Arlo Parks: Tiny Desk Concert

Bobby Carter | November 1, 2023
Watching Arlo Parks read an excerpt from her newly published book of poetry, The Magic Border, during her performance, it felt like a full circle moment for her. Her origins as a musician began with poetry, but she also explained between songs that Tiny Desk concerts also planted seeds during her formative years as an artist. "This session is generally one of the reasons that I decided to make music and I grew up with this session, so it's really special to be here.." Three years ago, with just a guitar in tow, she recorded a Tiny Desk home concert. Two albums later, she's made it official behind the real Desk, this time with a full band to back her up.
Aside from "Eugene" from her Grammy-nominated, Mercury Prize-winning debut album, the entire set is comprised of cuts from her sophomore album, My Soft Machine. The drum loops and breaks hit hard on My Soft Machine, but these stripped-down versions deviate just enough to allow her voice to sit at the forefront. Whether speaking or singing, the British singer-songwriter puts me at ease and eloquently articulates relatable emotions in ways a mere layman couldn't imagine. At 23 years old, her poetic, feelings-first approach to music continues to set her apart from so many others in her class and I'm excited to hear how this coming-of-age story continues to evolve.
SET LIST
"Blades"
"Eugene"
"Pegasus"
"Impurities"
MUSICIANS
Arlo Parks: lead vocals
James Fernandez: drums, music direction
Hannah Jacobs: keys, vocals
Sam Harding: bass, vocals
Dani Diodato: guitar, vocals
Matt Maijah: vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Director/Editor: Maia Stern
Audio Engineer: Hannah Gluvna
Videographers: Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame
Production Assistant: Zayrha Rodriguez
Audio Assistant: Kwesi Lee
Photographer: Catie Dull
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Josh Rogosin, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #arloparks #tinydesk

[@nprmusic]

Want to play your own Tiny Desk concert? Unsigned musicians, enter the 2024 Tiny Desk Contest between Jan. 23 and Feb. 21. Learn more: npr.org/tinydeskcontest.

[@bencookeles]

Ppp😊p😊ppp😊

[@bencookeles]

P

[@craygmayo157]

There is nothing quite like the feeling of never having heard or heard of an artist and then hearing their voice for the first time on NPR TDC. It's truly special.

[@NewhomaRising]

so true, it brightens everything!!

[@ThisMusicIsToogood]

You've been under a rock

[@craygmayo157]

@@ThisMusicIsToogood I can't argue with that. The amount of artists NPR TD has introduced to me in the last few days is crazy

[@lasagnahog7695]

A close second is seeing an artist you love getting to do a Tiny Desk! Such a good channel.

[@DBKQN]

Just had the same experience listening to her. I've seen her but Heard her. ❤ this tiny desk

[@luolinia]

you know the iced latte is gonna be fire when the barista looks like these guys, also, amazing music

[@pattimagee]

I'll have what they're having :P

[@staffanolofsson8201]

An old man, 78, and from Sweden likes this. Never think of oldies as not really a part of community. We are still here. And I believe most of young people nowadays like us a lot. As we old people also like you, young people. ♥

[@garrulus3399]

We know you are around and we appreciate it so much!! Let's just vibe together!

[@Bee-dp3st]

We love you more ❤

[@ijeamaechi3073]

love how the whole band's enjoying the music, beautiful to watch

[@eoinmcsweeney2632]

Jesus, please heal me

[@AlbanZap]

At least someone is....

[@noms7238]

ARLO MY QUEEN!!!! collapsed in sunbeams got my through covid. seen them twice in concert in nyc and their energy in person is nothing but ethereal. amazing amazing

[@loucat2779]

The keyboard player just radiates love and positivity.

[@DoctorJoanieTool]

Arlo is amazing. And Tiny Desk is one of the best things on the Internet. Thank you @NPRMusic!

[@user-rg6wr3jc9t]

Красивое душевное исполнение. 👏

[@leahharris4131]

I totally agree🎉🎉🔥🎉🎉🎊👏

[@mothebaker1935]

The pianist playing both the piano and keyboard at the same time is INSANE‼️

[@pianojames]

It is “just” the keyboards player’s job! 😁

[@aliaveryonly]

She’s got her own band too - pecq - check them out!

[@eoinmcsweeney2632]

Love her vibe

[@caseyclauser9587]

This comment is not a good look for you….

[@eoinmcsweeney2632]

@@caseyclauser9587 what

[@brenmdn]

Man I love Arlo so much, got me through the pandemic. She’s a safe place. Her voice and vibe ugh 🤍

[@sallysson]

What a beautiful voice. Tiny Desk is always introducing us to what we didn't know we wanted. The musicians are not to be slept on.

