Ani DiFranco: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Bob Boilen | May 10, 2021
Ani DiFranco has always done things her way, and for this Tiny Desk (home) concert, she’s a one-woman team, filming and recording herself in the front hall of her New Orleans home and studio, Big Blue. The not-so-tiny desk you see in the hallway was her great grandfather’s. Other personal items seen as we scan her home include a purple painting of a tree by her cousin Jim Mott and a portrait of a woman and ghostly girl by a painter named Renata. At the time of this recording, Ani was planning to move after more than 10 years at Big Blue, so this concert is likely one of the last performances to take place in that space.
Ani opened her set with “Everest” from the 1999 album, Up Up Up Up Up Up, a song that for me is about viewing life through different lenses and finding beauty. Next, she sings the title track to her 1995 album, Not a Pretty Girl, which shakes the shackles of stereotypes. Her final song for this (home) concert is from her 22nd album and her latest release, Revolutionary Love. The song brings compassion to troubled times by dismissing hatred -- or in her words, “To forgive but not forget.” It’s a message that shows the beauty and power of this artist, and her heart.
SET LIST
• "Everest"
• "Not a Pretty Girl"
• "Revolutionary Love"
MUSICIANS
• Ani DiFranco: vocals, guitar
CREDITS
• Video: Folkmonger Productions
• Audio: Mike Napolitano
TINY DESK TEAM
• Producer: Bob Boilen
• Video Producer: Maia Stern
• Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
• Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
• Tiny Production Team: Kara Frame
• Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
• Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #anidifranco

[@thebetterway73]

If you think about it, Ani was at the vanguard of where we are now culturally. She went her own way musically, did it herself with no corporate master despite large offers from record companies. She was openly sexually fluid before many of us knew how to talk about it, and she told all of us in words and deeds - “be whoever you are, you matter, there’s room for all of us.” She’s been a guiding light and I just love her so much.

[@henrycodm896]

Amen.

[@ngairehodge8566]

"You can dangle your carrot, but I ain't gonna reach for it, cause I need both my hands to play my guitar."

[@jamesmarie]

Yes!

[@72marshflower15]

She also fed the incel movement with her constant angst and self centered pain. Signed, a fan..

[@72marshflower15]

@@ngairehodge8566 ~ nice as she features herself on google prime..

[@sophiasimmons3307]

As a member of the invisible audience, I owe a lot to you, Ani. Thank you for making my childhood make sense.

[@lancelance9314]

Been listening to her since I was like 9 when living in a clip came out - dad and I heard her on NPR. She's awesome.

[@KerriKleinfletcher]

This was like hanging out with an old friend after a long absence. Like so many, Ani helped me navigate my young adulthood and her music supported me through both dark and brighter times. SO many good memories, of moments as well as live concerts.

[@isismadison1269]

resonates with me as she was the backdrop - or rather companion - to my college life. There's been stretches of long absences indeed for me but whenever I hear her voice, it brings me back to that time that was so different than life now.

[@morsecode42]

Dang, "Not a Pretty Girl" hit me at a formative time as a teenage girl in the 90s and in the 25-ish years since it hasn't lost its power. Much thanks to Ani for helping me know myself as a kid

[@jamesbarros950]

I know these songs, but this is the power of live music. These aren’t the songs I know. Each time new, each time alive and changing

[@hopem9656]

Sublime. I love this woman. A national treasure.

[@ichbinkeinberliner]

Absolutely a national treasure!

[@72marshflower15]

Was once, but her pain and angst drowned t/here movement., ✨👎✨

[@havenleigh3733]

Me too. God shes. Amazing

[@Witchyone131]

She’s a UNIVERSAL Treasure ❤️

[@scheysaal5855]

Love the name Hope

[@anyasaunders916]

My parents sang Anis songs to me as lullabies when I was a baby. 19 years on and I’m still finding so much comfort and strength in her music

[@Nearlynamaste]

Ani is still magical after all these years. Revolutionary Love is a true gem.

