"Alynda Segarra is a great singer and songwriter who is also a keen observer of what's really going on out there," eTown host Nick Forster says of his guest, aka Hurray for the Riff Raff, "including struggles and oppression and injustice and drug addiction and also love and dancing and friendship and nature. It's another beautiful journey." Segarra made their debut on the show this weekend, accompanied by Johnny Wilson to perform songs from Hurray for the Riff Raff's new album, The Past Is Still Alive—"Hawkmoon," "Buffalo," and "Alibi"—as well as "RHODODENDRON," from their Nonesuch debut album, LIFE ON EARTH, and a finale of "Midnight Special," with fellow guest Peter One. Segarra also spoke with Forster about their life, the new album, and more. You can hear the complete episode, recorded earlier this year on tour in Colorado, below via Spotify and Apple Music and watch Segarra's interview and performances:

Hurray for the Riff Raff (aka Alynda Segarra) created The Past Is Still Alive during a period of personal grief, when they found inspiration in radical poetry, railroad culture, outsider art, the work of writer Eileen Myles, and activist groups like ACT UP and Gran Fury. Segarra uses their lyrics as a way to immortalize and say goodbye to those they have loved and lost, and to honor both the heartbroken and the hopeful parts of themselves. "Segarra has created an epic tale of life on the road, a nearly mythic version of their own life story that stands alongside other great American musical travelogues," exclaims NPR Music. "Career-defining." Rolling Stone says: "Segarra has honed their craft into a cohesive, astonishingly realized singer-songwriter record ... the best batch of songs Segarra's ever written." Paste calls it "a celebratory measure of love, sanctuary, and defiance ... In their hands, the trauma of the present day is a prelude to the possibilities of a better tomorrow." You can get the album and hear it here.

Hurray for the Riff Raff played two hometown shows in New Orleans this weekend, including a set at New Orleans Jazz Fest. They kick off a tour of Europe in Dublin on May 10 and return to tour North America this summer, including headline shows and a run as special guest of Norah Jones. For details and tickets, visit nonesuch.com/on-tour.