Andy Shauf: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

May 20, 2016 by ROBIN HILTON • Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Andy Shauf is the kind of guy you'd find laying low at a party, maybe tucked into the corner of a room with a drink in his hand, keeping to himself but taking everything in. He's soft-spoken and reserved, more comfortable delivering the news than being a part of it (though "comfortable" may be too strong a word).
Shauf's latest album is, appropriately enough, called The Party. It's an emotionally remote collection of character studies and bent observations made during a gathering of drunken fools, smooth operators and the painfully self-aware.
Andy Shauf recently brought The Party to the NPR Music offices for this quietly affecting Tiny Desk performance. His set opens with "The Magician," a song about a poser schmoozing his way through a crowd, followed by "To You," a slightly comical but awkward confession of unrequited love. Shauf closes with the relatively propulsive "You're Out Wasting," a meditation on greed, selling out and late-night anxiety; it's from his 2015 album The Bearer Of Bad News.
The Party is available now:
iTunes: itunes.apple.c...
Amazon: www.amazon.com...
SET LIST:
"The Magician"
"To You"
"You're Out Wasting"
CREDITS:
Producers: Robin Hilton, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Kara Frame; Production Assistant: Jackson Sinnenberg; Photo: Brandon Chew/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/pod...

[@sound_and_story_]

Andy must have been stoked that him and his band had the opportunity to play even quieter.

[@tedakem1812]

😂

[@andreyspish]

Such a good comment 😂

[@JB-xe1nm]

Haha so true, love it

[@gconstancio33]

😂😂😂

[@BryceBreslin]

Please tiny desk have him back for another! his work was already phenomenal in this recording, and my how it has deepened since then

[@CronoXpono]

I would be absolutely AMAZED by a Tiny Desk "Norm"!

[@shivanidhuriya7314]

his music feels like walking down the sidewalk around 5pm, noticing life how captivating can it be. to look at the sky changing colors ,in twilight birds are returning back home ,knowing where you are and where you belong similarly like birds going back home it feels calming.

[@daisuke4bleach]

I wish more people had a brain like yours. I feel like I'm so alone at times because it is rare to find someone that takes time to notice those details

[@daisuke4bleach]

@@billybud6448 🤣🤣🤣

[@captainjackrana]

You have a fine taste in music.. 🙂

[@shivanidhuriya7314]

@@captainjackrana 🥺thanks

[@shivanidhuriya7314]

@@daisuke4bleach 🥺🥺🥺

[@5k33k]

Since it isn't already listed in the video, the names of the performers are: Andy Shauf - Vocals/Guitar Olivier Fairfield - Drums Josh Daignault - Bass Colin Nealis - Keys

[@jehandelange6266]

Thanks :)

[@9iwillown]

Hero! Thx❤️

[@TheBrentonGarnhum]

Thank god I was worried there

[@kingsindian8948]

Thanks. Great band

[@Hy-ll7tr]

i fell in love once again thanks to npr

[@anaflorentina3747]

Please bring him back!!! This session is amazing! Brilliant! Andy is a real genius!✨🎶✨

[@avishaidadon237]

To You is so sincere and fragile it literally breaks me inside everytime

[@jeffgorrie]

Same

[@alexisentisma]

GAH I wish I could hear a Tiny Desk version of his entire discography, This is so exquisite.

[@arlojustis9886]

riiiiight?!?!

[@trnglm]

Andy is so sweet, I hope he is happy and well.

[@nikag.h2980]

So are you. Hope ure happy and well. 💓

[@ant3352]

Just saw him play him play in California and he really blew me away. I'd say he is doing okay. Much shorter hair.

[@ab3000x]

@@ant3352 I'm going to go see Andy and his band in a couple hours. They're playing at a newly restored theatre about a half mile from my place.

[@ant3352]

@@ab3000x enjoy my friend. May you carry that memory with you forever lighter than a feather.

[@samyuktajadeja5769]

I watched him and his band live last night. And I was just transported to another realm. His music, lyrics, intense blank gaze. I couldn't help but just cry and cry because i was so moved. Legendary.

[@fionabrilvicas6404]

One of the few artists who've been on tiny desk concerts that has such a pure and on-pitch voice in the acoustic. Love Andy Shauf!

[@philipadams9]

I know right; I was so happy to see he was on the small desk series. I saw him play live a year ago and I was an instant fan. I have original music on my channel with a similar acoustic style if you would like to give it a listen; all the support is appreciated.

