Object Of Sound

What is the sound of where you come from? Is it a particular song you remember from your childhood? Maybe it’s a collection of remembered sounds from your first home—a train that passed nearby, or the wildlife that would sing at night. Maybe it’s the first song that you ever really connected to, the one that first made you feel like you belonged. In this special episode, we’re exploring this question from many perspectives. Hanif speaks to composer and multi-instrumentalist Angélica Negrón, whose work is deeply invested in these questions of sound, home, and belonging. Plus we hear from Hanif’s friends, and from you, our listeners, about what ‘the sound of where I come from’ means to you. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to https://www.mixcloud.com/sonos/ Music in this episode: O-H-I-O - Ohio Players Letter Home - Defiance, Ohio Findlay, Ohio 1968 - Indigo Girls Cuyahoga - R.E.M. Cleveland Is The City - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Look At Miss Ohio - Gillian Welch

Welcome to our first ever year end special, ‘This Year In Music with Hanif Abdurraqib.’ December is the perfect time to look back on all the incredible music that has been released over the past year: the songs that moved us to dance, and the songs that helped us endure. In this hour-long deep dive, we'll review the musical highlights of 2022 and make predictions about the future of music in 2023 together with special guests Kelela, Sam Sanders, and Santigold.

The night before Thanksgiving, Hanif has a special invented tradition: every year, he makes a batch of cupcakes and watches The Last Waltz—and every year, he finds new things to love about the film. Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Last Waltz is a 1978 concert film documenting the final performance of The Band. To Hanif, the movie is not just a collection of great performances, but a study in exquisite tenderness, and how to say goodbye. Hrishikesh Hirway joins Hanif to discuss the film in this special episode recorded live at On Air Fest LA Annex 2022. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com. Music In This Week’s Episode: Sip the Wine - Rick Danko Don’t Do It - The Band My Love - Rick Danko and Richard Manuel Down South in New Orleans - The Band, Bobby Charles False Hearted Lover Blues - Levon Helm Tura Lura Lural (That’s an Irish Lullaby) - The Band, Van Morrison All Our Past Times - Rick Danko Showdown at Big Sky - Robbie Robertson

“While I’m alive, I’ll make tiny changes to Earth.” Written by Scott Hutchison, the late frontman of the band Frightened Rabbit, this line has provided comfort, consolation, and inspiration to those who loved Scott’s music. A talented and witty lyricist, Scott’s songs could be devastatingly crushing or funny, visceral or resonant—sometimes all in the same track. But an artist is more than the work they produce, and so, on this episode of Object of Sound, we’re celebrating not only Scott’s music, but also his life and legacy. We speak to Ben Gibbard, Frank Turner, Georgia Maq, and more, who share memories and impressions of the way Scott and his music shaped their lives. We’ll also hear from listeners who called into the Object of Sound hotline to talk about what Scott’s music means to them, and all the changes—both tiny and profound—that he has made to the lives of his listeners. Closing the episode, Hanif walks us through a playlist of some of his top Scott Hutchison songs. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com. Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of mental illness and suicide that may be upsetting for some listeners. Please take care of yourself. We invite you to listen to this episode if you feel comfortable and able, or to skip out and join us again next week. If you are in need of support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the USA can be reached with the three-digit dialing code 988, or by calling 1-800-273-8255. / Music In This Week’s Episode: / Swim Until You Can’t See Land - Frightened Rabbit The Twist - Frightened Rabbit Ten Tons of Silence - Owl John A Good Reason to Grow Old - Owl John Bird is Bored of Flying - Mastersystem Notes on a Life Not Quite Lived - Mastersystem

