World Cafe

When Olivia Rodrigo broke through in 2021 with her massively successful debut single “Driver’s License”, it might have looked like an overnight success. But her record-breaking, multi-Grammy winning debut album had years of practice behind it. Olivia Rodrigo talks about performing as a youngster, about fame, and about writing and recording her sophomore album, GUTS, on the next World Cafe.

They can throw, they can catch, they can tackle – and? They can SING! The Philadelphia Eagles have released their second holiday album, called A Philly Special Christmas Special. Produced by Charlie Hall of The War on Drugs, the record features Eagles offensive linemen Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata plus a slew of very special guests. Tune in to hear Charlie Hall and Jordan Mailata talk about Christmas spirit, how playing football compares to recording in the studio, and which guest singer gave Jordan stage fright. GO BIRDS! That’s on the next World Cafe.

Alvvays frontwoman Molly Rankin had left her apartment for just an hour when thieves broke in and stole the demos for what would become the band’s new album, Blue Rev. In the end, with help of producer Shawn Everett, Blue Rev turned into one of Alvvays most experimental and beautiful records. On the next World Cafe, hear live versions of the songs as Rankin discusses everything from bag pipes to Pomeranians.

World Cafe is bringing you intimate performances from the legendary Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, recorded during AmericanaFest earlier this Fall. This week, Brandy Clark plays songs from her Grammy nominated, self-titled album. Then we’ll follow that up with a mini concert from Tommy Prine, whose debut album, This Far South, is filled with memories of his late father, John Prine. Live music from AmericanaFest 2023, coming up on the next World Cafe.

Thirty years ago, the release of Wu-Tang Clan’s debut resulted in something akin to Beatlemania – at least according to World Cafe correspondent John Morrison. On the next World Cafe, John talks about why Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) was such a popular and revolutionary album – it brought hip hop to places it hadn’t gone before – and he shares the meaning behind one often-misinterpreted song.

Weathervanes is the name of the latest album from Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit – a record of powerful songs about everyday people. On the next World Cafe, Jason Isbell talks about what draws him to write about people that others may judge and how, the more difficult the topic, the more he personalizes the song. Plus, live recordings of the new music.