Eskimeaux: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

August 28, 2015 by BOB BOILEN
Eskimeaux's OK is easily my most played album of the year, next to the Courtney Barnett record. There's lighthearted, almost childlike beauty in the way Gabrielle Smith puts words to song. Here are OK's first lines:
In my dreams you're a bathtub running
You are warm and tender
And bubbling
Oh, you are cold and bristling and struggling
As an adopted child, Smith discovered that her biological father is Tlingit Eskimo; she describes the -eaux suffix as "just a playful jumble of letters that represents the way I record - a confusing layering of sounds that somehow coalesce into something simple."
Smith has performed at the Tiny Desk before: She's part of a New York art collective that includes Told Slant, Small Wonder and Bellows, and Bellows played here not too long ago. Some of the players in those bands sing with Smith in her final song - one of my favorite songs of the year - called "I Admit I'm Scared," which ends with a few perfectly chosen words:
And if I had a dime for every time I'm freaking out
We could fly around the world
Or just get out of your parents' house
Set List
"Folly" 00:00
"A Hug Too Long" 02:42
"I Admit I'm Scared" 05:25
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Walker, Colin Marshall, Lani Milton; Assistant Producer: Mina Tavakoli; photo by Emily Bogle/NPR

[@otterbot]

"I Admit I'm Scared" is absolutely one of my favorite songs of the year. Really appreciated this presentation. Thank you. I have come to rely on the NPR Tiny Desk concerts as a crucial means to connecting with new music.

[@playin1]

+Chris Schreiber The amount of fresh new sounding artists I discover on NPR's TDC is quite amazing. It's my favorite means for new music.

[@robertjensen8845]

I run a venue in Erie Pa called Basement Transmissions. Gabby played a show to about 6 cold kids and myself. It took place during one of eire's terrifying Lake Effect snow storms. White out conditions. Rightfully the show should have been canceled. She played the most personal and beautiful sets that I've seen at the venue. And incredibly humble and friendly. Miss her. Its great to see her getting notoriety

[@ElijahBrisley]

I’m close to Erie, sucks I missed that show. She is super talented.

[@SinWagons]

It's been a long while since I've unexpectedly shed a tear or two over music. I usually just put on old favorites when I want that effect, but my reaction to this set was surprising. Thanks for sharing this; I've found a new favorite.

[@maxwell_young]

get frankie cosmos and porches on tiny desk

[@shawncicalese4094]

Ansolutely

[@kristenfalkowski7792]

Yes please

[@5k33k]

Since it isn't already listed in the video, the names of the performers are: Gabrielle Smith - Guitar/Vocals Felix Walworth - Vocals (Glasses, plays drums normally) Oliver Kalb - Vocals (Attic Abasement Shirt, normally on keys) Jack Greenleaf - Vocals (Plain Black Shirt, plays bass normally)

[@jamescockayne9794]

I am the only one who really wants to see Alex G play one of these?

[@danmankeyes]

+James Cockayne No you are definitely not

[@jodywheeler5779]

Yeah, seriously dude, it's about time. Maybe soon would be good. He had some good bangers on his last album!

[@zoepardee9545]

So beautiful. Reminds me how I felt when I heard Kaia Wilson's voice for the first time. natural talent.

[@Reedjames92]

I really love Gabby as a part of Bellows, but watching this made me really, really love her as a Eskimeaux! The Epoch = 💜

[@deargenre]

Her voice at 8:51 is the most pure, raw & emotional I've heard in a long time. Makes the song for me.

[@MaartenMCsquarepants]

+Dear Genre I couldn't agree more. The emotion fits to her words.

[@marston9106]

The performance of Folly on tiny desk is so haunting. The voice and lyrics are just so balanced.

[@chloesheree5395]

i first heard of eskimeaux when i got given a free mix cd when i ordered an lp online... and the first song i heard was 'folly' and literally i couldn't do anything when i heard the song, all i could do was listen. it's so beautiful! seeing them all here is making me love them even more! x

[@batiflores6189]

Told Slant on tiny desk, please!!

[@PurpleElephantMusic]

I love this girl. I saw her live about a month back with Francis quinlin

[@shanebagel]

I saw her with bellows but she didnt sing, then I saw this, what a fantastic songwriter

[@ashepherdcomedy]

I saw her perform a couple nights ago in Santa Cruz. It was great. This set was short even for a tiny desk! I wish they had done one more song.

