Queer Country Musician Orville Peck on World Cafe

Orville Peck makes country music in the spirit of the standards he grew up with, from Johnny Cash, to Merle Haggard, and Dolly Parton, but mixed in are other influences from his youth, like new wave and punk. Since his debut earlier this year, he's gained attention for his persona – always disguised in a lone ranger mask – and also for his forthright storytelling about same-sex love. Orville joins host Stephen Kallao today to talk about his varied musical influences and the response he’s received as a queer country musician. Plus, a live performance. On the next World Cafe.

World Cafe airs weekdays at 2:00 pm on KRCB-FM Radio 91 / streaming @ norcalpublicmedia.org / Listen live on-the-go with the FREE KRCB Mobile App from the App Store & Google Play.

(Photo: Courtesy of the artist)

World Cafe

November 22, 2019
Kelsey Waldon Blazes the Neo-Traditional Country Trail on World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
Kelsey Waldon is at the forefront of the neo-traditional country scene in Nashville and, with her latest album, she is the first signing to John Prine’s Oh Boy Records in 15 years. On the next World Cafe, Kelsey talks about growing up in Kentucky while keeping her eye on Music City, what it was…
November 20, 2019
Shawn Colvin Performs Solo Acoustic on World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
TODAY’S PROGRAM MY BE PRE-EMPTED BY SPECIAL COVERAGE OF THE TRUMP IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Shawn Colvin’s debut, Steady On, which won her the first of her Grammys. To celebrate, Shawn re-recorded the album in a solo acoustic arrangement, the same way she’s been…
November 19, 2019
It’s Sonny Landreth on the Next World Cafe – Wednesday at 2p
TODAY’S PROGRAM MY BE PRE-EMPTED BY SPECIAL COVERAGE OF THE TRUMP IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY. Sonny Landreth tells stories about performing a guitar-shredding version of a Beatles song every night on tour with Peter Frampton, finding out that a demo tape Sonny made was in heavy rotation on Eric Clapton’s…
November 18, 2019
The Head and the Heart Perform Live on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
TODAY’S PROGRAM MY BE PRE-EMPTED BY SPECIAL COVERAGE OF THE TRUMP IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY. The Head and the Heart stop by with a special acoustic performance for a live World Cafe audience, who help out host Stephen Kallao with some questions for the band. We’ll find out some enlightening answers to…
November 15, 2019
Pete Townsend Tells You All About His First Ever Novel on World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
Pete Townshend, the major creative force behind The Who, has written his first ever novel, titled The Age of Anxiety – And, there are plans to turn it into a rock opera, which he says will be his last major solo work. Today, we’ll hear how the project relates to his other rock opera – The Who’s…
November 15, 2019
Live Performance from The Mavericks at Americana Fest on World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
TODAY'S PROGRAM MY BE PRE-EMPTED BY LIVE NPR NEWS COVERAGE OF THE TRUMP IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY. Band leader Raul Malo and his band The Mavericks are celebrating a big anniversary this year – 30 years of bringing fans their unique mix of Tex-Mex, Latin, rockabilly, and country. They have a new covers…
Nov 13, 2019
Molly Tuttle’s Remarkable Talent on Next World Cafe with Host Raina Douris – Thursday at 2pm
Bluegrass up-and-comer, Molly Tuttle, released her full-length debut in April, called When You’re Ready. It established her imaginative songwriting…
Nov 12, 2019
More from Americana Fest with The Record Company on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
TODAY'S PROGRAM MY BE PRE-EMPTED BY LIVE NPR NEWS COVERAGE OF THE TRUMP IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY. The Record Company is a blues-rock trio whose gritty…
Nov 11, 2019
A Set of Tanya Tucker’s New Songs Live at the Americana Music Fest on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
Tanya Tucker was 13 years old when she had her first hit song, 1972’s “Delta Dawn,” and she continued to top the charts throughout her career. Now,…
Nov 10, 2019
Host Raina Douris Welcomes Robert Randolph and The Family Band to World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
Robert Randolph and The Family Band combine the raucous spirit of Saturday night with the Holy Spirit of Sunday morning! The literal family band’s…
Nov 07, 2019
Noah Gundersen on the Next World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
Noah Gundersen and his band perform music from Noah’s latest album, Lover on the next World Cafe. Noah also talks about the psychedelic experience he…
Nov 06, 2019
Singer Jessy Wilson Discusses Why Her Sound is Often Mislabeled on the Next World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
Jessy Wilson was looking for a more rock ‘n’ roll vibe after her former group, the Americana duo Muddy Magnolias, broke up. So she reached out to…
Nov 05, 2019
Raphael Saadiq Joins World Cafe Host Stephen Kallao – Wednesday at 2pm
One of the most important voices in R&B today, Raphael Saadiq is host Stephen Kallao’s guest. His new record is named after his brother who died of a…
Nov 04, 2019
Of Monsters and Men Perform Live on the Next World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
If you only know the Icelandic band Of Monsters & Men for their indie folk hit “Little Talks,” their new album may come as a surprise. Fever Dream…
Nov 01, 2019
Mwenso & The Shakes Perform Off Their Debut Album, Emergence on World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
