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July 2006

The State of the Music

Monday, July 31, 2006

As the music industry moves increasingly towards niche specialization it still can be revealing to focus on the big picture, so today we ask: What is the state of the music industry? Several experts debate the issues that matter most in the music world. Trumpeter and Cultural Ambassador of New Orleans, Irvin Mayfield, talks about New Orleans jazz after Hurricane Katrina. Eric Arnold from the East Bay Express tells us if commercial hip-hop has hit a critical mass, Jesse Rosen from the American Symphony Orchestra League talks about how American orchestras struggle to fill seats, and Ethan Smith from the Wall Street Journal surveys the state of the recording and concert industries. This is a repeat broadcast.


New York, New York! It's a Helluva Town!

Friday, July 28, 2006

Frank Sinatra once crooned that if he could make it there, he’d make it anywhere. Today, Soundcheck looks at all New York City has to offer through the eyes of songwriters. We'll sample tunes about the romantic, the legendary and downright seedy parts of the Big Apple. Plus, listeners can call in about their favorite New York tunes. Then, members of the British band “Bloc Party” talk about their rise to indie-rock stardom.


The 25 Most Powerful Names in U.S. Opera

Thursday, July 27, 2006

"The 25 Most Powerful Names in U.S. Opera" have been named by Opera News magazine. Along with the expected superstars (Plácido Domingo, Renee Fleming) and executives (Peter Gelb) there are also some surprises, like the TV show "60 Minutes." Today, Opera News editor-in-chief F. Paul Driscoll talks about the list, and what it reveals about the sweeping changes in the American opera scene. Also: Brazilian singer-songwriter Luca Mundaca, known for her ethereal voice and subtle electronic productions, joins us with a live performance. And finally, filmmakers Louis Pepe and Keith Fulton talk about their mocumentary, "Brothers of the Head," about conjoined punk rockers.


The Stepford Singers

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

According to the latest Billboard chart, women are a mighty force in the pop music scene. Of the current top ten best selling pop singles, six are from female performers. While their songs may be selling like hotcakes, some critics think they’re becoming more and more indistinguishable. Soundcheck takes an inside look into the latest wave of female pop stars. Plus, singer-songwriter, Slaid Cleaves has been honing his craft in the musically fertile ground of Austin for the past 12 years. He performs live in-studio.


Backstage at an Elite Orchestra

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Documentary filmmaker Daniel Anker spent five years filming the musicians of the Philadelphia Orchestra and discovered that their true passions involve salsa and bluegrass, riding motorcycles and running marathons. In the process he reveals the joys and frustrations of making music when you're a cog in a very big machine. Today Anker talks about "Music from the Inside Out," his behind-the-scenes look at the elite orchestra, which is just out on DVD. Also: Nora Guthrie, daughter of Woody Guthrie, joins us along with the Klezmatics. The klezmer band has taken some of Woody Guthrie's unpublished lyrics and created new songs around them. Finally: Microsoft confirmed Friday that it will launch its first Zune digital media player later this year. Billboard writer Antony Bruno joins us with a preview.


From Rags to Mozart to Queens

Monday, July 24, 2006

A look into the twisting life of Lorenzo Da Ponte. Find out how he went from living in poverty in Venice, to becoming Mozart’s librettist to running a grocery store in New York. Then a conversation with Joe Lovano, one of the premiere saxophonists of our time. And Konono Number One, a group of Congolese musicians who specialize in trance music. They'll perform live in-studio.


Rollin' with the Entourage

Friday, July 21, 2006

Legions of HBO viewers know that every performer comes with an entourage. Whether you're a rap star or an opera diva, you're likely to be accompanied by a throng of agents, attorneys, stylists, publicists, girlfriends, and unemployed relatives who provide support and otherwise stroke egos. Today, three industry insiders talk about the machinery of an entourage. Also on the show: Polish contralto Ewa Podles. She has one of the most distinctive voices of any opera singer today and has long been an object of cult devotion. She talks about what inspires this devotion, and reveals why New Yorkers will soon be hearing much more of her. Finally, a look at the hotels where rock bands stay.


