 years ago.

Norah Jones captures the nostalgia and magic of Christmas from 2021-12-24T07:00:50

Jones' very first solo Christmas album is a mix of originals and covers, some traditional and some more unexpected.

Hiss Golden Messenger's 'O Come All Ye Faithful' is full of bittersweet hope from 2021-12-23T08:00:23

MC Taylor acknowledges that this time of year isn't all jingle bells and snowmen and flying reindeer.

Tracing Rev. James Cleveland's historic contributions to gospel from 2021-12-20T12:58:36

Today we get an opportunity to learn more about Rev. Cleveland, a musical giant, thanks to our guest Robert Marovich, gospel historian and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Gospel Music.

The Felice Brothers sing about anxiety with a reassuring warmth from 2021-12-16T12:48:38

On their latest album, From Dreams To Dust, brothers Ian and James Felice sing about anxieties, pressures and a world that makes less and less sense.

Music is woven through Josh Ritter's new book, 'The Great Glorious God**** of It All' from 2021-12-13T09:53:23

You may know Josh Ritter primarily as a songwriter and musician, but did you know he's also a novelist? He put out his first book a de...

It feels like Elton John, at 74 years old, is just getting started from 2021-12-10T10:28:07

Elton John recently scored his first #1 chart ranking in 16 years – thanks to a song on his latest album The Lockdown Sessions. In this session, we chat about being inspired, finding music...

The Killers new album, 'Pressure Machine,' is a deep look at small-town dysfunction from 2021-12-09T09:00:21

Every recent flash of inspiration seemed to drive singer Brandon Flowers towards that small community, with its modern-day problems.

Damon Albarn's latest record reflects on an evolving landscape from 2021-12-07T08:00:12

A collaboration with several orchestral musicians from Reykjavík served as the foundation for Albarn's new solo album, The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows.

Charley Crockett tells stories about his life, his music and his mentor, James Hand from 2021-12-03T11:03:37

In this session, hear songs that Crockett recorded live in front of a virtual World Cafe audience, from that tribute album and from another recent album of his called Music City USA.

The Culture Corner: Sly and the Family Stone's 'There's A Riot Goin' On' turns 50 from 2021-11-29T14:44:14

On today's Culture Corner, World Cafe correspondent John Morrison dives into the 1971 album, exploring its songs and the unique way it combines genres.

Dave Grohl shares snapshots of a life in rock from 2021-11-26T07:00:37

Dave Grohl joins World Cafe to talk about his new memoir. He'll share snapshots of his life in rock: how he got there, what it's been like and how he's kept having such a good time.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss team up again, 14 years later, to 'Raise The Roof' from 2021-11-25T07:00:44

In this session, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss discuss their new album, Raise The Roof, and what they love about working together.

William Shatner, fresh from low orbit, shows off his range on new record 'Bill' from 2021-11-24T10:13:58

In this session we get into Shatner's new record, he shares stories from his colorful life, including a recent trip to space.

Jade Bird's 'Different Kinds of Light' spotlights her skill as a lyricist from 2021-11-23T11:10:25

Much like Jade Bird in real life, the songs are accessible, thoughtful and nuanced. She has a gift as a singer-songwriter to write in a universal way.

'Things Take Time, Take Time' is Courtney Barnett's new mantra from 2021-11-12T10:15:03

Barnett's new album was shaped by time in many ways — time off, time alone, time kept. In this session we'll hear a live performance recorded during Barnett's New Zealand tour.

Houndmouth returns to its Indiana roots with 'Good For You' from 2021-11-08T10:39:23

Houndmouth recorded its latest record from a 19th-century shotgun house in New Albany, Ind. The result is a recharged band and a refined batch of songs.

Toronto rapper Shad discusses the evolution of Canadian hip-hop from 2021-11-03T15:45:12

Shad is an award-winning rapper, writer and host of the documentary series Hip-Hop Evolution. In this session, we dig into Shad's new album and hear live performances.

The Culture Corner: Tom Tom Club and 'Genius Of Love' from 2021-10-28T16:38:30

On today's Culture Corner, World Cafe correspondent John Morrison explores why Tom Tom Club's music has been so popular among producers and music samplers.

