Programs

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Zoh Amba

Joining us for this Indie Rock Hit Parade live session is an artist who’s making a fresh start after an enviable career in the…

By Eric Schuman

How Caroline Rose threw out the rulebook on their latest album

Caroline Rose's new album, Gentling the Horse at the Walt Whitman Mall, is out Oct. 23.

By Raina Douris

Ireland courses through every song on Dermot Kennedy’s latest album

Plus, Kennedy performs an intimate set at Bewley's Cafe Theatre, tucked just off of Dublin's bustling Grafton Street.

By Raina Douris

His family thought he was off to college. Dublin rapper KhakiKid had other plans.

The rising artist landed a viral hit in 2025 with "Date Night." He's following it up with a new EP, Girl Bites Dog.

By Raina Douris

You never know who’s going to show up at The Ruby Sessions

Hear two up-and-coming Irish musicians perform for a special edition of The Ruby Sessions, one of Dublin's best musical showcases.

By Raina Douris

Step into the world of ‘Riverdance’

As part of our Sense of Place: Dublin series, World Cafe sat down with Riverdance's principal dancer.

By Raina Douris

‘Life will always flourish’: How Madra Salach turned painful history into joy

The Irish band performs a powerful set of music from their debut EP, It's a Hell of an Age.

By Raina Douris

Tune in to a mini-concert with Florence Road

The Irish rock band performs music from their latest EP, Spring Forward.

By Stephen Kallao

Grace Potter treats jam-packed Free At Noon crowd to rocking jams

Grace Potter Free At Noon – 8.28.26 A shoulder-to-shoulder crowd packed into the Music Hall at World Stage to catch rock star Grace Potter…

By Max Bennett

Former Sleepy Hollow host Keith Brand returning this weekend

Keith Brand, our Sunday Sleepy Hollow host from sometime in 1986 to the spring of 2013, graced his listeners with a relaxing, eclectic mix of…

By Keith Kelleher

‘It’s the music of my soul’: In 2001, Dolly Parton brought bluegrass to World Cafe

Hear previously unreleased live performances from the country icon's bluegrass album, Little Sparrow.

By Miguel Perez

Dublin band SPRINTS is finding success in a world that’s on fire

World Cafe kicks off its latest Sense of Place series with a live session recorded in Ireland.

By Raina Douris

Brandon Flowers’ songwriting has always had ‘whispers’ of country music

The Killers' frontman joins World Cafe to talk about exploring a country western sound on his new solo album, THRASHER.

By Raina Douris

How letting go of control helped Weezer’s 20th album shine

Dubbed "the Gold Album," the rock band's latest record marks a new collaborative approach between the original members.

By Raina Douris

Irish band Cardinals blends fact and fiction on ‘Masquerade’

Plus, Cardinals perform live for World Cafe.

By Raina Douris

Revisiting Aaliyah’s ‘One in a Million’

The late singer's second studio album forecast sonic trends that would define R&B and pop in subsequent decades.

By John Morrison

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Man Man

Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade live session is a beloved group who have been favorites in Philly (and…

By Eric Schuman

Telehealth takes aim at big tech on ‘Green World Image’

The Seattle band's latest album is a cheeky critique of late-stage capitalism.

By Stephen Kallao

Tune in to a mini-concert with Medium Build

Nicholas Carpenter has spent the last decade crafting deeply personal songs that balance humor, vulnerability and heart.

By Stephen Kallao

American Football never meant to pioneer ‘midwest emo.’ Their new LP is far from it.

The band talks about pulling from a deeper emotional well on 'LP4,' plus American Football performs live.

By Stephen Kallao

Andrew Sa expands the cowboy myth on ‘American Rough’

Chicago's “premier queer country crooner” on his debut album.

By Raina Douris

Arlo Parks leaves it all on the dance floor on ‘Ambiguous Desire’

The English musician's latest record was shaped by New York City's club and DJ culture.

By Raina Douris

Acadiana Music Showcase: A.J. Haynes

The lead vocalist of the Louisiana band Seratones joins us for the final installment of the Acadiana Music Showcase.

By Stephen Kallao

Tift Merritt regales Free At Noon crowd with songs of love, resistance, and art

Tift Merritt Free At Noon – 8.7.26 North Carolina-based singer-songwriter Tift Merritt is celebrating the release of her ninth studio album and first in…

By Max Bennett

Tune in to a mini-concert with Devon Gilfillian

The Philadelphia native's latest album is a kaleidoscopic blend of rock, blues, soul, pop and country called Time Will Tell.

By Stephen Kallao

How Midwest doldrums became a gift for Kevin Morby

Morby's Little Wide Open is a love letter to a part of the country he finds endlessly inspiring.

By Raina Douris

How fatherhood rewired JJerome87’s creative brain

Joe Newman, the British frontman of the indie band alt-J, talks about making his debut solo album, The Canyon.

By Stephen Kallao

Josh Groban on his latest album, ‘CINEMATIC’

Groban talks about making an album of some of his favorite movie songs.

By Raina Douris

Electric Free At Noon set draws new fans to Te Vista

Te Vista Free At Noon – 7.31.26 Te Vista is one of the region’s hottest up-and-coming acts, and their first-ever Free At Noon here…

By Max Bennett

30 years of A Tribe Called Quest’s ‘Beats, Rhymes and Life’

In 1996, the hip hop group moved into more serious territory on their fourth studio album.

By World Cafe

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out July 2026

The door closes on an eventful month with a fresh crop of summer sounds… Blending irresistible power pop energy with well-observed and often humorous…

By Eric Schuman

For Thundercat, distraction can be a powerful creative tool

The Los Angeles musician, producer and bassist stops by World Cafe to talk about his fifth studio album, Distracted.

By Raina Douris

‘Song Exploder’ host Hrishikesh Hirway on making his own music again

On his popular podcast and Netflix series, Hirway dissects songs alongside some of music's biggest stars. His latest album, In the Last Hour Of Light,…

By Raina Douris

Hannah Cohen mesmerizes Free At Noon crowd

Hannah Cohen Free At Noon – 7.24.26 Singer-songwriter Hannah Cohen popped into the Main Hall at World Stage Friday for a Free At Noon…

By Max Bennett

Acadiana Music Showcase: Boma Bango

This Lafayette, La., band fuse their Louisiana French roots with a Congolese rumba-inspired sound.

By Raina Douris

Enter Holly Humberstone’s ‘Cruel World’

The English pop singer stops by the World Cafe studio to talk about the making of her sophomore album.

By Stephen Kallao

For Avalon Emerson, starting a band changed everything

Plus, Avalon Emerson & The Charm perform songs from the band's latest album, Written Into Changes.

By Stephen Kallao

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell talks new album, memoir, Brian Wilson on WXPN

Mike Campbell – 7.21.26 Mike Campbell, a founding member of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, stopped by WXPN Tuesday for a midday chat with…

By Max Bennett

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Chinese American Bear

Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade live session is a group whose multicultural approach to pop is universally irresistible.…

By Eric Schuman

Mon Rovîa traces his path from Liberia to the U.S. on ‘Bloodline’

Growing up in Chattanooga, Tenn., Janjay Lowe tried to forget his early life in Liberia, but survivor’s guilt caught up with him.

By Stephen Kallao

Mikaela Davis brings country-Americana-psych harp rock to Free At Noon

Mikaela Davis – 7.17.26 Harpists are typically seen only in classical music settings. But Rochester native Mikaela Davis is doing things with her harp…

By Max Bennett

Tune in to a mini-concert with Weird Nightmare

Alex Edkins, frontman of the hardcore band Metz, goes full power pop on his new solo album.

By Stephen Kallao

Greg Mendez on his latest album, ‘Beauty Land’

The Philadelphia songwriter continues to refine his pen on the follow-up to his breakthrough self-titled album from 2023.

By Stephen Kallao

How Jesse Welles’ folk protests songs struck a chord with millions

The Arkansas musician talks about his latest album, Masks Off.

By Raina Douris

Tune in to a mini-concert with Brigitte Calls Me Baby

The Chicago indie rock band performs songs from its sophomore album, Irreversible.

By Stephen Kallao

Personal Records: Tatiana Maslany

The Emmy Award-winning actor sits down with World Cafe's Raina Douris to share some of the songs that have defined her story so far.

By Raina Douris

Cut Worms on their latest album, ‘Transmitter’

Max Clarke talks about recording Transmitter, the production tool he refuses to use and, as a lifelong Beatles fan, his chance meeting with Paul…

By Stephen Kallao

Boy Golden on his latest album, ‘Best of Our Possible Lives’

The Canadian songwriter's new record was inspired by suffering and its ability to connect us.

By Raina Douris

What was the soundtrack of the American Revolution?

World Cafe took a visit to the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia to discover the conflict's musical history.

By Raina Douris

A piece of Philadelphia history: The Hooters perform the hits

It's a historic weekend in Philadelphia. We're celebrating with some local veterans who've been playing together for 35 years. The Hooters at World Cafe…

By Stephen Kallao

Kurt Vile’s been good to Philadelphia

The singer, songwriter and former guitarist for The War on Drugs talks about his latest album, Philadelphia's Been Good to Me.

By Raina Douris

DJ Jazzy Jeff’s heart will ‘always be from Philly’

The DJ and producer recounts his early days in West Philadelphia and musical partnership with Will Smith.  

By Stephen Kallao

No one rings in the new year quite like Philadelphia’s Mummers

Step inside a Philly clubhouse, where the Woodland String Band is preparing for the next Mummer's Day Parade.

By World Cafe

Todd Rundgren remembers his formative years in Philly

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoree looks back at his childhood influences and early musical projects that preceded his ascent to stardom.

By Stephen Kallao

For Philly’s DIY music scene, the spirit is ‘do it together’

World Cafe hears from members of the city's ever-changing DIY music scene, both past and present.

