Arlo Parks: Tiny Desk Concert
387,519
Published 2023-11-01
Watching Arlo Parks read an excerpt from her newly published book of poetry, The Magic Border, during her performance, it felt like a full circle moment for her. Her origins as a musician began with poetry, but she also explained between songs that Tiny Desk concerts also planted seeds during her formative years as an artist. "This session is generally one of the reasons that I decided to make music and I grew up with this session, so it's really special to be here.." Three years ago, with just a guitar in tow, she recorded a Tiny Desk home concert. Two albums later, she's made it official behind the real Desk, this time with a full band to back her up.
Aside from "Eugene" from her Grammy-nominated, Mercury Prize-winning debut album, the entire set is comprised of cuts from her sophomore album, My Soft Machine. The drum loops and breaks hit hard on My Soft Machine, but these stripped-down versions deviate just enough to allow her voice to sit at the forefront. Whether speaking or singing, the British singer-songwriter puts me at ease and eloquently articulates relatable emotions in ways a mere layman couldn't imagine. At 23 years old, her poetic, feelings-first approach to music continues to set her apart from so many others in her class and I'm excited to hear how this coming-of-age story continues to evolve.
SET LIST
"Blades"
"Eugene"
"Pegasus"
"Impurities"
MUSICIANS
Arlo Parks: lead vocals
James Fernandez: drums, music direction
Hannah Jacobs: keys, vocals
Sam Harding: bass, vocals
Dani Diodato: guitar, vocals
Matt Maijah: vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Director/Editor: Maia Stern
Audio Engineer: Hannah Gluvna
Videographers: Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame
Production Assistant: Zayrha Rodriguez
Audio Assistant: Kwesi Lee
Photographer: Catie Dull
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Josh Rogosin, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #arloparks #tinydesk
All Comments (21)
-
Want to play your own Tiny Desk concert? Unsigned musicians, enter the 2024 Tiny Desk Contest between Jan. 23 and Feb. 21. Learn more: npr.org/tinydeskcontest.
-
There is nothing quite like the feeling of never having heard or heard of an artist and then hearing their voice for the first time on NPR TDC. It's truly special.
-
An old man, 78, and from Sweden likes this. Never think of oldies as not really a part of community. We are still here. And I believe most of young people nowadays like us a lot. As we old people also like you, young people. ♥
-
you know the iced latte is gonna be fire when the barista looks like these guys, also, amazing music
-
love how the whole band's enjoying the music, beautiful to watch
-
The keyboard player just radiates love and positivity.
-
ARLO MY QUEEN!!!! collapsed in sunbeams got my through covid. seen them twice in concert in nyc and their energy in person is nothing but ethereal. amazing amazing
-
Arlo is amazing. And Tiny Desk is one of the best things on the Internet. Thank you @NPRMusic!
-
Man I love Arlo so much, got me through the pandemic. She’s a safe place. Her voice and vibe ugh 🤍
-
The pianist playing both the piano and keyboard at the same time is INSANE‼️
-
What a beautiful voice. Tiny Desk is always introducing us to what we didn't know we wanted. The musicians are not to be slept on.
-
glad to say ive been an arlo fan for over 3 years now. 2 studio albums and a book later and shes done nothing but impress me time and time again!! bravo arlo 👏👏👏
-
THE BAND INTERACTIONS ARE EVERYTHING!!
-
Beautiful performance. Arlo Parks is so good. So honest and warm. Such a great vibe. Tiny Desk production is amazing as always.
-
so glad arlo is getting more recognition!! also that guitarist goes crazy love their playing
-
Another gem from Tiny Desk! Thank you.
-
Arlo and the whole band are such a vibe 🫶
-
agh i love arlo so much, and the band is brilliant, so happy to see them on tiny desk! 💓🌟
-
A burst of talent from the band and Arlo, naturally! You all are the joy, so thank you.
-
Saw Arlo at a big music festival here in Bristol about a month back. It was too large a venue, she suits a more intimate setting.
