Cuco: Tiny Desk Concert

Anamaria Sayre | April 28, 2023
With a Dr. Simi doll in front of him, pop cariño Cuco brought every single piece of who he is and his artistry to El Tiny.
Slow-rolling through a set of four tracks, he seamlessly blended the soul of chicano ballads and the smooth energy of soft rock anthems. Opening with gentle vocals and simple chords on “Pendant,” Cuco brought corazon from an earlier era to his concert. Closing out the emo moment with a sweet guitar solo, he moved on to the tranquil percussion of “Hydrocodone,” delivering heartbroken melody and transporting the audience back to the bedroom where his songwriting career first began.
Complementing the rumbling bass with some light synth, he showcases that same soulful energy on “Feelings,” and closes out the set with the bumpy, bilingual new track “Under the Sun,” shifting to cumbia rhythms as he swaps languages. The guitar-heavy, percussive-laden show invites the audience to share in a Cuco we’ve never seen before, all parts heartbroken, hopeful, and evolving.
SET LIST
“Pendant”
“Hydrocodone”
“Feelings”
“Under the Sun”
MUSICIANS
Cuco: vocals, guitar, keys
Esai: bass, vocals
Fern: guitar, vocals
Allan Olivares: guitar, percussion, vocals
Julian Farias: drums
TINY DESK TEAM
Producers: Bobby Carter, Felix Contreras
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Videographers: Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Sofia Seidel
Audio Assistant: Neil Tevault
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Maia Stern, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer, Pilar Galván, Jill Britton
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #nprmusic #cuco

[@nprmusic]

Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

[@chompnormski]

Stop. Self segregating yourself

[@ASM956]

Can y'all please for the love of music and vibes not put ads in the middle of the performance? With love, a fan.

[@FranciscoSanchez-kn7tk]

Sounds like Jaden Smith

[@FranciscoSanchez-kn7tk]

Shouts out from the monster zero

[@Gabrieleichen]

Ver al Dr. Simi en Tiny Desk es lo único que me faltaba para morir en paz…

[@camilovaldesaraneda3582]

Estaba buscando este comentario

[@AF-yb7ot]

@@camilovaldesaraneda3582 x2 kasjkajs

[@alfredojarillo3146]

jajaja Dr. Simi es famoso ya :)

[@edwardgreen9404]

jaja es verdad y su playera anda por ahí en un mic 😂😂😅😅

[@iguessYoo]

Porfavor no mueras amigo

[@Thejeffex11]

Grande Cuco! It's amazing seeing how far he's gotten since his "Lover is a Day" days. Verdadero talento.

[@djelmoreno]

😅😮

[@hurlulluby.v]

Nah fr im glad i sticked with him for so long😭🙏

[@SK23.]

I mean I liked lover is a day

[@gerardoguevara98]

Lover is a day is hands down my all time favorite song its too good like i love what hes done since but i still feel lover is a day is the best things hes written

[@daoyang223]

Lover is a day is still mi favorita. But his newer salsa groove fused chill hop stuff is still sick

[@rstuartcpa]

I’m going to bet that Cuco is a fan of Pink Floyd.

[@Spmfury]

Absolutely and I am here for it

[@Andrew..K]

Yeah he is

[@cblk4593]

Everyone is a fan of Pink Floyd

[@MrtinAlcrz]

O los temerarios

[@oleksandrpotylko8054]

And Radiohead i think

[@shawnmcx482]

Somebody grew up listening to 'Dark Side of the Moon' a lot.

[@izkoism]

Same thought!

[@rosewood_ca]

Lol he actually did

[@alihuseinsiregar3250]

Got u brooo

[@chayseblack4162]

No kidding, exactly what I was about to say.

[@CC-zb5ks]

That’s what I’m sayiiing

[@ximenaechavarria2297]

wish “Lover is a Day” was there, still this tiny desk was flawless

[@ReyNico]

Think he wanted to do some songs he hasn't done in some of these other sessions, he did lover is a day on audiotree and one other one I believe

[@SHEABUDDHA]

This ain't Summertime "Cuco" I discovered in 2018...I'm learning this version of him today. Very interesting 😌

[@falseinfo5734]

i learned to enjoy this version of cuco but i do miss the other version of him

[@rya6779]

This version's better bc it has a healthy sober cuco

[@error_4004]

I prefer this version. Sober, water drinking Cuco is pretty dope.

[@XOTheHosttt]

Same

[@XOTheHosttt]

@@error_4004 didn't knew about this, but makes kind of sense. The music display here feels like a hug, very peaceful. The Cuco I first heard was depressing asf.