[@fareebug8439]

Agree 💗💗

[@ImaginaryG0d]

debut album in 1990, this goddess publishes beautiful music for three decades

[@pabloreymundosilvaquevedo3342]

Ooooo Oooo Oooooooo O

[@madeinkonada]

Ani has been my hero since I was 15. Now I am almost 40. She still shines so brightly. Actually I just realized she still appears in my dreams sometimes. I finally get to see her concert or tell her how thankful I am for her existence.

[@kthurston3]

She has shaped me into my feathered existence and I love her so much for this ~

[@72marshflower15]

I love her too, and just so long as she didn’t turn you into a single woman cat lady kind of thing

[@havenleigh3733]

Took the words right out of my mind🥰

[@madeinkonada]

@@72marshflower15 Happily divorced cat (and dog) lady. But I can hardly blame that on Ani. She speaks up about issues. She doesn't create them.

[@72marshflower15]

@@madeinkonada yeah, but her music is so pained and angst most of the time that it rubs off on her audience who then carry on with that attitude themselves. I’ve seen it a few times.. I just hope she can write happier music someday. That’s all.

[@damonbourne]

Among other things, she is a killer guitar player. So solid.

[@josiecameron4349]

She's Magnificent!!!! But yes her guitar playing is incredible!

[@dewdop]

What a cool tone

[@SpoookiePoookie]

This version of Everest is so luminous and that sparkling riff has everything to do with it. I'm in heaven.

[@lancelance9314]

She's one of a kind and beast on a guitar. Totally unique.

[@iPhone-eb9cz]

Yeah, Ani doesn’t just sing and play guitar, she duets with it. She’s so incredible that the instrument takes on a life and spirit and soul of its own in her hands.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Everest* (4:01) 4:27 - *Not a Pretty Girl* (8:09) 8:54 - *Revolutionary Love* [15:12 - Tiny Desk team]

[@dynjarren8355]

Amazing! This is Artistry. She always maintained her independence and never signed with a Record label because of the strings attached. She created her own label and released her music independently from the beginning. The result is she doesn’t owe any record company money or albums. She kept her artistic and financial freedom. Good for her because now this is the norm for most independent bands or singers. She was one of the first to do this. Very smart.

[@quique6676]

Ani has that special ability to speak right to your soul. It's the music, it's the words, it's something special.

[@nicoleboone1815]

Ani I feel you as part of the invisible audience. You have been my all time favorite musician for 27 years. Thank you for all your words.💗 They have inspired me, got me through hard times and connected me with friends while we sing loudly in our cars, and backyard’s together to your songs. I am forever grateful for beautiful music. 💫

[@markderozario3255]

For so long I would hear the name Ani DiFranco but never took the time to get to know her music. So glad to have stumbled across her again. Will be blissfully journeying through her back catalogue.

[@askmeagainplease]

Mark, you are in for a treat! She has over 20 albums and all of them are great!

[@JackyTMusic]

Oh amazing! I had the opposite journey, getting Dilate at age 8 in Australia and spending my life getting folks who didnt know her name to start with that album :))) Going from track 1 Untouchable face to track 2 Outta me onta you is the most contrasting opening to any album ive ever heard.. the whole album then plays with that dynamic, songs like Joyful girl compared to Napoleon or Shameless... Oh god. Ok off to Dilate again now. Enjoy Mark!!

[@cherrybomb1386]

Ooh it's a deep catalog enjoy!

[@camillelively]

I trace my life in Ani Difranco songs and Ani Difranco shows and Ani Difranco hairstyles.

[@MrPicsbyopus]

Well said...as a guy I still find her soulish expression bouncing through time. Saw her once in Dallas. Courageous expression from songsmith.

[@joyfulgirl5641]

Me too.

[@josiecameron4349]

Love her new hairdo! So wild & free!

[@jamesbarros950]

As if what she happens to be wearing when someone takes a picture is her new statement for all of womankind? But seriously, I’m with you. She was the soundtrack to my coming out and now some of the stuff off Binary has been really challenging me. Pacifist Lament specifically comes to mind.