[@TheN1cholas]

glad to say ive been an arlo fan for over 3 years now. 2 studio albums and a book later and shes done nothing but impress me time and time again!! bravo arlo 👏👏👏

[@passdadoughnuts2299]

Beautiful performance. Arlo Parks is so good. So honest and warm. Such a great vibe. Tiny Desk production is amazing as always.

[@snowstrobe]

Saw Arlo at a big music festival here in Bristol about a month back. It was too large a venue, she suits a more intimate setting.

[@phiwomyeza8536]

THE BAND INTERACTIONS ARE EVERYTHING!!

[@emieramsell6425]

Arlo and the whole band are such a vibe 🫶

[@eepopp69]

so glad arlo is getting more recognition!! also that guitarist goes crazy love their playing

[@davidarthur8772]

Another gem from Tiny Desk! Thank you.

[@jocelynekeh1126]

First time hearing this wonderful artist! Love it so much and I’m glad I turned in to tiny desk!!! Arlo Parks 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@danoconn]

Got to see her on her small club US tour she's so great and her band is super tight ❤

[@juin54]

Musique douce , belle et tellement reposante . Ils sont tous en harmonie les uns avec les autres . Coup de cœur pour la pianiste .

[@bigfixproduction]

Such a beautiful, human & spiritual performance, sooo looking fwd to your live show in Toronto this March, 2024 ♥🕊🙏

[@UT00BE]

Didn't know what to expect when I clicked. I'm mind blown!!! She's amazing. NPR always putting us on🫱🏽‍🫲🏾

[@MC-dn1zg]

I love Arlo! Thank you NPR! Have to say the best bit was Hannah on keys - she simply does not stop smiling - it's infectious! She obviously loves playing for Arlo!

[@phillipockletree1199]

Exactly the vibe I've been unexpectedly not seeking but have been seeking in this crazy time... Thank you Tiny Desk for turning sadness and despair into glimpses of happiness

[@assiab.2134]

🙏❤🎉❤🎉❤🙏

[@garrulus3399]

Music can do this!! ❤ Look out for those glimmers, we are all still here and not alone

[@dakotac180]

She's so lovely, Tiny desk once again the best it's ever been

[@GoADHDGo]

It’s like someone melted Sade and Macy Gray’s voices together into creamy buttery goodness and I’m all for it.

[@latoyayates7880]

truuueeeeee

[@justlis2]

Perfect

[@n3atalie]

arlo is so smooth and effortless gawwddd

[@frnkgt00]

The vocal harmonies between these two is extraordinary

[@aaron088]

agh i love arlo so much, and the band is brilliant, so happy to see them on tiny desk! 💓🌟

[@Udle101]

So smooth! I think I like them live more than than the albums.

[@stuartthorne4872]

Loved this performance! Intimate, haunting and full of warmth. Special mention goes to those exquisitely blended vocal harmonies. 🎤 🔥🎼🔥🎶🔥❤️💯🦁🌞

[@MariOsses]

After the concert I saw and this Tiny Desk I’m sure Arlo can achieve whatever she wants. Talented, kind and beautiful (inside out). I am in love. ❤

[@summer37x]

Arlo knows how to set a vibe. Such a great time.

[@lasagnahog7695]

Aww man, I love that Arlo loves Tiny Desk.

[@yaninvillarreal3769]

Arlo is my absolute favorite, I love tiny desk 🥹

[@mchjsosde]

I love the nasal quality of her voice. She is gorgeous inside and out!

[@anastasiaf.4421]

A burst of talent from the band and Arlo, naturally! You all are the joy, so thank you.

[@SistahBear1]

This is a tiny desk I didn’t want to end. It’s so soothing and good to my soul. Go Arlo go!

[@hnin.studio]

Arlo Parks live is AMAZING!! Such a beautiful voice and person. Their lyrics hit meeeeeeeee. Love love love!!

[@c0c0c00lguy]

unbelievable performance by all, one of top tiny desks of all time

[@arianatorrestorres]

OMG I love so much Arlo, when i heart "Eugene" i cried, i really love that song ❤😢

[@annasofiaboyd1027]

seeing her live in concert was an incredible experience!! she came into the crowd during caroline and danced with us, it was so beautiful. everything she touches is magic

[@GGGames1000]

That upright sounds so good

[@thomasmurphy9348]

To me..this has a 70's vibe..very nice stuff..she has a very soothing voice.

[@prahjex2501]

Super lovely performance + I kinda fell in love with the whole band. Sam on bass, dang!

[@gwenjulianna2372]

omg, Sam 😍 And yes the whole band lol

[@madeinkonada]

Thanks for introducing me to more amazing artists!

