A series of up-and-coming local artists take their turn to pack themselves onto the tiny stage in the back corner of the bar. Behind them, the red wall is decorated with an electric guitar; the innards of a piano, keys and all; and several beer signs. The performers’ view is a bar filled with a…

Ben Lubeck: Rented Rooms Farewell Milwaukee frontman Ben Lubeck is stepping into the solo spotlight with his passionate and soulful new album Rented Rooms, a collection he describes as a “love letter” to his father, with whom Lubeck says he has a “complicated relationship” that the singer-songwriter is temporarily “taking a break” from. Listen to…

Producer Rick Rubin has announced that he’s putting together a Star Wars remix album — featuring sound effects and dialogue from the Star Wars movies, melded with original music. The album will feature electronic music artists including Flying Lotus, Röyskopp, Kaskade, and more. Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams, who’s also a musician, collaborates with Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and A-Trak to cut a track called “Jabba Flow.” Star…

The Chinese New Year starts today, thus beginning the Year of the Monkey. So for today's 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that mention monkeys?

Lucinda Williams' second double album in less than two years is inspired by a 190-mile stretch of road near the place in Louisiana where she grew up. If GQ magazine recently called Jason Isbell the King of Americana, perhaps Lucinda Williams is its reigning queen.

Early-bird ticket holders for this year’s Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival received a cassette that seems to tease the yet-to-be-announced lineup. The tape includes a new song by Fall Creek Boys Choir (Justin Vernon and James Blake), as well as music by members of The National; Bruce Hornsby (!); the recently-reactivated Fog; Taggart and Rosewood; Tickle Torture; Nathaniel Rateliff; and more.…

Clearly still buzzing from the ringing success of her first headlining show at First Ave last night, Lizzo took to Twitter to shower adoring fans with emojis and retweets. It was a meaningful capper to a big night for the rising rap powerhouse, who sold out the Mainroom ahead of the event on the strength…

Andrew Bird stopped by The Current ahead of his performance on A Prairie Home Companion this weekend with host Chris Thile and Paul Simon to talk about his new album Are You Serious and collaborating with Fiona Apple.

NPR’s 2016 Tiny Desk Contest recently closed its entry portal. As judges sift through entries, fans can vote on their favorite videos. Not only does the winner get a highly coveted Tiny Desk gig at NPR, but they will also appear at a taping of NPR’s show “Ask Me Another,” and tour the United States.…

The Super Bowl is upon us! As Jade, Sean and Anna are BIG snackers, let's get mentally geared up for all of the glorious treats that will be prepared for football lovers and food lovers alike on Sunday. So for today's Coffee Break, what are your suggestions for songs that mention snacks?