There's a special energy when My Morning Jacket gather in a room from 2021-10-22T16:11:23

Hear My Morning Jacket perform songs from its self-titled album, recorded live at RCA Studio A in Nashville.

Rodney Crowell's excellent advice for aspiring songwriters from 2021-10-21T16:31:41

Rodney Crowell's new album, Triage, is his most personal yet.

Sleater-Kinney's 'Path Of Wellness' marks time of great change, within and without from 2021-10-15T11:35:59

Sleater-Kinney's new album is the first they produced themselves, the first without Janet Weiss and amidst the backdrop of wildfires, pandemic and protests.

Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine interpret the movies on 'A Beginner's Mind' from 2021-10-13T08:47:02

Every song on Stevens the album is connected with a movie, inspired by late nights watching flicks during a month-long stay in upstate New York.

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis: The songwriting and production duo you know, but don't from 2021-10-07T14:49:01

Jam & Lewis are the duo behind a ton of R&B hits from stars like Usher, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige and more. And boy do they have some stories to tell!

'The Return of Pachyman' is a 21st Century Take on the Classic Dub Foundation from 2021-10-06T16:13:35

In this session, enjoy a mini-set and conversation with Pachyman, whose love for dub is infectious.

Bruce Dickinson Talks Everything Iron Maiden, And A Whole Lot Of Other Things from 2021-10-04T14:15:41

Not only is he the lead singer of one of the most important and most influential metal bands of all time, Dickinson is also a licensed pilot, an accomplished fencer and a frontman with seemingly en...

The Culture Corner: The Legacy Of Two 1991 Albums Released On The Same Day from 2021-09-30T14:27:15

We're taking listeners back 30 years ago, to a memorable day in music history — September 24, 1991. On that day, two important records were released: Nirvana's Nevermind and A Tribe Called...

On 'Star-Crossed,' Kacey Musgraves Embraces Tragedy from 2021-09-24T14:41:20

Kacey Musgraves' latest album, Star-Crossed, chronicles the end of a relationship, through divorce and healing.

Merry Clayton On 'Beautiful Scars' And A Life Of Singing from 2021-09-22T15:20:11

In the late 1960s, Merry Clayton was one of the most sought after backup singers. Her new album, released in April of this year, is called Beautiful Scars.

On 'The Roadside,' Billy Idol Reunites With An Old Collaborator from 2021-09-20T15:59:33

This month, Billy Idol released The Roadside, a four song EP made with his longtime guitarist and cowriter, Steve Stevens.

On 'Hope Above Adversity,' Dylan Cartlidge Makes Music Like Mantras from 2021-09-16T11:59

Cartlidge's debut album, Hope Above Adversity, was released in July of this year. It's filled with uplifting anthems that sonically jump from pop, to funk, to hip hop.

Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram, Pushing The Blues Into The Modern Era from 2021-09-13T16:46:30

On his latest album, 662, the 22-year-old guitar virtuoso expands his sound to incorporate more rock, soul and gospel into his repertoire.

Enter 'The Metallica Blacklist': St. Vincent And Jason Isbell On The Black Album from 2021-09-10T15:20:08

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Metallica's beloved self-titled album, they're releasing The Metallica Blacklist: a compilation featuring more than 50 different artists covering songs...

On 'Release Me 2,' Barbra Streisand Plucks From An Archive Full Of Gems from 2021-09-03T17:39:44

In this episode of World Cafe, Barbra Streisand discusses Release Me 2 — a compilation of unreleased and reworked songs — and the funny, surprising stories that surround it.

On 'Daddy's Home,' St. Vincent Lives Her 1970s New York Fantasy from 2021-09-02T14:57:52

In this episode of World Cafe, St. Vincent dives into the personal story and cultural influences behind Daddy's Home.

For Tom Scharpling, Wanting To Be Part Of Something Bigger 'Never Ends' from 2021-09-01T13:37:29

In this episode of World Cafe, Tom Scharpling talks about his memoir, It Never Ends, and the way music — including how his desire to be part of something: a band, a joke, anything — has sh...

