Florist: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

April 29, 2016 by BOB BOILEN • In Florist, Emily Sprague and her Catskills friends sing quiet, delicate songs filled with vivid memories. "Vacation" is about growing up and learning about love.
"Like when I used to ride roller coasters with my dad
When a swimming pool in a hotel
Was a gift from God
Like, love, we're like a family
I don't know how to be"
"Cool And Refreshing" finds Sprague singing about the childhood memories that we lose one by one.
"Think of me by the creek in cutoff jeans holding onto
Something that has meaning to me
I don't really think my life will ever make me
As happy as Kaaterskill Creek"
These two songs are from Florist's 2015 EP, Holdly, while the band closes its Tiny Desk concert with "1914," a track from its new debut full-length, The Birds Outside Sang. On drums, you'll find a Tiny Desk alum in Felix Walworth, who was first here with Bellows, then Eskimeaux; all of these musicians are connected in some way to the Epoch, a collective from New York City. It's a creative friendship with stories to share, and its members' songs feel best in intimate settings, like a desk surrounded by old and new friends.
The Birds Outside Sang is available now:
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/the...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Birds-Outside-S...
Set List:
"Vacation"
"Cool And Refreshing"
"1914"
Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Niki Walker; Audio Engineers: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Kara Frame; Production Assistant: Jackson Sinnenberg; Photo: Brandon Chew/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/ti...

[@audreymorrison3486]

therapy: expensive florist tiny desk concert: free

[@YarrBr0]

Tiny Desk Concerts for president

[@fernandoolmedo2558]

YarrBr0 well... Trump is planning to shut down NPR so...

[@ichabodcrane916]

"I don't know how to be what I wanted to be when I was five."- *likes video*

[@Stinkywinkle17]

i saw florist in the title and i was like "oh better like it then"

[@97Yaza79]

Best line, been years that it's stuck in my mind.

[@asunnyday3749]

Sameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@gregtn9724]

So, the first time I ever had Tom Ka Gai soup was in a cheap restaurant on a sad street in a freezing rain in Memphis. The menu was hand typed and photocopied, and the translations were beautifully inept. The description of the soup was a little short on ingredients, but promised that "the fragrant broth will make the guest weep silently." This video makes me think of that soup.

[@cherryellie]

I loved reading this, im reading it again

[@freetime7706]

So beautifully worded.

[@tracyloebner1313]

That was thoughtful and poetic.

[@johnedward8352]

I love Tom Ka soup. Did you turn this into a song? If you didn't, you should.

[@milpycafe6528]

I need to stop thinking I'm in love with people I'll never meet. Jeez.

[@Autumn171717]

No, go with that. powerful stuff. spread it around.

[@thaeasy]

Nancy Montgomery I absolutely love your answer to that

[@fegit9413]

perfect music for a tide commercial !!!!

[@idontevenlikemoney]

Ditto. Wanna start a club? Haha

[@idlesun1645]

Go ahead, you're a free elf

[@HotPepperGaming]

You ever just wanna hang out with someone and listen to them play music and then also have them give you glasses recommendations?

[@cometome255]

glasses of milk u monster!???

[@adders45]

and tips for hair & skin products

[@ekmekthefig]

Hot Pepper Gaming vernon!

[@jackcuddy4613]

Hot Pepper Gaming C c. C. X. Xx c. C. C. C. C.

[@noahm8390]

dude, hot pepper gaming are hipsters???

[@torontolarrivee7965]

This series is the go to place for bands that sounds like they're fighting back tears and sleep

[@Thugsinthekitchen]

clearly you haven't seen PWR BTTM'S tiny desk concert

[@petiegoodman4647]

True.. but Pwr Bttms, Sylvan Esso, St. Paul and the broken bones are the exception!!

[@Kingdagmarius]

Gucci Mane been there and done that!

[@gonzadiazsola]

Petie Goodman what about mr paak?

