Object Of Sound

What is the sound of where you come from? Is it a particular song you remember from your childhood? Maybe it’s a collection of remembered sounds from your first home—a train that passed nearby, or the wildlife that would sing at night. Maybe it’s the first song that you ever really connected to, the one that first made you feel like you belonged. In this special episode, we’re exploring this question from many perspectives. Hanif speaks to composer and multi-instrumentalist Angélica Negrón, whose work is deeply invested in these questions of sound, home, and belonging. Plus we hear from Hanif’s friends, and from you, our listeners, about what ‘the sound of where I come from’ means to you. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to https://www.mixcloud.com/sonos/ Music in this episode:O-H-I-O - Ohio PlayersLetter Home - Defiance, OhioFindlay, Ohio 1968 - Indigo GirlsCuyahoga - R.E.M.Cleveland Is The City - Bone Thugs-N-HarmonyLook At Miss Ohio - Gillian Welch Show Notes:In this episode, you heard: 1) La Nueva Ciudad, by Balún, 2) El Colapso by Angélica Negrón and 3) an excerpt from Sembrar & Pasajero, performed live by Angélica Negrón at The Greene Space as part of her variety show, El Living Room. Check out more of her work at https://www.angelicanegron.com/ and on instagram at @little_miss_echo. For photos of the Object of Sound Room from On Air: The Podcast Experience, check out experiencepodcasts.com. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Schuyler Swenson, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos. 

Imagine walking inside a room that was made for fans of this show. We've teamed up with the first-ever immersive podcast experience happening Feb 23-26 at Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg Brooklyn to make it happen. Flip through original vinyl and artifacts from the show, add your selects to a living playlist, and if you're lucky, run into Hanif in the room! All the details are available at bit.ly/oos-experience

Welcome to our first ever year end special, ‘This Year In Music with Hanif Abdurraqib.’ December is the perfect time to look back on all the incredible music that has been released over the past year: the songs that moved us to dance, and the songs that helped us endure. In this hour-long deep dive, we'll review the musical highlights of 2022 and make predictions about the future of music in 2023 together with special guests Kelela, Sam Sanders, and Santigold.Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Edwin Ochoa and Jason Saldanha and the team at PRX and of course, Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

In Mali, where Fatoumata Diawara was raised, it is common for women to sing, but much rarer for women to play an instrument. As a result, Fatoumata—who is one of the first, if not the first woman guitarist in all of Mali—has developed a self-taught, intuitive guitar playing style that is entirely her own. “This way of playing, it's me,” says Fatoumata. “It represents my fight as a musician, as an African, and as a lady on stage.” In this episode of Object of Sound, Fatoumata talks to Hanif about how she discovered her calling as a musician, and the exciting ways that she is fusing the traditional music of her homeland with Western influences on her third studio album, out next year. Hanif closes the episode with a selection of blues and folk music from Mali. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com. Music In This Week’s Episode: Kalan - Fatoumata DiawaraBassemory - Mamou SidibéLalla - TinariwenKuma - Salif KeitaSabali - Amadou & MariamSarama - Oumou SangaréTongo Barra - Vieux Farka Touré, Khruangbin Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

The night before Thanksgiving, Hanif has a special invented tradition: every year, he makes a batch of cupcakes and watches The Last Waltz—and every year, he finds new things to love about the film. Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Last Waltz is a 1978 concert film documenting the final performance of The Band. To Hanif, the movie is not just a collection of great performances, but a study in exquisite tenderness, and how to say goodbye. Hrishikesh Hirway joins Hanif to discuss the film in this special episode recorded live at On Air Fest LA Annex 2022. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com.  Music In This Week’s Episode: Sip the Wine - Rick DankoDon’t Do It - The BandMy Love - Rick Danko and Richard ManuelDown South in New Orleans - The Band, Bobby CharlesFalse Hearted Lover Blues - Levon HelmTura Lura Lural (That’s an Irish Lullaby) - The Band, Van Morrison All Our Past Times - Rick DankoShowdown at Big Sky - Robbie Robertson Show Notes:This special episode of Object of Sound was recorded live at On Air LA Annex.Check out the clips from the Last Waltz that Hanif shared with Hrishi on stage: the Band performing Caravan with Van Morrison, Helpless with Neil Young, The Weight with the Staples Singers. Plus, the clip of Rick Danko’s interview with Martin Scorsese. Photos from Hanif and Hrishi’s conversation on stage at On Air LA Annex can be found on our instagram, @objectofsound. The artwork for Music from Big Pink inspired Hanif to pick up the Band’s music at his local library. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

