The Smooth Sound of NPR Morning News

The pedal steel and the saz both live in the spaces between equal-tempered notes, and that gap is where Rostam built American Stories. Rostam joined Vampire Weekend at Columbia in 2006, produced the band's first three albums, and after leaving in 2016 made records with Clairo and ...  Show more

The flowers are blooming and the calendar says May. That can only mean one thing: the Eurovision Song Contest is upon us once again. This year, thirty-five countries face off to determine the best song that Europe and adjacent continents have to offer. However, the competition co ...  Show more

President Obama and Bruce sit down to talk popular music, their early musical influences and memories, and the inspiration behind Springsteen’s Broadway show. They share some of their favorite artists (think: Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Joni Mitchell, and more).--Archival clips c ...  Show more

Sting’s “I Can’t Stop Thinking About You” is the closest thing he’s made to a new Police song in decades. He talks to Rolling Stone’s Patrick Doyle about his upcoming album, 57th & 9th – as well as Prince, climate change deniers, and why he’s always working it. Plus: first though ...  Show more

In part two of last week's episode, Marie Faustin returns to sing music by her favorite Pop Queens: Beyonc, Rihanna, and Lizzo!Listen to Larry Owens on the cast album of A Strange Loop HERE!Have you watched James Harvey's show, James Harvey: The Bald-Faced Truth? Watch it HERE!Cr ...  Show more

British singer/songwriter Lianne La Havas recently released her third album, a self-titled collection of songs about love, heartbreak, and independence. Pitchfork editor Puja Patel recently spoke with Lianne at home in London over video chat for Pitchfork’s Listening Club. They t ...  Show more