[@jamestaylor292]

@@MrPicsbyopus her out of range hairstyle is one of my favorites. She's just such a beautiful essence

You know what ? It's really good to see someone playing in her everyday life, not in a movie of a song. Moment of Real life with you. Thank you !

[@stephen3073]

Ani is a soul-sister with Joni Mitchell, with the brilliant poetry of her songwriting, her fearless non-conformity, her open-tuned guitars, and her inspiring originality. Ani has a somewhat more badass persona, and a take-no-prisoners attitude that makes Joni seem meek by comparison. She's AWESOME.

[@ashleyhill4005]

You don’t need to dis Joni to praise Ani.

[@claudiamurray3390]

Stephen, please don't EVEN TRY to compare the two. Without Joni, there quite likely would not be an Ani, and all the greats who have followed her. No need to erode Joni's indisputable pedestal, nor Ani's. No need to compare greatness. They're both extraordinary. Period. "Isn't there a kitten stuck up a tree somewhere?" One of the greatest lyrics ever. Would you even begin to compare "Blue" or Joni's voice with anything? There are no Joni covers that even come close to her own perfection. I do hear that same perfection within Ani's voice and lyrics. But they're totally different people, existing and developing within completely different geographic, cultural, and historical contexts. Why disparage the one in order to exalt the other?

[@sheeara]

THANK GOD!!! Ani I love you!!! I got to meet you at Merril Auditorium in 2001. “Not a pretty girl” gave me the opportunity to feel the strength inside of myself on the outside. I put my dark blue capped, light blue “Ani Tee” on and ended the concert at Voodoo Doughnuts. I was changed. After that I wore that tee until it was shreds and never apologized again for having strength, love and standards. I appreciate your art. I’m grateful you’re still moving the world with your soul. Thank you for braving the judgment and teaching a growing body of strong women and men. ~Sheeara, Alaska

[@tailtaptailtap]

The kids don't realise how important Ani is.. so many singers have tried to replicate her voice over the years, especially in Australia, and now she sounds nothing like what they all tried to imitate. .. Now they will all do this, watch this space!!!

[@tigrisrenee]

all the places and people and brokenness and insane courage this woman and her music evoke in me. If I could go back to the days I first heard of Ani...life had so much potential, and we were going to change the world. Perhaps we did. I know Ani played her part. To all the fearless fem fighters, battle on! 💛

[@composthog4332]

Definitely still feeling you. Thank you for being you. You give me strength and hope.

[@marydlsu]

Her microphone is awesome - clean, clear, crisp sound. Wow!

[@theuhlanddoddamaniclan5351]

Great to see Ani DiFramco on NPR Tiny Desk today. Her music was my life’s soundtrack from 1994-1996, traveling to see her in all the college towns she played throughout Michigan.

[@ashleysing1430]

I'm from Kalamazoo Michigan born in 98, I've never heard her music before this npr, or so I think. But her voice has a certain something that is nostalgic. Such stunning sounds, and her lyrics are raw. I'm in love.

[@theuhlanddoddamaniclan5351]

@@ashleysing1430 nice. I was actually going to school at western when I found myself smitten for Ani DiFranco

[@AndreaCuchetto]

@@theuhlanddoddamaniclan5351 - I heard her years ago at the MWMF. Wide-eyed & surrounded by thousands of empowered, gifted, & beautifully diverse women...she had me mesmerized.

[@feedyourhead731]

She plays grand rapids next month

[@jdjaneway]

Everest makes me cry like a baby. Thank you, Ani.

[@Tropicalistico]

Ani you saved my Life in 90s with your Amazon music

[@stacierenee6652]

Ani. A pure genius. In every sense of the word.

[@rubyrayne8]

Oh man, Ani was the soundtrack to my late teens and not a pretty girl resonated with me so much. It’s so nice to see her on Tiny Desk.

[@gleventhal]

I like her tone, both vocally and instrumentally.

[@allisonbothley2871]

I am tired these days but Ani is always a welcome balm for my soul.

[@deblachiver8594]

Are you teetering between tired and really really tired? Be strong.