[@anthonywallace3830]

@@philipadams9 Just had a listen. Good stuff :)

[@moad8794]

I hope Andy realizes how beautiful his songs are, and how much they mean to me.

[@CaiolaMusic]

During all of "The Magician" he kind of looks like he's been in a chase scene, running from the cops and he's found shelter momentarily, and is trying to blend in with the house band, but is ready to drop the guitar and book it at any moment when the authorities bust in.... also great performance.

[@reganhu]

JordanCaiolaMusic damn wish I was that high

[@c.jawsmacky3130]

Still funny a year later. Kudos.

[@jahgrizzly]

Would make for a great music video!

[@kiefer_p2928]

@@jahgrizzly agreed

[@Siberius-]

Especially at 1:38

[@nathanlim701]

he's such a storyteller. look at the way his eyes move around the room. this mannerism speaks volumes.

[@philipadams9]

I know right; his lyrics are so creative. I saw him play live a year ago and I was an instant fan. I have original music on my channel with a similar acoustic style if you would like to give it a listen; all the support is appreciated.

[@shrewsgis]

Like Andy Kaufman eye motion

[@TommyAlks]

Same as evan from pinegrove

[@ogungou9]

@@shrewsgis: Yes but concerning Andy kaufman, the timing and the amplitude differ, and it great acting.

[@gregfinn3800]

not really.

[@ivanmonroy9363]

Worked out The Magician for ya guys :) Standard Tuning Capo on the 2nd fret. - Intro: Cmaj7 - Verse: Am, Em7, G/D, Cmaj7 - Pre-Chorus: G/D, B7, G/D, Cmaj7 (In the second P-C, drop the second G/D the third time around) - Chorus: Cmaj7 (he also shifts around with G/D, B7, and back to Cmaj7). Fiddle around a bit and you'll find the little licks he makes in the Intro and Chorus. Enjoy ;) Cheers!

[@tylerhowell9735]

Piano part for all would be awesome

[@marceugeni]

Wow thanks!

[@themightychippy3756]

Iván Monroy wow ima try this on uke for sure! (Edit) this is such a nice chord progression 👌 so chill

[@TheDarkCow11]

No you didn't that was already worked out on guitar tabs

[@TheDarkCow11]

@@tylerhowell9735 the intro right?

[@sunflowermoon3380]

His voice is so soothing, and his lyrics are so captivating. The instruments take you to a new earth where everything just feels right.

[@brendangray]

Karime Nunez k

[@philipadams9]

I know right, his instrumentation is incredible and creative. I saw him play live a year ago and I was an instant fan. I have original music on my channel with a similar acoustic style if you would like to give it a listen; all the support is appreciated.

[@bradleyjaltman2601]

This is a song one just has to share with their best friend

[@trashleigh87]

He's got a really pretty voice.

[@goofeegoober_]

I love watching how his eyes wander around in patterns as he’s singing. You can almost predict where he’ll look based on what melody he’s singing!

[@Spoinzy]

It seems like he’s putting all his thought into creating the emotions his characters are conveying in his singing, and not trying to act it out, which just works perfect. This guy is a great poet through his storytelling.

[@brentmacklem1872]

This genius is from a small town a few hours away. So inspiring to know that dream chasing is still cool.

[@jonanjello]

Hanging out with this guy must such a mellow time.

[@GuttyGagz]

were smoking for sure

[@dasbakon]

Outward appearances can be deceiving. Last year he was arrested for shooting a cop's arm off in a botched Cocaine deal. He's actually quite feared in the streets.

[@dearrratboy]

The couple times I've hung out with him he was pretty quiet and chill. But around his bandmates in Foxwarren, he's one of the funniest people I've ever met.

[@ogungou9]

@@dasbakon: Of course. Almost nobody is one dimensional ...

[@bridgetb6555]

I smoked a cigarette or two with him in Iceland, so amazing!!!

[@felipecampedelliarcaro6933]

how sincere...

[@RaulRaul6969]

0:00(The Magician) 3:36(To you) 7:52(You're Out Wasting) Great Artist!

[@eggington1522]

Yup

[@AudhamEnThaTokyo]

"To You" is absolute perfection.

[@WeAreCameron]

this guy is a deity

[@kamiel79]

Elrond!

[@juliealbrightmoon]

I'm getting angel vibes :)

[@jme_lewis]

His bass tone is fantastic.

[@estellehoneywell]

cool that he played "youre out wasting", i remember hearing this tune wayyyy back in the day and knowing he was a very special artist

[@andrewmarcellis2007]

if you like Andy Shauf you might like a band called The Doublejumps

[@aw00gag0rl]

this entire performance is absolutely wonderful!