By World Cafe

Hiss Golden Messenger doesn’t want to throw in the towel

Frontman MC Taylor talks about infusing the band's latest album, I'm People, with a sense of hope.

By Stephen Kallao

Trout Fishing In America’s bittersweet Free At Noon bids Kathy O’Connell, Kids Corner farewell

Trout Fishing in America Free At Noon – 6.26.26 The Music Hall at World Stage hosted a true all-ages show Friday with Trout Fishing…

By Max Bennett

Tune in to a mini-concert with Sotomayor

The Mexico City duo performs songs from their latest album, WABI SABI.

By Stephen Kallao

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out June 2026

Close the book on June with the last new releases of the month… Beth Orton is back in the producer’s seat for The Ground…

By Eric Schuman

Master bassist Stanley Clarke’s ‘quest in life’ is simple: Sound great

World Cafe sits down with a Grammy Award-winning jazz master as part of its Sense of Place: Philadelphia series.

By Miguel Perez

Record producer Will Yip says Philly is the ‘center of indie rock music’

World Cafe steps inside the Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer's new studio in South Philly as part of its latest Sense of Place series.

By Max Bennett

There’s no part of the music industry Dyana Williams hasn’t touched

The radio DJ, journalist and activist shares tales from her storied career for the first installment of our series, Sense of Place: Philadelphia.

By Raina Douris

Personal Records: Michael Imperioli

The Emmy Award-winning actor sits down with World Cafe's Raina Douris to share some of the songs that have defined his story so far.

By Raina Douris

Snail Mail on her latest album, ‘Ricochet’

Leslie Jordan, of Snail Mail, tackles mortality, religion and the afterlife on her third studio album.

By Stephen Kallao

On his latest album, Rostam asks what it means to be American

The musician, producer and Vampire Weekend cofounder shares musical insights from American Stories.

By Raina Douris

Robyn Hitchcock plays acoustic songs, chats with Mike Vasilikos live in studio

Robyn Hitchcock – 06.12.26  ”You have all eternity in which not to exist, so better get it done now,” Robyn Hitchcock said in the…

By Max Bennett

Deer Tick rocks with indie folk country tunes, and a punk cover, at a sold out Free At Noon

Deer Tick Free At Noon – 06.12.26 Providence, Rhode Island’s Deer Tick drew a massive crowd to The Music Hall at World Stage (formerly…

By Max Bennett

How Courtney Barnett’s meeting with a mantis led to ‘Creature of Habit’

The Australian musician's search for meaning amid a sea of change in Southern California set the backdrop for her new album.

By Stephen Kallao

Why did José González use generative AI on his latest album?

The Swedish songwriter and humanist says Against the Dying of the Light is "an urgent call to preserve the light of humanity."

By Stephen Kallao

Say She She on their latest album, ‘Cut & Rewind’

Piya Malik, Nya Brown and Sabrina Cunningham join us to talk about their third studio album.

By Stephen Kallao

Son Little keeps it cool during Free At Noon on a scorching Philly Friday

Son Little dropped his latest album in late March, and before he hits the road to support Cityfolk, he came by WXPN to play…

By Max Bennett

Death Cab for Cutie plays through the pain

Frontman Ben Gibbard talks about the band's latest album, I Built You a Tower.

By Raina Douris

Joshua Ray Walker on his latest album, ‘Ain’t Dead Yet’

Following a cancer diagnosis, the Dallas country musician confronts mortality on his latest record.

By Raina Douris

Jazz guitar legend Bill Frisell looks back on his 40-year career

Bill Frisell performs a song made famous by Barbra Streisand, live for World Cafe.

By Stephen Kallao

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out May 2026

Reflecting on his childhood in Liverpool, Paul McCartney’s The Boys of Dungeon Lane is a nostalgic collection that includes Ringo Starr’s first appearance on…

By Eric Schuman

Dar Williams dazzles packed Free At Noon in Ardmore

Ardmore Music Hall was bursting at the seams Friday, as fans of singer-songwriter Dar Williams packed into the Main Line venue to catch her…

By Max Bennett

Watch: Jack Antonoff performs songs from Bleachers’ new album

The Bleachers frontman and record producer talks about making everyone for ten minutes.

By Stephen Kallao

In 1971, Aretha Franklin captured the energy of the counterculture movement

World Cafe correspondent John Morrison reflects on the legacy of Aretha Live at Fillmore West.

By Raina Douris

Tune in to a mini-concert with The Belair Lip Bombs

The Australian indie rock band performs songs from their latest album, Again.

By Raina Douris

Annabelle Dinda shows off casual vocal, lyrical mastery during Free At Noon performance

Our May Artist To Watch Annabelle Dinda came by WXPN for Free At Noon this week, and boy did she put on a show.…

By Max Bennett

Genesis Owusu on his latest album, ‘Redstar Wu & the Worldwide Scourge’

The Australian musician's third studio album reflects on the social and political turbulence of modern times.

By Raina Douris

Tune in to a mini-concert with Julianna Riolino

The Ontario musician performs songs from her sophomore album, Echo in the Dust.

By World Cafe

Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars pours their heart into every performance

The New Orleans band performs songs from their new self-titled debut EP.

By Raina Douris

Acadiana Music Showcase: Corey Ledet

The Grammy Award-nominated zydeco musician performs songs from his latest album, Live in Alaska.

By Stephen Kallao

Rostam debuts new music, covers Dylan at Free At Noon

Rostam’s third solo album, American Stories, is out now and the man who helped shape the indie rock sound of the mid-to-late 2000s debuted…

By Max Bennett

Samm Henshaw on his latest album, ‘It Could Be Worse’

The English musician joins World Cafe to talk about his second studio album.

By World Cafe

Amy Grant returns with ‘The Me That Remains’

The Christian pop mainstay's latest record is her first in 13 years.

By Stephen Kallao

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Water from Your Eyes

Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade live session is a group who may be quite familiar to you for…

By Eric Schuman

Tune into a mini-concert with MT Jones

The musician from Liverpool, England, performs songs from his debut album, Joy.

By World Cafe

How Tyler Ballgame’s shot in the dark led to ‘For the First Time, Again’

The Rhode Island native has quickly built a reputation for his stellar live shows.

By Raina Douris

NYC duo youbet leans into their creative chemistry on self-titled album

The musical connection between frontperson Nick Llobet and bassist Micah Prussack is at the heart of the Brooklyn-based band's latest album.

By Stephen Kallao

Kacey Musgraves is having the time of her life in the ‘Middle of Nowhere’

Following a trip back to her Texas hometown, Musgraves imbued her new album with a traditional country sound, plus features from Willie Nelson, Miranda…

By Raina Douris

Tune in to a mini-concert with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

Since their formation almost two decades ago, this Baltimore group has become one of the premier attractions in the jam band world.

By Stephen Kallao

Beverly and Elizabeth Glenn-Copeland are facing mortality with unadulterated joy

Glenn-Copeland and his wife worked together on Laughter in Summer, a record that contends with the electronic music pioneer's recent diagnosis with a major…

By Raina Douris

The New Pornographers on their latest album, ‘The Former Site Of’

The band's new record explores themes of change and impermanence.

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out April 2026

Wrap up the month with new releases from familiar voices (and some newer ones, too!). After their Formentera duology, Canadian indie heroes Metric deliver…

By Eric Schuman

Acadiana Music Showcase: Grand Nathaniel

Grand Nathaniel, a fixture in the Lafayette, La., scene for over 30 years, performs songs from his latest album, Lonely Wanderer.

By Miguel Perez

Brother Wallace Throws Afternoon Dance Party At Free At Noon

Brother Wallace dropped by WXPN Friday for a barnburner of a Free At Noon performance, delivering show that hearkened to the old days of…

By Max Bennett

Squeeze closes the loop on songs they first started writing as teens

The English rock band's latest album, Trixies, consists of material Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook wrote when they were 19 and 16 years old.

By Stephen Kallao

Jessie Ware dances toward something deeper on ‘Superbloom’

On her sixth studio album, the English singer crafts a place where pleasure, joy and real connection commingle.

By Raina Douris

How Rage Against the Machine’s ‘Evil Empire’ unified the masses

World Cafe correspondent John Morrison says the rock band's second studio album was "one of the most inspired, quintessential mainstream rock records of the…

By John Morrison

Tune in to a mini-concert with Tedeschi Trucks Band

The 12-piece outfit performs music from their latest album, Future Soul.

By Stephen Kallao

Billy Idol has lived to tell his tale

The rock icon is the subject of a documentary called Billy Idol Should Be Dead. He's also among 2026's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame…

By World Cafe

How Sarah Kinsley bottled up the rush of a crush on ‘Fleeting’

The singer-songwriter is poised to break out in 2026 with her crisp pop melodies.

By Stephen Kallao

Mariachi music and punk rock have more in common than you might think

Matt Caughthran, lead singer of The Bronx, talks about the punk band's foray into mariachi music.

By Raina Douris

How Big Thief refreshed its emotional palette on ‘Double Infinity’

The indie rock band's sixth studio album was Big Thief's first as a trio, following the departure of bassist and founding member Max Oleartchik.

By Raina Douris

Joe Pernice Celebrates New Album With Free At Noon Performance

Joe Pernice Free At Noon – 4.3.2026 Joe Pernice played away the fog and rain Friday afternoon in Philadelphia at his first Free At…

By Max Bennett

Personal Records: Tim Heidecker

The comedian and musician joins World Cafe to share the songs that have shaped his life.

By Raina Douris

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: NOTHING

Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session is a group whose new songs are the kind you could…

By Eric Schuman

30 years in, hip-hop duo Atmosphere still has a lot to say

The Minneapolis duo, Ant and Slug, join us to talk about their latest studio album, Jestures.