To Jackson Browne, Songwriting Is A Game Of Revision from 2021-08-27T13:14:53

Songwriting is a craft. No one follows through on that promise more than Jackson Browne.

Leslie Jordan Embraces His Newfound Internet Fame With 'Company's Comin'' from 2021-08-24T14:18:03

The actor's debut album is a collection of hymns, reinterpreted by him and guest artists like Brandi Carlile, Dolly Parton and TJ Osborne.

Twin Shadow Comes Home For His Latest Sonic Shift from 2021-08-23T16:58:07

Exploring the sounds of his youth — with soul and punk music at the core — was exactly what singer-songwriter George Lewis Jr. needed to do.

Hiss Golden Messenger Performs Songs From Throughout His Career from 2021-08-20T16:23:42

You might wonder why Hiss Golden Messenger's new album is called Quietly Blowing It — because bandleader M.C. Taylor has not been blowing it at all.

Brittney Spencer Follows Her Own Light from 2021-08-18T13:11:19

For every time that someone succeeds by following certain markers, there's someone who succeeds by following their own light. Brittney Spencer is the latter.

The Culture Corner: How Outkast Put Atlanta On The Map As Hip-Hop's New Epicenter from 2021-08-17T13:40:11

In this new episode of The Culture Corner, correspondent John Morrison pays a close listen to Outkast's breakthrough record ATLiens.

Get To Know Delgres, The French Band Named After An Anti-Slavery Freedom Fighter from 2021-08-11T16:51:49

Music has the power to transport you, and in the case of the band Delgres, it takes you to several different places and times, all at once.

Leon Bridges, An Introvert, Is Resigned To Fame from 2021-08-06T14:43:03

For his latest album, Bridges found solitude in a place called Gold-Diggers Sound in L.A.

'I Want My MTV': A Deep Dive Into The Channel's Early Years from 2021-08-05T18:09:28

Rob Tannenbaum, who co-authored the book, talked to hundreds of artists, former VJs and key players at MTV for an engrossing oral history of the channel.

Bachelor Recorded A Short Concert For All You '90s Rock Fans Out There from 2021-08-03T16:04:31

The collaboration between Melina Duterte of JAY SOM and Ellen Kempner of Palehound went live for World Cafe.

Femi And Made Kuti Present A Father-Son Double Album, 'Legacy +' from 2021-08-02T12:04:25

We sit down with Fela Kuti's son and grandson, who speak about the pride and joy of sharing releases and their appreciation of each other's craft.

David Crosby's 'For Free' Feels Like A Long-Awaited Reunion from 2021-07-30T11:27:32

In this episode of World Cafe, Crosby joins us for a chat and listening session of songs from his album, For Free.

The Culture Corner: Diving Deep Into The Funk Of George Clinton's Legacy from 2021-07-29T13:19:43

To celebrate George Clinton's 80th birthday, The Culture Corner is diving into the head funkateer's body of work.

On 'Second Line,' Dawn Richard Shares A New Vision Of New Orleans from 2021-07-28T14:06:27

On Second Line, the Danity Kane star celebrates the music and culture of New Orleans, including her own freedom as a solo artist.

Going Home With Rhiannon Giddens from 2021-07-23T14:47:17

In this episode of World Cafe, Rhiannon Giddens discusses the locations that influenced her latest album — They're Calling Me Home — from her hometown of Greensboro, N.C., to her ...

Nick Thorburn Of Islands Has A Constant Urge To Create from 2021-07-21T16:21:12

Islands returns with a new album called Islomania, after a five year self-described "retirement."

Message Music: 3 Black Artists Who Helped Integrate Country Music from 2021-07-20T12:52:27

Founding Member Emilio Castillo On Tower Of Power's 50th Anniversary from 2021-07-15T14:30:57

Since Tower of Power's beginning, founding member Emilio Castillo has been there. To celebrate the band's 50th anniversary, it is releasing a recording of a live concert in the band's hometown.

From Producing Electronic Music To Composing For Film, Tom Holkenborg Scores from 2021-07-14T10:50:14

Tom Holkenborg, also known as Junkie XL, is one of the biggest names in film score composing today.

