NPR Music Tiny Desk Concerts

Season 2016

Not Rated
National Public Radio brings many different musicians in to play a short concert in the office.
Where to Watch Season 2016
91 Episodes
  • Rapsody
    E1
    RapsodyWatch the rapper perform three songs from Beauty And The Beast live at the NPR Music offices.
  • Mariachi Flor De Toloache
    E2
    Mariachi Flor De ToloacheWhile on tour with The Arcs, the powerhouse mariachi band performs live in the NPR Music offices.
  • Natalie Merchant
    E3
    Natalie MerchantThe singer-songwriter gives a warmhearted performance of two new songs, an old favorite and a hymn.
  • Benny Sings
    E4
    Benny SingsThe Dutch singer layers R&B, jazz and pop over hip-hop beats in his first-ever U.S. appearance.
  • River Whyless
    E5
    River WhylessThe North Carolina band fills its rootsy music with unexpected instruments and clever ideas.
  • Wolf Alice
    E6
    Wolf AliceThe band's music can be noisy and primal, but at the Tiny Desk it showed a different side.
  • The Arcs
    E7
    The ArcsIt's our 500th show at the Tiny Desk, featuring The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach and his new band.
  • EL VY
    E8
    EL VYThe National's Matt Berninger and Menomena's Brent Knopf team up in an intimate setting.
  • Car Seat Headrest
    E9
    Car Seat HeadrestWill Toledo is a wordsmith with a vision, as well as a DIY sound that's still finely crafted.
  • Chelsea Wolfe
    E10
    Chelsea WolfeWolfe takes three songs from the metallic Abyss and makes them howl by their lonesome.
  • Ben Folds
    E11
    Ben FoldsPerforming solo, Folds performs three songs from his new album and two old favorites.
  • Wilco
    E12
    WilcoBands don't typically get to play the Tiny Desk more than once, but Wilco is a natural exception.
  • Brushy One String
    E13
    Brushy One StringThe word-of-mouth star's sound is made by one big fat E-string and a rich, powerful voice.
  • Lake Street Dive
    E14
    Lake Street DivePerformed live at the Tiny Desk, the band's songs often tilt toward soul or rock danceably.
  • Monsieur Periné
    E15
    Monsieur PerinéThe Colombian band channels an unlikely inspiration: 1920s-era, guitar-driven jazz from the U.S.
  • Julien Baker
    E16
    Julien BakerThe young Tennessee singer performs three of her spare, sad, simple songs at the NPR Music offices.
  • Gaelynn Lea
    E17
    Gaelynn LeaWatch the singer and violinist who stood out from 6,000-plus entries in NPR's Tiny Desk Contest.
  • Graham Nash
    E18
    Graham NashIn a short set that spans 50 years, the CSNY veteran's voice resonates and cuts to the core.
  • Tedeschi Trucks Band
    E19
    Tedeschi Trucks BandSinger-guitarist Susan Tedeschi and guitarist Derek Trucks celebrate the blues, jazz and much more.
  • Anthony Hamilton
    E20
    Anthony HamiltonHear the soul star and his band perform "Amen," plus three songs that have defined his career.
  • Ane Brun
    E21
    Ane BrunWatch Brun play three new songs, each of which speaks to newfound freedom and fresh opportunities.
  • PWR BTTM
    E22
    PWR BTTMThe duo has a keen sense of mischief and a gift for honest, punk-infused, tongue-in-cheek pop gems.
  • Mothers
    E23
    MothersMothers' members chose a few of their slowest, most languid songs to perform in the NPR offices.
  • Palehound
    E24
    PalehoundEllen Kempner and her band perform tense and evocative songs amid the silence of a rapt crowd.
  • Seratones
    E25
    SeratonesThe Louisiana band takes gospel into the garage, and what comes out is fiery rock 'n' roll.
  • Benjamin Clementine
    E26
    Benjamin ClementineThere are intimate moments of revelation in Clementine's immersive, breathtaking performance.
  • Julia Holter
    E27
    Julia HolterThe most minute details become a grandiose spectacle in Holter's cosmic cabaret.
  • Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds
    E28
    Sister Sparrow & The Dirty BirdsThe band's punchy horn section, bluesy vocals and harmonica solos instantly demand attention.
  • Peter Frampton
    E29
    Peter FramptonFrampton brought some classic songs to the Tiny Desk. We couldn't help but sing along.
  • Florist
    E30
    FloristEmily Sprague performs three delicate songs with help from members of New York's Epoch collective.
