Baldwin and Me (feat. Meshell Ndegeocello)

Playlists for our Future Selves (feat. Moses Sumney): When one song sits next to another, a new story is told. We talk with Moses Sumney about composing the arc of his album græ, making playlists, and how he honors his own work by refusing to define it. Welcome to Object Of Sound. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-playlist. by Object Of Sound

30 min listen

Oh Say Can You See? (feat. Wesley Morris): It’s Super Bowl weekend, and we’ve invited critic Wesley Morris on to talk about Whitney Houston’s jaw-dropping rendition of the Star Spangled banner. On the 30th anniversary of her performance, we explore the beauty and complexity the national anthem holds for Black Americans and ask: how should we be listening to the National Anthem today? For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-wesley. by Object Of Sound

32 min listen

Songs for the End of the World (feat. Sydney Sprague): For Hanif, music that some folks would consider ‘dark’ like emo, doom metal, and goth, have helped him find illumination. In this episode, Hanif talks to a master of darkly humorous lyrics, Sydney Sprague, about her debut album, ‘maybe I will see you at the end of the world’ and what it takes to make music at a time when survival feels like a question mark. Plus, Hanif and Sydney make a playlist of songs that’d be the perfect soundtrack to the apocalypse. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-apocalypse by Object Of Sound

29 min listen

Infinite Love (feat. Sylvan Esso): Sylvan Esso’s Nick Sanborn and Amelia Meath are tired of your typical love song. They’re more interested in the music that flows from an argument, singing about heartbreak, and falling back in love with yourself. As Valentine’s day approaches, we talk to the duo about what it takes to make art together as romantic partners, crack open what a love song can be, and Hanif reads a poem by Nicole Sealey. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-love by Object Of Sound

33 min listen

Going Solo (feat. Matt Berninger): Matt Berninger started out as the frontman of The National, but recently he’s taken off on his own artistic path. With the re-issue of the National’s early albums out today, we speak with Matt about revisiting past selves, his collaboration with Booker T. Jones, and take a broader look at artists who have reinvented their sound after going solo. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-solo by Object Of Sound

28 min listen

Music Gets Masked Up (feat. Sasha Geffen and Harmony Holiday): From the late MF Doom to Grace Jones and Orville Peck, we take a look at musicians who have worn masks to protect their identities at a time when we’re all masking up to protect one another. In this episode, we talk with writers Sasha Geffen and Harmony Holiday about the different ways artists choose to mask up, and how covering one part of who we are can also uncover creative freedom. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-masks. by Object Of Sound

28 min listen

Object Of Sound: Trailer: Object of Sound from Sonos Sound System brings you in tune with the music shaping our culture today. Hosted by poet and critic Hanif Abdurraqib, each episode blends the eclectic curation of freeform radio with artist interviews and textural storytelling, guiding you to a new way of listening. Check out Object Of Sound in your podcast feed, every Friday, starting January 15th. by Object Of Sound

3 min listen

Afrofuturism is Now (feat. Sudan Archives, Jenna Wortham, and Kimberly Drew): Following a year like no other, stepping into a future of unknowns, the time to envision liberation is now. In this episode, we speak with vocalist and violinist Sudan Archives who spins the ideas and sounds of afrofuturism into her work, as well as co-editors of the book Black Futures, Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham. We track the evolution of afrofuturism from outer space to inner space in a dynamic playlist, and discuss how music has helped us create the world we want to inhabit. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit https://bit.ly/oos-afrofutirism. by Object Of Sound

24 min listen

One Year Later (feat. KeiyaA): For the first month of the pandemic, Hanif couldn’t listen to music. Then KeiyaA dropped her album Forever Ya Girl! and the idea that new music could be made, in this moment, shook him. This week on Object of Sound, we're thinking back on the exhausting, scary, revelatory year we’ve just lived through, and how the pandemic has changed the need for music in our lives. We talk to KeiyaA about crystals, writing scene-rich lyrics and the music that carried her through these last 12 months. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-keiyaa by Object Of Sound

