Kurt Andersen

In this episode: Comedian, actor, and one-man band Reggie Watts joins us to talk about the new season of the IFC talk show Comedy Bang! Bang! Plus, hear him rigs up his loop pedals and mics for an impromptu set in the Soundcheck studio.

Then: Our friends at Studio 360 recently launched the “1914 Blues Challenge” which for the past few weeks, asked listeners to record a 100-year-old W.C. Handy classic, “Yellow Dog Blues.” Host Kurt Andersen and the contest’s judge, musician Chocolate Genius, join Soundcheck to review some of the submissions they’ve received so far.

And: Soundcheck host John Schaefer reflects on the life and legacy of poet and civil rights icon Maya Angelou, who died yesterday at age 86.

In this episode: Soundcheck guest host Kurt Andersen (host of Studio 360) talks high school rockers, as part of Studio 360’s ongoing Battle of the High School Bands. One of the contest judges, musician Andrew W.K., reviews recordings submitted by high school bands -- both recent and not so recent. And, Kurt talks with members of two currently active high school bands, Fly Baby and The Sectionals — and we hear from singer-songwriter and pianist Ben Folds about his high school band.

Plus: We hear a live performance from Carla Bruni. The singer, model, and former first lady of France joins us to perform in our studio. 

In this episode: More than forty years ago, the record producer Joe Boyd helped turn the songs of the late English musician Nick Drake into musical masterpieces. Now, he’s releasing a tribute album to the songwriter, Way To Blue: The Songs of Nick Drake.

Plus: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s version of Cinderella is playing on Broadway for the first time. We’re joined by Cinderella and the Prince (Laura Osnes and Santino Fontana, respectively) and music supervisor David Chase for a live performance that will air before midnight.

And: Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen recently embarked on a listener challenge called “Remixing Spring.” Before the show announces the contest winner this weekend, Kurt joins us to share a shortlist of entries.