Mwenso & The Shakes make an energetic blend of jazz and R&B, led by the mesmerizing frontman, Michael Mwenso. Originally born in Sierra Leone,…
Nov 01, 2019
Edward Norton Joins Host Stephen Kallao on World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
When Edward Norton read Jonathan Lethem’s novel, Motherless Brooklyn, he knew he wanted to play the lead role of Lionel, a detective with Tourette…
Oct 29, 2019
Jonatha Brooke Keeps it Short and Sweet with World Cafe’s Bruce Warren – Wednesday at 2pm
Jonatha Brooke has been making music for 30 years, first as a part of the duo, The Story, and then as a solo artist since 1994. After several…
Oct 28, 2019
World Cafe’s Stephen Kallao is Joined By the Band Ranky Tanky – Tuesday at 2pm
The band Ranky Tanky is from Charleston, South Carolina, and their music draws on the culture of slave descendants from the region known as the…
Oct 25, 2019
Quinn Christopherson Shares His Experience as a Transgender Man on World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
Quinn Christopherson is the winner of this year’s Tiny Desk Contest, which saw over six thousand applicants all vying for the chance to perform their…
Oct 24, 2019
Grace Potter on the Next World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
Grace Potter has sung with country star Kenny Chesney, the Rolling Stones and her former band, The Nocturnals. Four years ago, Grace released her…
Oct 23, 2019
David Wax Museum Perform Live on World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
David Wax Museum is led by husband and wife duo, David Wax and Suz Slezak. Their new album is called Line of Light, and it was born out of the 2017…
Oct 22, 2019
The Many Sides of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Bandleader for The Tonight Show on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson of The Roots, and bandleader for The Tonight Show, is also an author five times over. His latest book, Mixtape Potluck, is…
Oct 21, 2019
An Encore Session with Brittany Howard on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
The band Alabama Shakes took home the 2016 Grammy for Best Rock Performance thanks, in large part, to the powerful vocals and guitar work of the…
Oct 18, 2019
Che Apalache on the Next World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
Che Apalache have a take on bluegrass unlike anything you have heard before. When bandleader Joe Trooper moved to Argentina he found a way to combine…
Oct 18, 2019
The Hold Steady Perform Live on World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
The Hold Steady’s first album in five years, called Thrashing Through the Passion, is filled with the character studies the band is known for, with…
Oct 16, 2019
The Mysterious Splendor of Queer Country Musician Orville Peck on World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
Orville Peck may perform in disguise as a masked cowboy, but he also pushes at the boundaries of what country music can sound like. We talk about the…
Oct 15, 2019
The Bird and the Bee Love Van Halen So Much, They Covered Them. Masterfully – World Cafe Begins Wednesday at 2pm
The Bird and the Bee, made up of Greg Kurstin and Inara George, is an electronic jazz duo – But they happen to love Van Halen. So what happens when…
Oct 14, 2019
On the Next World Cafe, We Talk with Ezra Koening of Vampire Weekend – Tuesday at 2pm
Singer and guitarist of Vampire Weekend, Ezra Koenig stops by the Cafe! Their latest album, Father of the Bride, is the band’s first since founding…
Oct 11, 2019
Shawn Colvin Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Steady On With a New Acoustic Version of the Record on World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Shawn Colvin’s debut, Steady On, which won her the first of her Grammys. To celebrate, Shawn re-recorded the…
Oct 11, 2019
The Pixies Talks About Their Early Days and Perform Live on World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
Between 1988 and 1991, the Pixies released four albums that changed the sound of indie rock music. After a long hiatus, the band has been…
Oct 09, 2019
Egyptian Born Tamino Performs Live on the Next World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
Tamino, who was born in Egypt and raised in Belgium, started out making punk rock. But by his late teens, he had embraced his voice and a more…
Oct 08, 2019
Shovels & Rope Join Host Stephen Kallao on This Encore Edition of World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
The latest album from Shovels & Rope, called By Blood, speaks to their bond as a band, and as a family. Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst are…
Oct 07, 2019
Vince Gill and His New Album Okie on the Next World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
Vince Gill is of the most accomplished and respected county musicians all of time. He’s also one of the humblest. That’s what makes his latest album…
Oct 04, 2019
Meet Madison Cunningham on the Next World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
Twenty-two-year-old artist, Madison Cunningham, got started earlier than most. She’s been seriously pursuing her songwriting since age 12 and moved…
Oct 02, 2019
The Story Behind Breakdown on 20th Ave. South with Buddy and Julie Miller on World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
Americana duo Buddy and Julie Miller have a new album called Breakdown on 20th Ave. South – It’s named after a real address, and a real-life…
Oct 01, 2019
Mattiel Shares Her Artistic Journey on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