[@danielacollardgomez9812]

Cuco's voice: 😇 Cuco's Style: 🥵😈

[@fred_sec]

0:00 Pendant 5:39 Hydrocodone 8:32 Feelings 12:38 Under The Sun

[@olgabelinda2091]

Omfg thank you so much for this

[@chrise.5400]

This version of Under The Sun with the emphasis on the cumbia at the end honestly made the song 420x better

[@cristianavila955]

Negra Tomasa vibe at the end

[@goldeneagles6504]

I see what you did there

[@sidneygreen1575]

He's grown so much as a vocalist Over the last four years. His progress is amazing to see. I can't wait for more bangers from him 🥰🩷

[@ChrisPBacon3000]

"grown so much as a vocalist" 😆

[@debaixodatampa]

A 5a série não perdoa mesmo....

[@francescodefendi3201]

02:35

[@francescodefendi3201]

He’s also a virtuoso 02:48

[@RobertSlover]

hahaha wow! you need to listen to more good music lady!

[@KerringtonF]

Accidentally clicked the notification that started the video - hooked and invested in the first 2 notes. New fan.

[@twb6821]

Dude on bass is doing something nice.

[@potpoindexter5076]

He is definitely underrated but true fans been here since the beginning 💯💯

[@luisdariodavilamartinez5538]

My dude on the guitar was hitting those notes, man on a mission.

[@barrydobrin1135]

Such a sweet version of Pendant. Definitly hear the Floyd influence on that one. Love their sound. Really talented guys here.

[@diegopv7584]

La voz de Cuco ha mejorado bastante

[@matthewlacap7738]

3:41 That funky jam sesh is soooo fire 🔥

[@stevanayb]

SET LIST: 00:00 Pendant 05:35 Hydrocodone 08:32 Feelings 12:12 Cuco’s giving shout-out 12:34 Under the Sun

[@RobertSlover]

cool band even if “Pendant” is directly ripping off pink floyd's "dark side of the moon" era sound. if your gonna steal steal from the best!

[@irongaming27]

​@@RobertSlover nothing is ever original anymore, there's gonna be someone out there who's made it before; and there's always gonna be someone who nitpicks.

[@dzhtown7744]

​@@RobertSlover nothing is original anymore everyone takes inspiration from some song

[@RobertSlover]

​@@dzhtown7744 simply incorrect. there are no excuses for being a thief.

[@RobertSlover]

@@irongaming27 simply incorrect. there are no excuses for being a thief.

[@vanesajovel8783]

Ahhhhh yes finally!! So freakin proud of you, YOU ARE GLOWING! My boyfriend and I went to your concert as our first date a couple years ago and now we play your songs to our baby 💕 forever a fan

[@EXXORO]

I’m getting a Chicano Pink Floyd feel 🔥

[@dulce3841]

if there’s one concert you should go to in your life, it definitely should be his. the vibe and aura from not only him and his band, but from the fans, is a true once in a lifetime experience :’)

[@snarfjohnson2262]

LOL he's decent nothing amazing

[@superfruitpunchprod]

@@snarfjohnson2262saw him back in 2022, as a musician he’s average but as a performer he’s amazing. He knows how to draw energy from the crowd and has the best vibes at his concerts. Best one i’ve been to and i’ve been to a couple of concerts

[@mmtryagain3512]

I love getting to watch cuco become a whole different human. Glad I’ve been here to see him change in a positive way

[@mattyb808]

This is insane! I've waited a long time for this! Pendant has such a Pink Floyd vibe too!!!

[@iamkerok]

Came to say this very thing!

[@wade2361]

Very DSOTM! Never heard of the band but that first song hooked me.

[@anthonyfox477]

100% - very Floydy

[@adamkowalczyk7429]

Wow it's so close! I wonder someone can hear it as a copy :o

[@MetalAndOtherGenres]

It’s got similar chord structure to “great gig in the sky” of the dark side of the moon album

[@moedinyu7172]

Always did like that bassline in Mexican music, now that I think about it! I grew up in East la! So I had one or two Mexican neighbors...... But that baseline was always sweet to my ears. Even when I was a kid. I liked the way that sounded!

[@j0rrgiee454]

The guys above me is an idiot lol

[@falseinfo5734]

his singing improved so much, i remembered when they would bash him on tiktok lol

[@rikfrye897]

What a wonderful surprise, I am now a MAJOR FAN/FOLLOWER of Cuco. Shout out to Tom Anderson guitars 🎸 . rik Ventura

[@andrewgarcia8349]

how far this man has come, this is like listening to dark side of the moon for the first time again, from the simplicity of his songs like CR-V to this amazing dynamically filled intro with amazing modulation on the guitar and riffs man this hands down is one of the best Tiny desk performances fr, up there with tylers and macs

[@wjeurs]

What a vibe. Never heard of this dude but I hope his album stuff is as chill as this session, if not I'll just keep listening to this while cleaning cooking and doing dishes...😊

[@myfriendscallmebob9834]

What were your thoughts when you listened to his other music?