[@micahelywyn3]

Preach

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

@@deblachiver8594 Underrated comment, extraordinaire

[@paigeludlow3915]

❤ "Can't see you, can't feel you. Hoping you can feel me." Absolutely perfect. Felt every second of it ❤

[@mountainharpie]

Ani you hit me in the FEELS everytime. Haven't listened to Everest in a long time, and forgot how much I love that song. Not A Pretty Girl... what a performance! The evolution of this song over the decades, well this wise restrained older Ani version not fueled by the rage of youth but by love and wisdom is even more powerful. And Revolutionary Love, Ani Thank You for bringing it, and giving it too. You are a beacon of light and hope in this crazy world!!!🎶🎶💜💜💜🤟🏻

[@lancelance9314]

Well said

[@jaconnor100]

there will never be another like this woman

[@keonil.4526]

Wow! Been listening to Ani since 98’ & “not a pretty girl has wrecked me since ! Such an amazing performance 🎭

[@darkchocolate4643]

Same! The first time I saw her in concert was in a tiny concert hall here in Brussels, Belgium in 1997 and there were about 100 people in the room, if that, and Ani seemed to know half of them personally. I couldn't figure out why she wasn't more popular, her music and lyrics being so brilliant. Luckily that changed over time and she moved to a bigger stage downtown Brussels. In 2003, I lived in Paris and I drove to Brussels after work to attend a gig because the Paris one was sold out in no time. Drove back just in time for work the next morning. Good times. :)

[@brucezimmerman9451]

Ani DiFranco probably does not read comments on here - but if you do - thank you for sharing your instruments, music, words, ideas, and that excellent location as well. Well done on the video editing whoever did it. It was like we were sitting in a parlor looking into the stair foyer at a house concert.

[@theoriginofmagic]

Nothing but love Ani for all the years

[@juliathompson8819]

Ani, your invisible audience felt that! Amazing. Thank you.

[@minimaliaa]

ani used to take up the most space on my cd collection shelf. it was obvious to myself and everyone who came to my room that she was my icon. but these days i kind of forgot listening to her since i enclosed all my cds and vinyls in boxes, as i listen streaming most of the time. i appreciate a lot of nice new random music through streaming, but i don't be absorbed on any artist any more like I was to ani... and today out of blue here Ani! this almost brought me tears, in good way. thank you Tiny Desk and love you Ani Difranco! from japan.

[@adambaker3349]

Fantastic, one if my favorite songwriters for the past 20 years. Love the tiny desk from home episodes too, always super honest/personal

[@Cardboardbocs]

My first concert ever was an Ani DiFranco show!!!

[@abarton1978]

Everest is still one of my favorites.

[@erickajo]

Love Tiny Desk even more. Ani is the soundtrack of my youth.

[@solarsatori]

Oh my god Ani was my icon as a teen. Out of Habit was my fav song of hers.

[@kisamortenson7982]

Thank you Ani... I have listened to you for years. You make me feel like I'm okay... Thank you.

[@chrismcrouch]

I will sheepishly admit that when I saw the setlist, I nearly passed as it did not include any of my favorite Ani songs. But my better instincts prevailed and I am so glad! Favorite songs or not, Ani is always captivating. I could just sit and watch her play guitar for hours.

[@jamesbarros950]

I’ve seen her live a few times. What the song was on the album is just what it sounded like that day. She stays so alive. Everything is it’s own unique thing every time she plays it.

[@quique6676]

Thank you so much for this, Ani and NPR! A much needed moment of peace ☮️🕊️. Ani, we feel you, even though you can't feel us!

[@BretKerr]

So glad to still be a fan after seeing her 19 times in my early 20s

[@JohnWilmerding]

The stairwell in that room enhances its acoustics -- Ani is a true, unique singer whom I admire very much! She is inherently famous, despite her modesty.

[@Cre8ive07]

Over 25 years, I've been a fan of hers. Seen her twice in concert. So happy she did this!