From designer at MailChimp to musician – that is the creative path Mattiel took, and on the next World Cafe, she shares how her day job helped make…
Sep 30, 2019
Raphael Saddiq is Stephen Kallao’s Guest on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
One of the most important voices in R&B today, Raphael Saddiq is host Stephen Kallao’s guest. His new record is named after his brother who died of a…
Sep 27, 2019
Party Like it’s 1999 with Kallao on the World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
Another World Cafe decades show today! After taking musical journeys through 1979 and 1989, today we go back to the year 1999. The days of Napster,…
Sep 27, 2019
Talia’s Final Show as Host of World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
On Talia Schlanger’s last show as host of the World Cafe, we listen back to a 2018 session with her guest, St. Vincent. The experimental indie rocker…
Sep 25, 2019
We Hear Talia’s Interviews with Jenny Lewis and John Mayer on World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
The devil and the delight is in the details on Jenny Lewis’ latest album On the Line. She performs songs, shares the wild story of how Ringo Starr…
Sep 24, 2019
Encore Performances from Macy Gray and David Crosby on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
Macy Gray was a single mother of three when she got the big break that led to her 1999 debut album, which featured the song “I Try”. In the 20 years…
Sep 23, 2019
Singer, Songwriter, and Storyteller Margo Price on This Encore World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
Singer, songwriter, and storyteller extraordinaire Margo Price performs music from her socially and politically charged second album, 2017’s All…
Sep 20, 2019
Performances by Lizzo and Josh Ritter on the Next World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
Rapper, singer, producer and classically trained flute player Lizzo earned her first Billboard number 1 song at the start of September. She popped by…
Sep 19, 2019
Brittany Howard on the Next World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
The band Alabama Shakes took home the 2016 Grammy for Best Rock Performance thanks, in large part, to the powerful vocals and guitar work of the…
Sep 18, 2019
Keren Ann Takes Us on a Walk Around Montmartre on World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
It’s World Cafe's final day in Paris and today we’re joined by Keren Ann. She takes us on a walk around her neighborhood, Montmartre – which was once…
Sep 17, 2019
Sense of Place, Paris – Delgres Delgres Performs on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
Sense of Place, Paris – Delgres Delgres is a 3 piece blues band that draws on a variety of influences – they are based in France, but look to leader…
Sep 16, 2019
Sense of Place, Paris – Ibeyi + Theremin on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
The twin sisters of the duo Ibeyi split their time between Cuba and France as kids. In an interview and performance recorded live in Paris, the pair…
Sep 13, 2019
The Raconteurs Perform off Their New Album on World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
After 11 years, The Raconteurs are back with their new album Help Me Stranger. Its packed with the same crunchy rock and roll the band was built on.…
Sep 11, 2019
We’ll Hear From Michelle Zauner Who Makes Music as Japanese Breakfast on World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
Michelle Zauner has an incredibly rich creative life. She makes music as Japanese Breakfast with her collaborator Craig Hendrix, she directs music…
Sep 10, 2019
Lee Fields & The Expressions Perform Live on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
After releasing his first single 50 years ago, today’s guest shares songs from his 2019 album, It Rains Love. It’s Lee Fields. He’s holding down the…
Sep 06, 2019
The Hold Steady Front Man Craig Finn Performs Live on the World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
Craig Finn, frontman of The Hold Steady, has released the third album in a series of solo records that’s become a proper trilogy. It’s called I Need…
Sep 04, 2019
Adrian Quesada and Eric Burton Perform as Black Pumas on World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
The powerful voice of Eric Burton caught the attention of Grammy-winning producer Adrian Quesada. At the time, Quesada was searching for a singer to…
Sep 03, 2019
Guster Performs From Their Latest Album, Look Alive, on an Encore World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
Guster has been making well-loved alt-rock, including their big hit “Fa Fa”, for over 25 years, and they still manage to surprise themselves with…
Sep 02, 2019
Cedric Burnside Performs Live and Give Us a Music Lesson on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
Today, host Stephen Kallao is joined by blues royalty – It’s Cedric Burnside. He grew up in Benton County in rural Mississippi, where he was raised…
Sep 02, 2019
Are Low-Income Neighborhoods Hotter than Wealthier Ones? An NPR Investigation on All Things Considered – Tuesday at 5pm
An NPR investigation finds low-income neighborhoods in dozens of major cities nationwide are hotter than their wealthier counterparts. And that can…
Aug 30, 2019
World Cafe’s Farewell to London Sense of Place Finale – Friday at 2pm
World Cafe says goodbye to London today with a showcase of some of the city’s best indie acts. We’ll hear live music from The Amazons – a rock ‘n’…
Aug 30, 2019
Talia Schlanger Joins Willie Nelson on His Tour Bus on World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
The 86-year-old country icon has a new album, called Ride Me Back Home, and today we’ll hear him talk about the new music, as well as classics that…