By Stephen Kallao

Watch: On his debut solo LP, Flea fulfills a lifelong promise

Long before he became bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea was enamored with jazz music. On Honora, he puts that love to…

By Stephen Kallao

Langhorne Slim on his latest album, ‘The Dreamin’ Kind’

The singer-songwriter's eighth studio album takes a turn toward rock.

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out March 2026

Rounding third and headed for home, it’s the last new albums of the month! Anchored by the anthemic “Stay in Your Lane,” which got…

By Eric Schuman

Yaya Bey Serves Up Soulful, Relaxed R&B To Free At Noon

Yaya Bey made the trip down from Queens to Philadelphia Friday for another installment of Free At Noon, and the R&B artist delivered a…

By Max Bennett

The Nude Party on their latest album, ‘Look Who’s Back’

The North Carolina band drew influences from some of their favorite artists, like Neil Young and Natural Child.

By Stephen Kallao

Acadiana Music Showcase: Malentina

Malentina mixes musical influences from her birthplace in Puerto Rico with the culture of Southern Louisiana.

By Raina Douris

Lyn Collins encoded ‘a bit of the future’ into ‘Think (About It)’

World Cafe correspondent John Morrison explains how the influential single released in 1972 has lived on through hip-hop, Baltimore club and viral TikTok dances.

By John Morrison

Watch: Mitski performs a heavenly set from ‘Nothing’s About to Happen to Me’

Plus, Mitski sits down with World Cafe's Raina Douris for a deep dive into her eighth studio album.

By Raina Douris

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Bring Dance-y Funk Jams To Sold-Out Free At Noon

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Free At Noon – 03.20.26 Temperatures reached the mid 60s Friday in Philadelphia, but Free At Noon here at WXPN…

By Max Bennett

Ratboys on their latest album, ‘Singin’ to an Empty Chair’

The Chicago rock band's new record was partly shaped by vocalist Julia Steiner's experience in therapy.

By Stephen Kallao

The song that transformed Iron & Wine’s career and more stories from his catalog

In every musician’s career, there are the songs that stand out among the rest. Perhaps it’s a song that changed everything for them, the…

By World Cafe

The New Pornographers Draw Sold-Out Free At Noon Crowd With Philly’s Alex Savoth

Alex Savoth Free At Noon – 03.13.26 The New Pornographers took the stage at a sold-out, double-billed Free at Noon Friday in the lead…

By Max Bennett

50 years into his career, Vince Gill feels at the top of his game

The Country Music Hall of Famer is in the midst of releasing a new EP every month for a year for his 50 Years…

By Stephen Kallao

Americana’s newcomer Jobi Riccio faces the pressure on her new record

The country and bluegrass songwriter talks about her sophomore album, Face the Feeling, out May 15.

By Raina Douris

Sláinte! Bar Dust delivers Irish rock to Free At Noon ahead of St. Paddy’s Day

Bar Dust Free at Noon – 03.06.26 About a tenth of Philadelphia’s population shares Irish heritage, according to recent census data. But on Friday,…

By Max Bennett

‘I had to reconstruct myself’: Silvana Estrada’s latest album came after profound grief

The Mexican musician explains how the late ranchera icon Chavela Vargas helped her find her way back to songwriting after the death of her…

By Miguel Perez

Kashus Culpepper’s first ‘Act’ started just 6 years ago, when he picked up a guitar

The rising country act from Alabama went from performing covers in the Navy to sharing stages with Wyatt Flores and Jelly Roll.

By Raina Douris

Acadiana Music Showcase: Andrina Turenne

This Canadian folk singer-songwriter has strong ties to Southern Louisiana.

By Stephen Kallao

On ‘Cutthroat,’ South London band Shame thrives in moral ambiguity

Lead vocalist Charlie Steen talks about the band's fourth studio album, plus Shame performs live.

By Raina Douris

Cate Le Bon didn’t want to write about heartbreak. She did it anyways.

The Welsh songwriter channeled a sense of calmness to create the lush world of Michelangelo Dying.

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out February 2026

The month melts down with a busy day for new album releases. Taking on the persona of a paranoid, Grey Gardens-like recluse, Mitski’s Nothing’s…

By Eric Schuman

Looking forward to the music of the African diaspora

On the final installment of World Cafe's Black History Month series, John Morrison talks about what's happening today in Black music.

By John Morrison

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Modern Nature

Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade session is the latest project from a prolific British songwriter and composer. Though…

By Eric Schuman

Soccer Mommy’s signature ‘bubblegrunge’ sound takes center stage in this exclusive mini-concert

The Nashville musician performs a live set, recorded at the Xponential Music Festival in Camden.

By World Cafe

Don Was unites The Pan-Detroit Ensemble on ‘Groove in the Face of Adversity’

The record producer, director and composer talks jazz, being in the room with stars like Willie Nelson and Paul Simon, and we find out the backstory of one of…

By World Cafe

How DJ culture helped connect Black music communities worldwide

For Black History Month, World Cafe correspondent John Morrison shares another segment exploring the music of the African diaspora. 

By Raina Douris

Hannah Jadagu’s ‘Describe’ is pop that rewires itself on repeat listens

Jadagu leans heavily into repetition and sticky pop melodies on her sophomore album.

By Stephen Kallao

Personal Records: Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie

The Canadian mockumentary sitcom series hits the silver screen. Show creators Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol join us for a brand new segment called…

By Raina Douris

How a Scorpio took Lucinda Williams’ ‘Joy’ and more stories from her catalog

The Americana icon talks about the songs that played a special role in her career in World Cafe's latest edition of Backtracking. 

By Raina Douris

Flock of Dimes (Wye Oak’s Jenn Wasner), live in concert

Hear live versions of songs from The Life You Save, the latest album from Jenn Wasner's solo project.Set List"Long After Midnight""Keep Me In The Dark""Defeat""The Enemy"This…

By World Cafe

How technology amplified Black music’s cultural exchange

World Cafe correspondent John Morrison explores the cultural exchange between different musical communities.

By Raina Douris

Guerilla Toss embrace the ‘weird’ on new album

On You're Weird Now, the band leans into difference with help from producer Stephen Malkmus.

By Raina Douris

How This Is Lorelei gave old songs a new life on ‘Holo Boy’

For his latest album, Nate Amos rerecorded songs from across his catalog, plus This Is Lorelei performs live for World Cafe.

By Miguel Perez

From work songs to hip-hop, ‘call and response’ shaped Black music

For Black History Month, World Cafe correspondent John Morrison kicks off a weekly series with a deep dive into the history of "call and…

By John Morrison

From local radio to global influence, the rise of Baltimore club music

Musician Abdu Ali and DJ Ducky Dynamo reflect on the rise of Baltimore club music and the efforts to preserve its history in the…

By Raina Douris

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Ora the Molecule

Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade live session is an artist whose journey has literally taken her around the…

By Eric Schuman

Black History Month on WXPN: A Different Essential Album Every Day

Happy Black History Month! Every day in February, WXPN is highlighting one essential album from the vast landscape of Black music. Soul, funk, jazz,…

By WXPN

Why Dan Deacon never wants to leave Baltimore

The electronic musician talks about building a life and a career in the city that gave him room to experiment.

By World Cafe

In Baltimore, a volunteer-run theater company embraces rock, gore and excess

The Baltimore Rock Opera Society creates original productions powered by DIY spectacle and a love of the unconventional.

By World Cafe

What does Baltimore sound like?

The World Cafe team heads to Charm City for our latest Sense of Place series.

By Raina Douris

Free At Noon: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – Piano & Voice

Alec Ounsworth says he’s only about 20 shows into his current piano-and-voice iteration of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, but make no mistake: His…

By Joey Sweeney

The Format return with ‘Boycott Heaven,’ their first album in 20 years

Nate Ruess and Sam Means return with their first new record since 2006's Dog Problems.

By Raina Douris

Acadiana Music Showcase: The Blue Monday Allstars

Once a month, this group of seasoned musicians from Lafayette, La., gather to help support aging and retired musicians.

By Stephen Kallao

Tune into a mini-concert with jazz quintet SML

The Los Angeles-based group joins World Cafe in the studio for an otherworldly set of improvisational music.

By Stephen Kallao

17 years after retiring, Canadian icon Anne Murray returns with new music

The country star breathes new life into long-forgotten recordings on Here You Are.

By Raina Douris

‘It’s a very Irish thing’: CMAT on why making country pop felt inevitable

On Euro-Country, the Dublin-born artist draws on country music’s knack for storytelling to revisit her memories of Ireland’s economic crash in the 2000s.

By Raina Douris

On his latest album, William Prince writes his way back to Peguis First Nation

The Canadian songwriter reflects on home and ambition as his sound grows bolder on Further from the Country.

By Raina Douris

The unsung classic that helped define hip-hop’s golden age

World Cafe correspondent John Morrison joins us to talk about why the East Coast rap group Main Source deserves a spot as one of…

By Raina Douris

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Flock of Dimes

Joining us in the studio for the first Indie Rock Hit Parade session of the new year is a band led by one of…

By Eric Schuman

Jazz obsession fuels Hether’s genre-bending album, ‘Holy Water’

Guitarist and producer Paul Castelluzzo channels jazz foundations and years of pop studio work into Holy Water.

By Stephen Kallao

The song Josh Ritter was nervous to share and more stories from his catalog

The singer-songwriter joins World Cafe for a new installment of Backtracking, where musicians revisit songs from their back catalog that have shaped their careers.

By Stephen Kallao

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out January 2026

While you continue to hunker down, thaw out, or trudge through the world, give a listen to January’s final batch of new releases. Now…

By Eric Schuman

Forged in isolation, Couch is ready for the big stage on ‘Big Talk’

The 7-piece Boston outfit performs live in the World Cafe studio.

By Stephen Kallao

Tune in to a Sharon Van Etten mini-concert

Listen to Sharon Van Etten and the Attachment Theory perform at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival.

