Squirrel Flower: Tiny Desk Concert
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Published 2024-03-13
“This little guy is someone we picked up on the road,” Squirrel Flower, aka songwriter Ella Williams, says between songs, referencing a tiny toy alligator resting on her mic stand. The Chicago-based indie rocker stopped by the Tiny Desk on the heels of touring her latest album, Tomorrow’s Fire. Here, she plays stripped back versions of her thundering rock songs without her band, giving way for her low register, affecting lyricism and guitar skills to shine.
There’s an intensity unique to each song Williams plays in her Tiny Desk set. “I told you, I've never been in love,” she begins on the aching "Almost Pulled Away.” On “Alley Light,” she sings about not being able to take things slow, musing “maybe that’s why she loves me.” The set seems to reach its apex on “Finally Rain,” when Williams' vocals ring the loudest. But then for the closer, “Iowa 146,” Williams thaws as she performs with a quiet kind of focus that’s just as powerful. She carefully plucks her strings and asks gently: “If I play you guitar, will everything fall away?”
SET LIST
"Almost Pulled Away"
"Alley Light"
"Finally Rain"
"Iowa 146"
MUSICIANS
Squirrel Flower: vocals, guitar
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Elle Mannion
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Technical Director: Josephine Nyounai
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern
Audio Engineer: Neil Tevault
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Photographer: Michael Zamora
Tiny Desk Team: Joshua Bryant, Hazel Cills
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#tinydesk #nprmusic #squirrelflower
All Comments (21)
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One of the reasons I love tiny desk is because I get to sample music I would not find on my own thank you tiny desk and Squirrel flower
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For those interested in this performance, check out her album “Tomorrow’s Fire” with the full band. It’s a great listen. Her vocal range and vocal control is fantastic, and she is a great guitar player as well. I think she’s amazing.
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I found her after she made a cover of So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings
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Why are people being mean to this young lady? Actually listen to the songs...she has a story to tell! Respect all artist!
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i've been a fan ever since I Was Born Swimming released and its crazy to see how far she's gone after just that short amount of time. such a stunning songwriter and absolutely captivating performer! congrats, ella!!!
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If I could make a sound as sweet as this with just my voice and a guitar I'd consider myself a proper musician.
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This is hauntingly beautiful. Something so pure and real about the sound. Strikes deep into my soul and pulls strings I didn't even realize were there.
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Her WHOLE vibe is calm, insightful, and peaceful... I LOVE IT!!
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“Finally Rain” made me cry, what a beautiful song! Thank you for writing it❤
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THIS is classic tiny desk !!! just a musician and their guitar. what a moving performance. LOVE U SQUIRREL FLOWERRR <333
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Such a beautiful voice, perfectly apropos for such a beautiful human. Thank you, Squirrel Flower, for being who you are. We saw where you dropped the festival over the ongoing genocide in Gaza. ✊🏼🖤🇵🇸 solidarity, sis.
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Ella is amazing. She was great both times I saw her live!❤
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As a Sharon Van Etten fan, this artist stood out to me immediately when I first heard her. I have been playing her songs on repeat for the past several months and haven't gotten sick of her. Her songs are such a beautiful blend of zen and badass. Go see her live if you get the chance! She is amazing
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Love this and Squirrel Flower!❤
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So beautiful. Thanks Tiny Desk!
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Such a beautiful performance and so raw. Emotions are transmitted through her songs with what seems like so little effort but has such a big impact on the listener it’s crazy
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Absolutely beautiful
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Love Squirrel Flower!!
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I can feel the pain in that first song that goes deeper than the ocean. I can see this song being put into a movie and probably your life story as well. I wish you the best, beautiful girl.
