Amplifier

Rising hip-hop star ReeCee has Charlotte 'Rapped' around her finger

This has been a historic year for women in rap and hip-hop, all the way to the 2021 Grammy Awards when Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé broke records as the first pair of

'Those roots are really here': From the Carter Family to Bill Monroe, unearthing the hidden history of Charlotte country music

Back in the 1930s, more country music was recorded in Charlotte than in Nashville, Tennessee. Some of the Charlotte recordings from that period have become part of the es

Sixty years, hundreds of percussion instruments: Native American musician Jim Brock drums up memories

Amplifier is a bi-weekly podcast, not a full-length documentary. If it were the latter, we could easily dedicate a few hours to the work of Jim Brock, the Charlotte music

'New but familiar:' Modern Moxie brings retro-cool to Charlotte

Modern Moxie is a kaleidoscope of musical genres and generational styles, taking dance-happy cues from The Cars and David Bowie and bringing them to a contemporary pop-ro

Ring in the new year with the soaring cinematic jazz of Charlotte crooner Emily Sage

When was the last time a voice stopped you in your tracks, a voice so pure that it simultaneously paints a lush soundscape and transports you to a magical place and time?

Just in time for Christmas: Grammy nominees The HamilTones on finding (musical) joy and (soulful) harmony

After gracing the world’s stages (both physical and virtual), Grammy-nominated acoustic R&B group The HamilTones share some harmonious Christmas memories and hopes for Ch

'Believe them and follow them': Folk musician Si Kahn on 50 Years of rabble-rousing music activism

Long before the coronavirus pandemic, Charlotte musician Si Kahn understood the power of resilience. For the past 55 years, Kahn has dedicated his life's work to civil ri

In a world of streaming music, Charlotte's Lunchbox Records keeps on spinning

Charlotte's Lunchbox Records is known for hosting in-store performances for all ages, stocking records from local acts and receiving signed music memorabilia from Grammy-

'I got tired sitting on the sidelines': Guitarist Justin Fedor on picking, grinning and giving back

Justin Fedor was in the news recently when he was among five "Local Legends" selected by actor Matthew McConaughey and Wild Turkey to receive $10,000 to donate to a commu

Making it big, but still feeling small: Chart-topping Charlotte rapper Lute opens up about mental health

For this 100th Amplifier episode, we talk to up-and-coming rapper Lute, who embodies “the Charlotte music dream." He was born and raised in the 704, recruited by rap lege

Jason Herring is the 'Energizer Bunny' of Charlotte music

For the past 30 years, Jason Herring has been up to his ears in Charlotte music: from being the founder of North Carolina record label 10mm Omega Recordings (home to rock

Charlotte Pop Band DALIA Sing A Love Letter To Latin Music's Borderless Potential

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Charlotte-based Latin band (and 2021 NPR Music Tiny Desk Contest contestant) DALIA, led by vocalist, music educator and North Carol

'Dear Journal': A Day In The Musical Life Of Charlotte Dream Rockers Petrov

The sights you see, the people you meet, the life experiences that shape your hours, days, and years. How would you paint a picture of your day-to-day? If you were to ask

From 'Trash Guy' To 'Trap Soul Artist': Charlotte Native DEVN Is Breaking Generational Curses Through Music

Charlotte native DEVN has had a busy (musical) summer. The up-and-coming music producer not only appeared on a new hit with chart-topping North Carolina rapper Lute, he a

'I Love the Ride, But It's Hell Sometimes': Charlotte Rocker Jay Garrigan On Channeling Stage Fright Into Sonic Flight

Charlotte music veteran Jay Garrigan (Pop Rocket, Temperance League and The Eyebrows) shares how he's taken pent-up anxiety and propelled it forward through punk rock and

The Soul-Searching Journey of Grammy Award-Winning North Carolina R&B Artist Greg Cox

In fall 2018, North Carolina native Greg Cox released his debut full-length album titled “E T C .,” which takes the needle of a record player and places it in the grooves

Together In Life, Love And Harmonious Music: Folk Duo Courtney Lynn And Quinn Celebrate Pride And Partnership

Charlotte singer-songwriter duo Courtney Lynn and Quinn are partners in life, love and harmonious country folk music.

'Life Is Weird ... And Awesome': Words Of Wisdom From Charlotte Folk Rapper Nige Hood

Charlotte hip-hop artist (and self-described creator of "folk rap") Nige Hood shares his thoughts on life's unique rhythm, from sharing a stage with Kendrick Lamar to rap

Play That Funky Music: Groove 8 On Being Broken Up By Prince, Reunited By Quincy Jones And Calling Charlotte Home

Charlotte has a rich history of funk music. Back in 1965, the "Grandmaster of Funk" himself Mr. James Brown recorded his single “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” right here in

Sixty Years, Hundreds Of Percussion Instruments: Native American Musician Jim Brock Drums Up Memories

Amplifier is a bi-weekly podcast, not a full-length documentary. If it were the latter, we could easily dedicate a few hours to the work of Jim Brock, the Charlotte music