Music

National

Are you playing 'Whamageddon'? It's the Christmas game you've probably already lost

Alejandra Marquez Janse

Last weekend, a DJ caused a stir in Britain after playing the hit Wham! song "Last Christmas" at a soccer game in front of about 60,000 people. Here's why.
Pianist Christian Sands shares his 'Christmas Stories' for the holidays

Trevor Smith

Pianist Christian Sands shares music from his new record, Christmas Stories. We'll hear tales of his childhood in snowy Connecticut, the ultimate Christmas party music and an exclusive song.
People have been searching for this song from 'The X-Files' for 25 years. Until now

Erika Ryan

A song playing in the background of one episode has fascinated and eluded fans for more than two decades as they sought to track it, and the musicians, down. Now that mystery has finally been solved.
Arts & Culture

San Diego weekend arts events: Scrooge, Scrabble and sound art

Julia Dixon Evans

This weekend in the arts in San Diego: "A Christmas Carol," a hip-hop Scrabble night, "Theorema" at The Front, plus live music, visual art, books, performances and more.
10 years later, the 'Beyoncé' surprise drop still offers lessons about control

Anastasia Tsioulcas

On Dec. 13, 2013, Beyoncé fans got a holiday gift no one expected. A decade later, the artistic and economic impact of her fifth album is still reverberating.
The Last Dinner Party is throwing a baroque-pop rager and all are invited

Raina Douris

Kimberly Junod

The British rock band performs a special acoustic set ahead of the release of their debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy, next year.
The 10 Best Classical Albums of 2023

Tom Huizenga

Discover a broad spectrum of this year's most compelling classical music, from symphonic hell rides and soaring voices to searing string quartets, cathartic choirs and one amazing comeback.
The 123 Best Songs of 2023

A best-of list should be an opportunity for discovery, so NPR Music has handmade a series of mixtapes full of great songs from 2023 to help you find music you'll love well beyond the end of the year.
National

Rick Rubin on taking communion with Johnny Cash and not rushing creativity

Rachel Martin

Rick Rubin could have written about the music industry and insider stories. Instead, he spent eight years writing what is basically a spiritual text about making something meaningful.
Laufey used to feel 'a little off' about her voice. It became her secret power.

Raina Douris

Kimberly Junod

Hear the Grammy-nominated jazz musician performs songs from her latest album, Bewitched.