Soundcheck Archive
April 2007
The Death of Internet Radio?
Monday, April 30, 2007
Internet radio broadcasters say a controversial royalty increase threatens to drive them out of business. The music industry says it's only looking for fair compensation for its artists and recording labels. Today, a look at whether a bill introduced in congress could keep Web radio station's afloat. Also: The Dutch composer Jacob ter Veldhuis, aka JacobTV, has been active on the European music scene in the past decade, with orchestral music, boombox works, chamber music and video. He joins us today. Finally, in advance of Lincoln Center's staging of "The Tristan Project," we get a primer on recordings of Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde."
The Perfect Role
Friday, April 27, 2007
For child prodigies, it can be tough growing up brilliant. Today on Soundcheck, the young star of the film Vitus talks about being a gifted pianist — and playing one on the big screen. Plus, the Brooklyn-based band Flying brings its surreal, psychedelic songs to our studio. And, a presidential candidate uses country music to thank campaign contributors.
Teaching with a Hip-Hop Beat
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Call it "Schoolhouse Rock" for the hip-hop generation. Some teenagers grooving to rap lyrics on their iPods are actually learning math, science, and civics. Today, we debate the growing trend of hip-hop as a learning tool in the classroom. Also: French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet loves the voice and opera. His latest album, called "Opera Without Words," contains 10 transcriptions of operatic pieces. He shares highlights with us today.
Three Dirty Words
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Hip hop mogul Russell Simmons says the music industry should voluntarily censor epithets that, like it or not, are closely associated with rap lyrics. We talk with hip hop journalist and author Jeff Chang about the idea. Later, our panel debates graffiti art: it defines hip hop but infuriates city officials. Plus, choral ensemble Chanticleer performs in our studio.
Rock 'n' Roll Cookbook
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Musicians have tried their hand at acting, fashion and even international diplomacy. Now some of them think they can cook. Today on Soundcheck, we reveal the secret culinary life of rock stars. Plus, composer Dino Saluzzi and cellist Anja Lechner talk about their tango collaboration. And, we delve into the soundtrack of the Cricket World Cup.
The Death of the Classical Record Industry
Monday, April 23, 2007
One of the world's most widely-read cultural critics is declaring the classical record industry dead. Today, Norman Lebrecht, assistant editor of the Evening Standard, BBC commentator and author of "The Life and Death of Classical Music" explains why. He also reveals his list of the worst recordings ever made. Then for a different angle, the editor of BBC Music Magazine talks about its 2007 recordings awards, which honor the best in the business. And finally: Canadian band Tragically Hip have have released a new album. Frontman Gordan Downie shares "World Container."
Taking Lessons From 'El Systema'
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thirty years ago, Venezuela’s music education program started with 11 students. Now, a quarter of a million kids participate in the Venezuelan Youth Orchestra System. Today we find out what the United States can learn from "El Systema." Plus, pop-rock phenoms Fountains of Wayne perform live in our studio. And, legendary experimental composer and saxophonist Anthony Braxton offers his always-provocative take on musical form.
Pop Contests and European Politics
Thursday, April 19, 2007
The Eurovision Song Contest is like American Idol for Europeans - an annual battle of nations for pop supremacy. Today, we hear how a cheesy pop contest could also shape geopolitics. Also: the WNYC Young People's Radio Chorus joins us to share their latest batch of cutting-edge commissioned works. We talk to two of those composers, Meredith Monk and Michael Gordon. And finally, filmmaker Bill Morrison talks about his work with the New York Filmmakers Collaborative.
Blues History Lesson
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Three years ago, blues guitar prodigy Kenny Wayne Shepherd traveled through kitchens, porches and nightclubs to meet the heroes of his craft. Today on Soundcheck, he talks about his journey into the American South. Plus, another guitar virtuoso, Kaki King, performs live.
Minority Report
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Blacks and Latinos make up just under 5 percent of the musicians in American orchestras. And though some attempts have been made to try to help diversify, the number of minority musicians is still small. Today: a debate about what should be done. One critic argues that American orchestras are totally out of tune with their communities; another feels that orchestras shouldn't mix artistic ideals with political correctness. Also: Saxophone legend Ornette Coleman has been awarded this year's Pulitzer Prize for music. We'll hear why. Finally, alt-country group Son Volt plays live songs from their sharply bittersweet new album, "The Search."
To Sit ... or Not To Sit
Monday, April 16, 2007
For rock music fans, it’s a classic concert conundrum: Stand up and risk being impolite, or remain seated and risk missing the show. Join us for a debate on the fine line between minding your manners at a concert — and rockin’ out. Plus, a conversation with composer and guitarist David Torn.