Rostam Rises With The Quiet Conversations Of 'Changephobia' from 2021-07-12T15:44:23

Rostam discusses his new record Changephobia, which was inspired by a quiet conversation the artist had with a stranger on a park bench.

Lord Huron Gets 'Long Lost' In Its Own Fictional World from 2021-06-25T12:11:21

In this session, frontman Ben Schneider joins World Cafe to take us into the fictional world he's created and talk about what inspired it.

Message Music: 3 Artists Who Performed With 'Pride' from 2021-06-24T15:14:56

In honor of Pride month, Michael Mwenso highlights three artists who expressed their individuality, gender and sexual identities with freedom.

Jensen McRae Reintroduces Herself On 'Who Hurt You?' from 2021-06-22T14:19:08

More than her viral hit and Phoebe Bridgers parody "Immune," McRae has a unique, perceptive ear and a way with words.

Zach Bryan On How Music Helped Him Stay Sane While Deployed from 2021-06-17T13:56:14

Being a musician kept Zach Bryan sane while he was deployed under the U.S. Navy; it was also the reason why he went viral.

On 'Glowing In The Dark,' Django Django Explore Evolution And Escapism from 2021-06-16T15:30:10

Today on World Cafe, David Maclean and Vincent Neff of Django Django talk about what inspires their ever-evolving sound.

The Culture Corner: The Beastie Boys' Pledge To Tibetan Independence, 25 Years Later from 2021-06-15T13:23:22

Not only did the Tibetan Freedom Concert kick off a series of benefit shows, raising money and awareness for the cause, but it also marked a shift for the Beastie Boys as a group.

Celeste On 'Hear My Voice' And The Pressures Of Success from 2021-06-14T14:08:47

British R&B Phenom performs live for World Cafe in this session.

On 'Who By Fire,' First Aid Kit Stage A Love Letter To Leonard Cohen from 2021-06-11T12:48:37

It takes a whole lot of courage to dedicate an entire tribute album and live concert to a master of songwriting and performance. On their live tribute album to Leonard Cohen, Who By Fire, ...

Samantha Crain Thought She'd Never Make Music Again from 2021-06-07T11:19:10

Samantha Crain rose above a string of misfortune to release a celebrated album in 2020 – and is back this year with a fabulous new EP, I Guess We Live Here Now.

On 'Delta Kream,' The Black Keys Pay Tribute To Hill Country Blues from 2021-05-28T14:44:18

The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney discuss how Delta Kream came together and how the they got interested in hill country blues.

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard On Making Microtonal Music During A Pandemic from 2021-05-27T16:53:34

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's Stu Mackenzie shares new music and knowledge on microtonal music.

Message Music: Michael Mwesno Dives Deep Into The Meaning Of Music from 2021-05-20T16:06:21

Michael Mwenso guides us in exploring the deeper meaning of music, including tracks by Aretha Franklin, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Ethel Waters.

The Culture Corner: The Matrix Of Kraftwerk's 'Computer World' 40 Years On from 2021-05-18T16:19:29

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, John Morrison revisits Kraftwerk's Computer World and its importance then and now.

How The Flaming Lips Bring The Warmth Of Concerts To Crowds, Despite The Pandemic from 2021-05-17T17:14:20

The Flaming Lips are finding ways to bring grand, life-affirming live performances to audiences in a time when those comforts might be needed more than ever.

Unreleased Tony Joe White Songs Are Brought To Live, After His Death from 2021-05-14T17:23:34

Hear how Tony Joe's son, Jody, took those songs to Dan Auerbach and how they, together, released a new album, Smoke From The Chimney.

Have You Heard Stephanie Lambring's 'Autonomy'? You Should from 2021-05-12T14:39:17

The Nashville songwriter wrote one of the most honest albums released last year. It is nothing short of a coming-of-age tour de force.

Wand's Cory Hanson Goes Solo Again, And He'd Rather Not Talk About It from 2021-05-11T17:20:36

The Los Angeles psych-rock star joins World Cafe to discuss his new album, Pale Horse Rider.