  • Eighth Blackbird
    E31
    Eighth BlackbirdWatch the sextet perform new music by David Lang, Bryce Dessner and Robert Honstein.
  • Monika
    E32
    MonikaWhen you hear Monika, life feels good: The singer's performances and presence are simply winning.
  • Lara St. John
    E33
    Lara St. JohnWith her intrepid pianist in tow, the violinist performs rowdy tunes that will leave you breathless.
  • Daymé Arocena
    E34
    Daymé ArocenaArocena's voice combines Aretha Franklin's soul and the sabor of Cuban music queen Celia Cruz.
  • Steve Kimock
    E35
    Steve KimockThe veteran jam-rock guitarist's dedication to his instrument is matched only by his imagination.
  • Andy Shauf
    E36
    Andy ShaufThe Saskatchewan singer-songwriter performs three quietly affecting songs in the NPR Music offices.
  • Robert Ellis
    E37
    Robert EllisEllis plays thoughtfully stripped-down arrangements from his ambitious country record.
  • Carrie Rodriguez
    E38
    Carrie RodriguezWatch the singer, guitarist and fiddler play three songs that reflect her many cultural influences.
  • Andrew Bird
    E39
    Andrew BirdFor this performance of three new songs, Bird comes with a stripped-down acoustic band.
  • Barry Douglas
    E40
    Barry DouglasWatch the award-winning Irish pianist play traditional songs from the homeland.
  • Sam Beam & Jesca Hoop
    E41
    Sam Beam & Jesca HoopIron & Wine's singer performs three songs with the charming, inventive singer Jesca Hoop.
  • Weaves
    E42
    WeavesThe band's music is playful and quirky — sometimes loud, sometimes gentle and always a trip.
  • Chick Corea & Gary Burton
    E43
    Chick Corea & Gary BurtonThe two highly decorated jazz legends could barely fit their instruments behind the Tiny Desk.
  • Alessio Bax
    E44
    Alessio BaxFor Father's Day, watch the pianist play lullabies to his daughter, who nearly steals the show.
  • Brandy Clark
    E45
    Brandy ClarkThe country singer-songwriter has a rare gift for making any room feel warmly human.
  • Mashrou' Leila
    E46
    Mashrou' LeilaA rock band from Beirut performs songs that mix hedonism and hyper-literate lyrics.
  • Charles Lloyd & Jason Moran
    E47
    Charles Lloyd & Jason MoranThe saxophonist and pianist play three tunes that draw from their past while looking to the future.
  • Adia Victoria
    E48
    Adia VictoriaPerforming at the NPR Music offices, Adia Victoria's voice is powerful and direct, with no artifice.
  • Los Hacheros
    E49
    Los HacherosLos Hacheros' members tap into the deep groove of Afro-Caribbean music that inspires modern salsa.
  • Valley Queen
    E50
    Valley QueenValley Queen plays with nuance and depth, rooted in a California country sound.
  • Jane Bunnett
    E51
    Jane BunnettThe Canadian jazz multi-instrumentalist performs with some of the top young women musicians in Cuba.
  • Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band
    E52
    Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel BandThere's a point when a jam is just a jam, but when a jam becomes a journey... man.
  • Gregory Porter
    E53
    Gregory PorterPorter's music can be serious and heartwarming, but it never loses its sense of wonder and delight.
  • John Congleton And The Nighty Nite
    E54
    John Congleton And The Nighty NiteThe decorated producer seizes the spotlight with songs about how extraordinary it is to be ordinary.
  • Xenia Rubinos
    E55
    Xenia RubinosRubinos uses her Afro-Caribbean roots as a jumping-off point for inventive, provocative songs.
  • Lucy Dacus
    E56
    Lucy DacusThe Virginia musician writes songs that can be thoughtful, playful and powerful.
  • Kevin Morby
    E57
    Kevin MorbyThe singer, known for Woods and The Babies, performs carefully crafted songs with powerful lyrics.
  • Rachel Barton Pine
    E58
    Rachel Barton PineWatch the genial violinist commune with nearly 300-year-old music for solo violin by J.S. Bach.
  • The Jayhawks
    E59
    The JayhawksThe beloved band displays its signature country-tinged rock and close harmonies in four new songs.
  • René Marie
    E60
    René MarieJoined by her Experiment In Truth band, the jazz singer performs songs from Sound Of Red.
  • Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals
    E61
    Anderson .Paak & The Free NationalsWatch the invigorating, genre-busting bandleader, drummer, singer and rapper perform four songs.
  • Eddie Palmieri
    E62
    Eddie PalmieriAn icon for modern and Latin jazz, the veteran performer continues to break tradition and innovate.
  • Margaret Glaspy
    E63
    Margaret GlaspyNo overplaying, no frills, just great music and an artist who sounds thrilled to be playing it.
  • Nina Diaz
    E64
    Nina DiazAs a solo artist on leave from Girl In A Coma, the singer finds new ways to sound ferocious.
  • Big Thief
    E65
    Big ThiefThe band's songs exude muscular warmth, with lyrics that are both memorable and meaningful.
  • William Bell
    E66
    William BellThe 77-year-old blues and soul hitmaker returns to the spotlight with the aid of a 12-piece band.
  • The Secret Sisters
    E67
    The Secret SistersThe Alabama sibling duo's music can be hymn-like: plain but powerful, heartsick and hopeful.
  • Saul Williams
    E68
    Saul WilliamsYou can feel the singer and poet's passion in every sharp, thoughtful, powerful, provocative word.
  • Corinne Bailey Rae
    E69
    Corinne Bailey RaeThe genre-defying English singer-songwriter performs material from her first album in six years.
  • Blue Man Group
    E70
    Blue Man GroupThe world-famous entertainers retrofitted their instruments and confetti cannons to fit the desk.
  • Joshua Bell & Jeremy Denk
    E71
    Joshua Bell & Jeremy DenkTwo A-list classical artists work up a sweat as they revel in the turbulent, tender music of Brahms.
  • Common At The White House
    E72
    Common At The White HouseThe veteran rapper fronts an all-star band at the White House.
  • Haley Bonar
    E73
    Haley BonarThe Minnesota singer-songwriter achieves a nifty balance of intimacy and impeccable polish.
  • RDGLDGRN
    E74
    RDGLDGRNA striking mix of rock, hip-hop, funk, go-go and Brazilian sounds, fused with energy and humor.
  • Billy Bragg & Joe Henry
    E75
    Billy Bragg & Joe HenryThe two songwriters celebrate the romance and vitality of the modern railroad.
  • Blind Pilot
    E76
    Blind PilotThe folk-pop band performs four songs from its shimmery new album, And Then Like Lions.
  • Drive-By Truckers
    E77
    Drive-By TruckersThe long-running rock band holds a mirror to the hard realities of America right now.
  • Joseph
    E78
    JosephThe trio strips anthemic songs down to the essentials: just sisterly harmonies and acoustic guitar.
  • The Westerlies
    E79
    The WesterliesThe self-described "accidental brass quartet" swims comfortably in jazz, classical and pop music.
  • Ta-ku & Wafia
    E80
    Ta-ku & WafiaThe two Australians' chemistry is apparent the instant you hear their voices intertwined in song.
  • Adam Torres
    E81
    Adam TorresThe Austin singer-songwriter showcases his high, lonesome voice and atmospheric storytelling.
  • John Paul White
    E82
    John Paul WhiteFormerly half of The Civil Wars, White returns to perform three songs from his solo debut, Beulah.
  • Attacca Quartet
    E83
    Attacca QuartetThe young quartet navigates smoke rings, alligators and the stormy fluctuations of the 18th century.
  • Tegan And Sara
    E84
    Tegan And SaraThe Canadian pop duo crafts acoustic versions of pop anthems like "Closer and "Boyfriend."
  • Margo Price
    E85
    Margo PriceOn the morning after Election Day, Price sang three cathartic country songs loaded with new meaning.
  • Pinegrove
    E86
    PinegroveWatch the New Jersey band squeeze four songs into a scrappy, warmhearted 13-minute set.
  • Ro James
    E87
    Ro JamesThe R&B singer performs three funky, sexy, stripped-down songs from his debut album, Eldorado.
  • Alsarah & The Nubatones
    E88
    Alsarah & The NubatonesIn the band's hands, East African music comes alive in a mix of tradition and contemporary sounds.
  • Gucci Mane
    E89
    Gucci ManeThe rapper has spent the year on an extended victory tour. Here are the spoils.
  • Derek Gripper
    E90
    Derek GripperThe classically trained guitarist performs songs originally written for the kora.
  • The Oh Hellos
    E91
    The Oh HellosThe nine-piece band returns to the Tiny Desk to fill the air with fake snow and real joy.
 
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