By Stephen Kallao

KIRBY’s Mississippi roots echo through ‘Miss Black America’

Kirby Lauryen Dockery has written for stars like Rihanna and Beyoncé, but her latest album centers her own creative legacy.

By World Cafe

Deftones bet against Y2K nostalgia. The move paid off on ‘private music’

Frontman Chino Moreno says the alternative rock band has defied expectations at every turn. Their Grammy-nominated 10th studio album is no different.

By Raina Douris

Cut Copy on their latest album, ‘Moments’

The Australian synth-pop band decamped to scenic Byron Bay to record their latest album.

By Stephen Kallao

Jake Shimabukuro rings in the holidays with ‘Tis The Season’

The Hawaiian ukulele marvel is joined by Yo-Yo Ma and Michael McDonald on his new holiday album, Tis The Season.

By Stephen Kallao

Happy holidays from Old Crow Medicine Show

The Americana band join us to talk about their first-ever holiday album, OCMS Xmas.

By Raina Douris

Eric Schuman’s Top Indie Rock Hit Parade moments of 2025

It happens every year. I look back at the previous 12 months’ worth of action and excitement on the Indie Rock Hit Parade and…

By Eric Schuman

Kathleen Edwards on her latest album, ‘Billionaire’

The Canadian singer-songwriter talks about working with Jason Isbell, plus Edwards performs songs from Billionaire live.

By Raina Douris

Jingle All The Way: How Béla Fleck Made A Holiday Album For The Ages

Having hosted The Night Before on XPN for over three decades, there are several holiday albums that bubble up to the top of my…

By Robert Drake

Saint Etienne go out with a big party on ‘International’

The English pop band says their latest album will be their last.

By Stephen Kallao

Ditching music algorithms? Here are 12 streaming alternatives to explore

If you're looking to shake things up in the new year, these streaming platforms will help you diversify your music-listening habits.

By Miguel Perez

Acadiana Music Showcase: Leyla McCalla & Louis Michot

The Louisiana musicians team up for a set that includes a Haitian folk classic.

By Stephen Kallao

Celebrating 50 years of Parliament’s ‘Mothership Connection’

The American funk band, led by George Clinton, made more than just music — they had a revolutionary vision including stage performance, art and…

By Raina Douris

How Jeff Tweedy’s sons gave ‘Twilight Override’ an extra layer of trust

The making of Tweedy's massive triple album was a family affair, with his sons providing percussion, vocals and synthesizer work to the record.

By WXPN

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out December 12th

If you can believe it, it’s the last edition of PRESS PLAY for this year! There are already plenty of albums on our radar…

By Eric Schuman

Tune in to a mini-concert with Amy Millan

The Canadian indie rock musician performs music from her latest album, I Went to Find You.

By World Cafe

How Madison Cunningham went from heartbreak to writer’s block to ‘Ace’

On her latest album, the California singer-songwriter creates delicate but powerful songs about falling in and out of love.

By Raina Douris

How living ‘by the signs’ led S.G. Goodman to her latest album

The Kentucky-born musician's latest album, Planting by the Signs, ruminates on the Appalachian traditions she grew up with.

By World Cafe

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out December 5th

As the year winds down, you may be tempted to look ahead to the new albums due out in early 2026. But don’t overlook…

By Eric Schuman

13 musical moments World Cafe loved in 2025

To close out the year, World Cafe shares some of their personal favorite music-related moments.

By Miguel Perez

Tune in to a mini-concert with Nation of Language

The New York band performs tracks from their latest album, Dance Called Memory.

By Stephen Kallao

Tom Skinner pushes his compositional skills on ‘Kaleidoscopic Visions’

The English percussionist is best known for his work with The Smile and Sons of Kemet, but Skinner refines his own voice on his…

By Miguel Perez

Neko Case is a force of nature on her latest album

The singer-songwriter embraces the producer role on her latest album, Neon Grey Midnight Green, plus Case talks about her new memoir, The Harder I…

By Raina Douris

Florence + the Machine lets out a ‘scream of feminine fury’ on their latest album

Florence Welch talks about Everybody Scream, plus the band performs live from Electric Lady Studios in New York City.

By Raina Douris

Merry PRESSmas: New Holiday Sounds for 2025

Haul out the holly, it’s time to dig into this year’s new batch of holiday albums! Heartfelt honky-tonk and Opry-caliber showmanship make Old Crow…

By Eric Schuman

Why My Morning Jacket wrote an elegy and other stories from their back catalog

Frontman Jim James, of My Morning Jacket, joins World Cafe for a new installment of Backtracking.

By Raina Douris

Ken Pomeroy on her latest album, ‘Cruel Joke’

The Oklahoma City singer-songwriter's tunes will break your heart, then mend it.

By Stephen Kallao

Nate Smith on his latest album, ‘LIVE-ACTION’

The drummer and jazz bandleader turns his seventh album into a party, including Snarky Puppy's Michael League, guitarist Charlie Hunter and singer Lalah Hathaway.

By Stephen Kallao

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out November 21st

This week’s assortment of new albums is proof that late-year release days can still be full of surprises. Sharing a title with the groundbreaking…

By Eric Schuman

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Anand Wilder

Joining us for this Indie Rock Hit Parade live session is an artist who, like recent guest Amy Millan, last visited our studio as…

By Eric Schuman

Daffo on their debut album, ‘Where the Earth Bends’

Long inspired by Elliott Smith, Daffo worked with Smith's frequent collaborator, producer Rob Schnapf, on their debut album.

By Raina Douris

Foxwarren on their latest album, ‘2’

The Canadian indie rock band worked remotely to make their sophomore album.

By Raina Douris

David Byrne on his latest album, ‘Who Is the Sky?’

The Scottish-American rock star teams up with New York's Ghost Train Orchestra.

By Raina Douris

Josh Ritter returns to WXPN for his fifth Free at Noon

Josh Ritter Free at Noon – 11.14.25 There’s a reason Josh Ritter keeps coming back to Philadelphia. On Friday afternoon at World Cafe Live,…

By WXPN

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out November 14th

Collaboration is the theme of this week’s batch of new releases, particularly among unexpected participants. Pushing the boundaries of their progressive folk-rock to its…

By Eric Schuman

Lukas Nelson on his debut solo album, ‘American Romance’

The country singer's record has been nominated for a Grammy Award for best traditional country album.

By Miguel Perez

Yaya Bey on her latest album, ‘do it afraid’

Yaya Bey performs live from her new album, do it afraid, and talks about finding joy and having fun, even when it might seem…

By Raina Douris

Tune in to a mini-concert with Michigander

The Michigan musician performs a set recorded at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival.

By World Cafe

PUP on their latest LP, ‘Who Will Look After the Dogs?’

The Toronto punk band pared down their creative process with help from producer John Congleton.

By Raina Douris

At first, Amanda Shires wasn’t sure she wanted to write about her divorce

On Nobody's Girl, the singer-songwriter offers her perspective on her high-profile split from Jason Isbell.

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out November 7th

Don’t think of the days as growing shorter, think of it as more time for listening to new albums at night. John Darnielle explores…

By Eric Schuman

Blake Mills, Pino Palladino team up again on ‘That Wasn’t A Dream’

The two multi-instrumentalists share insights from the making of their latest collaborative record.

By Stephen Kallao

Tune in to a mini-concert with Richard Thompson

Listen to the English songwriter and guitarist perform at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival.

By World Cafe

Sports Team change up their sound on ‘Boys These Days’

The British rock band talks about life on the road and making their third album in Norway.

By Raina Douris

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Clickbait

Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade session is a band making their live radio debut. I was introduced to…

By Eric Schuman

Tune in to a mini-concert with The Happy Fits

The four piece treats you to group harmonies and a fuller sound on their new album, Lovesick.

By Stephen Kallao

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out October 31st

In what could be the most on-brand thing to happen on Halloween, Florence + the Machine materialize with their sinister sixth album, Everybody Scream.…

By Eric Schuman

The Mountain Goats’ new record weaves a tale fit for Broadway

The indie folk band enlisted Lin-Manuel Miranda to tell the story of a shipwrecked crew on Through This Fire Across from Peter Balkan.

By Stephen Kallao

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Amy Millan

Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session is a luminary of the Canadian indie scene. For more than…

By Eric Schuman

For Brandi Carlile, solitude is overrated

The singer-songwriter decamped to Aaron Dessner's Long Pond Studio in upstate New York to record her new album, Returning to Myself.

By Raina Douris

Blues phenom Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram on his latest album, ‘Hard Road’

The blues musician from Clarksdale, Miss., also talks about his new record label and searching for the next generation of blues talent.

By Miguel Perez

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out October 24th

After last week’s cascade of new albums, it’s nice to take a deep breath and… listen to more new albums. Drawing inspiration from Emmylou…

By Eric Schuman

Celebrating 45 years of Talking Heads’ ‘Remain in Light’

On their fourth album, the American rock band refined their innovative sound, which had long been inspired by Black music traditions.

By John Morrison

Acadiana Music Showcase: Jeffery Broussard & The Nighttime Syndicate

Zydeco veteran Jeffery Broussard teamed up with members of the New Orleans TBC Brass Band and a swing band's rhythm section for Bayou Moonlight, a…

By Miguel Perez

Archawah and Kulfi Girls play a Free At Noon double header for Philly Music Fest

It’s Philly Music Fest week, and the nonprofit music education charity has taken over our concert calendar. We caught two nights of Dr. Dog…

By WXPN

‘It was never taped’: There’s a missing piece to Montreal’s jazz history

Historian Dorothy Williams explains why Montreal became a center for jazz music.

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out October 17th

This week brings a larger-than-life bounty of new albums to dig into. The follow-up to the Grammy-nominated The Slow Rush, Tame Impala returns to…

By Eric Schuman

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out October 10th

Solo artists dominate this week’s batch of new albums, but there’s always room for collaboration. After several years focused on production for boygenius and…

By Eric Schuman

‘DIY will never die’: No Joy remembers the heyday of Montreal’s Mile End

Jasamine White-Gluz takes us back to the early aughts, when the city was experiencing a boom of DIY music.