Aug 28, 2019
World Cafe’s Sense of Place Continues with Nile Rodgers – Thursday at 2pm
World Cafe’s Sense of Place series continues with the legendary Nile Rodgers, who you might know from Chic. He’s also the writer, producer and…
Aug 27, 2019
World Cafe’s Sense of Place London Continues with Ibibio Sound Machine – Wednesday at 2pm
World Cafe’s Sense of Place series in London continues with the vibrant and funky band, Ibibio Sound Machine. Lead singer Eno Williams was born in…
Aug 26, 2019
Talia Schlanger Tours London with Guide Richard Porter on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
World Cafe’s Sense of Place adventure in London continues – And today is for Beatles fans. Host Talia Schlanger hops around London with tour guide…
Aug 23, 2019
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Jeff Buckley’s Grace on World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
Today is the 25th anniversary of Jeff Buckley’s only studio album, Grace. The singular artist’s life and career were cut short when he tragically…
Aug 23, 2019
A Music Tour of London on World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
Today kicks off an entire week of World Cafe in London! First, it’s a weird and wonderful piece of the city’s history – George Frideric Handel, who…
Aug 21, 2019
Rhiannon Giddens on This Encore World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
Since her days with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Rhiannon Giddens has explored many rich collaborations – From writing a ballet to performing in a…
Aug 20, 2019
An Encore World Cafe Featuring Cage the Elephant with Host Stephen Kallao – Wednesday at 2pm
Since their 2008 debut record, which included the hit song “Ain’t No Rest For the Wicked,” Cage the Elephant has become one of the biggest bands in…
Aug 19, 2019
King Princess on This Encore World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
King Princess is a young producer, singer, multi-instrumentalist and emerging gay icon. In this encore edition of World Cafe, she talks about…
Aug 16, 2019
Karl Denson of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe on World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
Karl Denson is the leader of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, who make a fusion of funk, jazz, soul, and rock. He also has one of the coolest side gigs…
Aug 16, 2019
This is Us Composer Siddhartha Khosla in the Encore World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
Siddhartha Khosla is the composer for NBC’s hit series “This Is Us,” and he was recently nominated for an Emmy for his work on the show. Today we'll…
Aug 14, 2019
Carlos Santana Recalls Woodstock 50 Years Ago on World Cafe – Thursday, at 2pm
Carlos Santana is an astonishing guitarist, from his groundbreaking performance at Woodstock, to his latest album, produced by Rick Rubin, called…
Aug 13, 2019
Legendary Producer T Bone Burnett Joins Talia Schlanger on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
T Bone Burnett tells insider stories about working on epic musical projects over three decades – Like playing inspirational records for Brandi…
Aug 12, 2019
Beirut Performs Live on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
Ever since he was a kid in Santa Fe, Zach Condon has loved skateboarding and longed to see the world. Both came into play when he was making his band…
Aug 09, 2019
Pure Bathing Culture Talk Perseverance and Perform Live on World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
After getting dropped from their label and losing their management team, Sarah Versprille and Daniel Hindman, the Portland duo that is Pure Bathing…
Aug 09, 2019
Shovels & Rope Perform from Their New Album on World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
The new album from Shovels & Rope, called By Blood, speaks to their bond as a band, and as a family. Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst are partners…
Aug 07, 2019
Justin Osborn Performs as Susto on the Next World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
Nineties alternative meets roots rock with today's guest, Justin Osborn, who performs as Susto. His chosen stage name, in Latin American culture, is…
Aug 06, 2019
An Encore Session with Maggie Rogers on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
With the release of her full-length debut, Heard It in a Past Life, Maggie Rogers has been making huge TV appearances, including Saturday Night Live,…
Aug 05, 2019
Calexico and Iron & Wine on the Next World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
Calexico and Iron & Wine have teamed up to make a new record called Years to Burn. On the next World Cafe, we’ll hear performances and get the story…
Aug 02, 2019
Tim Baker Performs Live on Word Cafe – Monday at 2pm
Moving and breaking up – two experiences that can be pretty life changing. Tim Baker experienced them both in a short time after his former band Hey…
Aug 02, 2019
The 8 Foundational Mothers of Modern Music on World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
This year’s theme for NPR Music’s Turning the Tables series is the 8 foundational mothers of modern music. Including Maybelle Carter, Billie Holdiay,…
Jul 31, 2019
What do Janes Addiction, Porno for Pyros, and Lollapalooza Have in Common? World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
Perry Farrell has fronted the bands Janes Addiction and Porno for Pyros. He also founded a little music festival known as Lollapalooza, which now has…
Jul 30, 2019
A-WA is a Band of Three Sisters from Israel Who Perform Live on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
