As you may or may not be aware, host of All Things Considered, Bob Boilen, has been asking artists to perform live on air while in his office for many years now. On top of listening to some new and exciting music while driving home from work or school, we can now watch the performances through NPR's website or the favorite video sharing website of many, YouTube.
These are some recent noteworthy performances that have graced NPR's offices.
1. Lucius
Singing duo Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig plus their backing instrumentalists Dan Molad, Peter Lalish and Andrew Burr formed "Lucius" in 2005 and have been creating infectious tunes ever since. They begin their set with the beautiful, "Go Home," and their catchy, "Don't Just Sit There," pep things up with their biggest hit, "Turn It Around," and end with an exciting and dance-inspiring tune called, "Genevieve." Be on the look out for these ones, because I don't think they're going anywhere any time soon.
2. Iron & Wine
Sam Beam, more commonly known as, "Iron & Wine," has been making soulful, plucky indie since he signed with Sub Pop in 2002. Ever since then, he's been a bit of an indie icon, releasing seven studio albums and having his music featured in shows like Grey's Anatomy and The L Word. This seemingly modest and shy southerner performs his gorgeous and folky songs, "Half Moon," "Big Burned Hand," "Tree By The River," and his big hit, "Naked As We Came." Beam's lyrics show a deep reverence for nature and his folk-inspired fingerpicking might just have you drifting off to sleep (in the best way possible.)
Not too much is known about Cuban-born Daymé Arocena, but rest-assured, she will transport you to another world when you hear her voice. Arocena displays a crazy high level of musicianship as she brings you into her complicated rhythms and enchanting, soulful voice. On top of all this talent, she performs, "Madres," "Crystal," and "El Ruso," with a great amount of joy and a good sense of humor as she thanks Tiny Desk and President Obama for allowing her to be there.
This all-female mariachi band has been making somewhat of a splash, nominated for a Latin grammy and touring around with Dan Auerbach's "The Arcs." They've got talent for days! Though mariachi is known as somewhat of an old style of music, their soulful voices put a fresh new spin on the traditional mariachi. Lead by Mireya I. Ramos and Shae Fiol, Flor de Toloache makes you want to watch in awe as they perform, "Let Down," and dance as they perform, "Dicen" and "Guadalajara."
Jamaican born artist Brushy One String gives you an incredible performance with only one string on his guitar, a deep and rich E. Despite his not having any other strings, he creates a dynamic and rhythm-driven sound. Watch as he wows the crowd with his gravelly voice and fantastic lyricism in "Destiny,"
"Chicken In The Corn," and "No Man Stop Me". His charming and well-loved guitar and brilliant attitude will leave you smiling for the rest of the day
