Illustration by Jackie Lay Illustration by Jackie Lay hide caption
Illustration by Jackie Lay Illustration by Jackie Lay hide caption
"Is it real?" is the most pressing question in music in 2026, and it's one that feels impossible to adequately answer, in almost any context.
Illustration by Jackie Lay Illustration by Jackie Lay hide caption
what to read, watch and listen to now
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Jay-Z looks on prior to the start of Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images hide caption
NPR Music culture critic and reporter Rodney Carmichael ruminates on the latest in rap culture.
CMAT performs a Tiny Desk concert at NPR in Washington, D.C. hide caption
From top to (cheeky) bottom, CMAT's Tiny Desk has it all: captivating stage presence, sharp songwriting, vocal range, a great band and comedic timing.
Here are some of the craziest moments in recent music history when the boundary between real and fake collapsed.
Watch live concerts, studio sessions and music documentaries
Brìghde Chaimbeul: Tiny Desk Concert
Los Tigres del Norte: Tiny Desk Concert
Melissa Aldana with Gonzalo Rubalcaba: Tiny Desk Concert
Stella Lefty Jack Balaban hide caption
It's been an unprecedented year for arguing about "fake" music, and it's not just AI.
Los Tigres del Norte at the Tiny Desk Vanessa Castillo hide caption
What happened to Felix Contreras' intro for Los Tigres del Norte's Tiny Desk? And why does this band inspire such emotion? We get into it.
Ray Brown (left) and Christian McBride (right) Christian McBride hide caption
Christian McBride and John Clayton celebrate the centennial of their mentor, the legendary bassist Ray Brown, with stories and music.
All Songs Considered Frank Chimero/NPR hide caption
Robin Hilton spins new music from emerging bands and musical icons.
What Latinidad sounds like, presented by Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre.
Fresh Air Interviews Frank Chimero/NPR hide caption
Terry Gross interviews luminary artists about their lives and musical work
From the Top Frank Chimero/NPR hide caption
NPR Music presents From The Top program highlights. For the complete From The Top program website, visit www.fromthetop.org.
Jazz Night In America NPR hide caption
Jazz Night In America is a public radio program, a video concert documentary series, and an online home for the music, from NPR Music, WBGO and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
KCRW's Jason Bentley hosts a weekly spin of the best electronic, dance and beyond.
Live recordings from the award-winning public radio program, hosted by Kathy Mattea.
Piano Jazz Frank Chimero/NPR hide caption
Each week, NPR's award-winning program showcases both acclaimed artists and up-and-coming performers as they share music and memories.
The Thistle & Shamrock Frank Chimero/NPR hide caption
Award-winning radio host Fiona Ritchie explores evolving music from Celtic roots in Europe and North America.
World Cafe Frank Chimero/NPR hide caption
WXPN in Philadelphia and host Raina Douris present interviews and performances with today's essential and emerging artists.
