Patty Schemel was the longtime drummer for the band Hole and a slew of other rock, grunge, and indie bands. Her new memoir "Hit So Hard" delves deep into her relationship with Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain, her addiction and homelessness, and her eventual recovery. Let Patty set the mood of your next get together with some tasty drum beats.
Mackenzie Scott released her first album under the moniker Torres when she was still in college. Her personal lyrics and raw vocals continue to earn her critical acclaim. She's just released her third album of emotional electronica, called "Three Futures." She mixes up a playlist with songs by Gal Costa, Portishead, and more to give you some slinky and "kinda kinky" songs for your next party.
Emily Haines is the frontwoman of the Canadian band Metric, which combines rock with gritty electronic music. She also has her own solo project called Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton, and her her second album "Choir of the Mind" is out now. She mixes up a soundtrack that includes songs by Dead Meadow, The Avalanches, and more, that'll push your dinner party to new (and weird) heights.
Michael McDonald is a five-time Grammy winner who's had a career as a singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and producer for over forty years. He got his start performing with bands like The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan in the '70s, but is perhaps best-known for his solo hits in the '80s, an eclectic mix of R&B and soul. His latest solo album, Wide Open, comes out on September 15. He dropped by our studio recently to craft playlist that'll take you back to the soul of his youth.
Future Islands is a Baltimore-based band that's known for synth-driven pop and dark lyrics. Back in 2014, Pitchfork named their song, "Seasons (Waiting On You)," the best of the year. They're on tour now supporting a new album called "The Far Field." Hear their playlist for pets and friends alike... and enjoy some bonus audio!
Punk rock darling Ted Leo has been churning out anthemic, politically conscious music since the '80s, including six LP's with his acclaimed band Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. This month, he releases his first solo album in 10 years called, "The Hanged Man." Listen as the musician picks songs by Michel Pagliaro, Steel Pulse, and more, for the soundtrack to your next politically aware party.
Laetitia Tamko, better known by her stage name, Vagabon, gives us a playlist that is both low-key and powerful, featuring Solange, Christine and the Queens, and more.
Mitski Miyawaki (aka Mitski) started her career while attending SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, where she self-released her first two albums. Her fourth album, "Puberty 2," was named Pitchfork's Best New Music. Here she is with a playlist even the biggest jazz snob can enjoy.
Beth Ditto made a name for herself as the lead singer of indie-rock group Gossip, and her standout voice has been compared to Janis Joplin and Etta James. Her debut solo album "Fake Sugar" is available now. She spins us a playlist of songs by Cat Power, Nina Simone and more to go with grits and perfect potatoes.
Phoenix's blend of rock, disco, and abstract lyrics has made their music the soundtrack for dance parties from Tokyo to their hometown of Paris. Their 2009 album "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" went gold and won them a Grammy. Bandmates Thomas Mars and Laurent Brancowitz mix up a playlist of songs by Chick Corea, Bryan Ferry, and more for your next sushi soirée.