The Wonders of Songwriting, Pt. Two (feat. Nick Hakim)

What is the sound of where you come from? Is it a particular song you remember from your childhood? Maybe it’s a collection of remembered sounds from your first home—a train that passed nearby, or the wildlife that would sing at night. Maybe it’s the first song that you ever really connected to, the one that first made you feel like you belonged. In this special episode, we’re exploring this question from many perspectives. Hanif speaks to composer and multi-instrumentalist Angélica Negrón, whose work is deeply invested in these questions of sound, home, and belonging. Plus we hear from Hanif’s friends, and from you, our listeners, about what ‘the sound of where I come from’ means to you. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to https://www.mixcloud.com/sonos/ Music in this episode:O-H-I-O - Ohio PlayersLetter Home - Defiance, OhioFindlay, Ohio 1968 - Indigo GirlsCuyahoga - R.E.M.Cleveland Is The City - Bone Thugs-N-HarmonyLook At Miss Ohio - Gillian Welch Show Notes:In this episode, you heard: 1) La Nueva Ciudad, by Balún, 2) El Colapso by Angélica Negrón and 3) an excerpt from Sembrar & Pasajero, performed live by Angélica Negrón at The Greene Space as part of her variety show, El Living Room. Check out more of her work at https://www.angelicanegron.com/ and on instagram at @little_miss_echo. For photos of the Object of Sound Room from On Air: The Podcast Experience, check out experiencepodcasts.com. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Schuyler Swenson, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos. 

Imagine walking inside a room that was made for fans of this show. We've teamed up with the first-ever immersive podcast experience happening Feb 23-26 at Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg Brooklyn to make it happen. Flip through original vinyl and artifacts from the show, add your selects to a living playlist, and if you're lucky, run into Hanif in the room! All the details are available at bit.ly/oos-experience

Welcome to our first ever year end special, ‘This Year In Music with Hanif Abdurraqib.’ December is the perfect time to look back on all the incredible music that has been released over the past year: the songs that moved us to dance, and the songs that helped us endure. In this hour-long deep dive, we'll review the musical highlights of 2022 and make predictions about the future of music in 2023 together with special guests Kelela, Sam Sanders, and Santigold.Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Edwin Ochoa and Jason Saldanha and the team at PRX and of course, Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

In Mali, where Fatoumata Diawara was raised, it is common for women to sing, but much rarer for women to play an instrument. As a result, Fatoumata—who is one of the first, if not the first woman guitarist in all of Mali—has developed a self-taught, intuitive guitar playing style that is entirely her own. “This way of playing, it's me,” says Fatoumata. “It represents my fight as a musician, as an African, and as a lady on stage.” In this episode of Object of Sound, Fatoumata talks to Hanif about how she discovered her calling as a musician, and the exciting ways that she is fusing the traditional music of her homeland with Western influences on her third studio album, out next year. Hanif closes the episode with a selection of blues and folk music from Mali. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com. Music In This Week’s Episode: Kalan - Fatoumata DiawaraBassemory - Mamou SidibéLalla - TinariwenKuma - Salif KeitaSabali - Amadou & MariamSarama - Oumou SangaréTongo Barra - Vieux Farka Touré, Khruangbin Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

The night before Thanksgiving, Hanif has a special invented tradition: every year, he makes a batch of cupcakes and watches The Last Waltz—and every year, he finds new things to love about the film. Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Last Waltz is a 1978 concert film documenting the final performance of The Band. To Hanif, the movie is not just a collection of great performances, but a study in exquisite tenderness, and how to say goodbye. Hrishikesh Hirway joins Hanif to discuss the film in this special episode recorded live at On Air Fest LA Annex 2022. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com.  Music In This Week’s Episode: Sip the Wine - Rick DankoDon’t Do It - The BandMy Love - Rick Danko and Richard ManuelDown South in New Orleans - The Band, Bobby CharlesFalse Hearted Lover Blues - Levon HelmTura Lura Lural (That’s an Irish Lullaby) - The Band, Van Morrison All Our Past Times - Rick DankoShowdown at Big Sky - Robbie Robertson Show Notes:This special episode of Object of Sound was recorded live at On Air LA Annex.Check out the clips from the Last Waltz that Hanif shared with Hrishi on stage: the Band performing Caravan with Van Morrison, Helpless with Neil Young, The Weight with the Staples Singers. Plus, the clip of Rick Danko’s interview with Martin Scorsese. Photos from Hanif and Hrishi’s conversation on stage at On Air LA Annex can be found on our instagram, @objectofsound. The artwork for Music from Big Pink inspired Hanif to pick up the Band’s music at his local library. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