Carly Rae Jepsen is a writer’s writer. “I am very excited about the idea of writing it in all directions,” Carly says — and for the making of her latest album, The Loneliest Time, that meant writing literally hundreds of songs. On this episode of Object of Sound, Hanif and Carly Rae Jepsen talk about the unique collaborative process that went into narrowing that collection of songs down to the thirteen tracks on the album. Carly opens up about the challenges and opportunities of songwriting during the pandemic, and her drive to keep challenging the idea of what a pop song can be. Inspired by Carly’s recent experience at a James Taylor concert, Hanif closes the episode with a playlist of great songs to cry to. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com. / Music In This Week’s Episode: / Surrender My Heart - Carly Rae Jepsen Northern Sky - Nick Drake Someday We’ll All Be Free - Donny Hathaway The Very Thought of You - Nat King Cole I Don’t Smoke - Mitski When The Sun Hits - Slowdive Good Goodbye - Lianne La Havas Long Ride Home - Patti Griffin

“I came into my own and I was able to find my voice through my writing,” says artist Ravyn Lenae. The making of her album, HYPNOS, was a four-year-long journey of blood, sweat and tears—but the result is a meticulously crafted debut, a collection of songs on which Ravyn herself has curated every element, right down to individual snares and bass lines. In this episode, the first in our three part mini-series, “The Wonders of Songwriting,” Hanif and Ravyn dig into the editing process that produced the many sonic moods and colors on HYPNOS. And, in an Object of Sound exclusive, Ravyn walks Hanif through the earlier mixes of her song, ‘Inside Out,’ and explains why this track in particular needed over 2,000 vocal recordings before it was just right. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, including ‘Inside Out, head over to radio.sonos.com. / Music In This Week’s Episode: / Inside Out - Ravyn Lenae We’re So Good - Kids On A Crime Spree Hold On - The Internet One For the Griot - J-Live Don’t Go Near The Water - The Beach Boys Migratory Birds - Earth From The Moon Let’s Pretend We’re Not In Love - The Reds, Pinks, and Purples Tender Falls the Rain - Randy Crawford

“When I'm onstage, it's the happiest I feel. It's the most in love with myself I feel,” says Danielle Ponder. “I know that’s my purpose.” On this episode of Object of Sound, Danielle and Hanif talk about how Danielle left her successful career as a public defender to follow her purpose and become a musician full time—and how Danielle sees storytelling as a vital skill for both professions. Hanif and Danielle dig into the making of her debut album ‘Some Of Us Are Brave,’ and Danielle reveals how connecting with other people through the stories in her songs helps her feel more alive, and less alone. At the end of the episode, Hanif creates a playlist of some of the very first songs he fell in love with. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to radio.sonos.com. / Music In This Week’s Episode: / Some Of Us Are Brave- Danielle Ponder Pirate Jenny (Live at Carnegie Hall) - Nina Simone The Good Humor Man He Sees Everything Like This - Love Rich - Yeah Yeah Yeahs Call the Doctor - Sleater-Kinney Banquet - Bloc Party Here Lies the Man That Never Changed - Jacob Banks Flirted With You All My Life - Vic Chesnutt

“I have lived half my life in fear of judgment,” says Margo Price. “I'm so done with it.” In the final episode of this season, recorded from the back lounge of Margo’s tour bus, Margo reveals how the experience of writing her autobiography, Maybe We’ll Make It, empowered her to let go of her fear and tell her personal story. Plus, Margo talks to Hanif about her on-the-road reading list, her upcoming Sonos show Runaway Horses, and what she thinks of the evolving Nashville music scene. Hanif closes the episode with a playlist of autobiographical songs. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-margo-price. / Music In This Week's Episode: / This Town Gets Around - Margo Price Sports, Drugs and Entertainment - Cam’ron Nutbush City Limits - Tina Turner Rehab - Amy Winehouse Coal Miner’s Daughter - Loretta Lynn Piano Man - Billy Joel Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy - Elton John Are You Leaving For The Country - Karen Dalton

