In this episode, journalist and author Liz Pelly (Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist) brings together two singular songwriters — Hayden Pedigo and S.G. Goodman — for a candid exploration of songwriting, place, and authenticity. From the wide-open stillness of West Texas, where Pegido draws inspiration from Sacred Harp singing and the power of silence, to Kentucky’s storytelling traditions that infuse S.G.’s gritty, heartfelt lyrics, these two artists trace the threads between "country" and modern experimentation. Along the way, they talk about how humor, vulnerability, and real life people shape their art — and what it means to stay true to yourself in a noisy, judgmental world.
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50:42
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50:42
Songs & Symphonics: Celebrating Moondog at Big Ears
Journalist Piotr Orlov (of Dada Strain) speaks with Brian Carpenter of Ghost Train Orchestra and collaborator Joan Wasser (a.k.a. Joan As Police Woman) about interpreting the works of Moondog—the blind composer, poet, and New York street icon whose rhythmic inventions, unforgettable melodies, and striking persona (not to mention an iconic Viking costume) made him an underground legend of 20th-century music. Hear this exciting project at Big Ears 2026.
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55:49
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55:49
Lisa Bielawa on Knoxville Broadcast
Composer, vocalist, and project-maker Lisa Bielawa joins renowned classical and new music journalist Steve Smith to discuss her extraordinary Broadcast works, with a spotlight on Knoxville Broadcast, a large-scale site-specific “spatial symphony” commissioned by Big Ears Festival. The project gathers Appalachian musicians, choirs, orchestras, and community ensembles who gradually expand outward in waves of sound, transforming the landscape into an immersive sonic experience. Bielawa also reflects on the origins of Broadcast, community participation, and her wide-ranging career.
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41:35
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41:35
Cécile McLorin Salvant
Two time GRAMMY winner, vocalist and MacArthur Fellow Cécile McLorin Salvant joins critic Natalie Weiner to unpack what it means to be called a jazz singer. Salvant reflects on her musical upbringing in both classical and jazz traditions, contrasting the discipline of one with the freedom of the other. She also shares her excitement about moving beyond "jazz," previewing her brand new Nonesuch Records album Oh, Snap , on which she layers dance grooves into daring audio collages. The conversation touches on her interpretation of the John Henry legend, and her blossoming practice in the visual arts, partly inspired by her mother and grandmother. It’s a revelatory portrait of an artist who remains rooted in song, while constantly expanding her palette as a multimedia post-genre artist. Here’s their conversation.
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58:55
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58:55
Big Ears 2026 Lineup Reveal
Big Ears Festival founder Ashley Capps joins NPR Music critic Ann Powers (a longtime friend of the festival and fellow Tennessee resident) to discuss the recent unveiling of the 2026 festival lineup. From legends like David Byrne, Laurie Anderson, John Zorn and Pat Metheny to trailblazers like Flying Lotus, Marc Ribot, Wild Up, and Hania Rani, along with a smorgasbord of today’s most compelling artists across genres. Their conversation reveals a behind-the-scenes look at curatorial vision and execution, nurturing community, and encouraging musical discovery.
Big Ears: Conversations About Music is a podcast that brings together cutting-edge musicians, journalists, and community leaders in discussions about the creative process, collaboration, and the transformative power of music. The podcast features one-on-one talks and roundtable discussions hosted by expert music critics with the artists who make Big Ears unique, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the inspirations and connections that make Big Ears one of the world’s most unique music festivals.
Listen to Big Ears: Conversations About Music, Rockonteurs with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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