By Miguel Perez

What does Montreal sound like?

World Cafe is kicking off its latest Sense of Place series with a playlist that offers a glimpse of Montreal's lively music scene.

By Miguel Perez

Christian McBride is shepherding the next generation of jazz musicians

The composer and bandleader talks about his latest album and founding a new group called Ursa Major.

By Stephen Kallao

‘Have I gone too far?’: Sarah McLachlan faces her toughest critic on new album

The Grammy Award-winning musician is used to playing for big crowds, but there was one person whose opinion mattered more than anyone else's: her…

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out October 3rd

It may appear that the month’s first release day is a modest one, but that’s showbiz baby! Splicing up sounds from Studio 54, Say…

By Eric Schuman

Expect a lot of Puerto Rican pride at Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show

Days before Bad Bunny's Super Bowl announcement, World Cafe spoke to Alt.Latino hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras about his 31-date residency in Puerto Rico.

By Miguel Perez

Kassa Overall connects the dots between jazz and hip-hop on ‘CREAM’

The jazz musician reimagines hip-hop classics by The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan and more.

By Stephen Kallao

Little Dragon’s Yukimi embraces the feminine on ‘For You’

The Swedish musician branches out into jazz and soul on her debut solo album.

By Stephen Kallao

Scenes from our 1000th Free At Noon, starring The Hooters

The Hooters Free at Noon – 09.26.25 We’ve reached a major milestone, Free At Noon number 1,000, with a lively set this Friday from…

By John Vettese

‘I don’t feel like getting up’: Spinal Tap gets real about rocking into your 70s

David St. Hubbins and Nigel Tufnel, of the legendary rock band, talk about their long-awaited reunion, plus what they really think about Paul McCartney.

By Miguel Perez

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out September 26th

If you think it’s too early to enjoy a handful of nutmeg while listening to this week’s new albums, well you might be right.…

By Eric Schuman

WXPN hosts share memories for a milestone Free At Noon

This Friday marks a major milestone in WXPN history — the 1,000th time an artist we love has performed a free midday concert for…

By WXPN

Adrian Sherwood ponders ‘The Collapse of Everything’

The British record producer talks about releasing his first non-collaborative album in 12 years, plus Sherwood looks back on the U.K.'s electrifying dub scene.

By Miguel Perez

The Culture Corner: Santana’s ‘Abraxas’ was a blend of musical traditions

World Cafe correspondent John Morrison revisits the rock band's chart-topping sophomore album from 1970.

By John Morrison

How Stephen King helped The Beths’ Liz Stokes write again

Lead vocalist and songwriter Liz Stokes took pointers from Stephen King's On Writing to get the New Zealand band's creative energy flowing.

By Stephen Kallao

Courtney Barnett jams with Kurt Vile to close out XPNFest

Courtney Barnett – 2025 XPoNential Music Festival Courtney Barnett shreds. The Australian-born singer, guitarist, and overall rockstar hit the River Stage to close out…

By Danielle Ciampaglia

Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory are a force at XPNFest

Leading up to this weekend, Sharon Van Etten had already spent some good quality time on stage in Philly this year. Alongside her band,…

By Amber Miller

Good Vibes and High Energy: WAR at XPNFest

For the last half century, veteran funk band WAR has brought the sound and culture of Los Angeles to the world. Last night’s XPoNential…

By John Morrison

Pulp returns with ‘More’

The British rock band talks about their latest album, More.

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out September 19th

As we head into festival weekend, enjoy these new releases as an audio appetizer. Previous XPNFest headliners Wednesday follow up their acclaimed Rat Saw…

By Eric Schuman

Relive the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival through performances, photos, and recaps

The 2025 XPoNential Music Festival brought three days of music, community, and discovery to the Camden Waterfront, reminding us once again why it is…

By WXPN

Watchhouse on their latest album, ‘Rituals’

The folk duo's new album is about lowering your defenses in a post-pandemic world.

By John Vettese

‘Refuge in moments of uncertainty’: I’m With Her reconvene for another rousing record

When Aoife O'Donovan, Sara Watkins and Sarah Jarosz reconnected in 2021, the bluegrass supergroup wasn't intending to make a new album.

By Raina Douris

Acadiana Music Showcase: Festivals Acadiens et Créoles

What started as a three-hour concert in 1974 has grown into three-day event celebrating Southern Louisiana's music and culture.

By Miguel Perez

Lord Huron explores ‘the big mysteries’ on the band’s latest album

Lord Huron frontman Ben Schneider talks about the band's latest album, The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1. Plus, the band performs live.

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out September 12th

Tender folk, progressive pop, adventurous jazz-fusion, and psychedelic poetry highlight this week’s batch of new releases. Arriving nearly a year after his collaboration with…

By Eric Schuman

Kokoroko’s set for World Cafe made heartbeats bounce

The London-based septet perform songs from their latest album, Tuff Times Never Last.

By Miguel Perez

Poetry and power pop join forces in Paul Muldoon & Rogue Oliphant’s Free at Noon concert

What do you get when a Pulitzer Prize-winning Irish poet joins forces with a college rocker turned music historian, and a member of The…

By WXPN

The jams just keep flowing on Goose’s ‘Chain Yer Dragon’

Just like Phish and the Grateful Dead before them, rising jam band stars Goose have inspired a very passionate fan following. Plus, they perform…

By Miguel Perez

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out September 5th

The first release day of September brings along some big ones from familiar and rising voices. Accompanied by Brian Carpenter’s Ghost Train Orchestra, David…

By Eric Schuman

Friedberg on their debut album, ‘Hardcore Workout Queen’

Anna F. of Friedberg joins us to talk about the band's debut album, Hardcore Workout Queen, and why the cowbell is her favorite instrument.…

By Miguel Perez

Why ‘lone wolf’ Samantha Crain opened up her creative process on ‘Gumshoe’

The Choctaw Nation singer-songwriter talks about embracing a community mindset on her latest album, plus Crain performs live.

By Miguel Perez

What exactly is butt rock? It depends on who you ask

The once-pejorative label for a subgenre of rock has divided World Cafe along generational lines.

By Miguel Perez

Legendary songwriter Rodney Crowell tells stories from ‘Airline Highway’ for Free At Noon

For more than four decades, Crowell has shaped American roots music, blending country, rock, folk, and Americana. A multiple Grammy winner and member of…

By WXPN

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out August 29th

As the curtain closes on Summer 2025, let this week’s abundance of new album usher in pumpkin spice season. Honed to a point at…

By Eric Schuman

Acadiana Music Showcase: Babineaux Sisters

Gracie and Julie Babineaux have been making Cajun music for over a decade, writing and performing in Louisiana French. Their new album, Sans Soulier,…

By Miguel Perez

British funk band Cymande are finally getting their flowers

Originally ignored by fans in the U.K., the psychedelic funk band was later embraced by hip-hop groups like De La Soul and The Fugees.

By Miguel Perez

Living Colour’s ‘Time’s Up’ was a reclamation of rock music’s Black roots

World Cafe correspondent John Morrison talks about the impact of the American hard rock band's sophomore album.

By John Morrison

Seattle’s Deep Sea Diver brings ‘Billboard Heart’ to Free At Noon

Earlier this year, Jessica Dobson of Deep Sea Diver told World Cafe’s Kallao that she nearly scrapped the whole album that would become 2025’s…

By Paige Walter

Natalie Bergman is looking at the world for the first time

Natalie Bergman discusses how her latest album, My Home is Not in This World, was sparked by new beginnings, including becoming a mother. Plus,…

By Raina Douris

The sound of ‘cosmic country,’ according to its architect, Daniel Donato

The 30-year-old musician blends country, jam and rock into an out-of-this-world sound.

By Stephen Kallao

On ‘Se Amaba Así,’ Buscabulla fight to keep romance alive

The Puerto Rican duo test the limits of their vulnerability on their sophomore album, plus they perform live in the studio.

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out August 22nd

Summer may be winding down, but the schedule of new albums is heating up. Stylish pop sensation Laufey’s third album, A Matter of Time,…

By Eric Schuman

After a breakout year, Self Esteem is learning that confidence isn’t a given

Self Esteem has become one of the most irreverent voices in pop music since going solo in 2017. Today, Rebecca Lucy Taylor joins World…

By Stephen Kallao

HAIM talk new album, Philly roots, and why Este might cry on tour

HAIM chats with Kristen Kurtis on XPN Morning Show When HAIM’s tour kicks off September 4 at TD Pavilion at the Mann in Philadelphia,…

By Kristen Kurtis

How a bike ride in India helped inspire Born Ruffians’ latest album

The Toronto indie rock band's frontman, Luke Lalonde, talks about Beauty's Pride, fatherhood and the band's new sonic direction.

By Miguel Perez

Where can bluegrass go next? Molly Tuttle has an idea

Molly Tuttle talks about writing her latest album, So Long Little Miss Sunshine, with her partner Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show; meeting Ringo…

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out August 15th

This week’s batch of new albums includes an upcoming XPNFest guest and a group making their Free at Noon debut. On So Long Little…

By Eric Schuman

Goose releases Free At Noon recording on Bandcamp, with proceeds supporting WXPN

“I didn’t think I’d ever get to see them in a place this small,” said one Goose fan, standing in the 90-degree heat in…

By Paige Walter

After her friend’s death, TOKiMONSTA’s latest record became a loving eulogy

The Grammy-nominated producer and DJ talks about how her latest album, Eternal Reverie, became a tribute to her best friend and tour manager, who…

By Stephen Kallao

Why is Perfume Genius obsessed with demented things?

