The celebrated English novelist Nick Hornby (High Fidelity, About a Boy) often writes about music and musicians, so it only made sense that he'd want to make some music of his own. He's teamed up with the pop pianist Ben Folds for a new album called Lonely Avenue. Today on Soundcheck: Ben Folds performs tracks off the new album, and the pair discusses their creative collaboration.

Converse, the sneaker brand found on the feet of rockers everywhere - from The Ramones to The Strokes - recently announced that it's opening its own recording studio. Bands like Best Coast and the rap artist Kid Cudi have already signed on to record songs for the company. New York Times music writer Ben Sisario joins us to explain why a shoe brand is getting into the music business.

Earlier this week, the world mourned the loss of beloved soprano Joan Sutherland. She was known as "La Stupenda" for her dynamic range and powerful performance. Music critic and food writer Fred Plotkin joins us to look back on the life of the acclaimed opera singer.

Converse: sneakers to the stars.  Rock stars anyway...

The Dirty Projectors bassist Nat Baldwin turns experimental musical ideas into sweet sounding pop music, armed with his bowed double bass and cooing voice. Download his "Lifted" here.

The 13-piece Spanish Harlem Orchestra, led by veteran arranger Oscar Hernández is one of the last hometown groups that keeps New York dancers twirling to classic salsa dura sounds. Catch the group's album release party at SOBs tonight, and download its “La Fiesta Empezó" here.

Cornetist Taylor Ho Bynum's contemporary jazz supergroup the Thirteenth Assembly plays the Issue Project Room Tonight. Download the group's playful "Chantal" here.