32 min listen

Redemption Songs (feat. Julien Baker): When Julien Baker and Hanif first met, they felt pulled by the orbit of each other’s work—work that is emotionally layered and complex. This week on the show, Hanif and Julien catch up. Of course, they talk about Julien’s recent album release, Little Oblivions —which Hanif wrote the liner notes for— but they also get into ideas of self-redemption, digesting emotions through music, and missing the miraculous feeling of live music. Plus, Hanif and Julien collaborate on a playlist of their personal praise songs; the music they would play in their own respective churches. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-julien by Object Of Sound

28 min listen

What Makes a Great Cover Song (feat. Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy): 2020 was arguably the year of the cover song. Listening to a familiar song spun a new way can be grounding or groundbreaking. We talk to the often covered and prolific performer of covers, Jeff Tweedy, about what goes into a great cover, and what it’s like to hear his own songs re-translated by other musicians. For the playlist of cover songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-covers by Object Of Sound

31 min listen

Baldwin and Me (feat. Meshell Ndegeocello): When Grammy nominated bassist Meshell Ndegeocello read James Baldwin for the first time, her world shifted on its axis. Like many before her, Baldwin’s words reverberated into her creative process. In this episode, we speak with Ndegeocello about the literary ancestors who inform her music, the arc of her decades-long career, and Hanif shares a playlist of songs inspired by poetry and literature. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-meshell by Object Of Sound

28 min listen

Unpacking The GRAMMYs (feat. Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael): This week on the show, we're taking a critical look at The GRAMMYs. We bring on NPR’s Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael to talk through the systemic inequities of an event that each year decides which musician can be called the “best.” Why do we still care about awards that trail seemingly years behind the culture? Plus, Hanif, Sidney and Rodney share which artists they think should be recognized, whether or not they take home an award this weekend. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-grammys by Object Of Sound

33 min listen

Hop On the Souuuul Train (feat. Ericka Blount Danois): This week marks the release of Hanif’s new book, A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance, and the opening chapter dives into the colorful world of Soul Train. Bell bottoms, the Soul Train line, afro’s as high as the sky. Hanif and journalist Ericka Blount Danois talk through how the show forever changed fashion, dance, and carved out a path for the all-Black media empires we see today. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-soultrain by Object Of Sound

28 min listen

The Crossfade (feat. Thao Nguyen and Josh Kun): We’re breaking format to create something completely new: a collaborative performance of music, poetry and ideas between Hanif, artist Thao Nguyen (Thao & The Get Down Stay Down) and scholar Josh Kun. Named after the tool that mixes tracks on a DJ controller, Josh has been organizing an event series called ‘Crossfade Lab’ where he brings artists together to ‘mix without erasing, combine without destroying’ and find new places of connection between their work. In this episode, Hanif and Thao share poems and songs as they commune over how they use their respective practices as a way to expel and transform grief. Let’s crossfade! by Object Of Sound

51 min listen

Jazmine’s Tale (feat. Jazmine Sullivan): The strength of Black women as storytellers stands out on arguably the most celebrated album of this year, Heaux Tales, from Jazmine Sullivan. Through stories told by Jazmine’s close circle of women, the album explores themes of love, sex and Black womanhood. In this episode, we talk with Jazmine about her writing process, taking breaks from music and her upcoming performance at the Super Bowl. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-jazmines-tale. by Object Of Sound