“Music is a time machine,” says Ben Gibbard, singer and guitarist of Death Cab for Cutie. Just a few bars of a beloved song can be transportative, an instant reminder of another time and place. “And if you've been that in someone's life, you have a responsibility to keep that material alive.” For Ben, that means continuing to honor and perform work from Death Cab for Cutie’s back catalog—some of which he wrote when he was only twenty years old—while constantly pushing the band to new creative heights. On this episode of Object of Sound, Ben and Hanif talk about what it is like to live alongside the work we produce, and how our relationship to it changes as we grow up. Hanif closes the episode with a playlist of songs about getting older. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com.Music In This Week’s Episode:  Here to Forever - Death Cab For CutieGrandma’s Hands - Bill WithersWhen You’re Old And Lonely - The Magnetic Fields20 Something - SZABitter with the Sweet - Carole KingIntrospection - UMIThose Were The Days - Angel OlsenThe Lights are Going Out -  Orchestral Manoeuvres in the DarkShow Notes:Asphalt Meadows is out now.Ocean Child: the Songs of Yoko Ono is available now for purchase and streaming. A portion of proceeds from the album go to WhyHunger.If you’re also a fan of OMD, you can get your very own t shirt just like the one Ben was wearing during our interview.Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

“While I’m alive, I’ll make tiny changes to Earth.” Written by Scott Hutchison, the late frontman of the band Frightened Rabbit, this line has provided comfort, consolation, and inspiration to those who loved Scott’s music. A talented and witty lyricist, Scott’s songs could be devastatingly crushing or funny, visceral or resonant—sometimes all in the same track. But an artist is more than the work they produce, and so, on this episode of Object of Sound, we’re celebrating not only Scott’s music, but also his life and legacy. We speak to Ben Gibbard, Frank Turner, Georgia Maq, and more, who share memories and impressions of the way Scott and his music shaped their lives. We’ll also hear from listeners who called into the Object of Sound hotline to talk about what Scott’s music means to them, and all the changes—both tiny and profound—that he has made to the lives of his listeners. Closing the episode, Hanif walks us through a playlist of some of his top Scott Hutchison songs. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com. Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of mental illness and suicide that may be upsetting for some listeners. Please take care of yourself. We invite you to listen to this episode if you feel comfortable and able, or to skip out and join us again next week. If you are in need of support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the USA can be reached with the three-digit dialing code 988, or by calling 1-800-273-8255. Music In This Week’s Episode: Swim Until You Can’t See Land - Frightened RabbitThe Twist - Frightened RabbitTen Tons of Silence - Owl JohnA Good Reason to Grow Old - Owl JohnBird is Bored of Flying - MastersystemNotes on a Life Not Quite Lived - Mastersystem Show Notes:Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of mental illness and suicide that may be upsetting for some listeners. Please take care of yourself. We invite you to listen to this episode if you feel comfortable and able, or to skip out and join us again next week. If you are in need of support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the USA can be reached with the three-digit dialing code 988, or by calling 1-800-273-8255. Ben Gibbard, Craig Finn and Jeff Zeigler all contributed to Tiny Changes: A Celebration of Frightened Rabbit’s ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’, along with previous Object of Sound guests Julien Baker and Aaron Dessner.Ben Gibbard, Craig Finn, Julien Baker and Aaron Dessner also participated in the Rough Trade Tribute, Tiny Changes: A Celebration Of The Songs Of Scott Hutchison on Dec 5, 2018. In 2019, Scott Hutchison’s family created Tiny Changes, a non-profit organization that supports efforts to improve mental health in children and young people. Frank Turner wrote A Wave Across the Bay to honor Scott’s memory. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

Before Tegan and Sara sat down to make Crybaby, they had to navigate a series of breakups—with their label, their management, and (almost) with each other. “This is our breakup record,” says Sara Quin, “but we're not going to break up. We’re siblings. We can’t.” In the turmoil that followed, Tegan and Sara rebuilt their professional team, repaired their relationship, and completely reinvented their collaborative songwriting process for Crybaby, one of their most exciting releases yet. In this episode of Object of Sound, Tegan and Sara talk to Hanif about tenderness, tantrums, and the delight of destroying everything so you can make it all over again. To close the episode, Hanif guides us through a selection of breakup songs. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com.Music In This Week’s Episode: This Ain’t Going Well - Tegan and SaraEvergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All) - Omar ApolloCherry Blossom - Pom Pom SquadSelf Fulfilling Prophecy - Pretty SickWe Can’t Be Friends (with R.L.) - Deborah Cox, R.L.Happy After - AlgebraHow Long Do I Have To Wait For You? - Sharon Jones & The Dap-KingsBad Friend - Rina Sawayama Show Notes:Crybaby is out now. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos. 