A band of three sisters from Israel, A-WA, mix Yemeni folk traditions with hip hop and electronic music. Their latest album, called Bayti Fi Rasi, is…
Jul 29, 2019
Austin-Based Singer-Songwriter Molly Burch Performs Live on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
Austin-based singer-songwriter, Molly Burch, released the loose, moody record, First Flower, last year, and she’s recently been busy with a…
Jul 26, 2019
Kamasi Washington is Talia’s Guest on World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
Kamasi Washington is a saxophonist with roots in jazz, but he colors way outside the lines of improvised music. He’s collaborated with artists…
Jul 26, 2019
Australia’s Camp Cope Tells Stories From the Road on World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
Camp Cope is a 3-piece rock band from Australia, and they’re also fearless activists. They’ve called out sexism in the music industry and led…
Jul 24, 2019
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on the Next World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
Christone Ingram has been dazzling blues fans with his incredible guitar playing since he was a teenager. Now, with the release of his debut album,…
Jul 23, 2019
Come on down to the Better Oblivion Community Center with Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
What do you get when two World Cafe favorites come together as a new act? Better Oblivion Community Center! Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst’s latest…
Jul 22, 2019
A Special Preview of the New Album from Caamp on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
The new album from Caamp, called By and By, comes out on Friday. Today, we’ll get a preview! Formed around guitarist Taylor Meier and banjo player…
Jul 21, 2019
Catching Up with Lukas Nelson on World Cafe – Monday at 5pm
Lukas Nelson – He’s been busy, to say the least, since his last visit with his band Promise of the Real in 2017. They continue to play live as Neil…
Jul 19, 2019
The Black Keys Play Live on the World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
The Black Keys went on hiatus after their 2015 tour but recently returned with a new album called Let’s Rock. Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney share…
Jul 18, 2019
Duff McKagan & Shooter Jennings on World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
During Guns N’ Roses 2015 tour, bassist Duff McKagan recognized he was headed down a rabbit hole of cable news, so he turned off the television and…
Jul 16, 2019
A New Release From Gloria Gaynor on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
The legendary Gloria Gaynor has released a new gospel album. It’s called Testimony and celebrates her faith through original songs and her take on…
Jul 15, 2019
Briston Maroney on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
Briston Maroney was still in high school when he passed the audition for American Idol (Although he’s more Kurt Cobain than Carrie Underwood).…
Jul 14, 2019
Tedeschi Trucks Band Are Back on the World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
This month marks 20 years since Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks met. They share why starting a band together felt more intimidating than getting…
Jul 12, 2019
King James and the Special Men Perform Live on World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
Today on the World Cafe, we have a special slice of New Orleans, King James and the Special Men. After living out west his entire life, bandleader…
Jul 10, 2019
Rodrigo Y Gabriela Perform on the Next World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
Today on the World Cafe, it’s the incredible dual guitars of Rodrigo Y Gabriela. Their new album, titled Mettavolution, draws on the Sanskrit word…
Jul 09, 2019
The National on This Encore Edition of World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
The National made an album, called I Am Easy To Find, and in the process, wrote a film score as well. The movie of the same title stars Alicia…
Jul 08, 2019
Tank and the Bangas Perform Live on the Next World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
Tank and the Bangas were the unanimous winners of NPR Music’s 2017 Tiny Desk Contest. This band is full of musical surprises, and frontwoman Tank…
Jul 05, 2019
Molly Tuttle Performs Off Her Debut Album, When You’re Ready on World Cafe – Monday at 2pm
Molly Tuttle became the first woman to ever be nominated for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Guitar Player of the Year award. And…
Jul 05, 2019
The O’Jays with Their New Album on the Encore Edition of World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
With 1972’s “Back Stabbers,” and then the song “Love Train” the following year, The O’Jays hit the charts and helped take Philadelphia soul…
Jul 03, 2019
It’s an All-American Road Trip Adventure on World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
This 4th of July, World Cafe takes a road trip across the USA for an all-American adventure! We’ll stop at Asbury Park with Bruce Springsteen, spend…
Jul 02, 2019
Lizzo is Having a Big Year in This Encore World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
Emerging superstar Lizzo is a jack of all trades – From songwriting and rapping, to playing the flute and producing, and of course, singing. Her many…
Jul 01, 2019
Emily King Talks About Recording Her Latest Album Scenery on This Encore World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
For the recording of her latest album, Scenery, Emily King wanted to change up her own scenery a bit with a new location. Specifically, a freezing…
Jun 28, 2019
Andrew Bird on This Encore Edition of World Cafe – Monday at 2 pm
