NPR Music

Since 2014, we've been hitting bands up to send in their videos for a chance to win the Tiny Desk Contest. And almost from the beginning, Alt.Latino has been pulling aside the bands and artists that play Latin music. It’s always been a highlight to see the incredible talent that's out there night after night in bars, clubs, community centers, street parties and backyards, finding new ways to express their Latino identity through music. This year was no different. We waded through hundreds of entries to select the six to feature this week, which showcase a huge variety of musical expressions. And a reminder: you can see every band that sent in a video this year right here - and a big shout out to this year’s winner, Cure For Paranoia! Artists and songs featured in this episode: (04:10) Sofia Gomez, "Without Me" (07:58) Ed Harvest, "Me Toca Despedirme de Ti" (11:05) alegrías, "Wahoo!" (16:05) Ivan Llanes and Friends, "Cubahia" (22:27) Majo Puente, "MAKTUB" (25:56) Thee Almighty Majestics, "Última Noche" This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive director of NPR Music. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Our latest mix of the best new tracks this week includes a massive eye-roll from Charli xcx, the first-ever solo music from Mike D of the Beastie Boys, another surprise drop from electronic music icons Boards of Canada, and more. NPR Music’s Lars Gotrich joins host Robin Hilton. Leave us a glowing review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend to listen! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (01:18) Charli xcx: “Rock Music” (Single) (07:30) Starflyer 59: “I’m Disappointed” from Disappointed EP (12:22) Mike D: “Switch Up” (Single) (19:53) Black Swan Network: “The Shell” from The Early Music, Vol. 1 (25:30) Hannah Cohen: “Golden Chain” (Single) (31:55) Boards of Canada: “Introit/Prophecy At 1420 MHz” from Inferno See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

MUNA. Stephen Sanchez. Lykke Li. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Celia Gregory from WNXP in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, May 8. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round. The Starting 5 (00:00) MUNA, 'Dancing On The Wall' (08:17) Aldous Harding, 'Train on the Island' (16:00) Deb Never, 'Arcade' (22:15) Lykke Li, 'The Afterparty' (28:12) Stephen Sanchez, 'LOVE, LOVE, LOVE' (34:46) The Lightning Round - Ashley McBryde, 'Wild' - Broken Social Scene, 'Remember The Humans' - Ray Bull, 'Please Stop Laughing' - Anastasia Kristensen, 'Bestiarium Sombre' - Amy Grant, 'The Me That Remains' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org. Credits: Host: Stephen Thompson Guest: Celia Gregory, WNXP Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Robin Hilton, Ann Powers and Lars Gotrich See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