Carly Rae Jepsen is a writer’s writer. “I am very excited about the idea of writing it in all directions,” Carly says — and for the making of her latest album, The Loneliest Time, that meant writing literally hundreds of songs. On this episode of Object of Sound, Hanif and Carly Rae Jepsen talk about the unique collaborative process that went into narrowing that collection of songs down to the thirteen tracks on the album. Carly opens up about the challenges and opportunities of songwriting during the pandemic, and her drive to keep challenging the idea of what a pop song can be. Inspired by Carly’s recent experience at a James Taylor concert, Hanif closes the episode with a playlist of great songs to cry to. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com. Music In This Week’s Episode: Surrender My Heart - Carly Rae JepsenNorthern Sky - Nick DrakeSomeday We’ll All Be Free - Donny HathawayThe Very Thought of You - Nat King ColeI Don’t Smoke - MitskiWhen The Sun Hits - SlowdiveGood Goodbye - Lianne La HavasLong Ride Home - Patti GriffinShow Notes:Carly Rae Jepsen’s The Loneliest Time is out today, October 21. Check out the full 8.5 hour version of Hanif’s Mega Sad Playlist, crowdsourced on Twitter and collected by Zineb Nour, here. This episode is part of our mini series, “The Wonders of Songwriting,” three special episodes on Object of Sound devoted to the art of how songs become songs. Hanif talks to artists Ravyn Lenae, Nick Hakim, and Carly Rae Jepsen to understand where their love of language comes from, how words become images become music, where the ideas begin, and how they morph as they move from the page into the intangible space of melody and vibration.If you’re a writer or maker in need of a creative refuel, check out Hanif’s recent interview on Creative Pep Talk, which also features lessons from artists we’ve interviewed here on Object of Sound.Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.  

“One of the most meditative things about writing is that you kind of forget where you are,” says Nick Hakim. “If you're tapped into it, you're not really thinking about anything else.” On this episode of Object of Sound, Nick recalls the spontaneous 5:00am recordings and free writing that went into the making of his new album COMETA, out October 21. Plus, Nick treats us to a special sneak peek of Perfume—one of Hanif’s favorite tracks off COMETA—and shares with us the inspiration behind the song, which beautifully captures the excitement of new love. Building on the album's themes, Hanif curates a playlist of songs all about falling in love to close out the episode. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com. Music In This Week’s Episode: Vertigo - Nick HakimShoe In - Secret StarsFallingforyou - The 1975I Like It - DeBargeCaught Up In The Rapture - Anita BakerI Couldn’t Love You More - SadeKiss Me - Sixpence None The RicherDarling - Montell Fish Show Notes:Nick Hakim’s COMETA is out October 21. The singles, Vertigo and Happen, are available now. Check out the poetry of Nick and Hanif’s mutual friend Safia Elhillo, and read Dianne Seuss’ “Romantic Poetry” in the New Yorker. This episode is part of our mini series, “The Wonders of Songwriting,” three special episodes on Object of Sound devoted to the art of how songs become songs. Hanif talks to artists Ravyn Lenae, Nick Hakim, and Carly Rae Jepsen to understand where their love of language comes from, how words become images become music, where the ideas begin, and how they morph as they move from the page into the intangible space of melody and vibration.If you’re a writer or maker in need of a creative refuel, check out Hanif’s recent interview on Creative Pep Talk, which also features lessons from artists we’ve interviewed here on Object of Sound. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

