World Cafe

The Head and The Heart have released some brand-new songs and have an album, Aperture, set to be released in May. On the next World Cafe, hear the new music recorded live. And the band talks about how this record represents a new phase in their career – renewed relationships, a new method of songwriting, and a new record label.

Michelle Zauner, of Japanese Breakfast, is on a trajectory. Not only did she author the New York Times bestselling memoir, Crying In H Mart, but she also entered new sonic territory with her 2021 album, Jubilee. The record marked a joyful sonic departure from her earlier, darker songwriting themes. To celebrate the release of Japanese Breakfast’s new album, For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women), we’re listening back to a 2021 interview with Zauner, where she discusses her then new album, her memoir, and the stories behind them.

Kendrick Lamar released his album To Pimp A Butterfly ten years ago this month. On the next World Cafe, Culture Corner correspondent John Morrison talks about the profound impact of that record musically and politically – and why Lamar could be compared to Bob Dylan.

In a departure from their previous sound, Fontaines D.C.’s fourth album, Romance, sees the Irish post-punk band incorporating unlikely influences, such as new wave music and anime, all the while maintaining the band’s edgy, rebellious identity. On the next World Cafe, Fontaines D.C. performs a mini concert of songs from all four of their albums, recorded live in Philadelphia.

Kacey Musgraves’ much-anticipated 2024 album, Deeper Well, sees the songwriter entering her mid-30s with a deeper understanding of herself, what she wants, and what she doesn’t want. Kacey talks about asking big life questions, and about welcoming this new phase by recording in a new setting: Electric Lady Studio in New York City. That’s on the next World Cafe.

For nearly 20 years, Scott Hansen, who is better known by 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.

During the pandemic, Trapper Schoepp discovered the world of Irish folk music, and he fully embraced it. His latest record, Siren Songs, is grounded in the traditions and themes of Irish folk, but without being beholden to them. Coming up, Schoepp performs some of the songs live. Plus, he’ll share about having a co-write with Bob Dylan, and what it was like to record Siren Songs at Johnny Cash’s Tennessee cabin.

To mark the beginning of Daylight Saving Time, on the next World Cafe, we’re zoning out! Featuring music from psychedelic heavyweights like Pink Floyd and ELO, to the hypnotic melodies of Giorgio Moroder and Radiohead, hear a set of songs to get lost in or lose your mind to. This far out experience will also include The Beatles, Animal Collective, Kamasi Washington, and more.

Ringo Starr may be best known for being a Beatle, but on his new T Bone Burnett produced album, Look Up, he’s returning to his country music roots. On the next World Cafe, Ringo talks about falling in love with country as a kid in Liverpool, as well as what makes a great country song. He also talks about drumming, and of course, The Beatles.

Nigerian singer, songwriter, and guitarist Mdou Moctar is known for his electrified Tuareg guitar playing, but his latest album sees his band unplug. On the next World Cafe, Moctar and bassist/producer Mikey Coltun talk about why Moctar wanted to make an acoustic album and how being stranded in the U.S. during a military coup in his home country played a part in making it happen.