Elisapie: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Watch Elisapie play "Arnaq", "Una" and "Darkness Bring The Light" at the Tiny Desk.
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Feb. 21, 2020 | Bob Boilen -- Watching Elisapie perform, her intensity is undeniable. I feel it in her gaze, in her deep, soulful bellow. Elisapie is a Canadian singer and songwriter born in Salluit, on the northern tip of Quebec. Her lyrics, most often sung in her native Inuktitut as well as English and French, touch on her life as an adopted child and on meeting her biological mother. Now, as a mother herself, she sings about what it must have meant to her own mother to give up her child. Elisapie left her birth-village, Salluit, as a teenager and headed to Montreal, leaving her community and her sick mom. The songs she sings, here all come from her album, The Ballad of the Runaway Girl and deal with the consequences of her leaving.
The sounds in Elisapie's music have roots in older rock music - in fact, she was a vinyl-spinning DJ and found a connection with the music of Neil Young and Bob Dylan, musicians with a message. Her band is also outstanding, from the bass saxophone of Jason Sharp to the guitars and sounds of Joe Grass and Josh Toal. And take some time to watch and listen to the tasteful drumming of Evan Tighe. This is an extraordinary Tiny Desk from an artist with something meaningful to say.
SET LIST
"Arnaq"
"Una"
"Darkness Bring The Light"
MUSICIANS
Elisapie: vocals, Joe Grass: guitar; Josh Toal: bass; Evan Tighe: drums; Jason Sharp: saxophone
CREDITS
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith, Jack Corbett; Creative director: Bob Boilen; Audio engineer: Josh Rogosin; Editor: Jack Corbett; Videographers: Jack Corbett, CJ Riculan, Maia Stern; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Executive producer: Lauren Onkey; VP, programming: Anya Grundmann; Photo: Mhari Shaw/NPR

[@laetitiathomas74]

Beautiful Elisapie. What an incredible woman and artist. We are so lucky in Quebec to be able to learn about Inuit culture that we don't know enough. In Montreal, we had a curfew at 8 p.m. since the beginning of January, it was really difficult to be alone every night. I almost managed to listen all the performances. Seems like there is something magical when artists come to you. The artists that I didn't think I liked brought me something positive. Probably more effective (for me) than anti-depressants. I made wonderful discoveries. There is a lot of love on your show. I think this is the best. A huge thank you Tiny Desk!

[@FrancisLeclercGuitariste]

Very proud to hear artist from Québec on the show. Great performance again from Elisapie and the band.

[@CrAzy4Muziic]

Francis Leclerc tellement!! C’est vraiment cool!!!!

[@timmitchnz]

Just stunning the diversity of talent NPR brings to the Tiny Desk day in and day out. Not to mention the awesome production quality. My go to place for pushing my musical boundaries

[@nprmusic]

Thank you!

[@knas4life]

Word!

[@god1770]

Been here for 2 years now....this channel is perhaps one of the best things I found on internet!❤

[@abaneyone]

At least on KZbin!

[@nprmusic]

We appreciate you!

[@vadim4252]

Definitely

[@crabbtrixexp]

it is, KEXP's a favourite to, so many great bands in this age, we are truly blessed

[@vadim4252]

Let's take a moment to appreciate the diversity and high standards of these tiny desk concerts.

[@ChannelRejss]

I'm a 32 year old guy living in Germany. I just turned on this video as I stepped into my morning shower, and found myself shedding tears as they played Una... clearly so much was put into this.

[@ChannelRejss]

@@thehuntx Or maybe music can have a proper effect on me and whatever pain and love was put into this music has actually touched me. But thanks doc, I'm sure you are a qualified psychotherapist and it's your thing to offer your services for free on KZbin :)

[@ChannelRejss]

@@thehuntx Don't tell me your never heard music that moved you to tears in some point of your life... if not and you feel that it would be a sign of sickness I'm sorry.

[@thehuntx]

@@ChannelRejss Your Welcome anytime.

[@RomanBuehler]

almost same emotional response in me...

[@pedxing]

the presence of that bass sax was not lost on me. that thing is just fun to listen to on its own.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

😂 it's fun to _look_ at....like they got it on loan straight from a museum...or the muppets.....

[@josephmccorkle5514]

check out Leo P

[@vadim4252]

@@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power you're saying something there that you don't take seriously, but now you said it I cannot not consider it seriously.

[@gillesbourgeois5348]

There's barytone guitar also, is it fun to look at? Why not.

[@charlesbellvue4337]

I love this. Unpolished, emotionally charged and honest. They’re not trying to be a type of way they are a type of way. These songs brought me to a very specific place not generally a place I seek going to but it felt good to be there with them.

[@stewartmcdowall2285]

Raw. Intense. Delicate. Pure. True.

[@PentameronSV]

*_0:00_**_ - Arnaq_* (3:24 / 3:33) *_5:14_**_ - Una_* (9:54 / 10:05) *_10:23_**_ - Darkness Bring the Light_* (17:02)

[@linuxxxunil]

Sometimes you’re in the right place at the right time. I was on my commute when I first heard Elisapie perform at the Governor General of Canada swearing in ceremony. An instant fan. Thank you @npr for this.