“I came into my own and I was able to find my voice through my writing,” says artist Ravyn Lenae. The making of her album, HYPNOS, was a four-year-long journey of blood, sweat and tears—but the result is a meticulously crafted debut, a collection of songs on which Ravyn herself has curated every element, right down to individual snares and bass lines. In this episode, the first in our three part mini-series, “The Wonders of Songwriting,” Hanif and Ravyn dig into the editing process that produced the many sonic moods and colors on HYPNOS. And, in an Object of Sound exclusive, Ravyn walks Hanif through the earlier mixes of her song, ‘Inside Out,’ and explains why this track in particular needed over 2,000 vocal recordings before it was just right. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, including ‘Inside Out, head over to radio.sonos.com. Music In This Week’s Episode: Inside Out - Ravyn LenaeWe’re So Good - Kids On A Crime SpreeHold On - The InternetOne For the Griot - J-LiveDon’t Go Near The Water - The Beach BoysMigratory Birds - Earth From The MoonLet’s Pretend We’re Not In Love - The Reds, Pinks, and PurplesTender Falls the Rain - Randy Crawford Show Notes: This episode is part of our mini series, “The Wonders of Songwriting,” three special episodes on Object of Sound devoted to the art of how songs become songs. Hanif talks to artists Ravyn Lenae, Nick Hakim, and Carly Rae Jepsen to understand where their love of language comes from, how words become images become music, where the ideas begin, and how they morph as they move from the page into the intangible space of melody and vibration. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

“It’s like digging a hole and moving into it, and listening to a lot of bass, and loving it.” So says Björk of the meaning behind the word ‘Fossora’—the title of her tenth studio album, just released today. On this episode, Hanif and Björk break Fossora down concept-by-concept, from the sextet of bass clarinets that shape the album’s grounded, sonic world, to the album’s themes of digging deeply into our ancestral roots, and the pleasures of setting down new ones. To close the show, Hanif riffs on Fossora’s autumnal vibes with a playlist of music for the coming season. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to radio.sonos.com. Music In This Week’s Episode: Sorrowful Soil - BjörkGod In Wilson - Dijonlet it be me - Joy OladokunACTING NORMAL - BLACKSTARKIDSI Don’t Know How To Love - The DrumsLonging To Hold You - Black HarmonyPulling Leaves Off Trees - WallowsSowing Seeds - The Jesus and Mary Chain Show Notes: Björk’s album Fossora is out now. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

“When I'm onstage, it's the happiest I feel. It's the most in love with myself I feel,” says Danielle Ponder. “I know that’s my purpose.” On this episode of Object of Sound, Danielle and Hanif talk about how Danielle left her successful career as a public defender to follow her purpose and become a musician full time—and how Danielle sees storytelling as a vital skill for both professions. Hanif and Danielle dig into the making of her debut album ‘Some Of Us Are Brave,’ and Danielle reveals how connecting with other people through the stories in her songs helps her feel more alive, and less alone. At the end of the episode, Hanif creates a playlist of some of the very first songs he fell in love with. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to radio.sonos.com. Music In This Week’s Episode: Some Of Us Are Brave- Danielle PonderPirate Jenny (Live at Carnegie Hall) - Nina SimoneThe Good Humor Man He Sees Everything Like This - LoveRich - Yeah Yeah YeahsCall the Doctor - Sleater-KinneyBanquet - Bloc PartyHere Lies the Man That Never Changed - Jacob BanksFlirted With You All My Life - Vic Chesnutt Show Notes: Danielle Ponder’s debut album, Some of Us Are Brave, is out now.The album takes its title from the book, All the Women are White, All the Blacks are Men, But Some of Us Are Brave, a groundbreaking collection of black feminist scholarship published in 1982.Catch Danielle Ponder on tour across the US through November.Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos. 

Welcome to Season Four of Object of Sound! To kick us off, Hanif sits down with Madison Cunningham, who just released her latest album, Revealer. Hanif and Madison dig deep into the songwriting process: the vulnerability and ultimately, the surrender that is required to put a piece of yourself out into the world. Throughout the conversation, Hanif and Madison investigate what it is like to confront our own reflections, and find the balance between who we think we are, and who exists behind that image. Plus, Hanif closes the episode with a playlist of his top road trip tunes. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to www.mixcloud.com/sonos. Music In This Week’s Episode: Sunshine Over the Counter - Madison CunninghamThink Nothing - Sydney SpragueFrontline - KelelaHoneycomb - Kadhja BonetWarm Winds (feat. Isaiah Rashad) - SZA, Isaiah RashadI Think You’re Alright - Jay SomHigh Lonesome - The Gaslight AnthemHey Jealousy - Gin Blossoms Show Notes: Madison Cunningham’s album Revealer is available now. Madison recorded ‘Life According to Raechel’ at Sonic Ranch in El Paso, Texas. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.   