[@philipadams9]

I know right; I love the small show and the artist. I saw him play live a year ago and I was an instant fan. I have original music on my channel with a similar acoustic style if you would like to give it a listen; all the support is appreciated.

[@biffanytetzer9667]

Oh Andy is such a gem. He has such a unique way of putting scenarios together. It's as if I was a ghost overlooking and witnessing the events of the party unfold、or just a background friend or stranger listening to and experiencing all of the banter and loss of love and all. Thank you thank you Andy I will always adore you for being able to accurately capture such emotions as felt in 'The Worst In You' when I was very insecure and with the wrong person in my life.

[@velocityJE]

His voice is unique and entrancing, and his songs are just great. One of my favorite artists. Neon Skyline is a masterpiece.

[@kr1eger]

I love "To you" so much. Such a relatable mellow song.

[@antigua701]

Sounds kind warm and full of love... . Just what we all need in the world we are living in today

[@ogungou9]

And yesterday, and way before that ...

[@StylinOnYaKidz]

2021 has entered the chat... totally agree

[@frankolivas8593]

I was roaming, thru the vast lost valley of You Tube music, after so long, to find this music, It shall be part of me for the last few years of my life.

[@Yoshimitsu-ni6kv]

Saw him preform The Party freshly after a break up in 2016, one of the most emotional shows I've ever been too. His lyrics helped me heal a lot.

[@greagandev]

Woo! Love Andy Shauf.

[@nonofinn7136]

Andy is pretty hilarious too. Very subtle guy. Excellent concert.

[@MartyxWL]

"To You" is a classic song. From the lyrics, melody, dynamics and arrangement. Total package.

[@IncogneatoKeen]

He is very reminiscent of Elliot Smith, to me. Especially the last song, "Out Wasting Time". The guitar chords are very similar to one of his songs even. I adore Andy.

[@torontolarrivee7965]

yeah, totally hear the Smith influence

[@jonanjello]

I went and checked out some of Elliot's music. LIke what I hear, but sad to read his life was cut short. Thanks for the musical comparison.

[@BassByTheBay]

Yes! Trying to remember the Smith track it reminds me of... definitely hear some Elliot-esque musical choices in there.

[@canarycoalmine]

Interesting - I don't hear that at all. I like it non the less!

[@Klemons12]

I think it reminds me most of "Seen how things are hard" by Elliott. And I absolutely have thought Andy sounds like Elliott on many occasions, as well as Iron and Wine, and that's huge for me to say since Elliott smith is my #1 favorite musician of all time.

[@christinar379]

Just had the privilege of seeing him live in Toronto. Such a magical performance. ❤️ my siblings went to school with him and my dad taught him in high school. I remember hearing about his fledgling career as a kid in small-town Saskatchewan - so happy to see where he is now, and his music is so dear to my heart. His songs are so peaceful but unsettling, so familiar, so thought-provoking.

[@evansnapp714]

I've become obsessed with Andy Shauf and his band again because of this video. Feeling like I'm right there in the room with this small selection of poignant and pleasant songs. It has helped me in the grief of my lost loved ones. Thank you Andy and NPR!

[@andrewmarcellis2007]

if you like Andy Shauf you might like a band called The Doublejumps

[@shinebabyshine.]

I keep coming back to this 💓

[@AakashNair]

If you listen "Quite Like You" from the "The Party" album, it contextualizes "To You".

[@ricardito777]

First listened to quite like you, nice plot twist

[@stickybons3319]

Does it though? I always thought To You was from the perspective of an entirely different person. Quite Like You is from the perspective of the person in love with Sherry, where Jeremy is in the way of that love. In To You, the object of affection is Jeremy, rather than Sherry, so I always took it as another partygoer professing their love.

[@jamesduiven5353]

i always felt that "quite like you" and "begin again" were the better pairing, encompassing the same characters in both songs and taking place one after the other. To You could include some of the characters, mainly Jeremy, but I'm not sure we know who the protagonist making the confession is. I've never through it to be the same from quite like you, but maybe it is, idk.

[@AakashNair]

@@jamesduiven5353 despite the tremendous context between songs, the comments make it clear that stringing together one coherent perspective is almost impossible. and i think thats a super effective way of expressing how a party feels!

[@edpetrarca9810]

@@jamesduiven5353 agree. Begin Again feels like it happens right after Jeremy comes over and Sherry leaves with him....again.

[@diaspo]

I come back to this set year after year, and am captivated all over again.

