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On Demand

Soundcheck

Monday, May 01, 2006
  • Lila Downs
    Lila Downs

    A Spanish Show of Strength

    Today is expected to be a national day of protest for immigrant rights. Mexican-American singer-songwriter Lila Downs stops by to discuss why she feels the immigration debate is so critical, and also weigh in the controversy surrounding the new Spanish version of the "Star Spangled Banner." Also: The firm Rafael Viñoly Architects has designed some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, from Philadelphia's Kimmel Center to Jazz at Lincoln Center theater to the Tokyo International Forum, a performing-arts and convention center. It's perhaps not surprising then that he almost pursued a career as a concert pianist. Today, "starchitect" Viñoly discusses the music that inspires his designs. Finally, a live performance by the band Hem.

Lila Downs

Mexican-American singer-songwriter Lila Downs gives a live performance.
» Lila Downs's Web site

Rafael Vinoly

Rafael Vinoly, the New York architect, discusses how music has influenced his designs.
» Rafael Vinoly Architects Web site

Hem

The Brooklyn indie-folk band Hem stops by for a live performance.
» Hem Web site

Introducing our Video Contest

Soundcheck

John Schaefer gives the lowdown on Soundcheck's music video challenge with the Fiery Furnaces.

In Studio: Angel Deradoorian

Soundcheck

The 22-year-old multi-instrumentalist performs live in our studio.

Cucu Diamantes Performs Amor Cronico

Soundcheck

Cucu Diamantes went from a tough childhood in Havana, Cuba, to an art school in Rome to underground New York City, where she co-founded the Latin alternative band Yerba Buena.

In Studio: Stephanie McKay

Soundcheck

The local singer-songwriter performs "Jackson Avenue," a nostalgic toast to her childhood in the South Bronx.

In Studio: The Decemberists

The Portland, Ore., band's latest album, "The Hazards of Love," is a concept album with a mythological flair. They joined Soundcheck to play live for a studio audience in WNYC's Greene Space.

Sound Off

Soundcheck

Throughout May, Soundcheck presents “Sound Off” a Friday series on the many aspects of noise in music and our lives. The series -- which coincides with “Better Hearing and Speech Month” -- looks at issues like New York’s noisiest neighborhoods, the latest research on iPods and hearing loss, and what happens when noise becomes a musical ingredient.