Mike Hadreas, of Perfume Genius, talks about his latest album, Glory, and he performs in an exclusive set for World Cafe.

By Raina Douris

Curtis Harding brings his modern take on soul to Free at Noon

Curtis Harding and his band took the stage at the Music Hall at World Cafe Live for WXPN’s Free at Noon concert series. Harding’s…

By WXPN

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out August 8th

From artists who are particularly prolific to those who remain elusive, these new releases are the result of deep creative focus. Taking their lumps…

By Eric Schuman

This Dutch indie rock band’s music is fueled by extremes

Amsterdam-based band Personal Trainer perform songs from their latest album, Still Willing, live in an exclusive mini-concert for World Cafe.

By Raina Douris

After a stormy album cycle, The Black Keys bounce right back with a new LP

The Black Keys made headlines in 2024 when they cancelled their tour. Then they split with their management. But instead of taking a break,…

By Miguel Perez

Hamilton Leithauser on his latest album, ‘This Side of the Island’

On the next World Cafe, Hamilton Leithauser joins us from his Brooklyn studio to discuss his latest solo album, This Side of the Island.…

By Miguel Perez

Should you call it quits? HAIM says yes.

The Haim sisters released I Quit earlier this year. They join us to talk about the virtue in walking away, plus why getting the…

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out August 1st

At first blush, it might seem like this is a good week to catch up on previous releases you haven’t gotten around to just…

By Eric Schuman

Tune into a mini-concert with U.S. Girls

The Toronto-based pop group, led by Meghan Remy, performs songs from its latest album, Scratch It.

By Stephen Kallao

‘Forever Howlong’ is a new frontier for Black Country, New Road

After the departure of frontman Isaac Wood, the English rock band reconfigured and uncovered exciting new sounds in the process.

By Raina Douris

Joey Sweeney announced as new co-host of WXPN’s Sleepy Hollow

Philadelphia singer-songwriter, author, and DJ Joey Sweeney is joining WXPN as the Saturday morning host of Sleepy Hollow. Sweeney is a fixture in the…

By John Vettese

Mereba on her latest album, ‘The Breeze Grew a Fire’

From Addis Ababa and Atlanta to Los Angeles, Mereba's sophomore album is a love letter to the past and the present.

By Stephen Kallao

Maren Morris is searching for something sweeter on ‘Dreamsicle’

On her first record following her divorce, the Texas star navigates her bisexuality, motherhood and the do's and don'ts of dating in your 30s.

By Raina Douris

BRONCHO’s hazy rock and chill energy set the mood for Free At Noon

Tulsa-based band BRONCHO borught their hazy, guitar-driven indie rock to the Free at Noon stage today. The band’s atmospheric new album Natural Pleasure was…

By WXPN

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out July 25th

In addition to the featured new albums that are out this week, I’d like to draw your attention to a trio of notable reissues:…

By Eric Schuman

How a Nina Simone cover helped Lady Blackbird take flight

The musician joins us to talk about her latest album, Slang Spirituals.

By Stephen Kallao

The Culture Corner: 25 years ago, Jill introduced herself to the world

World Cafe correspondent John Morrison joins us to explain the legacy of Scott's debut album, Who Is Jill Scott?

By Raina Douris

How Nigerian British pop star Obongjayar found his voice

The musician joins us to talk about his new album, Paradise Now.

By Raina Douris

Greg Freeman’s woodsy rock rumbles at Free At Noon

With a voice that crossed Neil Young and Modest Mouse’s Isaac Brock, Burlington alt-rocker Greg Freeman performed a Free At Noon set from 2022’s…

By Paige Walter

Margo Price makes her defiant return to Nashville on ‘Hard Headed Woman’

The alt-country star's upcoming album, out Aug. 29, is the first record that Price has made in Music City, her home for more than…

By Stephen Kallao

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out July 18th

Like sand through the hourglass, these are the latest albums to grace your ears in 2025. Philly favorite Alex G continues to polish his…

By Eric Schuman

Acadiana Music Showcase: Marcella Simien

A ninth-generation Louisiana Creole, Simien's music takes the swamp roots of her upbringing and mixes it with some sweet Memphis soul.

By Stephen Kallao

Duckwrth released his latest project with help from a bold alter ego

The rapper and producer talks about his latest album, All American F*ckboy.

By Raina Douris

For Jensen McRae, songwriting is alchemy and her latest album is gold

The Southern California-raised musician talks about her stunning sophomore album, I Don't Know How But They Found Me!

By Stephen Kallao

Lucius create a world all their own on their latest record

Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig of Lucius join us to talk about their fifth, self-titled album, plus they perform live.

By Raina Douris

The Key Studio Sessions ‘Homegrown Live’ Series: Toby Leaman

By John Vettese

Wet Leg are back with a slick new record

The English band's sophomore album, moisturizer, is out today. Co-founder Rhian Teasdale joins World Cafe to talk about it.

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out July 11th

After a hot and damp holiday, PRESS PLAY is back with a lucky assortment of new releases. On Forward, their first album as The…

By Eric Schuman

Tune in to a mini-concert with Southern Avenue

The Memphis band performs songs from their new album, Family.

By Stephen Kallao

10 songs that were hyperpop before the subgenre was born

To commemorate 10 years of SOPHIE's debut, World Cafe put together a mix of "proto-hyperpop" tracks.

By Miguel Perez

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: CIVIC

Joining us in the studio is a punk combo whose ferocious attitude is matched only by their melodic creativity. Hailing from Melbourne, CIVIC have…

By Eric Schuman

Two of New Orleans’ heavy-hitters unite on ‘Audience With the Queen’

Funk band Galactic teams up with Irma Thomas, the "Soul Queen of New Orleans," for a new record of original material.

By Stephen Kallao

Tune in to a mini-concert with Ichiko Aoba

The Japanese singer-songwriter traveled captured field recordings for her latest album, Luminescent Creatures.

By Stephen Kallao

Sense of Place: Italian singer-songwriter Ariete has her sights set on stardom

After a spot on the Italian version of The X Factor didn't help her as much as she'd hoped, the singer-songwriter took matters into…

By Raina Douris

Sense of Place: Finger-style guitar is king at this Tuscan music venue

Six Bars Jail, a small club located just outside of Florence, Italy, was founded in 2006.

By John Vettese

Sense of Place: Black Snake Moan is inspired by his ancient Italian home

Marco Contestabile makes psychedelic blues music influenced by Tarquinia, where he grew up.

By Raina Douris

Sense of Place: Step inside the Roman studio where Ennio Morricone made magic

Some of the Italian composer's most memorable film scores were recorded at Forum Studios in Rome's Parioli neighborhood.

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out June 27th

Before you set out for the shore or the barbecue pit, fire up one (or all) of this week’s new releases. With a new…

By Eric Schuman

The Key Studio Sessions: KulfiGirls

By John Vettese

Sense of Place: Ludovico Einaudi is one of the most streamed composers of all time

The Italian pianist and composer returns to his childhood in Turin on his latest album, The Summer Portraits.

By Stephen Kallao

Sense of Place: Born in Rome, Laila Al Habash had to leave to find her voice

The Milan-based musician draws on both her mother's Italian side of the family and her father's Palestinian heritage.

By Raina Douris

Sense of Place: This psych-rock band is fostering an indie rock scene in Rome

Weird Bloom's music is psychedelic and catchy, and it kind of sounds like T. rex.

By Raina Douris

The Key Studio Sessions: Grace Gardner

By John Vettese

Sense of Place: This Roman record label works to preserve ‘B movie’ scores

Four Flies Records founder Pier de Sanctis explains what makes these increasingly rare soundtracks so special.

By Raina Douris

Immerse yourself in the music of Rome with this World Cafe mixtape

From its underground psychedelic scene to iconic cinematic composers, Rome is a city rich in musical history. For our latest Sense of Place series,…

By Miguel Perez

The Key Studio Sessions ‘Homegrown Live’ Series: Eliza Hardy Jones

By John Vettese

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out June 20th

Fresh off the grill, this week’s new albums are cooked to perfection. With former Vampire Weekend member Rostam returning as co-producer, Haim embrace their…

By Eric Schuman

How a copyright strike helped d4vd go supernova in the pop world

By Stephen Kallao

Gigi Perez sails past her viral moment on her debut album

Viral hits can be a blessing and a curse. Out of nowhere, millions of people know who you are, or at least think they…

By Stephen Kallao

The Culture Corner: 40 years ago, Boyz II Men flipped the script on R&B

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out June 13th

Between spending time walking under ladders (today), raising a flag (tomorrow), and giving dear old dad a tie (Sunday), give a listen to these…

By Eric Schuman

Going MAD! with Sparks on the Indie Rock Hit Parade

Ahead of Sparks’ return to Philadelphia (adjacent) for a show at the Keswick Theatre on Monday, September 8th, we’re presenting an encore of their…

By Eric Schuman

How a forgotten tape recorder led to Tunde Adebimpe’s debut album

By Raina Douris

Let Uwade take you on a walk through the flowers of her mind

By Stephen Kallao

On Japanese Breakfast’s melancholic record, Michelle Zauner might be ‘the happiest’ she’s ever been

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out June 6th

Highlighted by the anticipated returns of several musical legends, June’s first new releases offer an eclectic start to the month. On More, their first…

By Eric Schuman

Patterson Hood mined strange childhood memories for his latest solo record

By Stephen Kallao

The Key Studio Sessions ‘Homegrown Live’ Series: Cadre Noir

By John Vettese

As soon as Jasmine.4.t came out, the music started pouring out of her

By Raina Douris

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Lael Neale

Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade live session is an artist whose minimalist approach leaves her songs ample room…

By Eric Schuman

4 songs we’re claiming for Pride Month

By Miguel Perez

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out May 30th

I hope you managed to get all your work done after the holiday because this week’s batch of new releases isn’t slowing down. Philly-rooted…