29 min listen

Beyond Tastemaking (feat. Hrishikesh Hirway): What does it mean to be a curator of songs? The one friend who recommends new records, specifically with your tastes in mind. Hanif speaks with Hrishikesh Hirway, the creator and host of Song Exploder and a fellow music enthusiast. In this episode, Hanif and Hrishikesh discuss the communal and emotive nature of music sharing. They reflect on the experience of often being the only person of color at punk shows and what it means to, now, be in a position to evaluate music, while moving beyond the role of “tastemaker.” Plus, they collaborate on a playlist of musical underdogs who give you the most bang for your buck. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, visit http://bit.ly/oos-hrishikesh /Music In This Week's Playlist/ I’d Like to Walk Around in Your Mind, Vashti Bunyan Sour Times, Portishead Machine Gun, Slowdive For Want Of, Rites of Spring Too Much Information, The Police The Sun, Alice Coltrane Sound and the Fury, Fanny Sup by Object Of Sound

33 min listen

Ahead of Their Time (feat. Mykki Blanco): Welcome to season two of Object of Sound! As the world opens back up, we’re entering a moment of collective renewal and return, so it feels right to speak with an artist who is versed in reinvention: Mykki Blanco. Hanif sits down with Mykki to talk about the release of their new album ‘Broken Hearts and Beauty Sleep’ coming out today, and the two enter into a layered conversation about what it means for an artist to be labeled as ‘ahead of their time.’ Visit www.mixcloud.com/sonos to check out the playlist of songs curated for this episode. /Music In This Week's Playlist/ Love Me, Mykki Blanco Cruel Cruel World, Jackie Shane Rent, Big Freedia Koi, Le1f Queen Of This Shit, Quay Dash Coytada, Linn de Quebrada Don’t Despair, Beverly Glenn-Copeland Adore, Dreamcrusher by Object Of Sound

28 min listen

Source Material (feat. Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine): What do you do when you revisit a beloved movie from your childhood, only to find out it's not quite what you remember? If you’re Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine, you write a song about it. Their forthcoming album, A Beginner’s Mind, is a journey back into childhood nostalgia and perspectives, shaped by films the pair watched while recording together. Through their songwriting process, Sufjan and Angelo strip away what was dark or violent in their source material, transforming it and reflecting back something that, in their words, is pure and good. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-source-material. / Music In This Week’s Episode: / Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine, Fictional California Pixies, Debaser The Ataris, So Long, Astoria Fugazi, Walken’s Syndrome Dolly Parton, 9 to 5 Regina Spektor, Fidelity Roxy Music, 2HB Deep Blue Something, Breakfast at Tiffany by Object Of Sound

22 min listen

Protest and Possibility (feat. Vijay Iyer): When you think of protest music, you might think of the rock anthems of the 1960’s, or rap that turns frustration into elegantly poignant lyrics. For pianist Vijay Iyer, music without lyrics—has always been political music. This week, we talk with Vijay about the release of his new album 'Uneasy,' which in many ways is a protest album. We delve into the political history of jazz, the role of music in protest movements today. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode visit http://bit.ly/oos-vijay by Object Of Sound

33 min listen

They’re Calling Me Home (feat. Rhiannon Giddens): What makes a home? Is it where you create? Where you feel seen? And for a musician like Rhiannon Giddens, how does the idea of home shape the sound of her music? This week, Hanif sits down with North-Carolinian multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens from her new homebase in Dublin. They talk about how Ireland has seeped into her music, muse on the banjo as a weapon and a tool of archiving Black histories, and how Rhiannon is able to masterfully draw influences -- wherever she finds herself. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, go to www.mixcloud.com/sonos. by Object Of Sound

30 min listen

Summer of Soul (feat. Questlove): For 50 years, footage of the Harlem Cultural Festival – a summer-long fête featuring the likes of Nina Simone, Sly and The Family Stone, and Stevie Wonder – was buried in the archives. And the story of the Harlem Cultural Festival was buried along with it. Finally, the footage is being brought to light by Questlove in the new film ‘Summer of Soul’ a powerful testament to the artists of that era, and an energetic ride into the styles, sounds and politics of 1969. In this episode, our exclusive interview with Questlove on what it takes to correct the historical record, and why we need this film now in 2021. For this episode's custom playlist curated by Hanif, visit https://bit.ly/oos-questlove /Music In This Week's Episode/ You Caught Me (Smilin’), Sly and the Family Stone Black Woman, Sonny Sharrock The Weight, The Staple Singers My Bed of Thorns, Gladys Knight and The Pips To Love Somebody, Nina Simone A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, Mahalia Jacks by Object Of Sound