[@hannahtherese8681]

TorontoLarrivee I really wanna "like" your comment but there are 111 likes and I dont wanna ruin it. 😂

[@matthewstanulet1441]

Guy in back: "I play drum in my band" "You mean drums?" "No, just one"

[@nathannealon9388]

so you make beat not beats?

[@miloknee6273]

Look at 6:10. That's a dude, dude.

[@pumathurman]

Matthew Stanulet not a guy

[@bby6551]

did you just assumed its gender?

[@stefanoblanca]

Well it does say "Felix" in the description.

[@067eoin2]

this makes me want to go outside and eat grass

[@jessicab.2254]

Eoin Murray wet grass. hahaha the best comment.

[@FrozenfireXY]

Hahahaha nice one

[@chairmanMeovw]

Don't be so aggressive, you had a gr too much there...

[@gsam3461]

That killed me

[@itsdan4879]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA indeed.

[@Ryan-di2kw]

This is like if you took the front bottoms and wrapped them up in a really soft blanket

[@0.-.0]

cute

[@jesuisjovana]

wow, nice description

[@fkoid7554]

y e s

[@zoefernandez5369]

Everyone in the comments making fun of them and saying "they're a white vegan whatever stereotype" shit are living a sad life if that's the first thing they feel the need to point out instead of how beautiful their music is, or how grounded and safe it makes you feel. Florist, you truly are the best. Thank you for making such pretty and nostalgic yet present melodies, they truly speak to me

[@friendship6668]

They really do make me feel safe.

[@samuelmarconett1979]

I see no comments saying that....

[@jesusmedina1816]

I like to rock out to them while coloring my book in my safe space.

[@nerolilaine9973]

Well put. They do make me feel safe

[@pollinseclectic8254]

I don't think there are lot of comments mocking the Florists, seems most people are moved by them, especially their sensitivity

[@contactkeithstack]

all these band members work together really well.

[@gordon920]

Unison

[@baxterperry9859]

NPR you are responsible for like 70% of my music tastes i swear, i appreciate these shows way too much! Keep them coming, they are my favourite thing about the internet.

[@mrsinn2642]

Same here. songs preformed here are in better than originals.

[@sarahcarr7021]

totally agree

[@bluesandroots2008]

Great comment! Same here!! Lots of love for the music.

[@boixgenius]

Baxter Perry me too. Well over half of the music I have downloaded on Spotify are from these NPR tiny desk sessions.

[@11219tt]

Baxter Perry I have an interesting question. Would you pay for this content if it was $10 per month? And you get the recording afterwards for you library?

[@BERTTTification]

This band is very underrated

[@BERTTTification]

And please come over to London :)

[@alexanderbejerstrand9084]

+Siph Système By who?

[@johnmcclane2768]

+Siph Système *Under-promoted. There's a different my friend ;)

[@CoconutsGlow]

+John McClane *difference* not different, my friend. There's a difference. (snicker)

[@Frichilsasta08]

i know this comment is a year old, but I saw em live a week ago...and it was great!

[@GracieAnnie]

THE WAY THEY FLOWED PERFECTLY INTO THE NEXT SONG.... TALENT . I’m obsessed w this now

[@manolocorp]

You are right, that transition was really smooth and clever. 👌

[@kinnikkinnik]

00:05 "Vacation" 04:35 "Cool And Refreshing" 08:04 "1914"

[@very.happy.ben.]

thank you

[@waxcritic]

This music induces an unusual sense of nostalgia. If you close your eyes and listen you'll see grainy footage of old family vacations that may or may not have happened. Quiet, thoughtful, and mellow.

[@leuserafini]

for real

[@michaelamarkuskova5115]

The "Oh hey, you came!" at the end is so pure. I'd sit next to her on the bus.

[@einnorw]

you guys should get frankie cosmo on the show

[@juliettec3614]

firegirk121 yes yes i was thinking tht

[@LaMasLatinaaa]

firegirk121 oh man, she's so deserving of her own episode

[@5k33k]

Since it isn't already listed in the video, the names of the performers are: Emily Sprague - Guitar/Vocals Felix Walworth - Drums Rick Spataro - Bass/Keys Jonnie Baker - Guitar/Keys

[@rickspataro1647]

thanks! :)

[@rraaffkk107]

@@rickspataro1647 release a new song please 🙏🙏

[@cloudnoises774]

What kind of guitar is she playing?