Andrew Bird’s last album, Are You Serious, was very inward-looking, inspired by pivotal moments in his personal life. And now, his latest album…
Jun 27, 2019
Talia’s Favorite Songs of 2019 (So Far) on World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
We’re just over halfway through 2019, and today host Talia Schlanger takes a look back at some of her favorite songs of the year so far. It’s a year…
Jun 26, 2019
Jenny Lewis Performs on This Encore World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
Jenny Lewis performs music from her latest album, On The Line. Jenny started writing the album after a significant break-up with her long-time…
Jun 25, 2019
Roots Singer-Songwriter and Actor Ben Dickey on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2 pm
Shortly after releasing his first solo record, roots singer-songwriter Ben Dickey also debuted as an actor. He starred as outlaw country musician…
Jun 24, 2019
Cat Power Talks About the Album That Almost Didn’t Get Made on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
Talia Schlanger’s guest today is Cat Power, performing songs from an album that almost didn’t see the light of day. First, Chan found out she was…
Jun 20, 2019
Talia Schlanger Joins Willie Nelson on His Tour Bus on World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
Host Talia Schlanger joins one of the most recognized artists in country music, Willie Nelson on his tour bus to talk about his new album Ride Me…
Jun 19, 2019
Band of Brothers “The Cactus Blossoms” on World Cafe – Thursday at 2 pm
Brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum sound like they’ve been harmonizing since they were kids, but it wasn’t until they formed their band “The Cactus…
Jun 18, 2019
Singer-Songwriter Marissa Nadler Revives Old School Country on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
Singer-songwriter Marissa Nadler puts an original twist on old school country. That twist has allowed her to step into broad musical territory over…
Jun 13, 2019
Rhiannon Giddens’ Latest Collaboration with Francesco Turrisi on World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
Since her days with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Rhiannon Giddens has explored many rich collaborations, from writing a ballet to performing in a…
Jun 12, 2019
Ace of Cups Debut Album Was 50 Years in the Making on World Cafe – Thursday at 2pm
Ace of Cups performs for World Cafe Live (YouTube)Ace of Cups recently released a debut album 50 years in the making. The all-female band formed in…
Jun 11, 2019
Texas Roots Rocker Hayes Carll’s With His New Album on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2pm
Hayes Carll on World Cafe. Courtesy of the artist/via NPRTexas roots rocker Hayes Carll’s new album, What It Is, came together with the help of an…
Jun 10, 2019
Lizzo Talks About Writing Her Hit Song, Juice on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
Lizzo. Credit: Courtesy of the Artist/via NPRLizzo is having a moment. Her songs have been burning up the charts and she was recently nominated for…
Jun 09, 2019
Carlos Santana and His Latest Album on World Cafe – Monday at 2 pm
Roberto Finizio/Courtesy of the Artist/via NPRCarlos Santana is one of the most influential guitarists of the last 50 years, from his groundbreaking…
Jun 06, 2019
The National on the Next World Cafe – Friday at 2pm
The National. Credit: Diedre O'Callaghan/Courtesy of the artist/via NPRThe National aren’t strangers to creating art in unconventional ways - like…
Jun 05, 2019
Norah Jones’ New Album Begin Again on World Cafe – Thursday at 2 pm
Come Away with Me turned Norah Jones from a total unknown to a multi-Grammy Award-winning artist. That early fame has allowed her maximum artistic…
Jun 04, 2019
It's the Godfather of Newgrass Sam Bush on the Next World Cafe – Wednesday at 2 pm
Considered the Godfather of Newgrass, Sam Bush has had a profound influence on the evolution of bluegrass and modern Americana music. He’s the…
Jun 03, 2019
Josh Ritter Plays From Fever Breaks on an Encore World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm
Josh Ritter has released a new album, called Fever Breaks. He stops by the World Cafe for a special stripped-down performance of his new songs –…
May 30, 2019
The Year Was 1979 and the Music Was Good on World Cafe – Friday at 2 pm
Today on the World Cafe, we’re setting the clock back 40 years to 1979! It’s the year that gave us one of the most famous and sampled bass lines…
Apr 21, 2019
King Princess Talks Openly About Being Gay in Her Songs on World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
King Princess, whose real name is Mikaela Strauss, grew up in the recording studio her dad, Oliver, built.
Apr 07, 2019
A Bright Rising Star From England, Nilüfer Yanya on World Cafe – Monday at 2 pm
A bright rising star from England, Nilüfer Yanya wrote songs throughout her childhood, and by 18 started to capture some attention.
Mar 10, 2019
Hozier Has a New Full-Length Album, Wasteland, Baby! An Encore World Cafe – Tuesday at 2 pm
Hozier In the Fall Hozier released his the highly anticipated EP “Nina Cried Power” - on the title track he paid tribute to those who try to create…
Mar 09, 2019
Naiomi Hamilton’s Latest Project, Jealous of the Birds, on World Cafe – Monday at 2 pm
If you’re headed to South by Southwest this week, an act you have to see is Jealous of the Birds, the band project of Naomi Hamilton.
Mar 09, 2019
Naomi Hamilton’s Latest Project, Jealous of the Birds, on World Cafe – Monday at 2 pm
If you’re headed to South by Southwest this week, an act you have to see is Jealous of the Birds, the band project of Naomi Hamilton.