Meat Is Murder

Thursday, July 20, 2006

The Smiths' 1985 album "Meat Is Murder" is perhaps the most melancholy album to come of the 1980s alternative pop scene, and spawned a devout Morrissey following. Its tracks unabashedly articulate the pains and pleasures of growing old, from suffering and solitude to the ideals behind vegetarianism. Author and musician Joe Pernice explains how the album inspired his own music and writing as he was growing up. Then, a look into an unusual rock scene that's heading east, "pirate rock." Plus, Singer-songwriter Greg Laswell has been compared to Lyle Lovett or Chris Isaak for his brand of lo-fi indie pop. He’ll talk about his new CD called "Through Toledo."


Dancing through the Decades

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

The Silver Belles are the most unlikely troupe of tap dancers you're likely to ever meet: five former showgirls who got their start in Harlem clubs of the 1930s and 40s, including the Apollo Theater and the Cotton Club. Now the dancers are in their 80s and 90s and are performing together again. Today, meet one of the show girls and hear about a new documentary that tells The Silver Belles' story, "Been Rich All My Life." Also: the adventurous American pianist Christopher Taylor talks about playing Messiaen's monumental and mystical piano cycle "Vingt Regards sur l'enfant-Jesus." Finally, a look at how the Habitat for Humanity Musicians' Village in New Orleans is trying to help keep the music alive in the Big Easy.


Dealing with Debt

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

The New Jersey Symphony has a prized collection of rare, 17th-century string instruments worth millions of dollars. But the orchestra’s now facing a six-figure deficit and as a result, some of those instruments may be up for sale. Soundcheck looks into how the New Jersey Symphony plans to deal with its financial crunch. Plus, Green Gartside, frontman of Scritti Politti, discusses his comeback album "White Bread Black Beer." It's his first album in seven years. Plus, National Geographic offers downloads.


The Most Overlooked Albums of 2006

Monday, July 17, 2006

The latest industry figures show that U.S. album sales were down 4.2 percent in the first half of 2006, but sales of downloaded music soared 77 percent. We look at the implications of this trend with Grant Robertson, editor of the Digital Music Weblog. Also: With 2006 more than half over, we review some albums have been mostly overlooked this year by fans and critics with Ryan Schreiber, editor of the online music magazine Pitchfork Media, and Steve Smith, associate music editor of Time Out New York. Finally, the French Kicks are a New York indie pop quintet that's been praised for its smart lyrics and piano-rich sound. The band shares music from its latest CD, "Two Thousand."


Mind Your Music Manners

Friday, July 14, 2006

Reader’s Digest recently named New York one of the politest cities in the world. Soundcheck tests the theory and looks into the “do’s and don’ts” of music etiquette, from blaring ipods on the subway to cell phones at the symphony. Then, the Rogers Sisters, a trio that will be appearing at the Siren Festival on Coney Island, performs their unconventional brand of disco-pop live in the studio. Plus, why students are saying no to free music downloads.


The Beast Who Became an Opera

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Chicago Tribune music writer Greg Kot explains how a potential merger between two major concert promoters could spell trouble for concertgoers and for artists. Also, film composer Elliot Goldenthal and stage director and librettist Julie Taymor discuss "Grendel," their new opera inspired by the Beowulf legend. It combines projections, puppetry, masks and an emotional score. Finally, soul songwriter Dan Penn, the man behind such hits as Aretha Franklin's "Do Right Woman," stops by to share his latest studio project.


The Changing Sounds of PBS

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Public television has a long history of bringing music to America’s living rooms, from classical to live outdoor concerts. But some argue that music has been pushed out of primetime schedules, and that too much of its music programming now is driven by fundraisers. Soundcheck takes an inside look into a hotly debated issue: PBS' music programming. Plus, banjo player Abigail Washburn performs live in-studio. She’s a bluegrass folkie who blends Chinese folk traditions into her music.


