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Laura Jane Grace confronts past pain on 'Hole In My Head'

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Bella Peterson/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

Laura Jane Grace confronts past pain on 'Hole In My Head'

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The musician, and founder of punk band Against Me!, talks about her latest solo album.

Laura Jane Grace on World Cafe

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Lindsay Lou taps into the divine feminine on 'Queen of Time'

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Dana Kalachnik/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

Lindsay Lou taps into the divine feminine on 'Queen of Time'

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The Nashville singer-songwriter's latest album features collaborations with Jerry Douglas and Billy Strings.

Lindsay Lou on World Cafe

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Brigitte Calls Me Baby is riding a retro rock and roll wave

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Scarlet Page/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

Brigitte Calls Me Baby is riding a retro rock and roll wave

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The Chicago band showcases their nostalgic, yet fresh, sound on This House is Made of Corners.

Brigitte Calls Me Baby on World Cafe

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28-year-old conductor Klaus Mäkelä will lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Finnish conductor Klaus Mäkelä has just been announced as the next music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Francois Guillot/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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Francois Guillot/AFP via Getty Images

28-year-old conductor Klaus Mäkelä will lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

When he takes over, in the fall of 2027, he will be the youngest music director in the orchestra's 133-year history.

28-year-old conductor Klaus Mäkelä will lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

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Jamila Woods' latest album strikes for the root of love and heartache

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Elizabeth De La Piedra/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

Jamila Woods' latest album strikes for the root of love and heartache

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The Chicago-based songwriter and poet talks about her latest album, Water Made Us.

Jamila Woods on World Cafe

Listen · 22:04
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Jacob Collier's sonic world keeps expanding on 'Djesse Vol. 4'

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Tom Bender/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

Jacob Collier's sonic world keeps expanding on 'Djesse Vol. 4'

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The British musician talks about the fourth installment of his ambitious Djesse project.

Jacob Collier on World Cafe

Listen · 22:37
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Aoife O'Donovan mines a century of women's rights on her latest album

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Sasha Israel/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

Aoife O'Donovan mines a century of women's rights on her latest album

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The Grammy Award-winning songwriter drew inspiration from the 19th Amendment to pen her latest album, All My Friends.

Aoife O'Donovan on World Cafe

Listen · 28:37
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Sheryl Crow changed her mind about releasing a new album. The change did her good

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Dove Shore/Big Machine/Full Coverage

Music

Sheryl Crow changed her mind about releasing a new album. The change did her good

Sheryl Crow announced her final album in 2019. She has since reconsidered her position. Her 2024 album is called Evolution.

Sheryl Crow changed her mind about releasing a new album. The change did her good

Listen · 7:01
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The Culture Corner: Stevie Wonder's prolific pen extended to other artists

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Thomas Hawk/Flickr

World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

The Culture Corner: Stevie Wonder's prolific pen extended to other artists

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The songwriting legend wrote songs for the likes of Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin and more.

The Culture Corner on World Cafe

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Tierra Whack opens up: 'Don't we all fake it?'

The multi-talented Whack worked with the Philly-based visual artist Alex Da Corte to realize her latest vision inspired by Pierrot, the sad clown. Alex Da Corte/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Alex Da Corte/Courtesy of the artist

Tierra Whack opens up: 'Don't we all fake it?'

The success of the polymath's technicolor Whack World EP left something darker brewing beneath the surface. Years later, she talks about pushing through self-doubt to rediscover her confidence.

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In conversation: Tierra Whack opens up

The very creative rapper Tierra Whack. Alex Da Corte/Interscope hide caption

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Alex Da Corte/Interscope

All Songs Considered

In conversation: Tierra Whack opens up

NPR Music's Rodney Carmichael interviews the rap visionary about her new album, faking it until you make it and why success can breed suicidal thoughts.

In conversation: Tierra Whack opens up

Listen · 56:38
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The Black Crowes reignite their passion for rock on 'Happiness Bastards'

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World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

The Black Crowes reignite their passion for rock on 'Happiness Bastards'

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The Atlanta rock band return with their first album in over a decade.

The Black Crowes on World Cafe

Listen · 27:38
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Sarah Jarosz opens up her creative process on 'Polaroid Lovers'

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World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

Sarah Jarosz opens up her creative process on 'Polaroid Lovers'

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The Grammy-winning artist talks about embracing a more collaborative spirit on her latest record.

Sarah Jarosz on World Cafe

Listen · 34:21
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Norah Jones finds inspiration in the quiet moments on 'Visions'

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Joelle Grace Taylor/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

Norah Jones finds inspiration in the quiet moments on 'Visions'

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The Grammy Award-winning artist talks about her latest album.

Norah Jones on World Cafe

Listen · 16:31
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'To me, nature is God': Kacey Musgraves ponders life's big questions on new album

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Kelly Christine Sutton/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

'To me, nature is God': Kacey Musgraves ponders life's big questions on new album

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The Texas singer-songwriter talks about getting older, signs from the beyond and finding inspiration in nature.

Kacey Musgraves on World Cafe

Listen · 28:47
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Composer Joe Wong brings his cinematic flair to 'Mere Survival'

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Priscilla Chavez Scott/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

Composer Joe Wong brings his cinematic flair to 'Mere Survival'

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The film and TV composer talks about his second solo album, plus scoring hit shows like The Midnight Gospel.

Composer Joe Wong brings his cinematic flair to 'Mere Survival'

Listen · 30:56
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The Jesus and Mary Chain talk about 'Glasgow Eyes'

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Mel Butler/Courtesy of the artist

World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

The Jesus and Mary Chain talk about 'Glasgow Eyes'

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The Scottish rock band talk about their eight studio album.

The Jesus and Mary Chain talk about 'Glasgow Eyes'

Listen · 32:56
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Baritone Will Liverman celebrates women in new album 'Show Me The Way'

Will Liverman's latest album, Show Me The Way, honors women's contributions to music. Daniel Welch/Morahan Arts and Media hide caption

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Daniel Welch/Morahan Arts and Media

Baritone Will Liverman celebrates women in new album 'Show Me The Way'

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Grammy-winning baritone Will Liverman about his latest album — Show Me The Way — honoring women in classical music, past and present.

Baritone Will Liverman celebrates women in new album 'Show Me The Way'

Listen · 6:50
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