Today on Soundcheck: Singing the song "Happy Birthday To You" is the traditional way to mark the passage of another year, but the song is protected by copyright. Hear about the quest to create a new, royalty-free birthday song.
Plus, Australian singer and pianist Missy Higgins walked away from her career just as American audiences started hearing her songs in major TV shows. She performs in the studio and also explains how Sarah McLachlan helped coax her back onstage.
Guests:
Missy Higgins
Missy Higgins: A Bit of the Ol' Razzle Dazzle
Australian singer-songwriter Missy Higgins’ music first appeared in the U.S. on TV dramas like Grey’s Anatomy and Friday Night Lights. Then, as she told us, "I got a bit burnt out." For several years she stayed away from the music biz, attending college, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
The Quest for an Un-'Happy Birthday' Song
A new contest is looking to find a new song for birthdays -- one that's Creative Commons-licensed, so anyone could sing it for free.
Gig Alert: Callers
Brooklyn experimental rock band Callers play Mercury Lounge Monday night. Download the track "Heroes."
Five NYC Questions for Missy Higgins
We ask the Aussie pop star five questions about our hometown, from her favorite park to favorite interaction with a New Yorker.
About Soundcheck ®
Soundcheck® is WNYC’s on-air and online destination for new music, live performances and engaging conversations with artists, critics and tastemakers. Listeners start the conversation at Soundcheck.org and continue it with host John Schaefer every weeknight at 9 p.m. on 93.9 FM and WNYC.org.
We want to hear from you! Respond to anything you’ve heard on the show, ask us a question or share a story:
Phone: 866-939-1612
Email: soundcheck@wnyc.org
Twitter: @Soundcheck // Facebook