With Mother’s Day nearing, listeners share songs that remind them of their moms and the deeply moving stories behind them. NPR's Mitra Arthur joins host Robin Hilton. Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro / “Stardust” by Hoagy Carmichael (01:52) Christina Aguilera: “Beautiful” (06:06) Jeannie C. Riley: “Harper Valley P.T.A.” (10:09) Kermit the Frog: “Rainbow Connection” (13:50) Phyllis Hyman: “You Know How To Love Me” (17:16) MILCK: “Oh, Mother” (21:58) Christina Perri: “You Are My Sunshine” (25:33) The Tokens: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (29:16) Four Tops: “Reach Out I’ll Be There” (33:43) Sweet Honey In The Rock: “Wanting Memories” Note: A version of this episode originally ran in 2024 See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Kacey Musgraves. American Football. Tori Amos. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Jewly Hight from WPLN in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, May 1. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round. The Starting 5 (00:00) Kacey Musgraves, 'Middle of Nowhere' (08:41) American Football, 'American Football (LP4)' (16:25) Isaiah Rashad, 'IT'S BEEN AWFUL' (21:42) Tori Amos, 'In Times of Dragons' (28:09) Ana Roxanne, 'Poem 1' (33:38) The Lightning Round - Jesca Hoop, 'Long Wave Home' - Casper Sage, 'PATINA' - duendita, 'existential thottie' - Maisy Owen, 'Dark on a Sunny Day' - Octo Octa, 'Sigils For Survival' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org. Credits: Host: Stephen Thompson Guest: Jewly Hight, WPLN Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Ann Powers and Hazel Cills See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Fusion is at the heart of so much of the music we cover - especially on this week's episode. Flamenco producers descend on Hermosillo to experiment with regional Mexican music. Young Argentine artists blend trap with folk and rock en Español. A sunny Rio sound is born in Spain. Plus, a New Mexican string band, an Afro-Brazilian collective and an exploration of Latin roots from Cypress Hill. Artists and albums featured in this episode: (02:26) Trueno, 'TURR4ZO' (09:37) Lone Piñon, 'Hot Carne Seca' (13:20) Chanela Clicka, 'COBRA' (18:50) Cypress Hill, 'Dios Bendiga' (22:30) Leo Middea, 'Notícias de Puglia' (25:28) Mandinga Beat, 'Afro-Brazil' This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Our latest picks for the week’s best new songs include Olivia Rodrigo’s head-over-heels earworm “drop dead,” a stunning bonus cut from Rosalía’s LUX album, a surprising pop turn from Peter Gabriel, twisted dance beats from Nine Inch Nails and more. NPR Music’s Hazel Cills joins host Robin Hiton. Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (01:49) Olivia Rodrigo: “drop dead” from you look pretty sad for a girl so in love (09:50) Peter Gabriel: “Till Your Mind Is Shining (Bright-Side Mix)” from o/i (20:23) Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize: “Heresy” from Nine Inch Noize (28:47) Rosalía: “Focu 'Ranni” from LUX (Complete Works) (36:21) Rostam: “Like a Spark” from American Stories (42:51) Gregory Uhlmann: “Days” from Extra Stars Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Noah Kahan. Kehlani. The return of Metric. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with DJ Llu from Vermont Public about their favorite albums out Friday, April 24. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round. The Starting 5 (00:00) Noah Kahan, 'The Great Divide' (09:28) Kehlani, 'Kehlani' (16:14) Metric, 'Romanticize The Dive' (21:33) Gia Margaret, 'Singing' (28:27) Season 2, 'Power of Now' (34:12) The Lightning Round - Quiet Light, 'Blue Angel Sparkling Silver 2' - Kiki Cavazos, 'Goodbye Blues' - Carla dal Forno, 'Confession' - The Milk Carton Kids, 'Lost Cause Lover Fool' - Trueno, 'TURR4ZO' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org. Credits: Host: Stephen Thompson Guest: DJ Llu, Vermont Public Audio Producer: Noah Caldwell Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Hazel Cills, Ann Powers and Anamaria Sayre See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

This week's new music show spans the breadth of Latin America. Argentine indie artist Paula Prieto goes experimental. Venezuelan reggaeton pioneers Chino y Nacho return to the limelight. Brazilian singer Marina B reminds Felix of The Beatles. Guatemala's Doctor Nativo pays homage to the "caminantes" heading north to find a better life. Plus, Latin punk from San Antonio, and a celebration of Afro-Cuban legend Arsenio Rodriguez. Artists and albums featured in this episode: (00:46) Chino y Nacho, 'Radio Venezuela' (05:30) FEA, 'Careful' (10:11) Paula Prieto, 'TEMPORAL, LP.' (16:27) Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band, 'Arsenio And Beyond' (22:30) Midnight Cafe & Marina B, 'À Flor da Pele (Lonely Man)' (25:34) Doctor Nativo & Roco Pachukote, 'Caminantes' This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Our latest mix of the best new songs out now includes a scorching new cut from Jack White, a surprise (and breathtaking) return of electronic legends Boards of Canada, outlaw country from Charley Crockett and more. NPR Music’s Sheldon Pearce joins host Robin Hilton. Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (01:22) Jack White: “G.O.D. and the Broken Ribs” (Single) (08:38) Kelela: “idea 1” (Single) (16:13) mary in the junkyard: “Crash Landing” from Role Model Hermit (24:59) Charley Crockett: “Kentucky Too Long” from Age of the Ram (32:33) Boards of Canada: “Tape 05” (Single) (40:09) Purity Ring: “lemonlime” (Single) See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