27 min listen

Confessions (feat. Lucy Dacus): “I care about words more than music,” says musician Lucy Dacus. Lucy recently released her third album, Home Video--a compilation of stories and vignettes pulled directly from her journals, dating back to her childhood. For Lucy, deep honesty in the form of song lyrics is almost compulsive. On this week’s show, Lucy and Hanif each unpack what it means to be a confessional writer, and together explore what honesty can offer an artist, or how it can hurt them. Plus, a reading list from Lucy on the books that offer her inspiration. /Music In This Week's Episode/ Thumbs, Lucy Dacus I Love You, Mary J. Blige All That You Have Is Your Soul, Tracy Chapman Bad Religion, Frank Ocean You Must Love Me, JAY-Z It Hurts Me Too, Karen Dalton Give My Love To Rose, Johnny Cash It Hurts Me So Much, Etta James by Object Of Sound

29 min listen

Ode to the Duet (feat. Sharon Van Etten): After a long year apart, there’s something particularly comforting about listening to a duet. In this week’s episode, we talk to Sharon Van Etten, who recently released ‘Like I Used To’ a duet with Angel Olsen. Hanif and Sharon dig into the interpersonal stories behind some of their favorite duet collaborators, unpack what makes for a great pairing of voices, and make a playlist of their top duet songs. To listen to the playlist of songs curated for this week's episode visit www.mixcloud.com/sonos. /Music In This Week's Episode/ Like I Used To - Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen The Boy Is Mine, Brandy and Monica Streets of Paradise, Richard and Linda Thompson Waves, Miguel (feat. Kacey Musgraves) Oh, What A Good Thing We Had, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash Perfect Combination, Johnny Gill and Stacey Lattisaw Da Rockwilder, Method Man and Redman by Object Of Sound

30 min listen

Ode to Joan (feat. Joan Armatrading): “All I need to be inspired is to be alive,” says Joan Armatrading. Throughout a career spanning over 50 years, Joan credits her singular songwriting to a relentless fascination with other people: how they love and live. This week on Object of Sound, listen in as Joan and Hanif talk about the process of bringing to life everyday observations, and transforming them into evocative, vivid stories through song. Plus, Joan reveals what it takes to be constantly evolving as an artist, while staying true to your own rhythm. This week’s show comes with a playlist curated by Hanif of songs from Joan Armatrading's expansive career. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, visit https://bit.ly/ode-to-joan / Music In This Week’s Episode: / Joan Armatrading, Glorious Madness Joan Armatrading, The Weakness In Me Joan Armatrading, Peace In Mind Joan Armatrading, Cover My Eyes Joan Armatrading, Sometimes I Don’t Wanna Go Home Joan Armatrading, You Rope by Object Of Sound

23 min listen

In Praise of Aaliyah (feat. Kathy Iandoli and Kiana Fitzgerald): It’s been 20 years since Aaliyah’s passing, and for most of those years, her music has been largely inaccessible. Kept off streaming platforms, hidden from the internet. That is, until now. With nearly all of Aaliyah’s catalog freshly released into the world, we’re celebrating by devoting our full show in praise of Aaliyah. With a deep dive into her influence on fashion, music and culture and a playlist of tracks that feel like the summer of 2001... And still hit today. Joining Hanif are journalists Kathy Iandoli and Kiana Fitzgerald to rejoice in the (re)discovery of her work. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-aaliyah. / Music In This Week’s Episode: / Aaliyah, If Your Girl Only Knew Aaliyah, I Can Be Aaliyah, Loose Rap (ft. Static Major) Aaliyah, Hot Like Fire (Timbaland Groove Mix feat. Missy Elliott & Timbaland) Aaliyah, 4 Page Letter Timbaland & Magoo, We At It Again by Object Of Sound