“Music is a time machine,” says Ben Gibbard, singer and guitarist of Death Cab for Cutie. Just a few bars of a beloved song can be transportative, an instant reminder of another time and place. “And if you've been that in someone's life, you have a responsibility to keep that material alive.” For Ben, that means continuing to honor and perform work from Death Cab for Cutie’s back catalog—some of which he wrote when he was only twenty years old—while constantly pushing the band to new creative heights. On this episode of Object of Sound, Ben and Hanif talk about what it is like to live alongside the work we produce, and how our relationship to it changes as we grow up. Hanif closes the episode with a playlist of songs about getting older. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com.Music In This Week’s Episode:  Here to Forever - Death Cab For CutieGrandma’s Hands - Bill WithersWhen You’re Old And Lonely - The Magnetic Fields20 Something - SZABitter with the Sweet - Carole KingIntrospection - UMIThose Were The Days - Angel OlsenThe Lights are Going Out -  Orchestral Manoeuvres in the DarkShow Notes:Asphalt Meadows is out now.Ocean Child: the Songs of Yoko Ono is available now for purchase and streaming. A portion of proceeds from the album go to WhyHunger.If you’re also a fan of OMD, you can get your very own t shirt just like the one Ben was wearing during our interview.Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

“While I’m alive, I’ll make tiny changes to Earth.” Written by Scott Hutchison, the late frontman of the band Frightened Rabbit, this line has provided comfort, consolation, and inspiration to those who loved Scott’s music. A talented and witty lyricist, Scott’s songs could be devastatingly crushing or funny, visceral or resonant—sometimes all in the same track. But an artist is more than the work they produce, and so, on this episode of Object of Sound, we’re celebrating not only Scott’s music, but also his life and legacy. We speak to Ben Gibbard, Frank Turner, Georgia Maq, and more, who share memories and impressions of the way Scott and his music shaped their lives. We’ll also hear from listeners who called into the Object of Sound hotline to talk about what Scott’s music means to them, and all the changes—both tiny and profound—that he has made to the lives of his listeners. Closing the episode, Hanif walks us through a playlist of some of his top Scott Hutchison songs. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com. Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of mental illness and suicide that may be upsetting for some listeners. Please take care of yourself. We invite you to listen to this episode if you feel comfortable and able, or to skip out and join us again next week. If you are in need of support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the USA can be reached with the three-digit dialing code 988, or by calling 1-800-273-8255. Music In This Week’s Episode: Swim Until You Can’t See Land - Frightened RabbitThe Twist - Frightened RabbitTen Tons of Silence - Owl JohnA Good Reason to Grow Old - Owl JohnBird is Bored of Flying - MastersystemNotes on a Life Not Quite Lived - Mastersystem Show Notes:Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of mental illness and suicide that may be upsetting for some listeners. Please take care of yourself. We invite you to listen to this episode if you feel comfortable and able, or to skip out and join us again next week. If you are in need of support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the USA can be reached with the three-digit dialing code 988, or by calling 1-800-273-8255. Ben Gibbard, Craig Finn and Jeff Zeigler all contributed to Tiny Changes: A Celebration of Frightened Rabbit’s ‘The Midnight Organ Fight’, along with previous Object of Sound guests Julien Baker and Aaron Dessner.Ben Gibbard, Craig Finn, Julien Baker and Aaron Dessner also participated in the Rough Trade Tribute, Tiny Changes: A Celebration Of The Songs Of Scott Hutchison on Dec 5, 2018. In 2019, Scott Hutchison’s family created Tiny Changes, a non-profit organization that supports efforts to improve mental health in children and young people. Frank Turner wrote A Wave Across the Bay to honor Scott’s memory. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.