[@DGpawnshop]

Such beautifully powerful lovely songs.... I think the NPR director was holding back tears. nice show

[@Kattibae]

I love her voice so much. Lyrics are damn beautiful

[@marston9106]

Just love her voice and the lyrics.

[@Panik637]

Can't believe it took me this long to watch this. Gabby's perfect. Love the Attic Abasement shirt. Feeeeeeliiiiixxxxxx aaahhhh

[@garyives1218]

Okay, this is truly bizarre but, a few days ago this vid popped up and I really enjoyed it. I was very curious what guitar she is playing. Today I had a Guitar Center ad pop up and it was for this EXACT guitar!!!! The ad wasn't even for a new guitar, it was for a USED guitar!!! This is just too strange a coincidence. It's not even a popular mainstream guitar. It is a Daisy Rock Elite.

[@garyives1218]

grace and lightness

[@crzywitboy3]

wow, she is captivating.

[@halolson]

The album is okay, but wow do I love this concert. The emotion of the songs just comes across so much better without the arrangements.

[@AlexanderZim]

Folly and A Hug Too Long were both decent songs with intimate lyrics but I Admit I'm Scared was just superb.

[@kara3930]

Her voice is magical!

[@thisaccisoutdated]

she's the cutest

[@fiestamutante4677]

Que bonita es y canta hermoso uuuuhhh😍😍

[@alexamarquez351]

Wow how often are people better live?

[@Reedjames92]

Right??? It's so refreshing to hear someone sound even better live than in the studio. It doesn't happen near as much as it should be, at least in this day and age.

[@Vampyre_Brat]

Eskimeaux is an icon-and personally, I think I prefer this performance of Folly over the album version.

[@tsopuaifa]

Totally beautiful! It's time to move up north.

[@ChunkyLover69420]

Saw them supporting alex g in brighton last night, blew my mind

[@SilveiraJoaoPaulo]

Thank you NPR! It's very good! Greetings from Brazil!

[@einalteshemd]

this is so beautiful and soothing

[@Bearsarepeople2]

how many goddamn bands is Felix in?

[@rickhealy7317]

Fantastic ... would love to see her live

[@johnhaley8587]

God I almost cry every time I hear this

[@ghettomystic]

I love gabby so much

[@westphillyscotty]

I forgot how good Gabby's voice was..🗣🕊.💞...

[@elainexitedthroughthegreendoor]

😌 sigh beautiful. We are responsible. #listeningnow #gratitude

[@hunter6082]

shes beautiful

[@ilovejustinvernon]

+hunter stephens she is (✿ ♥‿♥)

[@merthsoft]

Wow, this is so good!

[@monkeyart3020]

Wow. Blissful voice

[@vitriar.3902]

So beautiful 😍

[@GuitarManNik]

Love this amazing band!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[@ryanmarshall5654]

🔥 Who is listening this in 2020 This performance is beautiful 1:16 ❣💖 👇👇👇🔥

[@ellie5295]

im really glad i got this recommended to me

[@negativenihilist]

wish I would've known about this video 6 years ago

[@aeshelma3467]

I'm feeling some Harriet Wheeler of The Sundays fame here... very nice!

[@ThePeacePlant]

Pretty nice voice. I dig it

[@whitesharkies]

Thank god for this

[@Tubie1111]

This reminds me of Mary Win, only not as "rich" in vocal tone (to me). NPR, you guys should really invite Mary Win to play one of these TDC. She has been on youtube so long and her voice/style is so amazing.

[@yupihaveone4070]

At 6:38 I thought they were gonna break out into The Heartbeats- "Time won't let me dance. And Gabrielle could do the little sisters dance.

[@ThePara7]

real music love it

[@GnarlyCharly]

+GEORGIA-PREPPER what do you consider "fake" music....... haha just fuckin with ya

[@ThePara7]

+TakeAGnarBar lol I get ya . just mean that this music sounds like it's from the heart . lots of music today sounds like the same person wrote it packaged it and sold it . but this channel is awesome in its artist originality.

