Musical Moments

Where the lyrics meet the melody

Song Exploder — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 20:35:13 +0000

Carly Rae Jepsen released her third album, Emotion, in 2015. The closing track on the record is When I Needed You. In this episode, Carly tells the story of how the song was made. You’ll hear the first demo for the song, a version she co-wrote with her longtime collaborator Tavish Crowe. And you’ll hear how that led to the album version. Plus, producer Ariel Rechtshaid breaks down some of the parts that he created for the recording.

The subtle technique of modulation

Switched on Pop — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 20:34:43 +0000

Modulation is a beautiful and powerful way for songwriters to move from one musical key to another. It may sound like spontaneous creativity, but rather, it’s an intentional emotional manipulation affect your experience while listening to music.

On the looks and brains of the iconic star

Fishko Files — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 20:33:17 +0000

Marilyn Monroe captivated audiences until her death at 36. Our fascination with her mythic projection prompted impersonators and the penning of books juxtaposing and merging her image and her intelligence.

Tiny Desk Concerts goes on tour

Tiny Desk Audio — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 20:32:31 +0000

Common fronts an all-star band at the White House during South by South Lawn. Common’s choice of songs dealt with incarceration as the new slavery, imagined a time where women rule the world and honored the man he looked up to all his life, his father. The performance is a convergence of art and soul, mixing politics with heart.

Here’s a musician who appreciates a good anniversary – the big 40!

Rolling Stone Music Now — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 20:31:16 +0000

As he preps for a 2017 tour with the Heartbreakers, Tom Petty chats with Rolling Stone senior writer Andy Greene about what still drives him, his plans for an expanded version of Wildflowers and much more.

On the manufacturing intimacy in the music industry

Popcast — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 20:30:53 +0000

How have artist-fan relationships changed in the age of social media? Reinforcing the connections between stars and audiences come in the form of music exclusives, more intimate moments at live shows, and of course, opportunities for monetization.