Curated Video
How to Make a Sad Song
It only takes a few notes of Sarah MacLachlan’s “Angel” over images of homeless dogs and cats to trigger our tear ducts. Heartbreaking visuals aside, what makes the song itself so sad? What is it musically about a song that makes it...
Curated Video
How James Brown Invented Funk
James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, created the DNA for funk. Musicians LA Buckner and Nahre Sol explore how he created funk music, as well as how Brown's music influenced hip hop. They break down the sound of the genre, and create their...
Great Big Story
Comforting the dying with song, the Threshold Choir's mission
Discover how the Threshold Choir brings comfort and peace to the dying through gentle song.
The Guardian
The Joy and Judgement of Being Out and Proud in Lebanon
The Lebanese band Mashrou' Leila, has long been celebrated and condemned for being unabashedly queer and influencing discussions about queer representation in the Middle East. This video features members of the band and Tarek Ziedan, the...
Curated Video
What I'd Do If I Started Composing Again From Zero
Advice for brand new composers that I've learned in my career
Curated Video
Your Final Score Is Your First Draft
How to critically examine your own music, and take it from good to great
Curated Video
Your Final Score Is Your First Draft
How to critically examine your own music, and take it from good to great
Curated Video
What I'd Do If I Started Composing Again From Zero
Advice for brand new composers that I've learned in my career
Curated Video
What is the Best Way To Start a Song?
Methods and Strategies for starting to write a new musical work
Curated Video
How Do Carrier Pigeons Know Where to Go?
Carrier pigeons have an innate ability known as magnetoreception, which enables them to detect and orient themselves based on magnetic fields. Humans lack this ability, but many bird species have the skill to varying degrees. Rock...
Curated Video
What is Constitution Day?
Constitution Day takes place every year on September 17. It celebrates the written document that outlines the rights and freedoms of U.S. citizens.
Great Big Story
Dumbfoundead, Breaking Barriers in Hip Hop as a Korean-American Artist
Explore the impactful journey of Jonathan Park, aka Dumbfoundead, a rapper from Los Angeles using his music to challenge stereotypes and advocate for Asian-American representation in the entertainment industry.
Great Big Story
Elvis Otieno, Kenya's voice of country music
Meet Elvis Otieno, Nairobi's country musician inspired by legends and driven by heartfelt storytelling.
Great Big Story
Bringing Back Cakes of Dessert Past
Valerie Gordon revives extinct desserts from iconic bakeries,bringing back the taste of the past and the joy of nostalgia.
Great Big Story
The Man Making Hasidic Music Pop
Explore the remarkable journey of Lipa Schmeltzer, an unconventional figure in the Hasidic community, known for blending traditional Hasidic music with modern genres. From a close-knit religious upbringing to breaking barriers with his...
PBS
Mari Lwyd: The Skeleton Horse's Deep Past with Christmas
The coastal villages of Wales around the winter holidays have a unique nighttime visitor. A grim skeletal equine monster roams the streets with a rag tag group and demands entry to the homes of the citizenry, demanding food and drink....
PBS
The Fatal Song of the Sirens
This episode explains how sirens appeared in ancient history, from literature to art, and looks at how the half human half bird creatures became more commonly associated with mermaids. From Ancient Greek legends to Medieval bestiaries,...
Great Big Story
The Icon Behind Shakira's Super Bowl Halftime Performance
Step into the world of Jaquel Knight, a renowned choreographer and image architect who has crafted iconic dance moments for global music sensations. From Beyoncé's 'Single Ladies' to Pharrell's N.E.R.D. featuring Rihanna in 'Lemon,'...
Great Big Story
The Six Seconds Connecting David Bowie, NWA and Skrillex
Discover the iconic Amen break, a 6-second drum solo that shaped N.W.A. to Skrillex. Explore its influence across genres and its impact on music history.
Great Big Story
Meet the Man Behind the “Saved by the Bell” Theme Song
Meet Scott Gale, the musical mastermind behind the catchy theme song of Saved by the Bell, a show that defined the 90s with its memorable music and timeless charm.
Great Big Story
The Most Sampled Loop in Music History
Delve into the captivating history of the Amen break, a four-bar drum solo from The Winstons' 'Amen Brother' that revolutionized music production and left an indelible mark across various genres. Learn how Breakbeat Lou and Lenny Roberts...
Great Big Story
Waffle House Has Its Own Record Label
Step into a Waffle House and you'll encounter more than just sizzling bacon and brewing coffee; you'll also find the rhythm of Waffle Records echoing through the air. Meet Shelby White, president of Waffle Records, the in-house label of...
Great Big Story
How Bill Nye Got Into the Rap Game (Sort Of)
Discover the untold story of creating the iconic Bill Nye theme song and the legendary composer behind it.
Great Big Story
The Genius Behind karaoke
Explore the fascinating journey of Daisuke Inoue, the unsung hero behind the global karaoke phenomenon. From his humble beginnings as a drummer in Osaka to inventing the world's first karaoke machine, the juke eight, Inoue's story is one...