Before Tegan and Sara sat down to make Crybaby, they had to navigate a series of breakups—with their label, their management, and (almost) with each other. “This is our breakup record,” says Sara Quin, “but we're not going to break up. We’re siblings. We can’t.” In the turmoil that followed, Tegan and Sara rebuilt their professional team, repaired their relationship, and completely reinvented their collaborative songwriting process for Crybaby, one of their most exciting releases yet. In this episode of Object of Sound, Tegan and Sara talk to Hanif about tenderness, tantrums, and the delight of destroying everything so you can make it all over again. To close the episode, Hanif guides us through a selection of breakup songs. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com.Music In This Week’s Episode: This Ain’t Going Well - Tegan and SaraEvergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All) - Omar ApolloCherry Blossom - Pom Pom SquadSelf Fulfilling Prophecy - Pretty SickWe Can’t Be Friends (with R.L.) - Deborah Cox, R.L.Happy After - AlgebraHow Long Do I Have To Wait For You? - Sharon Jones & The Dap-KingsBad Friend - Rina Sawayama Show Notes:Crybaby is out now. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos. 

Carly Rae Jepsen is a writer’s writer. “I am very excited about the idea of writing it in all directions,” Carly says — and for the making of her latest album, The Loneliest Time, that meant writing literally hundreds of songs. On this episode of Object of Sound, Hanif and Carly Rae Jepsen talk about the unique collaborative process that went into narrowing that collection of songs down to the thirteen tracks on the album. Carly opens up about the challenges and opportunities of songwriting during the pandemic, and her drive to keep challenging the idea of what a pop song can be. Inspired by Carly’s recent experience at a James Taylor concert, Hanif closes the episode with a playlist of great songs to cry to. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com. Music In This Week’s Episode: Surrender My Heart - Carly Rae JepsenNorthern Sky - Nick DrakeSomeday We’ll All Be Free - Donny HathawayThe Very Thought of You - Nat King ColeI Don’t Smoke - MitskiWhen The Sun Hits - SlowdiveGood Goodbye - Lianne La HavasLong Ride Home - Patti GriffinShow Notes:Carly Rae Jepsen’s The Loneliest Time is out today, October 21. Check out the full 8.5 hour version of Hanif’s Mega Sad Playlist, crowdsourced on Twitter and collected by Zineb Nour, here. This episode is part of our mini series, “The Wonders of Songwriting,” three special episodes on Object of Sound devoted to the art of how songs become songs. Hanif talks to artists Ravyn Lenae, Nick Hakim, and Carly Rae Jepsen to understand where their love of language comes from, how words become images become music, where the ideas begin, and how they morph as they move from the page into the intangible space of melody and vibration.If you’re a writer or maker in need of a creative refuel, check out Hanif’s recent interview on Creative Pep Talk, which also features lessons from artists we’ve interviewed here on Object of Sound.Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.  

“One of the most meditative things about writing is that you kind of forget where you are,” says Nick Hakim. “If you're tapped into it, you're not really thinking about anything else.” On this episode of Object of Sound, Nick recalls the spontaneous 5:00am recordings and free writing that went into the making of his new album COMETA, out October 21. Plus, Nick treats us to a special sneak peek of Perfume—one of Hanif’s favorite tracks off COMETA—and shares with us the inspiration behind the song, which beautifully captures the excitement of new love. Building on the album's themes, Hanif curates a playlist of songs all about falling in love to close out the episode. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode, head over to radio.sonos.com. Music In This Week’s Episode: Vertigo - Nick HakimShoe In - Secret StarsFallingforyou - The 1975I Like It - DeBargeCaught Up In The Rapture - Anita BakerI Couldn’t Love You More - SadeKiss Me - Sixpence None The RicherDarling - Montell Fish Show Notes:Nick Hakim’s COMETA is out October 21. The singles, Vertigo and Happen, are available now. Check out the poetry of Nick and Hanif’s mutual friend Safia Elhillo, and read Dianne Seuss’ “Romantic Poetry” in the New Yorker. This episode is part of our mini series, “The Wonders of Songwriting,” three special episodes on Object of Sound devoted to the art of how songs become songs. Hanif talks to artists Ravyn Lenae, Nick Hakim, and Carly Rae Jepsen to understand where their love of language comes from, how words become images become music, where the ideas begin, and how they morph as they move from the page into the intangible space of melody and vibration.If you’re a writer or maker in need of a creative refuel, check out Hanif’s recent interview on Creative Pep Talk, which also features lessons from artists we’ve interviewed here on Object of Sound. Credits:This show is produced by work by work: Scott Newman, Jemma Rose Brown, Kathleen Ottinger, Rhiannon Corby, and by Hanif Abdurraqib. The show is mixed by Sam Bair. Extra gratitude to Joe Dawson and Saidah Blount at Sonos.