Bob Boilen

Growing up in rural Kansas, Robin Hilton took a job in radio as a teenager mostly because it sounded cool. At fifteen, a pair of friends helped him land a weekend slot at a local station, and a career on the airwaves was born. The job came with almost no creative freedom as Robin stuck closely to a color-coded playlist for his weekend shows. Eventually, Hilton left the station for a more lucrative position at the local grocery store, but it would be far from the last time that he would grace the airwaves. After high school, Robin trucked off to the big city of Lawrence, for a stint at the University of Kansas. While there, he found his way to the college station where he eventually became a reporter. As a reporter, Robin went on to win more than two dozen awards for his work, as both a reporter and a newscaster, from The AP, the National Association Of Broadcasters, Public Media Journalists Association (then called PRNDI) and more. He eventually landed at NPR’s Morning Edition , where he worked as a Production Assistant before starting as the Assistant Producer for All Songs Considered in 2001. Hilton and Bob Boilen, then the head of All Songs Considered , worked to turn NPR into one of the most esteemed outlets for music curation and criticism. Their collective work at All Songs has been heard on hundreds of NPR affiliate stations, and has been downloaded by millions in podcast form. In 2008, Boilen and Hilton began co-hosting All Songs Considered . Since Boilen’s retirement in 2023, Hilton has taken over full hosting duties. Hilton has also been instrumental in the creation and growth of NPR’s incredibly popular and influential YouTube series, Tiny Desk Concerts . These stripped down performances, all happening in a small space at the NPR Music offices, have featured some of the most famous and exciting performers working in music today. The series focuses on raw, unfiltered performances, and have drawn more than 40 Million views, and have helped to launch careers of up and coming artists, to recontextualize the work of veteran performers. During our chat, Robin and I unpack the true cultural influence of radio in the 21st century, and we take a peek at the power of music in a fraught era. We discuss the art of the album in the age of the algorithm, while tackling the role of curation and criticism in a world where nearly all western music is available at the touch of a button. Robin shares his personal path from Kansas to the studios at NPR. We tackle the necessity for more listener investment in the digital age, and stare down the reality that our attention spans are getting shorter and shorter by the day. How are these waning attention spans affecting the way we listen to music? And we wonder if having easy access to so much music is perhaps diminishing the quality of our listening experience. Come join me for a fascinating chat with a radio lifer that still believes in the art of the album, the power of radio, and the true value of hard fought music discovery. Here now are me and Robin Hilton. Let’s get into it. Cheers, Matty C ------------------------ Thanks so much to Robin for joining me. You can find out all about his work at NPR’s All Songs Considered . The What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C. Our theme music was written and recorded by David J. Baldwin. You can subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to like, rate and review the show if you enjoy it. Our work is solely sponsored by listeners and readers like you. Please lend your support today with a paid subscription at <a target="_blank" href="https://w

In this episode (our season 2 premiere!!), we explore the boundary-pushing story of Tiny Desk Unit, one of Washington, D.C.’s most innovative and genre-defying bands. Formed in 1979 by a group of downtown artists and music obsessives, the band fused analog synths, angular guitar work, and poetic vocals into something entirely new. Long before NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts , there was Tiny Desk Unit - an art-rock force that helped open up space for original music in the heart of the city. We’re joined by founding members Bob Boilen and Michael Barron as we trace the band’s early days at DC Space, their connection to the art world, and their legendary role as the very first band to perform at the 9:30 Club, opening for the Lounge Lizards in 1980. The episode centers around their self-titled live album, recorded during a sweltering summer night opening for Pere Ubu-capturing a raw, inventive sound that still resonates today. Tune in as we discuss their roots, the collaborative spirit behind the music, and why Tiny Desk Unit remains a singular voice in DC’s musical history. Go Further: • Tiny Desk Unit – Bandcamp • Bob Boilen’s Tiny Desk Unit History • Dance of Days by Mark Andersen and Mark Jenkins Sponsor: • Get 10% off New Columbia Record Club with checkout code DCROCKS Follow Us: • Social Media: @dcrockpod • Email us your thoughts or questions: dcrockpod@gmail.com • Philip Basnight – Broke Royals • Alex Vidales – StageCraft • Bob Boilen – Bob Boilen Artwork by Rebecca Basnight