[@pr00t33]

I LIKE HIS MUSIC A LOT!!!

[@agingcomfortably]

the keyboard was really cool, honestly the sound of it and what he was playing stood out the most to me

[@howardmao3331]

It appears to be a Rhodes Piano. They're actually electromechanical, not digital synthesizers like modern keyboards. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodes_piano

[@bassbymichele]

Howard Mao it is actually a Wurlitzer piano. similar to the Rhodes, but at the same time different!

[@jordandavid96]

This guy deserves way more attention

[@miketungate]

Good grief! One of my favorite albums in the past 5 years at least. Brilliant mix of story telling and 70's vibes all over the place.

[@hejmRage]

His guitar looks amazing omg!

[@gabreu854]

it's a waterloo wl 14! i'm pretty jealous of him having that one, ngl

[@playcanics2701]

Please never stop making music, ever.

[@jargon999]

Really dig this! We grew up in the same small town of 800 people....small world indeed.

[@rallokkcaz]

Andrew Chevrier it's hard not to overlap

[@sammoreland6105]

A city the size of a dinner plate as it were.

[@chickeroo223]

🇨🇦

[@christinar379]

Me too!

[@WesternPaFlyFisher]

Andy is cool and all,... but how about a shout out for those backing musicians.

[@MagickFlavour]

Wm Hawthorne II yeah, they did an amazing job.

[@joshnelson125]

They certainly did a fantastic job performing their parts, yet Andy wrote and performed every one of them (save the strings) for the album.

[@danielrolf6205]

check out one of the drummer’s other bands called fet.nat for a good time

[@rigglebean565]

that's the drummer for timber timbre as well

[@amandabrewer9780]

Shout out!

[@nickyneuf]

Super pumped to see him at the Winnipeg folk festival this summer

[@RennyJackson]

Surely the best singersongwriter of our generation, such beautiful songs

[@DeannaFaye]

This performance is magic. I feel like I could swim in his music.

[@ludwigbooth4882]

the best thing going right now...this guy and his songs.

[@mikepetersen1303]

dude has superior depth of sound matched with a high register. love the slow tempo. uneeek!

[@Tylerthomasmiller84]

These songs are beautiful and raw. But I am SO VERY confused. He sings with a speech impediment. But he does not speak with one. I have NEVER heard anything like that ever. I've heard the opposite many times, but this makes his lyrics, in a bizarre way, seemingly more honest, gentle, sweet and compassionate. The word "meek" comes to mind. I love this so much.

[@Predj]

I think it's more of a Saskatchewan accent.

[@closedupshop4172]

on his reddit AMA he did a while ago he basically said he never really realized he sings weird, and that he did that to hear himself over all the other instruments or somethin.

[@whereabouts8873]

One of the best singer-songwriting craftsman alive

[@Araiko0]

It is what I call ''love at first sight''.

[@philipadams9]

His music is so beautiful. I saw him play live a year ago and I was an instant fan. I have original music on my channel with a similar acoustic style if you would like to give it a listen; all the support is appreciated.

[@jasanch1279]

looks like whenever aundy is singing he's looking for something... his eyes gives me goosebumps

[@bluevision4213]

Just excellent, his voice is very unique and incredibly consistent. Everything else is amazing as well.

[@indistinctcolor]

So beautiful. My favorite Tiny Desk performance in awhile.

[@tomjeffrey2891]

I love all of the instrument tones. Just perfect.

[@MERVILLE3]

I adore that keyboard

[@andrewmarcellis2007]

if you like Andy Shauf you might like a band called The Doublejumps

[@PersephoneAB]

oh my his voice is so soothing and mesmerising live, he could easily lull me to sleep

[@loonylunya]

Love Andy sooo much so glad he did a tinydesk session!

[@ilikegravy22]

I love his music so much, it's so peaceful! He's just the best!!

[@Nanomakashi]

I love this guy!

[@philipadams9]

I know right. I saw him play live a year ago and I was an instant fan. I have original music on my channel with a similar acoustic style if you would like to give it a listen; all the support is appreciated.

[@Mrsmorbid]

I’ve been listening to him for yearrsss I’m still confused how he isn’t well known. Found him when I was 15 and I’m 21 now

[@shinebabyshine.]

yes, he's on tour ya know?

[@dreXjcb]

Who let this animal do this?! best indie artist out now! such a hard worker. Canada stand up

[@philipadams9]

I know right; he is so incredible. I saw him play live a year ago and I was an instant fan. I have original music on my channel with a similar acoustic style if you would like to give it a listen; all the support is appreciated.