[@FlyByWyr1]

Simply outstanding talent and imagination. I’m amazed by their arrangements of such diverse sounds.

[@happylittlehobbycollector_]

This is the first time I’m hearing a hollow body electric guitar and I’m loving it, what a cool tone! And that six string bass is groovy too! they both complement each other so well.

[@rosechisholm58]

Yes. She is incredible and I love how NPR recognizes that.

[@CrAzy4Muziic]

Wowowowow! Thank you for having Elisapie! What a beautiful discovery! Amazing vibe!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

This is sensational. It is rough and intimate at the same time. And the interplay among the musicians is on a very high level. Now I have learned that it is a bass saxophone, not a barytone. After listening again to this music I completely surrender. And to listen to Elisapie talking about her biological mother is great. And then she sings a song to her.

[@sisterphyllis4753]

I've never heard of this artist before, I love this. The musical sound is off the chain.

[@stephane-robertbazinet2683]

I discovered Elisapie when she performed during Mary Simon's swearing in ceremony as Canada's first Inuk Governor General... I've become obsessed with Elisapie's songs, and I've discovered some other Inuit artists that I've come to really like. Chi miigwech NPR for presenting some Indigenous Artists.

[@XxLizmoxX]

I just love the feel of this band. Very progressive sounding.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Give it up for the guy in the black and yellow t-shirt! What a guitarist!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Joe Grass! And thank you.

[@madalineolson4778]

Thank you for always showing diversity. Feeling the strong pull of this. Sending love and peace and all beings!

[@walterthemusician8741]

I love this! It's wonderful how musicians can keep coming up with new ways to make music that is fresh and exciting! NPR... more like this!

[@user-gq6fd1cl7c]

I keep coming back to this performance. Thank you Elisapie!

[@TheCristieboricua]

NPR please invite Sade pleaseee 🙏🏼😭❤️ I would love to see her here 💖

[@ur5860]

Yes!!!!!!!!

[@tomas5376]

Intriguing, intense, emotional! Unique sounds - there are not enough words to express the feelings flowing from this performance!👍✌️😊🙏🏼🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@MarcCharronMusic]

Chere Elisapie - that was amazing. I worked with you and Alain during the TAIMA project at the Parliament over 5 days preparing for Canada day in 2004?2005? I was your guide/chaperone. It's so nice to see where you've taken your music. We love it. You guys were so good to me all those years ago. All the best. Take care!

[@jrobertgadams7766]

Nice to see someone from QUEBEC at NPR Tiny Desk Concert !

[@lucbelanger4951]

Sorry, her career is mostly in Québec, but she is from Nunavut, and a proud children of her nation. Let's give due rights to the owners. Still, I love her and I love her interaction with Joe Grass.... One of the secret gems of Montréal! :)

[@1gopifatimah]

So amazing! Wow! Unique, authentic, real expression, Fresh music, lyrics and meaning. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@riccardomusiu510]

Wow Beautiful!! ❤️🎶Always amazing music NPR Music. Thanks for sharing 👍 Like 😉🎧🎶

[@micahfields4839]

I love the drummer's body language!!

[@ditame6366]

I've never seen that move with the sticks and that sound was awesome. Learned something new🎉

[@aapuppetshow9527]

Her pure voice and the music are so true

[@Dontmakemereregister]

Drummer is mesmerizing with the special effects.

[@TheDrGen]

Велике дякую вам! Дуже гарний концерт! Я вже бачив кліпи на ці пісні, але живий виступ мені сподобався набагато більше. Нажаль ніде не можу знайти слова ваших пісень. А пісні, на справді мене захопили.

[@michelsimard1853]

I LOVE YOU ELISAPIE!!!!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!💖🥰😘

[@JoshTruff]

Very beautiful, thank you for this.

[@Omarvazcar1]

I love this all inclusive , me encanta que incluyen a todos 💗 brava 🙌

[@Dizzula]

The drummer is plugged in to the funk hotline

[@dereklepiesza5022]

I know the drummer personally

[@JesusRidingDinausor]

The drum fill/transition at 9:31 is the best thing to happen this year so far.

[@elsapadilla2897]

From Texas- I love it, very unique and interesting sounds

[@JohnsDough1918]

Didn't expect to see her on this channel, she is great!

[@MicheleColin-ym6ey]

WOW i love this song WOW

[@arctichare8185]

Very nice show Elisapie. And you are with a very creative and skilled group of friends there.

[@robertsalt9085]

Darkness bring the light, How good was that and that sax Whoaaa yeah. Love it Thank you Elisapie and band :-)

[@dpotter7503]

Very cool. Off the beaten path. I think music as an artform is alive and well.

[@benitomgomez3290]

So very pleasent !

[@3ly5e]

I love Elisapie and I'm so happy to see this!!!!!!

[@bertsnarg8676]

Awesome band, that drummer rocking my friggin world

[@svendallai]

More, more more!