It's 2024, and I am back again with a bunch of my favourite NPR Tiny Desk concerts. NPR Music 's Tiny Desk Concerts were always one of my favourite things to listen to, but with the pandemic, my interest turned into an obsession. In 2020, I did two shows dedicated to them: Obsessed with Tiny Desk 2020 Part I and Part II , in 2021 I did one more, in 2022 another one and last year one as well. So what is it about NPR Tiny Desk Concert series that I love? It is very simple, this series brings an intimate concert vibe through approx 20-minute video performances, recorded either live at the desk of All Songs Considered host and producer Bob Boilen or, during the pandemic, at someplace that feels like an artist's home. The latter unsurprisingly called Tiny Desk (home) concerts. Bob Boilen retired in the meantime, but he created music history with NPR Tiny Desk Concerts and his legacy continues. During the pandemic, we couldn't attend gigs or music festivals, so, for me, NPR Tiny Desk Concerts were the closest thing I had to live gigs. Even today, this is still my favourite place when I need to do something at work that requires deep concentration. Also, when I am craving a live and more intimate experience. Let's be honest, how often are you able to see your favourite (or newly discovered favourite) artist performing in a small, intimate venue? Unfortunately, not that frequently. And this is why my yearly Obsessed with Tiny Desk is here to stay. Minimum once per year and sometimes even more than that. Tune in tonight to Gimme A Beat (16.09.2024) to hear my selection of NPR Tiny Desk Concerts featuring Tems, Maro, Noname, Kehlani, Feist, Chaka Khan and Chappell Roan. For NPR, you can donate here. Check out npr tiny desk selection on youtube with videos of the sessions. —————————————————————— for the info about old shows please go to previous entries

EVERY OTHER KREATIVE KONTROL EPISODE IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE TO $6 PATREON SUPPORTERS. This one is fine, but please subscribe now on Patreon so you never miss full episodes. Thanks! Ann Powers discusses her wondrously written new book, Traveling: On the Path of Joni Mitchell , Pacific Northwest punk bands like D.O.A. and Nomeansno, how she positioned her role in writing this book after years of research and dozens of interviews, her decision about pursuing an interview with Mitchell herself, perspectives on motherhood and what it meant for Mitchell to be a woman in music starting in the 1960s and how that era is perceived today, the problematic critiques of that time period by Mitchell and other artists, Ann’s own trajectory as a lover and critic of music, what it means to interrogate the work of people you love, how artists who have had medical scares like Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Neil Young might gain a new appreciation for their own work and audiences, Ann’s upcoming book tour dates, her work on the NPR music newsletter , other future plans, and much more. Support vish on Patreon ! Thanks to Pizza Trokadero , the Bookshelf , Planet Bean Coffee , and Grandad’s Donuts. Support Y.E.S.S. and Black Women United YEG . Follow vish online . Related: Ep. #865: Myriam Gendron Ep. #868: Kathleen Hanna Ep. #799: Allison Russell Ep. #764: Mudhoney Ep. #372: Denise Donlon, Sandy Miranda, April Aliermo Ep. #252: Bob Mehr on The Replacements Ep. #222: Peter Guralnick Ep. #27: Greil Marcus Ep. #4: Jim Guthrie, NPR’s Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton Support this show <a target="_blank" rel="payment" href="http://supporter.acast.com/kreative-kon

We talk with Bob Boilen, yes that Bob Boilen, former director of All Things Considered, creator of All Songs Considered and the Tiny Desk Concert, about his music, all the NPR things, and so much more. He's an amazing guest. Also Tez is back, we talk about Twitter and Alex Jones joining forces, and of course we dive into the possible relocation of the Caps and Wizards from DC to Va. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/chipchat--2780807/support .

Combining electronic and classical compositions, Theodore balances his music somewhere between ambient post rock and gritty 80s synth-wave. When reality allowed for concerts to happen, Theodore performed in more than 40 headline gigs during his 2019 tour in Europe and the US. The final show of the tour was an exclusive concert on Bob Boilen’s world-renowned Tiny Desk. He has shared the stage with Sigur Ros, DIIV, Αmber Run and among many other festivals, he also performed at Reeperbahn 2017 & 2018, played at Eurosonic, Musexpo LA and SXSW 2018 & 2019, where he was selected as NPR Music’s ‘Favorite Discoveries And Memorable Moments’. Theodore performs in his very own magical, capturing way and as Bob Boilen has already put it: «I can see that it’s the music — and music alone — that casts its sorcery» After receiving the best reviews from the likes of BBC Radio 6 and his latest album was premiered from NPR’s ‘All Songs Considered by B. Boilen and R. Hilton’, Theodore is now working on a new conceptual space-themed album, titled ‘The Voyage’, which is set to be launched in 2022.