By Eric Schuman

For The Weather Station, there’s power in our shared humanity

By Stephen Kallao

The Key Studio Sessions: SOJI

By John Vettese

How Hannah Cohen found a muse in the Catskill Mountains

By Stephen Kallao

Horsegirl gets heavy for Free At Noon

They’ve been making music together since 2019, but the Chicago trio Horsegirl is having a moment. Drawing on noisepop and shoegaze in a riveting…

By WXPN

For Franz Ferdinand, fear can be ‘the most exciting element of life’

By Stephen Kallao

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Lou Tides

Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade session is an in-demand touring musician who’s taking a bold step into the…

By Eric Schuman

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out May 23rd

The unofficial start of summer has its official soundtrack in this week’s batch of new albums. Following their gradual return to the stage, Stereolab…

By Eric Schuman

Acadiana Music Showcase: Feufollet

By Raina Douris

Panda Bear’s ‘Sinister Grift’ is a self-assured, midlife joyride

By Stephen Kallao

The Culture Corner: The record that made Tricky a legend

By Raina Douris

To make their country record, Julien Baker and Torres had to lean on each other

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out May 16th

I think it’s safe to say that we’ve recovered from the whirlwind week of NonComm. But with several recent guests releasing new albums this…

By Eric Schuman

Benjamin Booker isn’t afraid to sit in discomfort on ‘LOWER’

By Stephen Kallao

The Key Studio Sessions: Judah Kim

By John Vettese

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Yukimi

Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade session is an artist who enters a new chapter as her primary band…

By Eric Schuman

For songwriter Amy Allen, ‘quality time’ is the key to writing a hit

By Raina Douris

Wilco guitarist Nels Cline on his latest solo record, ‘Consentrik Quartet’

By Stephen Kallao

Adrian Younge on the final installment in his ‘Something About April’ trilogy

By Stephen Kallao

Sierra Hull’s confidence is palpable on ‘A Tip Toe High Wire’

By Raina Douris

David Shaw and SUNDAY (1994) Close Out Day 4 of NON-COMM 2025

NON-COMMvention 2025 comes to a close today, Friday, May 9, with one last burst of live music at WXPN’s Free At Noon concert. At…

By WXPN

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out May 9th

In past years, I’ve put together only a brief PRESS PLAY for the Friday that caps off the restless week of activity that is…

By Eric Schuman

Counting Crows, Tune-Yards & Bartees Strange Headline Day 3 of NON-COMM 2025

Thursday at NON-COMMvention 2025 kept the momentum going at WXPN with a full day of live music. Things kicked off at noon with inventive,…

By WXPN

Tunde Adebimpe, Margo Price, Maren Morris Headline Day 2 of NON-COMM 2025

Day two of NON-COMMvention 2025 picked right up where Tuesday left off. On Wednesday, May 7, WXPN’s annual Triple-A showcase opened with an intimate…

By WXPN

The Head and The Heart, Bob Mould, Arcade Fire, Lady Blackbird Kick Off Day 1 of NON-COMM 2025

NON-COMMvention 2025 opened on Tuesday, May 6, with eight back-to-back live sets streamed from World Cafe Live’s Music Hall and the PRX Stage at…

By WXPN

For Polish band Trupa Trupa, remembering our history is paramount

By John Vettese

Artist To Watch Gigi Perez makes a commanding Free At Noon debut

By John Vettese

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out May 2nd

By Eric Schuman

Tune in to a mini-concert with Neal Francis

By Raina Douris

For Laura Marling, parenthood was a boon of creativity

By Stephen Kallao

The Key Studio Sessions ‘Homegrown Live’ Series: Hurry

By John Vettese

How Palmyra tapped into a true collaborative spirit on ‘Restless’

By Stephen Kallao

Uwade celebrates album release day with the Free At Noon crowd

By WXPN

The Swell Season to release their first album in 16 years

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out April 25th

By Eric Schuman

Jordana rekindles an old affair on ‘Lively Premonition’

By Stephen Kallao

The Key Studio Sessions: Pale Shade

By John Vettese

The Culture Corner: Revisiting Prince’s ‘Around the World in a Day’

By John Vettese

Acadiana Music Showcase: Good Prblms

By Stephen Kallao

Sunflower Bean showcases ‘Mortal Primetime’ for Free At Noon

By John Vettese

Bartees Strange faces his fears on ‘Horror’

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out April 18th

By Eric Schuman

Noeline Hofmann’s debut EP is a vision of Wild Rose Country

By Stephen Kallao

The Key Studio Sessions: Euphoria Again

By John Vettese

Momma’s latest album chronicles life on the road

By Stephen Kallao

For Yasmin Williams, every pluck of the guitar matters

By Stephen Kallao

Here are the songs World Cafe’s spinning this week

By Miguel Perez

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Tsunami

By Eric Schuman

XPoNential Music Festival 2025 Passes on Sale NOW!

For over 30 years, the XPoNential Music Festival has been a haven where musical discovery and nostalgia collide. A place where generations and genres…

By WXPN

Tim Hause and Speedy Ortiz get Free At Noon fans psyched for Sing Us Home festival

By John Vettese

Becoming The Attachment Theory was a ‘sonic trust fall’ for Sharon Van Etten

By Stephen Kallao

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out April 11th

By Eric Schuman

How Matt Farley turned streaming spam into a middle-class dream

By Raina Douris

Chuck Prophet takes a crack at cumbia on ‘Wake the Dead’

By Stephen Kallao

The Key Studio Sessions ‘Homegrown Live’ Series: Queen Of Jeans

By John Vettese

The Key Studio Sessions: EXPO

By John Vettese

Tune in to a mini-concert with Gold Connections

By Stephen Kallao

Fare Thee Well, Julian Booker: The Sleepy Hollow host departs

By WXPN

Keith Urban’s game-changing love song and more stories from his back catalog

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out April 4th

By Eric Schuman

Tim Heidecker’s latest album is a humble vision of a world ‘Slipping Away’

By Raina Douris

Everything Is Recorded explores the softer side of electronica on ‘Temporary’

By Stephen Kallao

The Key Studio Sessions ‘Homegrown Live’ Series: Madska

By John Vettese

The Key Studio Sessions: The Angies

By John Vettese

100 years, 100 moments: How women shaped a century of music

By Miguel Perez

Lucy Dacus explores the full spectrum of love on ‘Forever is a Feeling’

By Stephen Kallao

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out March 28th

By Eric Schuman

Leif Vollebekk on his latest album, ‘Revelation’

By Raina Douris

The Key Studio Sessions: Slomo Sapiens

By John Vettese

Acadiana Music Showcase: Major Handy

By Stephen Kallao

Tamino comes into his own on ‘Every Dawn’s a Mountain’

By Stephen Kallao

The Lumineers explore the ups and downs of lifelong friendship on ‘Automatic’

By Raina Douris

Southern Avenue plays an electrifying Free At Noon

By Jack Clark

Suddenly, It’s Spring: A Sleepy Hollow playlist

By Chuck Elliott

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out March 21st

By Eric Schuman

100 years, 100 moments: How women shaped a century of music

By Miguel Perez

The Head and The Heart return to form on ‘Aperture’

By Stephen Kallao

The Key Studio Sessions: Lowercoaster

By John Vettese

The Culture Corner: Kendrick Lamar’s opus turns 10 years old

By John Morrison

100 years, 100 moments: How women shaped a century of music

By Miguel Perez

Nothing better than John Byrne Band for a St. Paddy’s weekend Free at Noon

By Jack Clark

Spring is springing: Ring in the March equinox with this vibrant playlist

By Miguel Perez

PRESS PLAY: New albums out March 14th

By Eric Schuman

Winds Of March: A Sleepy Hollow playlist

By Chuck Elliott

The Key Studio Sessions: Corey Bernhard

By John Vettese

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Molly Lewis

By Eric Schuman

Philly’s Bardust channels The Pogues at Free At Noon

By Jack Clark

As daylight saving time nears, here’s 50 songs to remember time is a construct

By Miguel Perez

Ringo Starr’s always been a li’l country

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out March 7th

By Eric Schuman

Mdou Moctar sounds softer on ‘Tears of Injustice’ but the fire remains

By Stephen Kallao

Songs In Time: A Sleepy Hollow playlist

By Chuck Elliott

100 years, 100 moments: How women shaped a century of music

By Miguel Perez

Tune in to a mini-concert with Been Stellar

By Stephen Kallao

Why songwriting makes David Gray emotional and other stories from his back catalog

By Raina Douris

John R. Miller Puts on a Show For the Last February Free At Noon

By Jack Clark

Why Deep Sea Diver had to start over again to get to ‘Billboard Heart’

By Stephen Kallao

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out February 28th

By Eric Schuman

The Key Studio Sessions: Kississippi

By John Vettese

Tune into a mini-concert with Pete Yorn

By Stephen Kallao

Saya Gray is constantly in motion

By Raina Douris

Sam Amidon’s meditative folk warms up Free at Noon

By John Vettese

Black History Month Featured Albums: Week Four

By WXPN

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out February 21st

By Eric Schuman

Yola is in the driver’s seat on ‘My Way’

By Stephen Kallao

Celebrating Sylvester: The disco icon who defied all expectations

By Raina Douris

Acadiana Music Showcase: Marc Broussard

By Raina Douris

Carter Vail on his latest album, ‘100 Cowboys’

By Stephen Kallao

For Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst, every new song penned feels like a rarity

By Raina Douris

The Lumineers celebrate ‘Automatic’ and 20 years of Free at Noon

By John Vettese

Black History Month Featured Albums: Week Three

By John Vettese

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out February 14th

By Eric Schuman

Tune in to a mini-concert with Sammy Rae & The Friends

By Stephen Kallao

Celebrating Betty Davis: The funk vanguard who was ‘punk before punk’