We talk with Beck about his gauzy new song, what he’s been up to since releasing his last album seven years ago, and what he (maybe?) has planned for the coming year. Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Honey Dijon. Yaya Bey. Shadowy pop from Sofia Isella. Guest host Hazel Cills chats with Nastia Voynovskaya from KQED in San Francisco about their favorite albums out Friday, April 17. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round. The Starting 5 (00:00) Introduction & Nine Inch Nails & Boys Noize, 'Nine Inch Noize' (02:47) Honey Dijon, 'The Nightlife' (09:05) Jessie Ware, 'Superbloom' (16:22) Sofia Isella, 'Something is a shell' EP (22:43) Eaves Wilder, 'Little Miss Sunshine' (28:56) Yaya Bey, 'Fidelity' (34:33) The Lightning Round - Kathryn Mohr, 'Carve' - Protoje, 'The Art of Acceptance' - PPJ, 'Joker' EP - Iceland Symphony Orchestra, 'Arvo Pärt: Complete Symphonies' - Adrian Younge, 'Younge' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org Credits: Host: Hazel Cills Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED Audio Producers: Noah Caldwell, Alina Edwards Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Tom Huizenga and Rodney Carmichael See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Jorge Drexler is one of the most decorated singer-songwriters in Latin America. His albums are always high profile events, and his latest record merits the attention. It's called Taracá, and to make it he returned home to his native Uruguay - after living in Spain for 30 years - to explore the roots of an Afro-Uruguayan tradition known as candombe. On this week's episode we chat with Drexler about the motivation for returning to his home country, making music after losing his parents, and how the album's title reflects the sound made by a candombe drum. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

We celebrate spring and new beginnings with a perfect mix of songs for starting over. This can take many forms: songs that spark a good, cleansing cry; songs that offer wisdom, or just a sure-fire jolt of adrenaline. But in the end, all of the tracks herein can help reconfigure your mood, your day, maybe even ... your life. Host Robin Hilton is joined by NPR Music’s Noah Caldwell and Dora Levite. Featured artists and songs: (00:00) Intro (02:05) Nina Simone: “Feeling Good” from I Put a Spell on You (06:02) Cassandra Jenkins: “Hard Drive” from An Overview of Phenomenal Nature (10:29) Cajmere: “Brighter Days” from Brighter Days (15:42) Beastie Boys: “Sabotage” from Ill Communication (18:54) Wednesday: “Reality TV Argument Bleeds” from Bleeds (22:43) Gregory Alan Isakov: “Second Chances” from The Weatherman (27:09) Bob Marley: “Three Little Birds” from Exodus (30:56) LCD Soundsystem: “oh baby” from American Dream (35:18) Ryuichi Sakamoto: “ZURE” from async (41:02) Amy Shark: “Amy Shark” from Cry Forever (45:26) Sluice: “Beadie” from Companion (50:05) The Allman Brothers Band: “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” from Eat a Peach Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Ella Langley. Wesley Joseph. The spellbinding Juni Habel. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Chloe Kimes from WMOT in Nashville about their favorite albums out Friday, April 10. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round. The Starting 5 (00:00) Ella Langley, 'Dandelion' (08:24) Tenille Townes, 'The Acrobat' (15:53) Wesley Joseph, 'Forever Ends Someday' (21:22) Brown Horse, 'Total Dive' (27:03) Juni Habel, 'Evergreen In Your Mind' (32:31) The Lightning Round - Gracie and Rachel, 'If We Could, Would We' - Melanie Baker, 'Somebody Help Me, I'm Being Spontaneous!' - upsammy & Valentina Magaletti, 'Seismo' - Spirit Adrift, 'Infinite Illumination' - Drivin N Cryin, 'Crushing Flowers' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org Credits: Host: Stephen Thompson Guest: Chloe Kimes, WMOT Audio Producers: Noah Caldwell, Alina Edwards Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Lars Gotrich, Ann Powers and Hazel Cills To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Listen to this episode out in the springtime air. It starts with a bucolic jaunt through Brazilian guitarist Fabiano do Nascimento's latest orchestral project, then finds La Plazuela's fresh Spanish funk and Macha's irreverent side project. Other sounds along the way: Caribbean pop from Venezuela, feel-your-feels indie from northern Mexico and an electronic spin on the indigenous Náhuatl language. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