“I have lived half my life in fear of judgment,” says Margo Price. “I'm so done with it.” In the final episode of this season, recorded from the back lounge of Margo’s tour bus, Margo reveals how the experience of writing her autobiography, Maybe We’ll Make It, empowered her to let go of her fear and tell her personal story. Plus, Margo talks to Hanif about her on-the-road reading list, her upcoming Sonos show Runaway Horses, and what she thinks of the evolving Nashville music scene. Hanif closes the episode with a playlist of autobiographical songs. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-margo-price./ Music In This Week's Episode: /This Town Gets Around - Margo PriceSports, Drugs and Entertainment - Cam’ronNutbush City Limits - Tina TurnerRehab - Amy WinehouseCoal Miner’s Daughter - Loretta LynnPiano Man - Billy JoelCaptain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy - Elton JohnAre You Leaving For The Country - Karen DaltonShow Notes: Margo Price’s memoir, Maybe We’ll Make It, is out October 4 on University of Texas Press.Margo’s bookstack includes a collection of poems by Mark Strand, Kalamazoo Gals: A Story of Extraordinary Women & Gibson's 'Banner' Guitars of WWII, Crying At H Mart, and Citizen Cash.Hanif previously interviewed Margo’s friend and fellow musician, Adia Victoria, during Season 2 of Object of Sound. He spoke to Allison Russell about Outside Child earlier this year. Margo’s upcoming Sonos show, Runaway Horses, will be released later this year. This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. We had wonderful help this week from Columbus producer, Jeremy Steckel. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

So many coming-of-age stories focus on leaving where you’re from—but what compels someone to come back? Musician PJ Morton returned to his hometown of New Orleans in 2016, and since then, he’s established an independent record label, founded a non-profit organization, and worked to restore the home of jazz pioneer Buddy Bolden. In this episode, Hanif and PJ talk about embracing the strength in your roots, and the making of his just-released album, Watch the Sun, which features appearances from artists like Stevie Wonder, Nas, Jill Scott, and more. To close the episode, Hanif takes us on a musical tour of his home state of Ohio. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-pj-morton. Music In This Week’s Episode:Be Like Water (feat. Stevie Wonder and Nas) - PJ MortonFreedom Now - Tracy ChapmanPride & Vanity - Ohio PlayersDon’t Know What To Do - The EdselsDead End America - The PagansTunnel Bound - MoodHeat Night - The WaitressesWe Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off - Jermaine Stewart  Show notes:Watch the Sun is out today.PJ Morton is working to save Buddy Bolden’s house. Once restored the house will become a community center, museum, and recording studio, offering music-business education for young performers and celebrating the jazz originator's legacy.Watch the Sun was recorded at Studio in the Country in Bogalusa, LO. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos. 

“I still have every bit of my voice,” says singer and civil rights icon Mavis Staples. “It’s still here, and I’m still here.” Throughout her career, Mavis has used her voice to uplift the truth through song, and after seventy years, she has no interest in slowing down. This year Mavis is on tour throughout the US and Europe, and on May 20th, she will release a new album, Carry Me Home, recorded with The Band’s Levon Helm. On this episode, Hanif speaks to Mavis about the album, why she won’t be retiring anytime soon, and the secrets behind the longevity of her career—including how Mahalia Jackson taught her to take care of her voice. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-mavis-staples. / Music In This Week’s Episode /I’ll Take You There - The Staple SingersThe Last Waltz Suite: The Weight (feat. The Staple Singers) - The Band, The Staple SingersHow I Got Over - Live at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church - Aretha FranklinSummertime / Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Mahalia JacksonHeaven - Mary MaryDown in My Soul - Ingram SingersBL3$$3D - Trek Manifest Show Notes: Carry Me Home, a collaborative live album from Mavis Staples and Levon Helm, will be released May 20th. The first single, “You Got To Move,” is out now; the music video features footage of Mavis and Levon from the making of the album.Carry Me Home was recorded at Levon Helm Studios. The Studio is a barn designed and acoustically engineered by Levon himself, and it stands today as a one-of-a-kind musical landmark. Levon Helm Studios welcomes artists for intimate concerts, recording sessions, rehearsals, writing retreats, and private events.On May 20th, Mavis Staples will perform at Brooklyn Academy of Music, as part of the spring music series curated by Hanif. Amy Helm, Levon Helm’s daughter, will open. You can follow Mavis’ full tour this year on her website.  Every Thanksgiving, Hanif watches the Last Waltz. The Staple Singers appeared on Soul Train in 1974.A recent favorite song of Mavis’ is Black Pumas’ Colors. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