[@claudia-wo1on]

can't imagine my life without Andy, love him

[@enhabeer]

I wish there’d be a clarinet player with them. It’s so great ❤

[@ronniebillhicks]

I come back to this at least twice maybe three times a month, this is the best performance on this show

[@local-teen]

They are great. Awesome tiny desk.

[@BSwitchGTG]

Awesome! Andy and his buddy Dallas blew our college town away with their talent - great to see him still killing it! Swing back Caronport way sometime soon!

[@jon1388]

I am back a year later and am still infatuated with this artist. Simply magnificent.

[@greenfacere210]

He's beautiful

[@sumikosuzuki6423]

I can't find any other words than "amazing"!

[@rosieg9093]

andy shauf has my heart forever

[@shreyaskendurkar4150]

Heard Andy for the first time here, at NPR, and since then I am hooked to his music. Thanks a lot NPR. You always help me (and other music lovers) find these gems :)

[@cgmaniac44]

Love it! I'm glad I stumbled onto Andy Shauf's music.

[@KazzarEngel]

i always trip out watching his facial expressions

[@philipadams9]

I know right. I saw him play live a year ago and I was an instant fan. I have original music on my channel with a similar acoustic style if you would like to give it a listen; all the support is appreciated.

[@OnTheDLum]

you don't think he's tripping out. he looks like he's going into some kind of psychosis.

[@ogungou9]

@David: You lack acuity.

[@lolatu666]

love this guy, one of the best song writers around

[@philipadams9]

I know right; he is so creative lyrically. I saw him play live a year ago and I was an instant fan. I have original music on my channel with a similar acoustic style if you would like to give it a listen; all the support is appreciated.

[@rohw0016]

Agreed!

[@jp2001almeida]

so timestamps: 0:00 ------- The Magician 3:44 ------- To You 7:50 ------- You're Out Wasting

[@andrewmarcellis2007]

if you like Andy Shauf you might like a band called The Doublejumps

[@heddikriss]

WOW.....amazing performance!

[@ako09jsi]

Actually really enjoyed this live version better than the recorded one, now if someone could just press this into a vinyl haha

[@Jesse-lv2yo]

islandgroovies Please don't I prefer Andy and his band unsquished

[@philipadams9]

I know right; a live album from him would be so good. I saw him play live a year ago and I was an instant fan. I have original music on my channel with a similar acoustic style if you would like to give it a listen; all the support is appreciated.

[@walangchahangyelingden8252]

Understandable.

[@darragh7578]

this guy should be more famous? songs nd style is amazing, reminds me of the Beatles, think it's the transitions song structure? anyone else agree?

[@eduardocunhadecarvalho4778]

Yeah , really

[@TheRealSamPreece]

sure, although being famous isnt the destination, the present ~

[@nathanaguilar3491]

Has to be the viola bass, really distinct sound

[@cameronpadovese1494]

Its not about the music anymore mate

[@yadster95]

The structure is exquisite 👌🏾

[@Soyelnuncaestoy]

that sound like the 70's, great musician

[@Livgrasso]

It’s so cool that his albums tell stories!! His new album is about a bar and it’s perfect

[@olgidomi]

always come back to this video. andy & the band are too magical

[@markmacdonald7955]

One of the few videos that make me grateful for the 'loop' option

[@Purpadurpolis]

I saw this man in a tiny club in San Diego in 2017. It was early into his tour and It was fantastic. I couldnt have been luckier.

[@HarryHodgman]

His career will continue to steadily incline into legend status in no time

[@Tigerx29]

Going on day 3 of listening to this. Absolutely stunning.

[@victorblancasmeza8193]

We need more artist like Andy on this planet

[@Onefiftymediahouse]

Amazing - and never blinks 😋

[@phiwwie]

you're so right

[@kirstenluceno714]

i'm scared

[@spoocyguy]

2:25

[@Ibroadcastmyself17]

The fuck you talking about

[@omnipop4936]

*rarely

[@jamesfestini]

Favorite artist!

[@EvenWhyProductions]

His music is some of the only to bring me to tears can’t wait to see live on the 14th

[@RyKells]

This man is amazing.

[@CronoXpono]

Caught a song of his by serendipitous means during a random playlist on Spotify and I love the guy! Lots of emotions and he channels it and displays without getting in the way. Wonderful stuff.

[@evanhb49]

When the song is so beautiful you start to cry a little

[@julkitan3017]

All of them are such fine musicians, and this Hofner bass player, so groovy !

[@chopinplaya]

An amazing recording of all of these songs.