[@matthewmcnitt8405]

Saw Ani live for the first time last time last summer after getting together with some old friends at Saratoga for the Dead & Co. show. Been a fan since Living in Clip came out which blew my mind. It was such a treat to see this powerhouse perform live. Her music has always drawn me in, her words I process in my way slowly, but I listen, and am still learning and growing from her insight. She is such a gift to us all.

[@chelseamcgahee5054]

I am so glad I ran across this before I went to work today, hearing her voice always puts a smile on my face. She has so much talent.

[@connie_d]

whatever good things happen, and especially whatever bad things, ani's always been there giving me hope and making everything better than it would otherwise have been. when i need to smile she helps me smile and when i need to cry she helps me cry. realise she's just a person in the world just like the rest of us but whatever works.

[@Alan-zi2rs]

I'm part of the invisible audience and blown away Thanks Ani 🎸👏👏👏👌👍🌼

[@sweetpeabee4983]

Oh. I've heard the name Ani DiFranco before but never listened. But yeah, I get it now. I've got a big back catalog to catch up on, huh? Thanks Tiny Desk! 🧡

[@askmeagainplease]

She’s absolutely incredible! You are in for a treat!

[@darkchocolate4643]

Oh, do you ever. Let me know if you need any recommendations to start off with. :)

[@robertosmanski6633]

Fantastic Live!

[@lancelance9314]

Listen to living in a clip the dual live album

[@kthurston3]

@@robertosmanski6633 I hope to see her live in Minneapolis in 2 days and make my 90s self fulfilled 💗

[@michiellombaers3198]

Off the beaten path. The world could use more of that.

[@josiecameron4349]

From this little glimpse of Ani's home it looks as truly Epic as she is! Thank you Ani for all the blessings you bestow upon us listeners! Love you so so much!!! 💕💕💕💕💕

[@kylefisher1428]

I have never had the pleasure of listening to Ani before and am so happy to have heard her today! Excellent stuff!

[@Alphacentauri819]

Just discovered her now! Happy here too!

[@bryan123483]

I was going to comment the same thing. I knew of her growing up but was so wrong about her.

[@Julia-ep2uw]

Thankyou Ani for the unspeakable beauty you have given this world. You are lovely as the morning red rising on the mountain, unrealized ❤

[@jasondewilde5191]

So great! Ani = total legend. Lyrically an absolute genius.

[@deeliciousplum]

Oh, my gerd! Ani! How thankful I am that previous loves and I have seen this wonderful artist live on several occasions and in intimate live performances where no one remained in their seats. There was dancing in front of a theatre's seats and in the aisles. As musical artists and activists go, Ani is a living hero for listening to what people need. 🌸❤️

[@vinniefray7299]

dayum this guitar sounds incredible

[@laurazt7004]

So many memories made while listening to Ani. The moment I hear her voice I'm put right back there. Great musician and lyricist/poet.

[@jeffreybarkin3177]

ANI seems to relish in challenging our community ways, strucures and social networks, but not in a demeaning or destructive manner, but in getting us to Question It's Ways. Her use of metaphors and parallel social circumstances to achieve this are SO CREATIVE and INSPIRING! Thank You ANi, as your Music is often a great comfort when Times are tough.

[@davidrose6752]

True Raw Talent! She is great

[@nikkiz4167]

so much nostalgia ❤️ she’s still as amazing as ever.

[@n.g.3741]

Omg Yessssss Ani... I miss you! Love, Texas

[@benba9724]

I was so in love with Ani all through high school. I'm ready now. Nice tune..

[@dreamingofcottontails6601]

Revolutionary Love is a beautiful & powerful new song. Looking forward to a new Ani album! & what an incredible space to create in!

[@tgmcgregor5303]

Dear Ani, your music changed my life. Thank you!!!! For being Amazing!

[@shellisannes464]

That 3rd song has come to save me just in time ❤️ thank you Ani, we need you more than ever.

[@wvwinner1600]

Iconic for a reason... not because she wears hair that looks like Bob Dylan used to have or snears like Elvis... an artist for the artist. thank you.

[@desertrosesand]

Peacefulness and sweetness in my morning, far from the rage at work in this crazy world… 🧡

[@Elizabeth-gz4kc]

I've been driving with you singing Ani, on a CD an old hippy gave this younger version. So pleased to see you here.... the invisible audience, felt you all along. Go in peace, with thanks ✌️✌️ Viva la revolucion

[@kateuhler7803]

My personal icon - Ms. Ani D. Genius. Deep. True. Strong. Intlleigent. Amazing. Ani.

[@leafnlore2712]

Sister, it's only the miles and your fame that has prevented us from being good friends. You have always been an inspiration. Keep on dishin' it out!

[@jamesiepoo1]

This woman helped shape who I was and who I have become.

[@desireeberube6607]

Ani, You have always been a HUGE inspiration since I was 13… I saw you live and my soul was blown away 💥💫 I’m now 40 and I’m still listening and loving your beauty💖❤️‍🔥💖

[@unattractiveashell6904]

Everest is my favorite song!!!! Thank you Ani!!!!!

[@lalillith86]

It's like I'm watching a close friend. Her music falls like gems.

[@PiAddiction]

I love love love that she included tuning on stage in this! It's one of the many many many things I look forward to and love about her shows! Thanks Ani! Thanks NPR!

[@leoscar5]

Thank you, Ani, for your voice. I've loved your music for decades.

[@candicemartin1198]

Love. 20 years and still loving. Thank you for you Ani

[@mamieacrie8174]

Wow I like those windows and the music. 🎵🎸

[@TappingInEFT]

Thank you for being alive!!!

[@mars1783]

Thank you NPR .... She's really great, made me cry, lyrics were breathtaking!!! Have a great day, Dear Musicians and Fans!!!

[@Flightofphenomena]

I spent a lot of time tonight on Tiny Desk concerts. This is the only one I got all the way through. Very inspiring! 👏. Amazing stuff !

[@chelseasmith9368]

Happy to be part of the invisible audience today. Agreed that Ani's music really helped me when I was younger (& now). Remember seeing her in Portland in 1991? 1992? First time I felt like could relate to someone else's life as they were singing about it. Not pretend to relate but could actually relate.

[@cynthiabustamante2884]

Her beautiful music hits my soul.

[@tazia37]

💖💕🥰 Thank you NPR Music/ Tiny Desk and Ani DiFranco!!! As part of the 'Invisible audience' I 'Thank you' with all of my heart for giving me the opportunity to watch and listen!!! 🎵🎼🎶🎶🎶✨️✨️

[@ewelulu]

Ani still rules. Love seeing her on Tiny Desk.

[@wcmelle268]

Oh my, has Ani really gracefully grown. Yes, I feel ya, Ani. Revolutionary love...I feel yeah...She is still a wonderful human

[@nicoledezelon8601]

Excellent session! I can trace and track my life to Ani songs and performances. This was much needed on a cloudy Monday!

[@oahuviewlot2929]

I am SHOCKED I am unfamiliar with this artist. That will be rectified. Cool beans, NPR.

[@risawallach7850]

Oh time to catch up! Seen her 6 times live.....

[@tjandra813]

Welcome!!! Tons of music to catch up. All of it wonderful!

[@feedyourhead731]

Check out living in clip

[@JennHolt]

I would love to have an update! What do you think? How do you feel?

[@jamesbarros950]

Ani, whether you can see us or feel us, we see you and we feel you! Thank you!

[@Marshmallow_Trees]

She’s devastatingly gorgeous. Always has been💜

[@bonniehawthorne4007]

I feel you Ani. Thank thank you so much for sharing

[@NobukiPhu]

Ani, you are truly a magician! Thank you for your existance.

[@JeffAdamsMusic]

What a fantastic song! Such a wonderful voice too, artful & masterful playing with great sounds! ☮💚🙂🎶

[@kerfol27]

Everest has always been one of my favs 🌸 Is it just me or does Ani have a bit of a Laurie Anderson look at the moment 😉 Thanks Ani for all this beautiful music 🥰

[@hannahoram7348]

Wow. She is amazing , always. Severely impacted my soul. Right to the core.