Rockers Who've Got Your Number
Friday, April 13, 2007
John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix were obsessed with the number 9. Elvis was the king of the number 8. Today we mark Friday the 13th by exploring the strange connections between rockers and numbers. We speak with author Gary Patterson, author of Take a Walk on the Dark Side: Rock and Roll Myths, Legends, and Curses. Also: Portuguese singer Lura performs live from her new album "M'bem di Fora" (I Come from Far Away). And finally: Nearly five years after Jazz at Lincoln Center formed its resident Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, that very ensemble has announced it is breaking away from its parent institution. The group's music director, pianist and composer Arturo O'Farrill, explains why.
Way Beyond Broadway
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Critics say Broadway and Off-Broadway are playing it safer and safer, rarely veering far from nostalgia. Today on Soundcheck, two playwrights who break the mold with a musical about Washington Heights and another about self-defense and anarchy. Also: a live performance from jazz guitarist Miles Okazaki.
The Raw Power of Iggy Pop
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
In the late 1960s, a Michigan kid named Jim Osterberg turned into a “streetwalkin’ cheetah with a heart full of napalm” and became the godfather of punk. Today on Soundcheck, we examine the legacy of Iggy Pop. Plus, a look at the Iraq art world after the U.S. invasion. And, Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Luke Temple performs live in our studio.
The Myth that Keeps on Giving
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
In the myth of Orpheus, a musician travels to the gates of hell and becomes a hero. Naturally, it's one of the most popular subjects ever in opera, song, and symphony, inspiring composers from Gluck to Glass. Today, in light of composer Ingram Marshall's "Orphic Memories," a new piece co-commissioned by WNYC, we look at how music's most popular myth keeps finding new life. Also: Krystle Warren, a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Kansas City whose earthy songs and deep voice make her, according to the Boston Globe, "an exciting voice in the folk scene." She performs live in the studio. And, classical music writer Anne Midgette talks about the future music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Venezuelan composer Gustavo Dudamel.
From Weavers to Circus Elephants
Monday, April 09, 2007
As The Ringling Brothers Circus comes to town, the exotic animals and high-wire acts gets a new musical score this year. Today composer Michael Picton talks about the music he wrote for The Greatest Show on Earth. Also: Weaver Pamela Topham and composer Libby Larsen talk about the common threads between music and weaving. Finally: Brazilian singer CeU has just become the first foreign artist to be featured in Starbucks Hear Music Debut CD series. She performs live in studio.
Celebrating Five Years of Soundcheck
Friday, April 06, 2007
Since April 2002 Soundcheck has covered music from every conceivable style and genre. We've also seen "the end of the genre," as crossover artists, reinvented styles and truly unclassifiable bands have made their way to the studio. Today, a look at the breakdown of genre boundaries with Bill Bragin, director of Joe's Pub at the Public Theater, and Ryan Schreiber, the founding editor of Pitchfork Media. Also: live performances by the border-crossing wind quintet Imani Winds and Ethan Iverson, pianist of the jazz-rock trio The Bad Plus. Finally, we check out some unforgettable moments from Soundcheck's past.
Sound Business Advice
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Offices, stores and restaurants are spending millions of dollars crafting the way they look, but not the way they sound. Find out how music and environmental noise affects productivity and sales. Plus, the U.S. military scouts for musical talent. And, a live performance from the Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble.
Mocking American Idol
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Viewers of "American Idol" pretty much all agree that contestant Sanjaya Malakar may be the worst finalist ever. But thanks to Howard Stern fans, pre-teen girls, and the Web site Votefortheworst.com, the wildly coiffed warbler now has a shot at winning it all. Today, we go behind this unlikely "Idol" success story. Also: Jazz guitarist John Abercrombie has been playing for over 30 years as a solo artist and with drummers like Billy Cobham and Jack DeJohnette. He joins us to talk about his new album, "The Third Quartet." Finally, moody rock band Sophe Lux performs live in the studio.
The Greening of Rock Stars
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Sheryl Crow, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Barenaked Ladies are among the artists mounting eco-friendly concert tours powered by biodiesel, organic food, and green energy. Plus, Andrew Bird performs live in our studio.
Guitar Men
Monday, April 02, 2007
British journalist Will Hodgkinson noticed the love affair between men and the guitar, so he decided to learn to play himself. Today on Soundcheck Hodgkinson explains how with lessons from a few rock stars he was playing in front of a live audience in just 6 months. Also: a live performance from the band The Broken West.
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