The British act Jungle had a big hit with “Back on 74” — and its unforgettable dance video — in 2023. Now, the group is back with “Carry On,” a breezy, sun-dappled song about surviving a broken heart. We give it a spin to open the show, along with a study on optimism from one of José González’s best albums, a celestial ambient cut from throat singer Tanya Tagaq and more. NPR classical critic Tom Huizenga joins host Robin Hilton as they update their running list of the year’s best songs. (00:00) Intro (01:03) Jungle: “Carry On” from ‘SUNSHINE’ (07:42) Gabriel Kahane & Roomful of Teeth: “Not Even the Dead” from ‘Elevator Songs’ (14:23) Quiet Light: “Self Tape” from ‘Blue Angel Sparkling Silver 2’ (23:34) Tanya Tagaq: “Imiq” from ‘Saputjiji’ (31:13) José González: “Etyd” from ‘Against the Dying of the Light’ (37:49) Giya Kancheli: “Middelheim” from ‘Kancheli: Ex contrario, Middelheim & Tsutisopeli’ Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Thundercat. Arlo Parks. Devotional belters from Dermot Kennedy. NPR Music's Stephen Thompson chats with Erin Wolf from Radio Milwaukee about their favorite albums out Friday, April 3. Plus, a handful of NPR Music writers and critics offer personal picks in our lightning round. The Starting 5 (00:00) Introduction & Bon Iver, 'VOLUMES: ONE" (01:57) Arlo Parks, 'Ambiguous Desire' (07:29) Dermot Kennedy, 'The Weight of the Woods' (14:15) Thundercat, 'Distracted' (19:53) Joe Pernice, 'Sunny, I Was Wrong' (26:44) Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE & Surf Gang, 'POMPEII // UTILITY' (31:30) The Lightning Round - Maria Taylor, 'Story's End' - Wendy Eisenberg, 'Wendy Eisenberg' - Sunn O))), 'Sunn O)))' - Roomful of Teeth & Gabriel Kahane, 'Elevator Songs' - Sofia Rei, 'Antónima' Sample the albums via our New Music Friday playlist and see our Long List of notable releases on NPR.org Credits: Host: Stephen Thompson Guest: Erin Wolf, Radio Milwaukee Audio Producers: Noah Caldwell, Alina Edwards Digital Producer: Dora Levite Editors: Otis Hart, Elle Mannion Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Special thanks to Felix Contreras, Lars Gotrich and Tom Huizenga To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

Two phrases spoken during this week’s episode stand out because they represent how Ana and I approach our searches for new music. The first: “The only limit is the imagination.” In my constant hunt for the sound I have never heard, this thought is my mantra. The new music we’re bringing this week really steps up to that challenge, from young upstarts like Broke Carrey to beloved veterans like Draco Rosa. The second phrase? “Latin music is a geography not a genre.” Ana put into words something she and I talk about often, the idea that the term “Latin music” is no longer adequate to reflect that amazingly eclectic forms of musical expression in the Spanish-speaking world. This episode features musicians from Argentina, Peru, the Dominican Republic and elsewhere -- but what they share is a distinct artistic expression that consistently blows our minds. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

More than 6,000 artists entered this year’s Tiny Desk Contest, hoping to win their very own performance behind the actual Desk. We’ll announce the winner soon, but in the meantime, we’re sharing some of our favorite entries, from the riff-rock group Pump Action, to soul singer Les Greene, loop artist Jackie Marchal, singer-songwriter Yuri Shin and more. Tiny Desk series producer Bobby Carter joins All Songs Considered host Robin Hilton. (They’re also the two lead judges for the Contest.) Featured entries: (00:00) Intro (00:51) Pump Action: “Supernova” (03:34) Lily Talmers: “Big Idea” (07:18) Walker Burroughs: “Open Skies” (10:53) Les Greene and the Swayzees: "Long Story Short" (14:08) Nicolosi: “Are You Coming To The Ivy?” (17:20) Jackie Marchal: “Excavate The Girl” (21:43) the King will come: “welcome” (24:33) Yuri Shin: “Falling Rabbit” (27:54) Lauren Frihauf: “One Thing Always Leads To Another” (31:41) Meira: “Make Me Go” Support the show with a review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. And tell a friend! Questions, comments, suggestions or feedback of any kind always welcome: allsongs@npr.org To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below: See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy