Season 2016

Season 2016

2016-01-05
91 Episodes

Episodes

Rapsody

1. Rapsody

2016-01-05

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Watch the rapper perform three songs from Beauty And The Beast live at the NPR Music offices.

Mariachi Flor De Toloache

2. Mariachi Flor De Toloache

2016-01-08

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While on tour with The Arcs, the powerhouse mariachi band performs live in the NPR Music offices.

Natalie Merchant

3. Natalie Merchant

2016-01-12

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The singer-songwriter gives a warmhearted performance of two new songs, an old favorite and a hymn.

Benny Sings

4. Benny Sings

2016-01-15

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The Dutch singer layers R&B, jazz and pop over hip-hop beats in his first-ever U.S. appearance.

River Whyless

5. River Whyless

2016-01-19

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The North Carolina band fills its rootsy music with unexpected instruments and clever ideas.

Wolf Alice

6. Wolf Alice

2016-01-22

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The band's music can be noisy and primal, but at the Tiny Desk it showed a different side.

The Arcs

7. The Arcs

2016-01-25

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It's our 500th show at the Tiny Desk, featuring The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach and his new band.

EL VY

8. EL VY

2016-01-29

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The National's Matt Berninger and Menomena's Brent Knopf team up in an intimate setting.

Car Seat Headrest

9. Car Seat Headrest

2016-02-08

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Will Toledo is a wordsmith with a vision, as well as a DIY sound that's still finely crafted.

Chelsea Wolfe

10. Chelsea Wolfe

2016-02-12

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Wolfe takes three songs from the metallic Abyss and makes them howl by their lonesome.

Ben Folds

11. Ben Folds

2016-02-16

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Performing solo, Folds performs three songs from his new album and two old favorites.

Wilco

12. Wilco

2016-02-23

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Bands don't typically get to play the Tiny Desk more than once, but Wilco is a natural exception.

Brushy One String

13. Brushy One String

2016-02-27

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The word-of-mouth star's sound is made by one big fat E-string and a rich, powerful voice.

Lake Street Dive

14. Lake Street Dive

2016-02-29

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Performed live at the Tiny Desk, the band's songs often tilt toward soul or rock danceably.

Monsieur Periné

15. Monsieur Periné

2016-03-04

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The Colombian band channels an unlikely inspiration: 1920s-era, guitar-driven jazz from the U.S.

Julien Baker

16. Julien Baker

2016-03-07

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The young Tennessee singer performs three of her spare, sad, simple songs at the NPR Music offices.

Gaelynn Lea

17. Gaelynn Lea

2016-03-11

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Watch the singer and violinist who stood out from 6,000-plus entries in NPR's Tiny Desk Contest.

Graham Nash

18. Graham Nash

2016-03-14

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In a short set that spans 50 years, the CSNY veteran's voice resonates and cuts to the core.

Tedeschi Trucks Band

19. Tedeschi Trucks Band

2016-03-25

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Singer-guitarist Susan Tedeschi and guitarist Derek Trucks celebrate the blues, jazz and much more.

Anthony Hamilton

20. Anthony Hamilton

2016-03-28

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Hear the soul star and his band perform "Amen," plus three songs that have defined his career.

Ane Brun

21. Ane Brun

2016-04-01

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Watch Brun play three new songs, each of which speaks to newfound freedom and fresh opportunities.

PWR BTTM

22. PWR BTTM

2016-04-04

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The duo has a keen sense of mischief and a gift for honest, punk-infused, tongue-in-cheek pop gems.

Mothers

23. Mothers

2016-04-08

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Mothers' members chose a few of their slowest, most languid songs to perform in the NPR offices.

Palehound

24. Palehound

2016-04-11

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Ellen Kempner and her band perform tense and evocative songs amid the silence of a rapt crowd.

Seratones

25. Seratones

2016-04-15

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The Louisiana band takes gospel into the garage, and what comes out is fiery rock 'n' roll.

Benjamin Clementine

26. Benjamin Clementine

2016-04-18

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There are intimate moments of revelation in Clementine's immersive, breathtaking performance.

Julia Holter

27. Julia Holter

2016-04-22

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The most minute details become a grandiose spectacle in Holter's cosmic cabaret.

Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds

28. Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds

2016-04-25

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The band's punchy horn section, bluesy vocals and harmonica solos instantly demand attention.

Peter Frampton

29. Peter Frampton

2016-04-27

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Frampton brought some classic songs to the Tiny Desk. We couldn't help but sing along.

Florist

30. Florist

2016-04-29

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Emily Sprague performs three delicate songs with help from members of New York's Epoch collective.

Eighth Blackbird

31. Eighth Blackbird

2016-05-02

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Watch the sextet perform new music by David Lang, Bryce Dessner and Robert Honstein.

Monika

32. Monika

2016-05-06

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When you hear Monika, life feels good: The singer's performances and presence are simply winning.

Lara St. John

33. Lara St. John

2016-05-09

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With her intrepid pianist in tow, the violinist performs rowdy tunes that will leave you breathless.

Daymé Arocena

34. Daymé Arocena

2016-05-13

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Arocena's voice combines Aretha Franklin's soul and the sabor of Cuban music queen Celia Cruz.

Steve Kimock

35. Steve Kimock

2016-05-16

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The veteran jam-rock guitarist's dedication to his instrument is matched only by his imagination.

Andy Shauf

36. Andy Shauf

2016-05-20

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The Saskatchewan singer-songwriter performs three quietly affecting songs in the NPR Music offices.

Robert Ellis

37. Robert Ellis

2016-05-23

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Ellis plays thoughtfully stripped-down arrangements from his ambitious country record.

Carrie Rodriguez

38. Carrie Rodriguez

2016-05-27

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Watch the singer, guitarist and fiddler play three songs that reflect her many cultural influences.

Andrew Bird

39. Andrew Bird

2016-05-31

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For this performance of three new songs, Bird comes with a stripped-down acoustic band.

Barry Douglas

40. Barry Douglas

2016-06-03

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Watch the award-winning Irish pianist play traditional songs from the homeland.

Sam Beam & Jesca Hoop

41. Sam Beam & Jesca Hoop

2016-06-06

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Iron & Wine's singer performs three songs with the charming, inventive singer Jesca Hoop.

Weaves

42. Weaves

2016-06-10

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The band's music is playful and quirky — sometimes loud, sometimes gentle and always a trip.

Chick Corea & Gary Burton

43. Chick Corea & Gary Burton

2016-06-13

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The two highly decorated jazz legends could barely fit their instruments behind the Tiny Desk.

Alessio Bax

44. Alessio Bax

2016-06-17

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For Father's Day, watch the pianist play lullabies to his daughter, who nearly steals the show.

Brandy Clark

45. Brandy Clark

2016-06-20

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The country singer-songwriter has a rare gift for making any room feel warmly human.

Mashrou' Leila

46. Mashrou' Leila

2016-06-24

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A rock band from Beirut performs songs that mix hedonism and hyper-literate lyrics.

Charles Lloyd & Jason Moran

47. Charles Lloyd & Jason Moran

2016-06-28

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The saxophonist and pianist play three tunes that draw from their past while looking to the future.

Adia Victoria

48. Adia Victoria

2016-06-30

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Performing at the NPR Music offices, Adia Victoria's voice is powerful and direct, with no artifice.

Los Hacheros

49. Los Hacheros

2016-07-05

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Los Hacheros' members tap into the deep groove of Afro-Caribbean music that inspires modern salsa.

Valley Queen

50. Valley Queen

2016-07-08

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Valley Queen plays with nuance and depth, rooted in a California country sound.

Jane Bunnett

51. Jane Bunnett

2016-07-12

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The Canadian jazz multi-instrumentalist performs with some of the top young women musicians in Cuba.

Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band

52. Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band

2016-07-15

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There's a point when a jam is just a jam, but when a jam becomes a journey... man.

Gregory Porter

53. Gregory Porter

2016-07-18

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Porter's music can be serious and heartwarming, but it never loses its sense of wonder and delight.

John Congleton And The Nighty Nite

54. John Congleton And The Nighty Nite

2016-07-22

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The decorated producer seizes the spotlight with songs about how extraordinary it is to be ordinary.

Xenia Rubinos

55. Xenia Rubinos

2016-07-25

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Rubinos uses her Afro-Caribbean roots as a jumping-off point for inventive, provocative songs.

Lucy Dacus

56. Lucy Dacus

2016-07-29

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The Virginia musician writes songs that can be thoughtful, playful and powerful.

Kevin Morby

57. Kevin Morby

2016-08-01

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The singer, known for Woods and The Babies, performs carefully crafted songs with powerful lyrics.

Rachel Barton Pine

58. Rachel Barton Pine

2016-08-05

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Watch the genial violinist commune with nearly 300-year-old music for solo violin by J.S. Bach.

The Jayhawks

59. The Jayhawks

2016-08-08

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The beloved band displays its signature country-tinged rock and close harmonies in four new songs.

René Marie

60. René Marie

2016-08-12

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Joined by her Experiment In Truth band, the jazz singer performs songs from Sound Of Red.

Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals

61. Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals

2016-08-15

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Watch the invigorating, genre-busting bandleader, drummer, singer and rapper perform four songs.

Eddie Palmieri

62. Eddie Palmieri

2016-08-19

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An icon for modern and Latin jazz, the veteran performer continues to break tradition and innovate.

Margaret Glaspy

63. Margaret Glaspy

2016-08-22

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No overplaying, no frills, just great music and an artist who sounds thrilled to be playing it.

Nina Diaz

64. Nina Diaz

2016-08-26

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As a solo artist on leave from Girl In A Coma, the singer finds new ways to sound ferocious.

Big Thief

65. Big Thief

2016-08-29

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The band's songs exude muscular warmth, with lyrics that are both memorable and meaningful.

William Bell

66. William Bell

2016-09-07

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The 77-year-old blues and soul hitmaker returns to the spotlight with the aid of a 12-piece band.

The Secret Sisters

67. The Secret Sisters

2016-09-12

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The Alabama sibling duo's music can be hymn-like: plain but powerful, heartsick and hopeful.

Saul Williams

68. Saul Williams

2016-09-16

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You can feel the singer and poet's passion in every sharp, thoughtful, powerful, provocative word.

Corinne Bailey Rae

69. Corinne Bailey Rae

2016-09-19

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The genre-defying English singer-songwriter performs material from her first album in six years.

Blue Man Group

70. Blue Man Group

2016-09-26

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The world-famous entertainers retrofitted their instruments and confetti cannons to fit the desk.

Joshua Bell & Jeremy Denk

71. Joshua Bell & Jeremy Denk

2016-09-30

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Two A-list classical artists work up a sweat as they revel in the turbulent, tender music of Brahms.

Common At The White House

72. Common At The White House

2016-10-04

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The veteran rapper fronts an all-star band at the White House.

Haley Bonar

73. Haley Bonar

2016-10-11

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The Minnesota singer-songwriter achieves a nifty balance of intimacy and impeccable polish.

RDGLDGRN

74. RDGLDGRN

2016-10-14

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A striking mix of rock, hip-hop, funk, go-go and Brazilian sounds, fused with energy and humor.

Billy Bragg & Joe Henry

75. Billy Bragg & Joe Henry

2016-10-17

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The two songwriters celebrate the romance and vitality of the modern railroad.

Blind Pilot

76. Blind Pilot

2016-10-21

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The folk-pop band performs four songs from its shimmery new album, And Then Like Lions.

Drive-By Truckers

77. Drive-By Truckers

2016-10-24

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The long-running rock band holds a mirror to the hard realities of America right now.

Joseph

78. Joseph

2016-10-28

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The trio strips anthemic songs down to the essentials: just sisterly harmonies and acoustic guitar.

The Westerlies

79. The Westerlies

2016-11-02

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The self-described "accidental brass quartet" swims comfortably in jazz, classical and pop music.

Ta-ku & Wafia

80. Ta-ku & Wafia

2016-11-07

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The two Australians' chemistry is apparent the instant you hear their voices intertwined in song.

Adam Torres

81. Adam Torres

2016-11-11

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The Austin singer-songwriter showcases his high, lonesome voice and atmospheric storytelling.

John Paul White

82. John Paul White

2016-11-14

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Formerly half of The Civil Wars, White returns to perform three songs from his solo debut, Beulah.

Attacca Quartet

83. Attacca Quartet

2016-11-18

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The young quartet navigates smoke rings, alligators and the stormy fluctuations of the 18th century.

Tegan And Sara

84. Tegan And Sara

2016-11-21

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The Canadian pop duo crafts acoustic versions of pop anthems like "Closer and "Boyfriend."

Margo Price

85. Margo Price

2016-11-28

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On the morning after Election Day, Price sang three cathartic country songs loaded with new meaning.

Pinegrove

86. Pinegrove

2016-12-02

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Watch the New Jersey band squeeze four songs into a scrappy, warmhearted 13-minute set.

Ro James

87. Ro James

2016-12-05

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The R&B singer performs three funky, sexy, stripped-down songs from his debut album, Eldorado.

Alsarah & The Nubatones

88. Alsarah & The Nubatones

2016-12-09

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In the band's hands, East African music comes alive in a mix of tradition and contemporary sounds.

Gucci Mane

89. Gucci Mane

2016-12-12

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The rapper has spent the year on an extended victory tour. Here are the spoils.

Derek Gripper

90. Derek Gripper

2016-12-16

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The classically trained guitarist performs songs originally written for the kora.

The Oh Hellos

91. The Oh Hellos

2016-12-19

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The nine-piece band returns to the Tiny Desk to fill the air with fake snow and real joy.