37 min listen

Biz Markie Was More Than “Just A Friend” (feat. Lynnée Denise and Dart Adams): “His fingerprints are all over the culture.” On this week’s episode, we pay tribute to the great Biz Markie, the legendary rapper, deejay, sampler, and emcee who passed away earlier this month. Hanif invites hip hop experts, Dart Adams and DJ Lynnée Denise onto the show, to celebrate the fullness of Markie’s legacy-- someone who masterfully used humor to create a persona that could always get a crowd roaring. We explore how Biz Markie was so much more than the clown prince or his hit song “Just A Friend,” but rather, a musician whose legacy continues to touch all of hip hop. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to https://bit.ly/oos-biz-markie. / Music In This Week's Episode / Biz Markie, Make The Music With Your Mouth Biz Biz Markie, Pickin' Boogers Biz Markie, Biz In Harmony Biz Markie, Spring Again Biz Markie, Groovin Biz Markie, Bad By Myself Biz Markie, Nobody Beats The Biz by Object Of Sound

31 min listen

This Summer of Live Music (feat. Esperanza Spalding and Cherie Hu): We’re in an unprecedented moment of emergence: long-shuttered venues are reopening their doors, artists are hitting the road again, and you’re probably thinking about what concerts you’ll be heading to in this new world. We’re looking ahead to a summer full of live music, and what it means to listen together -- again. Hanif speaks with GRAMMY Award winning artist, Esperanza Spalding on creating ‘Songwrights Apothecary Lab’ and how live music can help rebuild our communities. And journalist Cherie Hu shares her predictions for the future of live music. Plus, listeners call in and share reflections from their favorite festival moments. by Object Of Sound

44 min listen

Musician’s Work (feat. Brittany Howard): For the season finale of Object of Sound, a reminder that you are an artist, regardless of what you do for work. Before Brittany Howard became a striking soloist and lead singer of Alabama Shakes, she worked at Cracker Barrel, sold cars, and even delivered mail in rural Alabama. In this episode, Hanif and Brittany reflect on how they preserved their creative lives and taught themselves writing and music while on the job. They dive into a shared love of funk and Brittany reveals how she learned to play guitar as a kid from reading magazines. Plus, a playlist of songs to soundtrack your work day. After this episode, we’re going to take a break. Season Two of Object of Sound picks up June 18th! Stay tuned. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, visit http://bit.ly/oos-work /Music In This Week's Playlist/ You and Your Folks, Me and My Folks, - Brittany Howard covering Funkadelic The Prophet’s Song, Queen Pressure, Paramore Ain’t it Har by Object Of Sound

33 min listen

Transformation Through Repetition (feat L’Rain): “I'm just so fascinated by the voice,” says Taja Cheek, the experimentalist and multi-instrumentalist behind L’Rain. “It feels so scary to me, but that's also what kind of draws me closer to it to try to figure it out.” It’s this fascination Taja credits with inspiring the dreamy and ethereal vocal manipulations on Fatigue, L’Rain’s second album. On this episode, Hanif and Taja sit down ahead of L’Rain’s upcoming tour to talk in detail about her process, the power of repetition, and confronting one’s own voice. We’ll also talk about L’Rain’s upcoming show at BAM, where she is performing with Moses Sumney as part of a series of concerts curated by Hanif. Plus, stay tuned at the end of the episode as Hanif and Taja collaborate on a vocal experiment of their own. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-repetition. / Music In This Week’s Episode / Find It - L’Rain Halo - Beyoncé I’m Goin’ Down - by Object Of Sound

31 min listen

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Baldwin and Me (feat. Meshell Ndegeocello)

Baldwin and Me (feat. Meshell Ndegeocello)

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