World Cafe

Since 2000, AmericanaFest has been a showcase of all things Americana and beyond. Hundreds of artists have played dozens of venues over the last 25 years in Nashville, including some of the biggest in the world. Join us for “AmericanaFest Highlights”, putting the spotlight on some of our favorite performances from AmericanaFest 2024, including Hiss Golden Messenger, Jon Muq, and Aoife O’Donovan. That’s on the next World Cafe.

Saxophonist Colin Stetson makes music that you could describe as “breath-taking”, not just because of its visceral beauty, but because of how he makes it, using a technique that involves circular breathing, meaning he is almost always creating sound. Colin Stetson joins me to talk about his latest album, The Love it Took to Leave You, and about his intense way of performing: how he does it – and why he does it, even though it’s physically demanding. That’s on the next World Cafe.

Ralphie Choo’s music melds history, using traditional Spanish influences and instruments – with the unpredictable, changing energy of the present – to create something that sounds like the future. Earlier this fall, Ralphie Choo was featured on a song with Spanish pop star Rosalía, about a year after he released his debut album Supernova. On the next World Cafe, we revisit our 2023 session with him, taped in Madrid for our Sense of Place series.

Made up of four friends who all hail from different countries: Uruguay, Australia, England and Sweden, Los Bitchos’ all-instrumental, cumbia style music has sounded like a party since they started playing together in 2017. On their new album, Talkie Talkie, that party is happening in a neon-lit 80s nightclub of the same name – and on the next World Cafe, Los Bitchos take you there with an interview and live performance.

Gary Clark Jr.’s latest album is called JPEG RAW, an acronym for Jealousy, Pride, Envy, Greed, Rules, Alter Ego, and Worlds. Overwhelmed by the deluge of images one encounters online, Clark wanted to explore our relationship with what is “real” versus what is “edited.” On the next World Cafe, he talks about making the album, which features appearances from George Clinton, Keyon Harrold, and Stevie Wonder.

For nearly 20 years, Scott Hansen, known as Tycho, has crafted electronic music that balances exhilarating tracks like “Awake” with an indie-rock sensibility, featuring vintage analog synths and downtempo guitar. His latest, Infinite Health, aims to be a dose of emotional healing. On the next World Cafe, Tycho joins us to talk about how advancements in technology have streamlined his production process, and shares live performances recorded in Ogden, Utah.

After finding success with their debut in 1993, Digable Planets pushed back against the alternative hip hop label they were given with their second album: the rougher edged Blowout Comb. On a new Culture Corner, correspondent John Morrison talks about that album 30 years later. That’s on the next World Cafe.

From running a cannabis farm, to busking out of the back of her car, everything Cassandra Lewis has gone through has led to this moment. Her major label debut, Lost in a Dream, takes inspiration from Dorthy’s journey in The Wizard of Oz. The Nashville songwriter, now living in her 33rd city, shares live performances and talks about paving her own yellow-brick road. It’s Cassandra Lewis on the next World Cafe.

Just in time for Halloween, the Pixies have a treat for you! The alternative-rock pioneers are set to drop a new album called The Night The Zombies Came. It’s their first album with new bassist Emma Richardson, and you’ll hear them perform songs from it in an exclusive live mini concert, on the next World Cafe.

For over five decades, Little Feat, the band co-founded by Lowell George and led by Bill Payne, has flourished with their gumbo approach to rock’n’roll. Their latest, Sam’s Place, shines the spotlight on longtime drummer and percussionist Sam Clayton, who takes lead vocal duties for the first time since joining the band in 1972. The band joins us for a studio session in front of a live audience, talking about Sam’s Place, and how the band continually evolves thanks to it’s younger members.