[@lauriesimoes6285]

Thank you 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@gregchristopher1961]

I saw Elisapie play at the Chan Centre in Vancouver last March, and Joe Grass was playing what appeared to be a hollowbody (or semi-hollowbody) guitar, but not a Guild acoustic like he was playing here. He got outerworldly sounds out of that instrument. From my viewpoint, it looked like it may have been a Guild Aristocrat or a Starfire, but our concert seats weren't close enough to tell for sure. I would sure like to know exactly what that guitar was....because I want one, after hearing the man play.

[@AloneMote]

Wow! Can’t believe how good you guys are. Just wanted to let you know that a commercial cut first performance in half - made me mad because it was like cutting a thousand dollar note in half. Grrrrr ❤

[@eds6889]

That was pretty interesting stuff. Very unique.

[@interested-q4d]

Darkness bring the light has echoes of a sailor's life. Good ones that is.

[@bpalpha]

That is immaculate guitar tone from the dude on the Guild f-note!

[@okbo-y]

A devised performance. lt was really amusing.👍

[@dschonsie]

what a charismatic person she is

[@ndnnation2259]

Mesmerizing.

[@adriennewoodfork9087]

They look so stiff but the Music 🎶 supersedes their look 👀💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾‼️‼️Love it here ‼️‼️‼️

[@ImaginaryG0d]

seeing you is like looking at a whole cosmos

[@dfbess]

Wow.. love this set they brought!

[@rd4660]

Very interesting stuff. I liked it.

[@acousticguitarcanada]

Wonderful...

[@Mooyak]

She is insanely unique. Their whole sound is phenomenal! What a bitchin’ band

[@lordbuddybear]

Great band

[@kassandraayalasongs]

I enjoyed this

[@kinnjohn]

This was different. And great!

[@Gkuljian]

Wow!

[@wildrosecece]

She reminds me of Mary of Peter, Paul and Mary from the 60’s. Love her voice.

[@coachcary1]

Wow. That was soul stuff

[@volcaniadread]

I like her shirt, that’s a nice shirt 👌

[@samelasegades977]

Vocês são top!

[@beckymccain9293]

Incredible. Where else can you find this unique and beautiful music?

[@CatBarefield]

Becky McCain the canadian north is full of really talented people 😊 Riit is really good too

[@crabbtrixexp]

yeah it's beautiful, i've not heard anything like it, nice to know there's plenty of others like this out there, it's great the internet shines a light on something i otherwise wouldn't have heard. The web's not as bad as some would have you believe, It does create a more level platform for people to be discovered and appreciated on.

[@fidia_temple]

Wow jazzindiopopcountry

[@Thataussiebattler]

This Cool AF :)

[@AmsterdamHeavy]

First thing I thought was "PJ Harvey"...

[@sockmonkeydogtoy]

NPR please invite Casper Skulls! They are a really good alt indie band and they'd be great for a tiny desk concert!

[@shenilles.5650]

This was great ! Can we get Bilal back by himself this time ! Please 😩

[@jakescheirer3022]

Bari Sax ftw!

[@troymathews6573]

😎wow if ; KATE BUSH and PETER GABRIAL had a Band of children they would sound just like this ; OMG i luv this sooo sooo sooo mutch eyh ayyaya eyh 🧡🧡🧡

[@ditame6366]

It's a tradition to give......wow

[@Ms1TrueAries13]

That below me away

[@kshaw8494]

You need Paolo Nutini to perform he’s born to play live. One of Scotland’s best

[@jacksonnicholas4288]

100000000% need to get Vulfpeck on here

[@venih5155]

Nice!!! :)

[@nathaliedubucmj7054]

wow

[@staffanolofsson8201]

This is GREAT music, thank you. And when I see the barytone sax I think it is a very GREAT baryton. Is it a sort of bass-barytone? Can anyone explain?

[@staffanolofsson8201]

OK I have now learned that it exists such a weird thing as a bass saxophone. And that he can play on it, too.

[@FrogMitus]

M C L Y T E ! !

[@zeven1796]

intense thumbnail

[@melanco111]

Hiatus Kayote: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert please

[@staffanolofsson8201]

This is impossible, I have tried two times earlier this evening to write a note about this fantastic guitarist, the one in black Tshirt with yellow words. It does´t work. Or?

[@sgbabie]

Hey that’s my aunt :p

[@ltjr1989]

Orange is the new black vibes

[@wildrosecece]

Curious what language she is singing in?

[@timmitchnz]

Inuktitut perhaps as her heritage is Inuk

[@stacieklein3113]

@@timmitchnz the description says a mix of inukitut, french and english :)

[@sirarungasal3732]

NPR please bring Alip_Ba_Ta to tiny desk :) respect and love from Indonesia :)

[@tkavook]

Mac Ayres tiny desk would be 🔥

[@roseeramirez5200]

when are you going to invite Laura Pergolizzi?????

[@andrzejkucharzyk9970]

NPR, I love you, but fix the background noise (electric buzzing).

[@kirk902]

I hear nothing like that in my very clear system.

[@sunnydaysatl]

Please invite Omar Lye-Fook

[@lauriehughes6564]

♒♒♒♒♒🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@rot_studios]

Didn't know VSauce did drums lol