By Raina Douris

The Key Studio Sessions: Native Harrow

By John Vettese

With a new EP on the way, Charles Wesley Godwin charts his journey so far

By Raina Douris

Sharon Van Etten debuts The Attachment Theory for Free At Noon’s 20th

By John Vettese

Go Birds! Listen to a community-curated ‘For The Birds’ mixtape

By WXPN

Black History Month Featured Albums: Week Two

By WXPN

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out February 7th

By Eric Schuman

Revenge of the Super Bowl Playlists: Philly Over Everybody

By Miguel Perez

Lucinda Williams takes on The Beatles in her latest jukebox entry

By Raina Douris

Celebrating Sun Ra: The cosmic visionary who transformed jazz music

By Raina Douris

The Key Studio Sessions: Joshua Finsel

By John Vettese

Conner Youngblood’s latest album spans multiple cities and languages

By Stephen Kallao

Palmyra light up Friday in style with a spectacular Free at Noon set

By Jack Clark

Sense of Place: For this Afghan pianist, music is an act of resistance

By Raina Douris

Black History Month Featured Albums: Week One

By WXPN

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out January 31st

By Eric Schuman

Sense of Place: This student-driven Boston label puts artists first

By Raina Douris

The Key Studio Sessions: The Bul Bey

By John Vettese

Sense of Place: This Berklee group shines a light on musicians with disabilities

By Raina Douris

Songs For Midnight: A Sleepy Hollow playlist

By Chuck Elliott

Chuck Prophet & His Cumbia Shoes bring danceable energy to World Cafe Live

By John Vettese

‘Lose Control’ was only the beginning for Teddy Swims

By Raina Douris

Sense of Place: WUMB’s Albert O picks his quintessential Boston tracks

By Raina Douris

Sense of Place: Meet the man soundtracking game day at Fenway Park

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out January 24th

By Eric Schuman

Sense of Place: This Boston jazz club has thrived in Boston for nearly 80 years

By Raina Douris

The Key Studio Sessions: Song People

By John Vettese

Tamino delivers an entrancing Free at Noon

By Emma Zoe Polyak

Sense of Place: This Harvard Square club is a longtime haven for folk musicians

By Raina Douris

The Key Studio Sessions ‘Homegrown Live’ Series: Yuneer Gainz

By John Vettese

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Nina Ryser (2025)

By Eric Schuman

The Culture Corner: 25 years later, D’Angelo’s ‘Voodoo’ still sounds groundbreaking

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out January 17th

By Eric Schuman

The Weather Station Takes Us Inside The Songs Of ‘Ignorance’

By Raina Douris

Acadiana Music Spotlight: Bruisey Peets

By Raina Douris

The Key Studio Sessions ‘Homegrown Live’ Series: Best Bear

By John Vettese

Leif Vollebekk returns to the Free At Noon stage

By WXPN

Willie Watson rediscovered his voice on his latest self-titled record

By Stephen Kallao

How Big Thief found a kindred soul in Tucker Zimmerman

By Raina Douris

Tune in to a mini-concert with Tagua Tagua

By Raina Douris

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out January 10th

By Eric Schuman

Peter Cat Recording Co. on the ambitious sound of ‘BETA’

By Stephen Kallao

The Key Studio Sessions ‘Homegrown Live’ Series: Mackenzie Johnson

By John Vettese

Valley on their latest album, ‘Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden’

By Stephen Kallao

Candy Volcano kicks off Philly Loves Bowie Week with an Ardmore Music Hall Free at Noon

By John Vettese

50 albums in, Herb Alpert rarely looks at the past

By Stephen Kallao

Wasia Project on their latest EP, ‘Isotope’

By Raina Douris

XPN’s Top 100 Most-Played Songs of 2024

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Five unforgettable Indie Rock Hit Parade Moments from the year

By Eric Schuman

Relive the year in Philly music on XPN Local

By Paige Walter

Joe P makes a successful return to Free At Noon two years later

By Paige Walter

The secret to Nardwuar’s interviews? Avoid ‘boring’ at all costs.

By Raina Douris

The WXPN Best of 2024 MEGA LIST: Albums of the Year

By WXPN

The Night Before on XPN presents A Christmas Gift for You

By Eric Schuman

Squirrel Nut Zippers bring their Christmas Caravan to The Night Before on XPN

By Robert Drake

Acadiana Music Spotlight: The Debtors

By Raina Douris

The Culture Corner: Remembering Quincy Jones

By Raina Douris

Watch Don McCloskey and The Band rock WXPN’s Home For the Holidays concert

By WXPN

There’s more to Christmas music than Mariah and Bing

By Stephen Kallao and Miguel Perez

Native Harrow shines for a folk soul Free at Noon

By Jack Clark

For Lupe Fiasco, rap has always been a scholastic endeavor

By Stephen Kallao

Ben Folds brings a dose of wit to the holidays on ‘Sleigher’

By Raina Douris

The Blues Show with Jonny Meister: 12/14/24

By Jonny Meister

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out December 13th

By Eric Schuman

WXPN Best of 2024: Raina Douris’ favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: John Morrison’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Mike Vasilikos’ favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Jim McGuinn’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Julian Booker’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Kristen Kurtis’ favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Ian Zolitor’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: David Dye’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Abdur Rahman’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Keith Kelleher’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Bruce Warren’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Wendy Rollins’ favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of the 2024: Chuck Elliott’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Jonny Meister’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Chuck Van Zyl’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: John Vettese’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Amber Miller’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Eric Schuman’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Dan Reed’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

WXPN Best of 2024: Bob Bumbera’s favorite albums of the year

By WXPN

Elsy Wameyo embraces duality on ‘Saint Sinner’

By Stephen Kallao

Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Finom

By Eric Schuman

Tune in to a mini-concert with Local Natives

By Stephen Kallao

Orla Gartland sets her own rules on ‘Everybody Needs A Hero’

By Raina Douris

Wild Pink showcases ‘Dulling The Horns’ at an Ardmore Music Hall Free at Noon

By John Vettese

MJ Lenderman makes the everyday profound on ‘Manning Fireworks’

By Raina Douris

Ginger Root says their latest album is ‘aggressive elevator soul’

By Stephen Kallao

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out December 6th

By Eric Schuman

Looper at the ready, Marc Rebillet is game for anything

By Raina Douris

The Key Studio Sessions: Wax Jaw

By John Vettese

Dean + Britta and Sonic Boom celebrate the season on the Indie Rock Hit Parade

By Eric Schuman

Tune in to a mini-concert with Beth Gibbons

By Stephen Kallao

Greg Sover returns to the Free At Noon stage for a ripping post-Thanksgiving set

By John Vettese

Merry PRESSmas: New Holiday Sounds for 2024

By Eric Schuman

The Key Studio Sessions: Fawziyya Heart

By John Vettese

Changes announced for WXPN’s Sleepy Hollow

By WXPN

The Culture Corner: 35 years of Queen Latifah’s ‘All Hail the Queen’

By Raina Douris

Father John Misty’s new record feels like an ending, but it’s not his last

By Raina Douris

Michael Kiwanuka strips back his sound on ‘Small Changes’

By Stephen Kallao

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out November 22nd

By Eric Schuman

WATCH: The Heavy Heavy leans into a larger-than-life sound on ‘One of a Kind’

By Stephen Kallao

The Key Studio Sessions: Olivia Rubini

By John Vettese

Acadiana Music Spotlight: Julian Primeaux

By Raina Douris

Take an inside look at the 2024 XPoNential Music Festival

By WXPN

Michigander returns to Free At Noon with new music, big energy

By John Vettese

Nick Lowe on his latest album, ‘Indoor Safari’

By Stephen Kallao

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out November 15th

By Eric Schuman

Listen to HINDS play a revved-up Free at Noon concert

By John Vettese

X aren’t interested in reliving old memories on ‘Smoke & Fiction’

By Stephen Kallao

The Key Studio Sessions: Dirty Dollhouse

By John Vettese

The Softies on their latest record, ‘The Bed I Made’

By Raina Douris

How ‘Roxanne’ changed Sting’s life and more stories from his back catalog

By Raina Douris

Sports Team bring a little Brit post-punk to Free At Noon

By Jack Clark

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out November 8th

By Eric Schuman

Mondo Cozmo on his latest album, ‘It’s PRINCIPLE!’

By Stephen Kallao

Saxophonist Colin Stetson’s performance style is breathtaking, literally

By Raina Douris

Oh He Dead rocks a high-spirited Free at Noon set

By John Vettese

Los Bitchos’ ‘Talkie Talkie’ is a raucous 1980s discotheque

By Raina Douris

Make every season Spooky Season with our Halloween Spooktacular!

By Eric Schuman

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out November 1st

By Eric Schuman

Tycho on his latest album, ‘Infinite Health’

By Stephen Kallao

The Culture Corner: Digable Planets’ ‘Blowout Comb’ turns 30

By Raina Douris

The Key Studio Sessions: Zinadelphia

By John Vettese

The Key Studio Sessions: Shallow Alcove

By John Vettese

Cassandra Lewis on her debut album, ‘Lost in a Dream’

By Stephen Kallao

WATCH: Washed Out channels the pastoral on ‘Notes from a Quiet Life’

By Stephen Kallao

PRESS PLAY: New Albums out October 25th

By Eric Schuman

Acadiana Music Showcase: Amis Du Teche

By Raina Douris

WATCH: Little Feat pours their motley energy into ‘Sam’s Place’

By Stephen Kallao

WATCH: Pixies plays songs from their new album, ‘The Night the Zombies Came’

By Raina Douris

Sense of Place: Step inside Denver’s famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre

By Raina Douris

Rediscover Hugo Largo on the Indie Rock Hit Parade

By Eric Schuman

The Key Studio Sessions: The Out-Sect

By John Vettese

Ginger Root presents an eccentric audio-visual experience at Free At Noon

By Jack Clark