Music On Your Own Terms 125 - Martin Atkins - The Secret To Success Is Unneutered Zombie Kittens It is with great pleasure that I present my interview with the one and only Martin Atkins, drummer for Public Image Limited, Killing Joke, Ministry, his own band Pigface, entrepreneur, college lecturer, author, and international speaker. Martin talks about his journey, from his dad getting him a drum kit and setting him up with gigs, the early punk scene and joining PIL, to noticing the mismanagement of the bands, he was in and turning their finances around through merch. We learn about how Martin got into teaching students through his experiences with touring and the music business, writing books based on those classes, how that led to talking at music festivals, and the impetus of turning the collections of memorabilia from the past 40 plus years into a museum. We also find out how Ivar Bjornson, guitarist for the Norwegian band Enslaved, taught Martin the importance of saying YES, to everything. Click here for the main show notes page! Martin Atkins Linktree - https://linktr.ee/marteeeen79 Martin Atkins on the web - https://martinatkins.bigcartel.com/artist/invisible-records Martin Atkins on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/flowersfightforsunshine/ Martin Atkins on Twitter - https://twitter.com/marteeeen Invisible Records - http://www.invisiblerecords.com The Museum of Post Punk and Industrial Music - https://mailchi.mp/2d907066f34d/more-stories-from-the-museum-become-a-founder Topics discussed in this episode : Killing Joke | PIL | NIN | Ministry | Pigface | Columbia College Chicago | Shakespeare | Tour Smart | SXSW | Melbourne Music Week | Enslaved | Hole In The Sky | Chicago | Brian Brain | Rathskeller Boston | GG Allin | John Lydon | Greyhound Distribution | Matt Pinfield | WRSU | Bob Boilen | Martin Atkins Minute | Tico Torres | Anne Marie Foley | Strawberries | <a href='https://en.wikipedia.xn--org%20%20wiki%20

We're baaaacccckkk! With season 2 of Appalachian Vibes. This week we feature some incredible talent from the Appalachian region and surrounding areas. Appalachian Vibes is back for season 2 beginning Sunday evening (tonight) at 6pm airing on our new station WFIR, in South West Virginia. You can tune in at 107.3 (And 94.5 in Botetourt) We are being broadcast on a MUCH larger station and can’t wait to reach new heights with Appalachian Vibes. As always the episode will be published at 7pm on appalachianvibes.net This week my guests are the Seattle born, washboard grunge goddess, Megan Jean from Megan Jean and the KFB, Appalachia’s historian and guitar picking prodigy Colby Helms, and the creator of the Tiny Desk Concert Series and All Songs Considered on NPR, Bob Boilen and his band mate, a classical guitar wizard, Ted Zook with their experimental improv ensemble, Fanoplane. Megan Jean & the KFB-http://www.meganjean.net Colby Helms- Werner Helms Edition-https://www.facebook.com/Werner-Helms-Edition-112693447296896 Fanoplane (Bob Boilen and Ted Zook)- to learn more about Fanoplane, reach out to Ted Zook. Tedzook@hotmail.com Appalachian Vibes Radio Show from WNCW is listener nominated, you can nominate an artist by emailing Amanda at appalachianvibes@gmail.com. Appalachian Vibes Radio Show is created and produced by Amanda Bocchi, a neo soul singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist and journalist hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

Welcome to Roadcase, a podcast exploring the live music experience!! Join Roadcase for this inaugural episode of Season 2 with NPR's Bob Boilen. Bob created NPR's All Songs Considered and Tiny Desk Concerts and has been inviting artists and bands to play at his desk at NPR since 2008. We talk about how these intimate and stripped-down shows became a reality, how Bob came from New York to Washington DC long ago, his musical background and how an idea of a simple and quiet show became a reality and a benchmark of performance in the music industry at-large. We even talk about Bob's favorite bagels -- his own!! Come on aboard for this compelling and in-depth look at NPR's Tiny Desk and the humble and kind man that created this global phenomenon. It's a great ride!! For more information: https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod Contact: info@roadcasepod.com Theme music: "Eugene" (Instrumental)" by Waltzer