[@luk_gea]

Esa versión de Pendant me dio escalofríos. Sublime.

[@andresorozco3268]

One of the best tiny desk episodes ever

[@lesgrim1209]

great to see his homies still with him

[@ambscara]

I think this is my fourth time watching and im not bored yet. I wish It was longer );

[@garciafacundomanuelenrique7888]

0:00 The Great Gig In The Sky 5:39 Hydrocodone 8:32 Feelings 12:38 Under The Sun

[@Chicano_Jo]

😂

[@Gipsy_T.]

wdym the great gig in the sky?? was it inspired by pink floyd???

[@Ricke2k8]

@@Gipsy_T. the guitars give it away

[@magicmexican59]

I've listened to so many of these tiny concert performances and i genuinely think this one is the best

[@viviennesoan1]

Lovely early morning music for me!!

[@uneedaspurlock4424]

Me to just love it new fan iam in.

[@oliverram3243]

Been a fan for years. He's incredible.

[@Jeece2020]

I went to his concert last night and it was amazing shi ever and that was my first concert I’ve ever went ^^!!! Love you Cuco your the best man ^^!!!

[@adamkowalczyk7429]

You are so Lucky!

[@Wiik117]

He estado siguiendo la trayectoría de Cuco por más de 5 años. Y es increíble lo mucho que ha crecido musicalmente en tan poco tiempo! Una de las mas grandes mentes en la musica en estos tiempos, sus letras y sentimiento en sus canciones están en otro nivel. Grande Cuco!

[@pinkyandclementine]

This is absolutely gorgeous, I've loved so much of Cuco's recorded music, but this life performance just took my breath AWAY.

[@IsaBel-lb7cs]

Qué lindo ser testigo de tu crecimiento músical y personal Cuco! Te sigo desde el comienzo y siempre aposté a que ibas a llegar lejos!! Amor pleno por lo que hacés 👏🏻💖

[@nellyvs6639]

The band is made for each other. Such a chill sesh!

[@how3llmusic]

La evolución musical de Cuco es impresionante, les tengo un gran respeto, que gran talento de todos los músicos presentes en esta sesión 👏

[@juanpablolera1666]

Pendant ... Increible versión... Impecable...

[@apieceoftoast710]

GRANDE!!!!!! I'm so insanely excited to see Cuco finally get a tiny desk, he deserves it SO MUCH

[@myusernameisnotfound]

Just now hearing Cusco 1st time, holy smackeroos this band hits the chill spot. Love love love. New listener and fan. They’re so young too which is even more exciting to think great music for a long time to come, God willing. I hear the Pink Floyd resemblance at first song. Thank you Tiny D.

[@ikechow]

The Smoothness of this set is beautiful!!

[@luv4yociii]

His voice is so comforting 🫂 fan since lo que siento!!!💝

[@dcpeaches]

Es mi primera vez verle😂❤ 😢

[@KeetsTheGreat]

Cuco never disappoints with his performances 🔥

[@cristiansk878]

He disappointed me when he cancelled his performance in Madrid ☹️☹️☹️

[@Jason21012]

@@cristiansk878 he doesn’t perform for Spaniards anymore. They were really racist to him last time. Horrible people

[@alyssam113]

@@Jason21012 what happened?

[@user-is4by1xw4z]

oh no, what happened? hope he could come to the Philippines someday 😢

[@schnitzelthoughts2515]

This deserves so many more views. Cuco is so talented. I always come back to listen to his tiny desk

[@ManosdeTierra]

i love this band 💚

[@_mgxrcia1550]

For real they have a differently cool vibe

[@TheBlkWlf]

Not a band. But he does have a band he performs his songs with. I believe most of them are his friends.

[@mmtryagain3512]

@@TheBlkWlfthis is who he performs with?

[@sidneygreen1575]

IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS TINY DESK FOR SO FUGGIN LONG 🥰🤣😭

[@frishdaw]

First discovered Cuco from the Polyphia track, quickly realized how much I dig his style of music. Absolutely up my alley, spacey love songs are awesome

[@kayrich4408]

This dope af just discovered a new band to add to my playlist!

[@RichardCandiaMIA]

Never heard of him before...going to check out all his stuff. Infectious sound.

[@AcunaFelicia]

Cuco's amazing and I love his concerts so much, this tinydesk is flawless... loving it a UNIVERSE.

[@cwecitas]

Los oye cariño presentes 🙏🏻✨

[@develour]

Discovering this artist right now. Why only now?!