Atlanta: The Next Hotbed of Indie Music?

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Atlanta became known as "Hotlanta" in the '90s when it became associated with the "Dirty South," hip-hop movement. Atlanta-based rap firms and performers are estimated to contribute more than $300 million to the city's economy. But now the city is home to a growing indie rock scene. Today, Atlanta's Lauren Aparicio, A.K.A. DJ L, talks about the sound of Atlanta music and tells us who to look and listen for. Also, Harlem-born pianist Roy Eaton joins us to talk about championing the work of ragtime great Scott Joplin. Finally, a live performance by singer/songwriter Shara Worden, who performs under the moniker My Brightest Diamond and who was recently signed to the Asthmatic Kitty label.


Music's Labor Movements

Monday, July 10, 2006

The U.S. labor movement typically conjures images of factories and smokestacks, but what about concert halls and musical instruments? Soundcheck looks into the crucial role orchestras played in the US labor movement. Soundcheck continues its celebration of the World Cup with the sounds of victory and defeat. We'll get reports from the frontlines to find out what music people are listening to as they celebrate in the street. Plus,Ilham Ershahim, owner of Nublu Bar and record company, talks about the music that's happening over on New York's Avenue C.


Soundcheck Heads To Tanglewood

Friday, July 07, 2006

Soundcheck hits the road and broadcasts live from Tanglewood, one of the summer’s most venerable summer musical festivals. We’ll speak with the pianist and conductor James Levine who leads the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He'll discuss his return to the stage after seriously injuring his shoulder last March. Plus, the writer and satirist Jonathan Ames explains the links between the countryside and creativity.


Instant Fame

Thursday, July 06, 2006

For most bands overnight success is a dream come true, but what glitters is not always gold. Soundcheck looks into the good, the bad and the ugly side of instant fame. Zach Condon, frontman of the indie sensation Beirut is joined by a veteran of the record industry, Lyle Hysen, to discuss. Then, a conversation with musician and music director Aaron Dworkin. He is a MacArthur Award winner and was just elected to Newsweek’s list of 15 People Who Make America Great. Plus, a live performance from the young pianist, Eldar.


World Cup Madness

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

The World Cup final is just around the corner, and Soundcheck celebrates with music from the countries that remain in the final four. Tune in and find out what people are listening to in the bars and on the streets as they celebrate, or cry into their drinks. Plus, sound artist Jeff Feddersen talks about his sonic sculptures that incorporate solar energy and sounds from the earth's magnetosphere.


White Rappers

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Eminem’s last album, "Curtain Call: The Hits," was certified double Platinum after selling more than two million copies in less than two months. Although the rapper retains a strong presence on the scene, his success has not given birth to a wave of new white rappers, as many predicted. We will talk about the failed effort by the music industry to launch new white hip hop stars with author Touré and with Jim Farber, Music critic for the New York Daily News. Also, celebrities like Madonna, and members of the Rapture and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have all taken turns playing DJ, but do they know how to spin? We hear about the phenomenon of celebrity DJs. And: Egyptian composer Sayyed Darweesh was champion of women's rights, an alleged cocaine addict, and he's known as the father of modern Arab music. We’ll hear the story and the music of Darweesh, as told by the Chicago Classical Oriental Ensemble. THIS IS A REPEAT BROADCAST


Belle & Sebastian

Monday, July 03, 2006

Scottish rockers Belle and Sebastian bring their catchy pop tunes and melancholy lyrics to Soundcheck. Co-founders Stuart Murdoch and Sarah Martin talk about their latest album "The Life Pursuit," and their Independence Day concert in Battery Park. Plus, who rocks better, the US or the UK? We've got The Ramones and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, they've got The Clash and Coldplay. Tune in and find out which one takes the crown.