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China's Music Boom
All eyes are on China, and not just because of the Summer Olympics. Many in Western classical music circles point to China as the future of the genre. But New Yorker music critic Alex Ross isn't so sure. He joins us to talk about the ups and downs of China's music boom and its role in the Summer Games. Also: Kim Deal helped create a roadmap for alternative rock with her bands the Pixies and the Breeders. She joins us to talk about the first Breeders record in six years.
China Aims for Gold in Classical
In China, somewhere between 30 million and 100 million children are said to be learning piano, violin or both. Concert halls are full. And classical music will play a significant role in the Summer Olympics. But New Yorker music critic Alex Ross had some doubts about China’s music boom. We find out if a recent trip changed his mind.
Our blog: John Schaefer on China and classical music
Kim and Kelley Deal
Kim Deal spent the 1980's and 1990's at the top of alternative music in bands like The Pixies and The Breeders. Now, Deal and The Breeders (including her twin sister Kelley) have returned from a six-year hiatus with the album "Mountain Battles." Deal and her twin sister (and fellow Breeder) Kelley join us to talk about the record.
The Breeders will perform at the McCarren Park Pool on July 13. Doors at 2 p.m.
Pain at the Pump impacts concert business
Four-dollar-a-gallon gas prices are hurting the summer-concert business, as fans stay home and top and festivals take box-office hits. Rolling Stone reporter Steve Knopper explains.
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Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show. Plus, watch videos from in-studio performances.
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Introducing our Video Contest
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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.
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Cucu Diamantes Performs Amor Cronico
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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.
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In Studio: Stephanie McKay
Soundcheck
The local singer-songwriter performs "Jackson Avenue," a nostalgic toast to her childhood in the South Bronx.
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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.