The Weather Station Takes Us Inside The Songs Of 'Ignorance' from 2021-05-07T15:20:45

With The Weather Station's fifth album, Ignorance, Tamara Lindeman's lyricism is as sharp as ever, but she's also expanded her sound.

Meet Tamar Aphek, The Israeli Guitarist Who Plays 'Jazz & Roll' from 2021-05-06T17:28:16

The Tel Aviv musician talks about how her distinct sound revealed itself during improvisation.

No-No Boy Weaves Family And Other Immigrant Stories Into Catchy Folk Songs from 2021-05-05T14:58:29

Previously heard as a member of The Young Republic, Julian Saporiti's new project incorporates his own family history, including the experiences of his Vietnamese mother.

Get Familiar With Elizabeth King's Long Journey from 2021-04-30T16:02:44

Gospel singer Elizabeth King is unstoppable. In this episode, she talks about how she musters the strength and power to persevere at 78 years old.

Rickie Lee Jones Shares The Soundtrack To Her Youth from 2021-04-28T13:26:28

Rickie Lee Jones opens up about the stories and characters of her own story in her new memoir.

Loretta Lynn Transforms Classic Songs On 'Still Woman Enough' from 2021-04-26T13:14:38

The 89-year-old icon collaborates with artists like Margo Price and Tanya Tucker on her 50th studio album.

Jon Batiste Can't Keep His Fingers Off The Piano from 2021-04-23T16:36:28

The charismatic Late Show star reflects on his role on the show, composing for the Disney/Pixar film Soul, and his latest album.

Get Up And Dance To A Mini-Concert From Jupiter & Okwess from 2021-04-22T16:48:27

Jupiter & Okwess' music blends Congolese, American and European influences and is undeniably fun.

Shakey Graves Ruminates On 10 Years Of 'Roll The Bones' from 2021-04-21T13:45:17

Alejandro Rose Garcia's 2011 album is one of Bandcamp's most downloaded folk records. He joins us to discuss the record's deluxe reissue.

The Culture Corner: 30 Years Since Massive Attack's 'Blue Lines' from 2021-04-20T09:36:31

We go back to the early '90s in Bristol in this first installment of The Culture Corner.

The Lumineers' Jeremiah Fraites Made A Record That Sounds Nothing Like The Lumineers from 2021-04-15T14:09:58

The co-founder of one of the biggest bands on the planet steps out to make an ... instrumental piano record.

Rick Steves Takes Us On A Musical Tour Of Europe from 2021-04-09T11:54:03

Rick Steves is a travel guide, TV and radio host, and the author of several books. And lots of those stories have to do with music.

Get To Know Deep Sea Diver's Jessica Dobson from 2021-04-05T13:34:27

Not only does Dobson play a wicked guitar on Deep Sea Diver's new album, it's also the first time she's ever co-produced.

The Hold Steady's 'Open Door Policy' Soundtracks An American Hangover from 2021-04-02T14:21:20

The band shares live performances of songs from its latest album, from the stage of Brooklyn Bowl.

Langhorne Slim Knows A Thing Or Two About Anxiety And Creativity from 2021-04-01T14:08:17

Langhorne Slim's Strawberry Mansion is a stripped-back set of songs he wrote during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lake Street Dive Takes A New Approach To Songwriting On 'Obviously' from 2021-03-31T13:49:08

In this session, hear a live performance from Lake Street Dive – marking the first time the group has performed songs from their new album, Obviously, in the same room.

Typhoon Explains The Challenges Of Recording An Album With 8 People, Mid-Lockdown from 2021-03-30T13:07:03

Recording an album with an eight member band in 2020? Portland band Typhoon did it.

Tame Impala's Kevin Parker Discusses The 'Unlistenable' Music He Made As A Teen from 2021-03-26T13:00:17

Parker joins us from his home in Australia to chat about about the very different year he's had, his album from last year, The Slow Rush and his entire musical history.

Genesis Owusu's Debut Album, 'Smiling With No Teeth,' Embodies Its Title from 2021-03-25T13:00:29

Owusu's Smiling With No Teeth is a big musical blender, showcasing his abilities across genres, while meditating on depression and covert racism.