[@TheFourteenthWard]

they're all cute, and so is their music

[@JuliaRoshambo]

good 2 see u here and YES

[@emilykendall5192]

first song is like.. first warm days in april, when a warm rain finally coaxes green from the earth, and climbing green green trees, and visiting your grandparents, and eating pancakes that your dad makes for you on your birthday, and riding your bike to school, and through golf courses and the silver dandelions glow in the evening sun, and getting birthday cards from your aunt and learning to ride bikes in your driveway and picking flowers for your mom on mothers day.

[@the_other_dude]

_Florist and the Machine_

[@mattcrawford156]

Justice for Barb

[@Zac124Roblox]

Matt Crawford I LEGIT JUST SAID "woah a cleaned up version of Barb" i'm crying

[@067eoin2]

Matt Crawford ASJGFFTRT

[@frankieblack5206]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@drearysam]

Barb really got the shitty end of the stick

[@viniciuscomacento]

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA best comment I've ever seen in a NPR vid

[@fleshyspeakers]

The whole aesthetic of this video is just cozy Austin Texas hipster vibes, i love it. Thank you.

[@NicholasOsella]

definitely portland

[@citrus4419]

@@NicholasOsella Maine or Oregon?

[@AcornFox]

I need that Fender. So bad.

[@AcornFox]

+Jose Rodriguez You da real MVP. Thanks!

[@Lalairu]

She also changed the pickups. There are di marzio hot rails. Sorry my English sucks a bit :9

[@ov_rcst7078]

Me too

[@micahchambers5096]

Dunno if its a mustang, duo sonic or musicman

[@pieg3951]

Great Job guys! I'm born on '77, I'm grow with Seattle music, Sonic Youth, and all the glorious artists of the 90's. And you take me back in my room, when I was young as you are now. Thank you for giving me back my emotions I had not felt in a long time. And don't care at who does not understand prose poetry. Ad maiora !

[@altheatoldme5003]

Sonic Youth was a NYC band.

[@terrencebucker]

@@altheatoldme5003 Yep. pie G grew up with (1) Seattle music, (2) Sonic Youth, and (3) all the glorious artists of the 90's.

[@maxb.3384]

Reminds me of The Moldy Peaches

[@tsopuaifa]

If this music would have existed when I was a kid my life would have been totally something else. Something good. Stunning.

[@maxattack]

it exists now, right? it can still be something stunning. go. do it.

[@TheFdfilms]

I love this band. Emily has a beautiful and very personal way of singing.

[@BYEgime]

3:00 please tell me im not the only one who thinks the guy besides the singer looks like dan howell

[@marisolmontoya5855]

looool I thought the same. only reason why I checked the comments

[@edgydad6664]

holy crappu he does

[@cornstanley7515]

he looks like duncan (?) the guy from the day in the life in japan video like he is the spitting image

[@mayamagination]

It's insane!! They should form a band

[@heehoopeanut420]

I THOUGHT THE SAME THING

[@tommiephoenix]

I never expected to see her here. I frikin love npr for this.

[@likeiis]

Wow, so good to see Barb from Stranger Things doing well after all.

[@briananderson9654]

Like I Is genius

[@phoebeau161]

# justiceforbarb

[@vanessapermadi1325]

makes me want to heard it on the headphone while lay down in the grass, and then see a blue sky.. what a nice moment i guess

[@saraupegui9969]

This is just relaxing and cute. Reminds me of the time I failed my driving license. It was the first time I ever failed at something. I felt alone and sad. Now I'm feeling better.