[@GnarlyCharly]

GEORGIA-PREPPER Could not have said it better myself :)

[@blugal6877]

i wish i had your voice

[@ArtBusker]

Yesss !!!! Me encanta !

[@maxwell_young]

this is wonderful

[@joseephiiinee]

what a fresh, organic sound she has

[@deadboys3397]

wow! I ended up here via frankie cosmo. got lucky :)

[@MonkeyOnTheContrary]

Cool!

[@romanapollo9467]

hopefully her next album has an acoustic feel to it. the songs she performs here sound much better in an acoustic versions. album has too many sound effects..

[@nickk3708]

omg @ the absolute look felix is serving

[@icecreamman3695]

nice voice

[@marinafigueroa6180]

is this what home feels like

[@iloveLadyGaga250395]

chillll

[@miguellegaspi1822]

Bjork's Biophilia in the backround

[@mariano697]

bello

[@richardegil]

Anyone know what kind of guitar she is playing? Looks kind of like a PRS but never seen one with those inlays.

[@jgodin312]

+Richard Gil I think it's a Daisy Rock: www.slpdoghousemusic.com/media/ecom/cat/daisyelectric.jpg

[@AutomticHeart]

she beglued it with a bespoke picture

[@martinet1985]

beglued haha nice one

[@airgoola1237]

where she is now

[@crydollz]

I’m trying to figure this out too. I looked her up on Spotify but I couldn’t even find her

[@222Lightning]

I just got back from New Brunswick. Is she from there?

[@highhi11]

Reminds me a lot of Julie Doiron

[@joshuateixeira8288]

highhi11 totally. totally.

[@byrdonian8365]

I only clicked on this video out of curiously because of the 'Eskimeaux' name. Hoped maybe we had some local talent make it out of my area. With some research I found she is part Tlinget, which is not distinguished as being Eskimo. Maybe she should visit the area and get in touch with her roots if she really wants to find herself and grasp onto that identity. Otherwise, it's a tad offensive.

[@InetteMotoBiker]

She changed the name of the band recently.

[@lptomtom]

You know, I heard the Beatles were not even insects! Now that's offensive!

[@poknari]

frankie cosmos?

[@a12196935]

it Chord ok

[@man2read]

what kind of guitar is that?

[@Bimp_Lizkit]

Great voice. I just look at her and think I am watching Popeye's wife Olive Oyl. Still really good. :-)

[@FayeYu1]

does anybody know what guitar model she has?

[@geese5289]

I know nothing about guitars but someone else in the comments said it was a ‘daisy rock elite’ just replying so you can see 😇

[@yugialex1]

It’s probably a les Paul custom/ standard whether it’s a Gibson or replica ie epiphone , Yamaha etc idk but considering it’s on tiny desk is most likely a Gibson

[@StoryoftheEye]

[@breweaver1693]

Ummm am I the only one that thinks she is a lot like Frankie Cosmos. It's extremely scary .

[@JJM956]

They play in the same bands.

[@slothdog4563]

This is a video is a

[@woudgy]

Update her band name, guys - she did. Because a white chick called “Esquimaux” singing about spirit animals? Shitty.

[@sleepisnotnecessary2161]

I swear to god, I skipped the intro to hear the music, I heard her sing "I don't want to be responsible" and then I thought "She has a nose ring, hairy armpits, and she doesn't want responsibility... I bet she's a feminist." And then the camera zoomed out and I saw "GENDER" on her shirt. Damn, my guess was spot on.

[@ThePeacePlant]

+Roussell Rochester lol

[@bnkepner]

+Roussell Rochester The music is good so who cares

[@jamescockayne9794]

+Roussell Rochester if you block the screen with your fedora you can listen to the music without being sent into a rage :)

[@sleepisnotnecessary2161]

***** I literally have no idea what this fedora thing is about.

[@jamescockayne9794]

Roussell Rochester Don't worry yourself, friend.

[@darkwaterblue]

Armpits made for radio. Great set though.

[@lilgorgo]

darkwaterblue love them

[@simonstevens8434]

Looks like she needs to sing for her dinner

[@vincentdegrasio2879]

Yikes

[@GuiHppn]

?

[@hotshothomeimprovement]

I love this series. I’ve liked everyone so far. But this is trash