[@phillipockletree1199]

Same same

[@MikeLunney]

Look up the Fake Plastic Trees cover she did with Phoebe Bridgers 🔥

[@BestFitSquareChannel]

Irresistible groove, vibe. A gift. Thank you. Best wishes, health, joy, wellbeing… 🫶🏼 🤸🏽‍♂️ 🎶 🖖🏼

[@jamescassidy5852]

Wonderful, laidback, warm, funky. You make my heart sing. Thank you Arlo.

[@tlea3916]

Arlo is everything

[@beemichelle2276]

I could tell from the thumbnail this was my crowd. No regrets after clicking on the video. 👏👏👏

[@karito14ish]

Such a treat!

[@user-hf1sb1jv9i]

Orbital's "The Altogether" album art work on hoodie - enough criteria to realize, that these people makes beautiful music. One love 💜

[@davidseabury2481]

Lovely! I'm IN! Great sounds Arlo & Band!

[@niahjoe5341]

Such a beautiful voice!

[@dream4starz]

I LOVE ARLO

[@f.demascio1857]

Shes got such a great voice & songs. Necer seen her IRL. Need to.

[@ferdinandconcubierta1790]

Fantastic vibes. Superb audio engineering for a small setting. Thank you NPR Tiny Desk.

[@gideonasumeng1328]

Some of the most soothing music I have heard in a long time. Thank you @NpR Music.

[@maricara3881]

Fantastic swing!! Love this!! New to Arlo and loving it!!!

[@workingtoseethelight8244]

Listening again and again. Thank you... Peace, love, and empathy are the way.

[@mariajoseduenassanchez2304]

Bravo Arlo!! so much talent in a tiny place

[@angelicasheltonsworld365]

Tiny Desk is awesome. I love all the talent and rawness ❤🔥👏🏾

[@BatsiraiMusuka]

Arlo is such a vibe ❤🫶🏾🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼

[@KCYT2010]

Just lovely. Thank you !

[@mattyjc04]

Absolutely stunning. Thank you.

[@MidwestComet]

Whew, her speaking voice just made me melt 🫠

[@roybm3124]

So talented what a great sound she has.

[@lilythomas1208]

Like honey to the ears, thank you for sharing your beautiful music with the world!

[@TM9_]

Loved this!

[@tanimaheshwari5310]

Love Arlo so much!! Seen them live twice and cried both times

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Love her band!

[@vanessaseymour2634]

Thanks NPR! You truly make my day. I've just recently gotten into Arlo, and I'm loving it. This is a great showcase.

[@ShawnBoyetteAlso]

(1) The band is pocket af. (2) I knew we were about to lose Arlo as an amazing musical secret when her music showed up in an Apple product presentation, but that's ok and I'm very happy to see her here.

[@minimalgameplay]

This is an absolute vibe. Thank you for introducing me to more great music!

[@CHARLESJOGOS]

Que som fantástico! Logo cedinho esse presente da NPR!

[@nosidezero]

Just got into her music this year. Amazing performance!

[@jamie6639]

Hey Arlo! I saw your concert a couple months ago. It was amazing. I have been listening to your songs since 2020 when I was going through a lot. Hearing your voices give me so much peace in me. Thank you for your great music and your commitment to bring good to the world. We love you!

[@Reizeroworldnoyume]

I'm amazed to discover this magnificent artist !

[@changveronicas]

love to see a singer and their band vibing and having so much fun making beautiful music together. amazing!

[@andrewwardartfish2419]

Love! Happy ears! Thank you!

[@Jollyva]

Incredible

[@MasikelaMotau]

my favorite artist been waiting for this , you deserve the platform ❤

[@gizmo1385]

Tiny desk never miss with the artist selection

[@AND.Ortega]

🥰🥰🥰Your music makes me feel good. Thanks!!!🥰🥰🥰

[@sophiasichim917]

This is so beautiful!

[@norte182]

Love you Arlo. You are so gorgeous in all the ways ❤

[@golden_rage5913]

Everything I didn't know I needed ❤

[@Fefefrvr]

I saw her live a few month ago and it was such a chill and relaxing experience.

[@joangrivart5319]

god that sweet smooth voice and those groovy calm beats...

[@Ga18bo03]

This is like a dream come true. Arlo you are the best!

[@mirobuiter137]

This is amazing! Loved her perform when she was in Amsterdam last September!

[@leticiafonseca3902]

Ok, she's amazing!!!

[@RheSiobhan]

This is the happiest group ever, really vibing - What great energy!

[@Groundedsquirrel]

Lovely.,, will listen more soon.

[@catcrum8328]

i've enjoyed Arlo Parks studio releases, she's a true poet- but what a pleasure watching this joyous group of performers. all of them brimming with talent!

[@jellanonnenmacher]

ahhhhhh all this love!!! thank you for being there for us

[@issytharolf1000]

YES FINALLY I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS

[@seanmichaelmitchell8698]

this version of eugene is everything to me

[@dahmin]

Really like the vocal harmonies.