Mar 02, 2019
Maggie Rogers Shares Some New Music on the Next World Cafe – Monday at 2 pm
With the release of her full-length debut, Heard It In a Past Life, Maggie Rogers has been making huge TV appearances, including Saturday Night Live,…
Feb 25, 2019
Day Three of the Gospel Roots of Rock and Soul Series on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2 pm
For the final installment of the Gospel roots of Rock and Soul series, today World Cafe explores how gospel was absorbed into mainstream music and…
Feb 24, 2019
Part Two of a Special Series on the Gospel Roots of Rock and Soul on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2 pm
By the mid-20th century, gospel music was a force in America. It was capturing the attention of record companies and audiences across the nation.
Feb 23, 2019
World Cafe Explores the Gospel Roots of Rock and Soul – Monday at 2 pm
In a special three-day series starting today, World Cafe explores the Gospel roots of Rock and Soul. We’ll begin with the foundation of Black gospel,…
Feb 19, 2019
Gary Clark Jr Talks About Growing Up in Austin, TX on World Cafe – Thursday at 2 pm
Gary Clark Jr. was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live last weekend.
Feb 16, 2019
Hear Talia Schlanger’s Conversation with Macy Gray on World Cafe – Monday at 2 pm
Macy Gray’s 1999 hit song “I Try” made her into a massive star and Grammy award-winner.
Feb 11, 2019
Celebrating Black History Month with a Special Roundtable Discussion on World Cafe – Wednesday at 2
Celebrating Black History Month, it’s a special roundtable discussion today about the black artists and creators who are shaping the future.
Oct 03, 2018
It’s an Encore Session With Ray LaMontagne on World Café – Today at 2 pm
Ray LaMontagne is known for keeping his personal life quite personal, but on the next World Cafe, he opens up about his music, his family and his…
Oct 02, 2018
Jad Abumrad is the Special Guest on World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
Dolly Parton, Devendra Banhart, and They Might Be Giants all contributed original songs to a new compilation of music inspired by the amendments to…
Oct 01, 2018
An Encore Session With Dessa on World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
Dessa’s latest album was inspired by a unique experiment. She recruited a team of scientists to locate the spot in her brain responsible for a…
Sep 30, 2018
Aaron Lee Tasjan on the Next World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
Aaron Lee Tasjan is a singer-songwriter with an unconventional Nashville sound and a new album, Karma for Cheap.
Sep 29, 2018
Aaron Lee Tasjan Joins Host Stephen Kallao on the Next World Café – Monday @ 2 pm
Aaron Lee Tasjan is a singer-songwriter out of Nashville, but when you think Americana his sound might not be what comes to mind.
Sep 26, 2018
DeVotchKa on the Next World Cafe – Today at 3 pm
Nobody sounds quite like DeVotchKa. The band surrounds the striking voice of singer Nick Urata with sousaphone, accordion, theremin and violin.
Sep 24, 2018
It’s An Encore Session With John Prine on World Cafe – Wednesday at 3 pm
On his latest album, The Tree of Forgiveness, John Prine imagines that, in the afterlife, he’ll reunite with his loved ones and smoke a cigarette…
Sep 23, 2018
Chris of Christine and the Queens on the Next World Cafe – Tuesday at 2 pm
Chris of Christine and the Queens describes herself as pop music’s weird cousin. But World Cafe's Talia Schlanger thinks of her as pop’s bright,…
Sep 22, 2018
Hear the Sounds of 1988, on the Next World Cafe – Begins at 2 pm
Grab your walkman, because World Cafe is going back to 1988! It's the year that introduced us to Rain Man and The Wonder Years, the Iran-Contra…
Sep 18, 2018
It’s an Encore Session With Robert Hilburn on Paul Simon – World Cafe Begins at 2 pm
On the eve of Paul Simon’s retirement from recording music and touring, renowned music critic and author Robert Hilburn joins us to discuss his…
Sep 17, 2018
Leon Bridges on the Next World Cafe – Today at 2 pm.
When Leon Bridges debuted in 2015 to widespread acclaim, he was called “the new Sam Cooke.
Sep 17, 2018
An Encore Session With Caroline Rose on the Next World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
Caroline Rose's latest album is a departure from the alt-country sound of her first two albums.
Sep 15, 2018
On World Cafe, Join David Dye at the Philadelphia Folk Festival! Today at 2 pm
For 57 years, the Philadelphia Folk Festival has presented a diversity of artists, as well as icons like Bonnie Raitt and John Prine.