The War On Drugs' Adam Granduciel Shares His Favorite Live Tracks from 2021-03-22T16:20:33

Frontman Granduceil plays you five of his favorite live tracks from other artists.

Daniel Lanois Is More Than Just A Legendary Producer from 2021-03-17T16:48:26

From Bob Dylan to Peter Gabriel to U2, Daniel Lanois has worked on some of the most beloved albums of the last 40 years.

Kanaval: Haitian Rhythms And The Music Of New Orleans: Episode 2 from 2021-03-15T13:00:41

What we often call French is actually Haitian. We see this imprint on New Orleans in countless ways — in its food, architecture, art, but most notably, in the music.

Kanaval: Haitian Rhythms And The Music Of New Orleans: Episode 3 from 2021-03-15T13:00:34

Kanaval is a profoundly significant event that brings together music, politics, and the dreams and demands of the Haitian people.

Kanaval: Haitian Rhythms And The Music Of New Orleans: Episode 4 from 2021-03-15T13:00:27

Musicians, artists and organizers in Haiti and New Orleans discuss how they have navigated this year, the lessons and wisdom they've drawn from history.

Kanaval: Haitian Rhythms And The Music Of New Orleans: Episode 1 from 2021-03-15T12:00:48

In order to understand the deep connections and musical relationship between Haiti and New Orleans, we must go back to before Haiti was Haiti.

Trina Shoemaker Is A Trailblazer In The Male-Dominated Music Industry from 2021-03-08T12:18:19

The female engineer, mixer and producer is an inspiration for women, or anyone who might be interested in getting behind the mixing board.

If You Think Metallica's All About Headbanging, 'S&M2' Might Change Your Mind from 2021-03-05T06:00:17

Just like the original S&M album in 1999, Metallica has teamed up with the San Francisco Symphony to perform a collection of songs from throughout its career.

Donovan Woods Talks And Performs 'Without People' from 2021-03-03T10:36:47

Even though Donovan Woods' new album is called Without People, it is still full of the personal connections that we've missed during the pandemic.

Grandaddy's Jason Lytle On 20 Years Of 'Sophtware Slump' from 2021-03-02T15:09:12

The Grandaddy frontman and songwriter saw the anniversary as an opportunity to re-record one of his band's most-loved albums, from a lifetime away.

Waylon Payne Considers His Experiences With Familial Fame, Addiction On 'Blue Eyes' from 2021-03-01T14:24:52

In this session, Payne perform songs from his new record, which examines his famous parents, his struggles with addiction and journey to sobriety.

Joy Oladokun's Music Uncovers New Ways Of Looking At The World from 2021-02-26T15:03:35

Oladokun performs songs from her forthcoming album, in defense of my own happiness (vol 2).

The Revivalists' David Shaw Performs Songs From His Solo Album from 2021-02-25T18:09:59

Get a preview of songs from Daivd Shaw's debut solo album as he performs live and talks to World Cafe's New Orleans Correspondent, Gwen Thompkins.

The Black Roots Of Rock And Roll: Part 4 from 2021-02-24T15:59:17

Celebrating Black History Month, music journalist John Morrison brings us music from black musical innovators from the turn of the millennium to the present day.

The Black Roots Of Rock And Roll: Part 3 from 2021-02-19T11:53:26

This week, we move on from the 1970s, touching on the early punk sounds of the band Death, and into the '80s and '90s - and the British proto-shoegaze band A.R. Kane.

Bartees Strange Asks, What If The Idea Of Genres Limits Expression? from 2021-02-15T12:01:57

Strange's new album, Live Forever, finds room for plenty of different sounds and tells the story of his life along the way.

Bootsy Collins Shares Recordings From His Personal Archives from 2021-02-12T16:15:50

The funk legend visits the Cafe with songs from The Power of the One, old favorites from his personal archives, and stories galore.

The Black Roots Of Rock And Roll: Part 2 from 2021-02-11T14:13:50

John Morrison shines a spotlight on black rock innovators from the '60s and '70s, including Sly & The Family Stone, George Clinton and more.