Bob Boilen is the creator and host of NPR Music’s All Songs Considered and of their Tiny Desk Concert series, which hosts well-known and emerging artists for intimate performances filmed at his desk. Anyone who’s a music geek with an internet connection knows what I’m talking about. But when Covid-19 caught America in its grip in early 2020, Bob found himself with more free evenings than he had ever experienced. As a composer and musician, Bob has always been passionate about music. But pandemic accelerated his passion for photography - in particular, Macro. We talked in early Spring about his time behind the lens and what spurs him to take the shots he takes. You can see a sample of his music, macro and 360 shots on his website at BobBoilen.info , and on Instagram @tinydesk . And remember, you can follow The Shot on Instagram @the.shot.podcast , and on our website at shotpodcast.com Song: Lonely Party by Arc De Soleil.

Ambience Ancient and New: Bob Boilen's Pandemic Moods & Malcolm Cecil of Tonto's Expanding Head Band Remembered In the Echoes Podcast, NPR’s Bob Boilen. He’s more than the creator of Tiny Desk Concerts and host of All Songs Considered . He’s has been exposing new music and helping keep NPR musically hip for three decades. But that’s not why we talked to him. Bob Boilen is also a composer of music from ambient to punk rock. We get to the ambient side when he talks about his pandemic album Hidden Smiles as well as his covers albums which turn classic rock into ambience without him essentially playing a note. Then we remember Malcolm Cecil , one half of the duo that made up, Tonto’s Expanding Head Band . The patch cords were pulled from Cecil on March 28, 2021. He was 84 years old. His band with Robert Margouleff, Tonto’s Expanding Head Band, who released their debut album, Zero Time , 50 years ago. The album was recorded on their electronic array called TONTO , an acronym for The Original New Timbral Orchestra. In ten beautiful curved wooden cases they mounted synthesizers from Moog, ARP, Oberheim Serge and more. Their first album created a sound that predated by years the music of Tangerine Dream’s Phaedra , Klaus Schulze’s Picture Music and Kraftwerk’s Autobahn . It was an album of thudding bass grooves, melodic electronic flights and deep ambient expanses, long before that became part of the electronic music vernacular. We’ll go back to a 1996 interview with Cecil and Margouleff, recorded in the presence of TONTO

Jay and Deon discuss some of their favorite musical wordsmiths, all of whom exhibit an uncanny ability to render a tune lyrically delicious in this very special episode of Lightnin’ Licks Radio. Lyrics are often responsible for reeling a listener in by connecting an artist with their audience through emotional disclosure, empathetic musings, or abbreviated storytelling. Join the boys as they sing the praises of ten specific songs featuring wonderful words while throwing some appreciation towards the verses and hooks as much as the riffs and licks. Lyrics. It’s much of what we, as fans, adore most about the musicians we admire. Lightnin' Licks Radio presents the Lyrically Delicious all-vinyl mixtape: [side one] (1) MC 900 FT Jesus - The City Sleeps (2) Lloyd Cole & the Commotions - My Bag (3) Laura Gibson - Skin, Warming Skin (4) The Jam - Wasteland (5) Curtis Mayfield - Stare and Stare [side two] (1) Steve Earle - Someday (2) Josh Ritter - The Curse (3) Morphine - Cure For Pain (4) Faye Webster - Come To Atlanta (5) Frank Ocean - Pink Matter Chili dog Jack & Dianne parody by: Tom McGovern Recorded: 13MAR2021 Released: 20MAR2021 Cover Art by: Bryan Konieczka Additional (non-mix) sonic contributions to episode fourteen of Lightnin' Licks Radio podcast include: Lee Moses / Holland Dozier Holland / Brothers Johnson / James Todd Smith / ELO / Simon & Garfunkel / Michael franti & Spearhead / Morrisey / Elton John / Bernie Taupin / John Cougar Melloncamp / Tom McGovern / The Impressions / The Style Council / Queen / Paul Williams / Traet Her Right / Bob Boilen / Cal Tjader / The Commotions / DJ Zero / Soul Coughing / The Doors / Michael McDonald / Beavis & Butthead / Imperial Brothers / Expose / Jive Rhythm / The Clockers. +++LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE AND WE WILL INCLUDE IT ON AN UPCOMING EPISODE BECAUSE WE ARE SHAMELESS NIMRODS+++