[@olliewest9488]

THIS IS THE TALENT WE GOTTA SUPPORT THESE DAYS 🙏 ❤️

[@fernandogalvez1504]

Mexican power🔥❤

[@OcelotlAlma13]

✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽

[@daki2682]

gosh , this is imo the best tiny desk performance. being able to see “under the sun” live is AMAZING!!!! good job, cuco ! its been an honor to watch you grow so much !

[@seanfromaustin]

Breathe, breathe in the air...

[@lostsurferjames5]

Cuco lets goooooo! What a good way to start the morning!

[@joelsaravia9612]

They deserve to be more famous than they are for the good of music. Give life back to music

[@Lil-Britches]

He cab tell hes gotten more comfortable eith his voice throughout the years.

[@mildredaguirre5528]

Wow, I’m surprised by this version of Cuco I didn’t know they had new music with a different style but I love it❤ great concert🥰

[@Spmfury]

Love the Pink Floyd Great Gig in the Sky vibes

[@ezrafinkelstein2634]

03:42 Great guitar solo

[@lostsurferjames5]

Had me grooving in the shower this AM

[@justingeorge4598]

Totally killed it!! I wonder if that strat went back to guitar center after the show

[@dachicagoan8185]

​@@justingeorge4598 not funny

[@joancampos6012]

pink floyd

[@deathorca]

So good

[@bazzvalencia]

My goodness, just ran into Cuco through this! You drew me in bro! from the first song.

[@austinjones935]

Saw cuco live, and it was a childhood dream with my friend’s and finally got to see him live. It was really good

[@angeldanielpuenteramirez9456]

Ese cucoooo!!! Con su simi a un lado , mucho éxito , genial setlist

[@Annie010306]

Gracias a Tame Impala conocí a Cuco, gran talento México estadounidense.

[@budazenYT]

Oo i’m late to this but I’m so happy that Cuco got a Tiny desk concert, I love these little concerts so much 💕

[@rashaudreece383]

One of the best ones I have seen, so genuine and amazing

[@ChannelZero1031]

They all mad paisa. Smooth, brown skin. Love it.

[@NenasMund0]

🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🤎felizidades Cuco representing Tiny desk 🙏🏾

[@hoyukypec509]

5:38 haven’t even finished watching but just seeing all of his work come together to make this song. It’s all the little things . From the chimes to using his lil keyboard 🎹. Amazing ! I love Cuco and hope he continues to make beautiful music. ❤

[@sebowensmusic]

This tiny desk automatically ascended to my top 5. Up there with Tamino, Alt-J, Mac Miller and Anderson Paak. (Stromae was the one that Cuco just took the spot of)

[@martybadass424]

OMG he’s all grown up 😭 last time I seen him he was probably in highschool ❤️❤️

[@mugemtrain9780]

Thanks KZbin for recommend me this video. His sound flawless.please cucu keep playing,I'll never stop to listen your music

[@VoidMaker407]

this is set was so calming, the cumbia bit he added as well was super good

[@palimiux]

La canción "Under the sun" me dio vibras de la versión tropical negra tomasa de caifanes. Es un genio!!!!!

[@NikolasGutierrezCasallas]

Sound is flawless 👏 Thanks Tiny Desk team

[@sallysson]

Very mellow. I can listen to this for hours.

[@rodriguezfloresclaudio1389]

I love U Cuco!! Te sigo desde aproximadamente 2017 y me alegra ser testigo de todo lo que has podido lograr y hacer y que personalmente el seguir tu musica me haya hecho crecer y acompañarme tanto en los mejores como en los peores momentos. A seguirla rompiendo 🇲🇽♥🙌🏽

[@hugocabral2145]

The more i listen, the more i find this a masterpiece

[@viteksvoboda]

I just love everything about this. thank you cuco, the band and npr!

[@simon12110]

First song feels like "breath, breath in the air" ♡♡♡

[@Nizzleberry]

Cuco is so talented and underrated

[@coockssongs]

En la madre, definitivamente top 3 mejores Tiny Desk, escuchar Hydrocodone me dió escalofríos, espero escuchar a este guapo en vivo❤

[@plutobaby9996]

Did we all had a sad boy cuco era ?

[@hectorabreu2502]

That guitar sounds heavenly

[@whatitisbuddy9785]

I would marry the audio mixer. 😂 Perfect mix 🎶

[@ericdelacruz2843]

What a performance! It’s great to see how far y’all have come as musicians!

[@Static_Age]

Jeeeez, this is so chill. I have never been so relaxed after a Tiny Desk vid. Loving it!

[@FreyaC]

This set is so calming and sweet ❤

[@KimiLondon]

omggggg his Tiny desk performance was so perfect 😭😭😭😭

[@Funfetti__27]

Finally! The Tiny Desk I’ve been waiting for!!

[@TenienteGhost]

What a great seasson, i love yours work

[@berenicesaucedo1062]

I love it! we need more videos like this 😢❤