Sep 13, 2018
Music Supervisor Jennifer Pyken is Guest DJ, on the Next World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
Jennifer Pyken is a music supervisor who has worked on over 500 episodes of TV shows, like "Lost," "One Tree Hill," and "Smallville," and this…
Sep 12, 2018
Dawn Landes Joins Host Talia Schlanger on World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
Dawn Landes wanted to capture the sound of classic Nashville for her latest record, so she tracked down one of her heroes; Country Music Hall of…
Sep 10, 2018
Highlighting AmericanaFest Artists With Some Live Nashville Sessions on World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
This week, the biggest brightest stars, and most exciting emerging artists of Americana gather together in Nashville to showcase their stuff for…
Sep 09, 2018
On the Next World Cafe, We’re Going to the Newport Folk Festival – Today at 2 pm
The Newport Folk Festival takes place every year at the end of July, 3 days, 4 stages, and a whole bunch of amazing musicians.
Sep 06, 2018
The Pretty Impressive Ry Cooder on the Next World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
Ry Cooder has been playing music for fifty years, with everybody from The Rolling Stones to Neil Young, and made some pretty impressive albums along…
Sep 05, 2018
Sunny War’s Folk-Meets-Blues-Meets-Punk Guitar Style on the Next World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
A disarming young talent named Sunny War recently joined host Talia Schlanger in the studio.
Sep 03, 2018
Wayne Kramer Tells His Story on the Next World Cafe – Wednesday at 2 pm
You may know Wayne Kramer for his time playing guitar for the radical rock group MC5, who broke up in 1972.
Sep 03, 2018
Juno Award Winner Matt Mays on the Next World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
Juno Award winner Matt Mays has been on the road for nearly two decades, wowing audiences with his amazing rock growl.
Sep 01, 2018
Performance Highlights From the XPoNential Music Festival on World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
World Cafe is produced by WXPN, and each Summer the Philadelphia station presents the three-day XPoNential Music Festival.
Aug 30, 2018
Meg Myers Plays Live on the Next World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
On Take Me To The Disco, Meg Myers makes explosive, aggressive rock, coupled with synthesizers, strings and plenty of distortion.
Aug 29, 2018
Amos Lee Performs Live on World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
Amos Lee’s new record comes out on Friday, and to celebrate we'll hear live music from his recent concert in Seattle and hang out with the muse who…
Aug 27, 2018
David Byrne Talks About American Utopia on World Cafe - Today at 2 pm
David Byrne tells stories about the songs on his latest solo album, American Utopia, which zoom in on the mind of a dog, the forgotten regions of the…
Aug 27, 2018
An Encore Session With Squirrel Nut Zippers on the Next World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
The Squirrel Nut Zippers are back with Beasts of Burgundy, their first new album of original songs in 18 years.
Aug 26, 2018
An Encore Session With Bermuda Triangle on World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
Bermuda Triangle started harmonizing together on porches as pals and turned into one of the most storied new groups in Nashville.
Aug 23, 2018
Take A Trip With Gorillaz and Host Stephen Kallao on the Next World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
We’ll talk with Damon Albarn and hear live songs from the new album The Now Now recorded in Japan and written as Gorillaz traveled through the U.S.
Aug 22, 2018
Meet and Hear Dermot Kennedy on the Next World Cafe – Today at 2 pm
Dermot Kennedy has been called onstage by Glen Hansard and collaborated with Kanye West’s go-to producer – it seems clear why the moment you hear the…
Aug 19, 2018
Vanessa Parr From the Other Side of the Studio Glass – World Cafe, Today at 2 pm
Engineer Vanessa Parr has worked on records with Rhiannon Giddens, Elton John, the Dixie Chicks, John Mayer and more.
Aug 19, 2018
It's an Encore Session With Jack Johnson on the Next World Cafe - Today at 2pm
It’s an encore presentation of our session with the grateful and warm Jack Johnson! Johnson flew in from Hawaii and walked into our studio wearing…
Aug 13, 2018
Jukebox the Ghost Goes Off to the Races on the Next World Café – Today at 2 pm
On their new fifth record, Off to the Races, Jukebox the Ghost are at their pop-rock best – The songs are filled with inventive melodies, big hooks,…
Aug 11, 2018
Call it Psychedelic, Call it Classic, or Call it the Sound of New Nashville – World Cafe, Monday @ 2
Check out the sound of new Nashville today on the World Cafe! Liz Cooper & The Stampede have just released a debut that showcases their take on…
Aug 09, 2018
Courtney Marie Andrews Sings From Her Album, May Your Kindness Remain – World Cafe Today at 2 pm
Courtney Marie Andrews left home at age 16 to pursue music. She spent years touring the country and learning how to get by on her own, which involved…
Aug 08, 2018
Nick Lowe Shares Wisdom From His Former Father-in-Law, Johnny Cash – World Cafe at 2 pm
Nick Lowe has been making music for over 50 years, with highlights like "Cruel to Be Kind" and "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love, and…
Aug 07, 2018
200 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century by Women and Non-Binary Artists on the Next World Cafe @ 2 pm
Jill Sternheimer of the Lincoln Center and World Cafe's Nashville correspondent Ann Powers just released a list of the 200 Greatest Songs of the 21st…

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Queer Country Musician Orville Peck on World Cafe – Tuesday at 2pm

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