

NPR Music
NPR
Welcome to your all-in-one destination for every NPR Music podcast. We break down the best new albums to hit streaming each week on New Music Friday; we share the latest songs worthy of your playlists on All Songs Considered; there’s off-the-rails conversations (and chisme!) about Latin music on Alt.Latino. The NPR Music channel is your hub for new records, iconic artists and cult heroes, free of algorithms and full of surprises.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 3, 2024 • 27min
Jack Antonoff on surviving grief, regret and working out life's uncertainties
Jack Antonoff, a producer, singer, and songwriter, discusses surviving grief, regret, and life's uncertainties with Rachel Martin. They explore topics like coping with grief, anxiety's impact on creativity, and the profound influence of grief on shaping one's worldview.

9 snips
May 31, 2024 • 49min
New Music Friday: The best albums out May 31
NPR Music's Ann Powers and Lars Gotrich guide listeners through the best new releases, including albums by Arooj Aftab and Shaboozey. They discuss the fusion of hip hop and country music, innovative genre-blending tracks, and critique consumer capitalism in Richard Thompson's album. The episode highlights diverse music releases from experimental hip hop to bluegrass, urging listeners to explore new sounds.

May 29, 2024 • 35min
The National Recording Registry's best Spanish language songs (and what it's missing)
Renowned Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel and iconic Puerto Rican salsa singer Héctor Lavoe discuss the addition of Spanish language songs to the National Recording Registry. The podcast delves into the emotional depth and cultural significance of songs like 'El Cantante' and 'Amor Eterno', highlighting their impact on Latino identity and shared experiences in the US. It also explores the diversity and historical value of Spanish language music, showcasing its universal appeal and deep connections to heritage and emotions.

May 28, 2024 • 45min
The Contenders, Vol. 10: The songs we can't stop playing this week
Discover the latest tracks by Alkaline Trio, Lake Street Dive, Les Savy Fav, La Luz, Cindy Lee, and Four Tet. Dive into emotional reflections, nostalgic relationships, and a musical journey through time. Explore the ethereal and whimsical, embracing contentment in artistry, and layers of history in sample-based music.

May 24, 2024 • 43min
New Music Friday: The best albums out May 24
NPR Music's Nate Chinen and Sheldon Pearce review Carlos Niño's ambient-jazz album 'Placenta' touching on themes of pregnancy. They also discuss DIIV's shoegaze-inspired sound and Andrew Bird's jazz tribute. Other albums include Tiny Habits, Vince Staples, and Alex Sipiagin. The podcast ads focus on health, travel insurance, and online learning.

May 21, 2024 • 49min
Songs that hit you hard (2023)
Listeners share songs that made them ugly cry or couldn't stop playing, delving into themes of loss, hope, and resilience through emotional connections to music. Reflecting on the power of songs like 'Dumb Luck' by War and Treaty and 'Five to Eight Hours a Day' by Lorraine for support and inspiration during difficult times.

May 17, 2024 • 37min
New Music Friday: The best albums out May 17
NPR Music's Stephen Thompson and Hazel Cills discuss new releases by Billie Eilish, Rapsody, and Beth Gibbons. They delve into diverse music styles, artists' personal journeys, and the evolution of musical narratives. The podcast also explores the array of music releases on May 17th, including tribute albums and NPR Music playlists.

May 15, 2024 • 33min
Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Wyatt Flores, Danny Ocean and Grupo Frontera
Alt.Latino's latest episode features an eclectic mix of artists, including country/Latin musician Wyatt Flores, breakout regional band Grupo Frontera, and rapper Danny Ocean. The podcast explores diverse musical styles, cultural identities, and unique sounds in the music industry, providing listeners with a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of Latin music.

May 14, 2024 • 39min
The Contenders, Vol. 9: The songs we can't stop playing this week
Dive into the best songs of the year including tracks from Dominic Fike, Willow, Kamasi Washington, and more. Explore themes of fear, apprehension, and intense emotions through powerful vocals. Discuss the evolution of music styles and the impact of innovative sounds in each song. Conclude with sponsor promotions and show promo, highlighting immersive journalism and travel perks.

11 snips
May 10, 2024 • 44min
New Music Friday: The best albums out May 10
NPR Music editor and Alt.Latino host discuss exciting new albums out May 10, including Mexican regional fusion, R&B singer's reflective style, and a blockbuster indie artist collection for a 90s movie soundtrack. Dive into diverse genres and artist highlights in this episode.


