Ryan Benk

Director and writer Mikko Mäkelä says he wasn’t interested in creating yet another sex worker drama focused on trauma. Instead, Sebastian is a knowing but conflicted young man learning about himself.

NPR's Debbie Elliott talks with lead singer Brandon Coleman and drummer John Hall from the Red Clay Strays about humble beginnings, touring, and the faith that keeps it all together.

We hear from singer Agalisiga Mackey, whose song "Tsitsutsa Tsigesv" was a standout submission to this year's Tiny Desk Contest.

Scott Simon talks with musician and indie producer Sam Evian about his fourth LP, "Plunge." Evian says the record is his most personal yet and it touches on themes of family, depression and sobriety.

NPR Tiny Desk Contest entrant Nicolle Horbath composed songs about the pandemic but gave them a bossa nova twist.

A first in a career spanning six decades: Cher has a Christmas album. She talked with NPR about her mother, her experience working with Stevie Wonder, and the time she hopped a freight train at age 9.

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with researcher Joe Johnson and musician Jake Blount about the new Library of Congress guide to African American banjo music resources in its collection.

Scientists at University of California Berkeley have recreated a Pink Floyd song using previously recorded brain waves. In the process, they've learned a lot about how the brain processes music.

NPR's Scott Simon talks to Black Opry founder Holly G. about Jason Aldean's latest single and the fight to recognize Black contributions to country music.

NPR Tiny Desk Contest entrant Nicolle Horbath composed songs about the pandemic but gave them a bossa nova twist.