[@cynicalnina5201]

I used to hide away and listen to her albums and just cry and I'd feel so much better and strong after, I just spent an hour trying to remember who she was and scrolling through NPR music so I would find this...I'm so happy

[@JotaJade]

[@EbeJay1]

Cozy, hiding away and listening to this

[@iamjacksfakeband]

I love florist so much. Lyrics are both abstract and centered around themes of existence and mindfulness, with a very chill instrumentation to compliment it

[@taylort4165]

This whole concert really gave me a Perks of Being a Wallflower vibe. I love it!

[@Pizza_punxxx]

NPR always scouting out good bands that I wouldn't expect to see on the Tiny Desk like PWR BTTM and now Florist. Good job, guys. Love you, Bob

[@MissKoriana]

Watching this 4 times got me through my menstrual cramps and I fell asleep. Thank you

[@jgrds7324]

i've watched/listened to this at least a dozen times so far and it always gets to me as if i listened to this for the first time

[@riotshields0]

she's the cutest thing i ever seen

[@matthewfuller5209]

Definitely influenced by Metallica.

[@alfonshomac]

I hear more Cannibal Corpse's. That third song sounds a lot like "I Cum Blood".

[@DudeAlex21]

cool and refreshing totally sounds like burzum

[@elliottgates4056]

are you stupid? literally Dragonforce is all these guys listen too. they opened for em last week

[@camcassidy4309]

are you for serious?? this is basically a death grips cover band

[@matthewfuller5209]

i know

[@adamfitz22]

thank you NPR - they are amazing. great set.

[@Frichilsasta08]

Sometimes freezing, sometimes warm. I don't know if I can love that anymore.

[@enehokta]

I never heard of them before vut I fell in love w this and the blue rubber duck on the keyboard

[@AnaMartinez-vh7qm]

Omg their music style is so good, unique and the lirycs!! Luv them!! It's nice to hear so calming music

[@ajeje1996]

Another bullseye, NPR.. I've got a case of musically induced nostalgia.

[@zanderbutler8716]

exactly

[@hoagy_ytfc]

This act is new to me - and I love this. Off to buy some Florist records now...

[@blue98v6]

"Vacation" keeps hitting me with a wave of emotion for my relationships; both current and those that have slipped away over the years. This whole performance is excellent.

[@DudeInABlazer]

Saw these folks at a house show yesterday and they were just as good, it was a really refreshing experience :D

[@m00py1]

Saw these peeps at a house show in Charleston 3 years ago. Loved them!

[@jessieelliott538]

this is just...the best. i love them so much. their music makes my soul feel lighter.

[@OhMyGodHeAdmitIt]

Such a lovely vibe they create in this room, felt so nice and delicate during "1914"

[@ThatPsychoUpstairs]

I've had Vacation in my head all week. It keeps me calm. Also, the tiny desk sounds exactly like the studio recording. Good nostalgia.

[@MrFirefox322]

i love this band and they had such a great performance, that first transition was just so good!!!

[@mnl48chelsi]

Whenever life gets tough, i always watch this video and it gives me a warm peaceful delicate hug right into my soul

[@Mononoken]

I love everything about this. The awkwardness. The silence The music. The talking with instruments. Free transitions. I keep coming back

[@lakisbouz]

MUCH LOVE!!! xxxxxxx you guys make me FEEL GOOD!!! thank you...

[@NUGUGALUGA]

I love Florist! So glad they did this mini show!!

[@xPELICANx]

Emily! I bought some of her CDs before before Florist and always enjoyed her covers. She is such a wonderful human.

[@flaviusmakgabo9846]

I now come to NPR to get some really good music which I’ve made peace with the fact that not everyone will appreciate or understand. This is beautiful.

[@kidd8k]

In love. It was like a crossroad through my memories.

[@alexisangulo9357]

I do not regret clicking on this. Thank you, NPR.

[@vsml333]

I think this is one of the most introverted bands I have seen at Tiny Desk. Loved the band and the music 💜

[@LeCCComte]

I just discovered the band few days ago, and i'm already in love. This is sooooo beautiful. Hope they play in France soon :)

[@johnward1937]

my favorite new band! thank y'all so much! so pretty.

