Melena Ryzik

In this episode: Before the Academy Awards on Sunday night, we talk about the candidates for Best Original Song (even one that got kicked off the list along the way) and Best Original Score with Melena Ryzik of The New York Times.

Then, hear Australian songwriter Courtney Barnett and her band perform "Avant Gardener" and more in the Soundcheck studio.

And: This spring is shaping up to be a busy one on Broadway, especially for musicals. We talk with New York Post theater columnist Michael Riedel about a couple of the biggies coming our way -- including Hedwig and the Angry Inch, starring Neil Patrick Harris, If/Then, and Bullets Over Broadway.

In this episode: Violinist Joshua Bell joins us to explain how he ended up becoming the new the music director and conductor of the renowned London-based chamber ensemble Academy of St. Martin in the Fields – and, he plays live.

Plus: The upcoming Academy Awards ceremony seems to be getting more musical by the day. We talk with New York Times writer Melena Ryzik about the live performances planned for the ceremony -- and who might take home the Oscar for best original song and score. 

And: The band known as Matmos has been making its own quirky, creative brand of electronic music since 1997. Their latest album is centered on paranormal brain activity – specifically, telepathy. We’re reading your mind, and know that you will enjoy this interview.