“I still have every bit of my voice,” says singer and civil rights icon Mavis Staples. “It’s still here, and I’m still here.” Throughout her career, Mavis has used her voice to uplift the truth through song, and after seventy years, she has no interest in slowing down. This year Mavis is on tour throughout the US and Europe, and on May 20th, she will release a new album, Carry Me Home, recorded with The Band’s Levon Helm. On this episode, Hanif speaks to Mavis about the album, why she won’t be retiring anytime soon, and the secrets behind the longevity of her career—including how Mahalia Jackson taught her to take care of her voice. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-mavis-staples. / Music In This Week’s Episode / I’ll Take You There - The Staple Singers The Last Waltz Suite: The Weight (feat. The Staple Singers) - The Band, The Staple Singers How I Got Over - Live at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church - Aretha Franklin Summertime / Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Mahalia Jackson Heaven - Mary Mary Down in My Soul - Ingram Singers BL3$$3D - Trek Manifest

What does anger look like? In Yaeji’s case, the answer is simple: a fearsome, bedazzled hammer. At least, that’s the idea behind her forthcoming debut album. “It's a story about me and my anger,” says Yaeji. “My anger is materialized into this hammer that I befriend.” In this episode, Hanif sits down with Yaeji to talk about her songwriting process, her debut album, and the usefulness, the beauty, and the complicated nature of anger. Hanif closes the episode with a final thought: when we stop pushing away our anger and listen to what it is telling us, what greater acts of love, service, and creativity can that anger propel us towards? For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-yaeji. / Music In This Week’s Episode / When I Grow Up - Yaeji Hit ‘Em Up Style - Blue Cantrell You Oughta Know - Alanis Morissette Caught Out There - Kelis Never Again - Kelly Clarkson Breaking Point - Keri Hilson What About - Janet Jackson

Just in time for the final weeks of March Madness, we’re bringing two of our favorite things together – music and basketball. Hanif heads to a Cleveland Cavaliers v. Detroit Pistons game to take in the sounds courtside. Then, together with sports journalist Haley O’Shaughnessy and former Tommy Boy Records President Monica Lynch, we’ll uncover the stories that explain why you hear what you hear at a game, and dig into 90s nostalgia. Plus, Hanif makes a playlist of his favorite arena hits. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-basketball. / Music in this week's episode / Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) - C&C Music Factory Hip Hop Hooray - Naughty By Nature Thunderstruck - AC/DC Timber (feat. Ke$ha) - Pitbull, Kesha Sirius - The Alan Parsons Project Jump Around - House of Pain Let’s Get Loud - Jennifer Lopez

“Soundtracks are the unsung heroes of film.” That’s the premise of this special episode of Object of Sound, recorded live at On Air Fest 2022. Hanif and New York Times critic at large Wesley Morris took to the stage in Brooklyn to talk about four of their all-time favorite Black movie soundtracks, from Do the Right Thing (1989) to Love and Basketball (2000), from Boomerang (1992) to Belly (1998). Plus, a playlist of standout hits from soundtracks of the 1990s. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-movies. / Music In This Week’s Episode: / Know The Ledge, Eric B. & Rakim End Of The Road, Boyz II Men So Good, Davina For the Love of Money / Living For the City (feat. Queen Latifah), Troop, Levert, Queen Latifah Days of Our Livez, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Sittin’ Up In My Room, Brandy

“For a very long time, people knew of techno as a genre, but never placed it in Detroit,” says writer and cultural producer Imani Mixon. In this episode, we’re digging deep into the origins of that Detroit techno sound. Hanif and Imani are joined by “godfather & originator” of Detroit techno himself, Eddie Fowlkes, to guide us through the evolution of techno, from the basements of Detroit to the airwaves of Europe, and beyond. Plus, Hanif guides us through a playlist of his top Detroit techno tracks. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-detroit. / Music In This Week’s Episode: / Black Man Orchestra, Eddie Fowlkes Alleys of Your Mind, Cybotron Do It All Night, DJ Minx Epilogue, Octave One Good Life, Inner City OBX-A, X-102 Urban Rains, Never On Sunday