[@chipolmstead9220]

I can't even express how much I love real artists. Awesome sound. Thank you NPR!

[@naarvmaan]

I vote for this to be tiny desk performance of the year.

[@friendship6668]

+blaho yep

[@watwat79]

Such a great sound, and really moving lyrics. This is exactly why I subscribe to the NPR Music channel.

[@THEKIDZONTHEBLOK]

One of the best tiny desk concerts ever

[@rochelleedna]

i'm in love. these lyrics. these beautiful people.

[@rapperatlas]

AMAZING

[@chillshark8241]

I love your stuff btw

[@patricklyle4504]

The lyrics and music seem mature beyond the apparent years of these young people. It's not my typical style of music but it kept me listening and I guess that is the best compliment that I could give.

[@SophiaWilson]

vacation makes me feel so nostalgic for childhood, the first time i listened to it on spotify i put it on repeat and listened to it all night

[@hollieparry2204]

I'm so in love with this. I've listened to it so much. i love the whole vibe

[@PurpleElephantMusic]

this is beautiful wow

[@abbywoodcock8493]

a new band to fall in love with and listen to all day !!!!!:)

[@veve3948]

i discovered this song a few days ago and now i'm totally addicted! thanks !!! merci à Spotify et merci à Florist ..

[@puffins_apothecary]

This set reminds me off all the good times of playing music with others. Just feeling the music and forgetting the world ❤

[@DL-ty4cu]

such a warm bass tone.

[@matthewensign9683]

If you close...the door... The night could last... Forever...

[@nifohay1846]

This is so deep

[@iree4012]

Love that song

[@co20ca05]

Yeah i feel like they would do a great job with that one

[@matthewensign9683]

@@co20ca05 oh hey, I just watched some pilotredsun. Nice profile pic.

[@co20ca05]

@@matthewensign9683 thanks haha

[@rxprxsxnt]

Pure magic, beautiful music!

[@zacharynewman4852]

If they decide they're tired of the touring life, Felix should become residential Tiny Desk-er

[@MichaelWise16]

These songs remind me of good memories of my mom

[@yustikakhairunn5879]

i just love all of part in this video, the song, the musician, the studio

[@user-yk7bp5of3t]

They look so comfortable outside, but look so strong inside. Their songs are so peaceful and make me think everythings's going to be fine in the end

[@mcdom89]

Vacation is such an amazing song

[@mistermatt157]

First I loved the reserved, intelligent sound, then I looked at my laptop and hated how narcissistic the musicians look, then I felt bitter and mean for having that reaction, then I felt depressed by how much I just want to hang out with cute rich musicians that sing songs about their beautiful sad cute lives, then I just shrugged and remembered that the ocean's gonna cover us all in a few decades anyway. Cool band

[@ska2ol]

Matt Gaffney tumblr, ladies and gentlemen

[@idontevenlikemoney]

Rich in experience and memories, definitely not money.

[@-........]

shut up

[@vexingblackswan3866]

Well said

[@snakelama]

second impulse was correct

[@MrJohnMarbles]

beautiful music and beautiful lyricism, thank you so much :)

[@natureandrandomstuff]

Fantastic music.. I barely heard them like couple weeks ago and they are part of my playlist..

[@amnbdt]

I’m happy we are in the same era dear Florist

[@knybud6164]

i dream to someday make music this pure 🥺

[@gethincowan9361]

Florist, you truly are the best.

[@DevinaMarthaSafira]

Eargasm! Thanks NPR for always gives us new good music!

[@johnedward8352]

Whoa this was goooooood

[@MrArtenow]

Yesss !!! Me gusta esta banda !!!

[@GracieAnnie]

This is beautiful. Once again I love KZbin so much for these videos they make me feel so happy

[@yuisensei5614]

So fall in love with their music and the voice ( and glasses as well :D)

[@PurpleElephantMusic]

I just realized its Felix and the other girl from told slant.... I knew she looked familiar. first eskimaux and now this too

[@friendship6668]

+Kevin Mccollum Thanks for the info :) Any other bands you could recommend?