“Anyone who loves music can karaoke.” So declares Raina Lee, Karaoke Queen and author of Hit Me With Your Best Shot: The Ultimate Guide to Karaoke Domination. In celebration of National Karaoke Week, our new favorite niche holiday, we’re devoting a whole episode to karaoke. We’ll hear tips for picking the perfect song and what it takes to rule the karaoke stage from Raina and 2020 World Karaoke Champion Garvaundo Hamilton. Plus, listeners from across the country call in to perform some of their karaoke favorites. Marianne Chan closes out the episode with a reading of her poem, ‘In Defense of Karaoke.’ For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to www.mixcloud.com/sonos. / Music In This Week’s Episode: /I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney HoustonUnwritten - Natasha BedingfieldU Remind Me - UsherNo Scrubs - TLCDon’t Stop Believin’ - Journey Show Notes: National Karaoke Week is the fourth week of April. Check your local karaoke venues for special events to celebrate the occasion.Raina Lee is a visual artist and the author of Hit Me With Your Best Shot: The Ultimate Guide To Karaoke Domination.  If you’re in the LA area and looking for a local karaoke spot, she recommends the San Franciscan. Garvaundo Hamilton is the 2020 World Karaoke Champion. He is also the Washington State Director for the 2022 Karaoke World Championships. Qualifying competitions have already begun. Check out the Karaoke World Championship website to find an event near you!Marianne Chan is the author of In Defense of Karaoke, which is available in her book, All Heathens. Hanif often opens his own readings with the poem, and has previously read it for the 92Y. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos. 

What does anger look like? In Yaeji’s case, the answer is simple: a fearsome, bedazzled hammer. At least, that’s the idea behind her forthcoming debut album. “It's a story about me and my anger,” says Yaeji. “My anger is materialized into this hammer that I befriend.” In this episode, Hanif sits down with Yaeji to talk about her songwriting process, her debut album, and the usefulness, the beauty, and the complicated nature of anger. Hanif closes the episode with a final thought: when we stop pushing away our anger and listen to what it is telling us, what greater acts of love, service, and creativity can that anger propel us towards? For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-yaeji.Music In This Week’s Episode:When I Grow Up - YaejiHit ‘Em Up Style - Blue CantrellYou Oughta Know - Alanis MorissetteCaught Out There - KelisNever Again - Kelly ClarksonBreaking Point - Keri HilsonWhat About - Janet Jackson Show Notes: Hanif’s essay collection, A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance, was released just over a year ago. Check out the music video for ‘29,’ Yaeji’s recent single with OHHYUK, where she appears wielding a hammer. Recently, Yaeji has been reading Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong.You can see Jiji in all her cuteness on Yaeji’s instagram.Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

Jack White has won twelve Grammys, founded his own label, and is regularly ranked as one of the top guitarists of all time—but, “I’ve never felt like I’ve arrived or felt satisfied,” he tells Hanif. It’s that restlessness and discomfort with success that keeps pushing Jack into new creative territory. In this episode, we talk to Jack about his two forthcoming albums, Fear Of The Dawn and Entering Heaven Alive, and what it means to consistently return to the challenge of making something new—a daunting and inspiring task that all artists face. Plus, Hanif makes a playlist highlighting his favorite vinyl record purchases so far this year. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-jackwhite. Music in this episode:Hi-De-Ho - Jack White, Q-TipParty Girl - Linda RonstadtLonely, Lonely - Nancy WilsonWay Out - Steve Arrington’s Hall of FameEmotion - Merry ClaytonYou’re Just What I Need - Betty WrightTalk Talk - Talk Talk|Let the Church Roll On - Mahalia Jackson Show Notes:You can check out the final product of Hanif’s reupholstery project on his instagram, @nifmuhammad. Find select Jack White upholstery projects documented here.Fear of the Dawn is out April 8. Entering Heaven Alive will be released July 22. Catch Jack White on tour across North America and Europe, starting on April 8 and continuing through August. Check out Cab Calloway’s 1934 short film Hi-De-Ho. Calloway is sampled on Jack White and Q-Tip’s track of the same name. Jack White previously collaborated with Q-Tip on the A Tribe Called Quest album, We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service, where he appeared on several tracks as a guest artist.Hanif has performed in The Blue Room, a performance venue housed inside Third Man Records in Nashville, Tennessee.Special thanks to Brett and Amy at Spoonful Records in Columbus, Ohio for their hospitality! Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.