Man with a guitar writing a protest song.

How to Write a Protest Song

If you’re looking to express your anger and frustration, especially now in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests, put your feelings to song.

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Eddy Grant on ‘Electric Avenue,’ Heart Problems, and Lost Luggage

Eddy Grant began his career in the 1960s with the Equals, and 20 years later he made some of the biggest hits of his life, like “Electric Avenue” and “I Don’t Wanna Dance,” by fusing rock, reggae, and elements of electronic music. He continues to pioneer new sounds like soca and ringbang.

M. Ward on ‘Migration Stories,’ She & Him, and Songwriting

Matt Ward shares how a Beatles songbook and a closeted $25 guitar helped define his path as a musician, a journey which has led to create the poignant new M. Ward album, ‘Migration Stories.’

Spider Stacy on the Pogues, Lost Bayou Ramblers, and ‘A Fairytale of New York’

Spider Stacy met Shane MacGowan at a Ramones gig in England when they were both teens. Shortly after, they formed the Pogues, which meant Spider had to learn to play the tin whistle pretty quickly.

Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack.

Andy Stack Talks Wye Oak, Joyero, Everclear Covers, and More

You may know Andy Stack as one half of the duo Wye Oak, along with Jenn Wasner. But he’s also one whole of Joyero, whose debut came out on Merge in 2019. He talks about his solo project and the future for Wye Oak.

Cultural appropriation

Cultural Appropriation in Music

Cultural appropriation is the adoption of an element or elements of one culture by members of another culture. This can be controversial when members of a dominant culture appropriate from disadvantaged minority cultures.

A musician working at a soundboard in a recording studio.

Top 10 Careers in the Music Business (and How Much Money You Can Make)

When you think of a career in music, you might start with the performers who are center stage. But when you pull back the curtain, you’ll find people with an array of music business jobs and careers that help make performances possible. And there’s money to be made here!

Chip Taylor on ‘Wild Thing,’ Hendrix, and ‘Angel of the Morning’

Chip Taylor wrote “Wild Thing.” He really doesn’t need to write any more songs. But that doesn’t mean he’s showing any signs of stopping. He’s got a new album out, and is eager to discuss everything leading up to this moment on this edition of the Music Is My Life podcast.

Darlene Love Talks Holidays, Phil Spector, and ‘20 Feet from Stardom’

Whether you know Darlene Love from her smash hit, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” on the Phil Spector holiday album, or from her profile in the film, “20 Feet From Stardom,” this Rock & Roll Hall of Famer is a force to be reckoned with. She just turned 80, and she can still bring it, onstage! This 2018 interview with her is one for the ages.

Tanya Donelly on Belly, Breeders, and Throwing Muses

Tanya Donelly discusses her life in music, including her beginnings with Throwing Muses and the Breeders, and her major breakthrough with Belly, a band she’s currently enjoying a reunion with.