Haley Heynderickx: Tiny Desk Concert

Aug. 3, 2018 | Bob Boilen -- It's fitting for Haley Heynderickx to be singing at the Tiny Desk. The Portland singer entered our Tiny Desk Contest three years in a row with strong, though often frail songs. And she'd be among the first to tell you how entering that Tiny Desk Contest changed her life.
Unlike her solo acoustic contest entries, which are quiet, mostly solemn affairs, Haley Heynderickx came to NPR's Tiny Desk with her band: Denzel Mendoza on trombone, Lily Breshears on Moog bass, and Phil Rogers on drums. They opened with the song that is most out of character for Haley, a song she wrote as part of a song challenge and she challenged the crowd here at NPR to a sing-a-long. We didn't do so well, it was early in the day - but this song about self-doubt and searching for life's meaning with its cathartic phrase "I need to start a garden" (which is also the title to her 2018 debut) is a potent reminder to take action when life gets bewildering.
The second song, "No Face," is a reminder to love people as kindly as you can; otherwise you'll wind up like the character No Face from the Hayao Miyazaki film Spirited Away. In introducing the final song, "Worth It," Haley Heynderickx told the Tiny Desk crowd that it was written in a basement with the belief that it would never leave that basement. With this performance now behind her and the chance for hundreds of thousands of people to hear these personal but universal songs, there will be many of us, myself included, thrilled that her songs are out in the open, ready to be heard.
Set List
"Oom Sha La La"
"No Face"
"Worth It"
Musicians
Haley Heynderickx (vocals, guitar), Denzel Mendoza (trombone), Lily Breshears (Moog bass), Phil Rogers (drums)
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, CJ Riculan, Maia Stern; Production Assistants: Catherine Zhang, Téa Mottolese; Photo: Eric Lee/NPR.

[@emmafitz5177]

I can't believe Hayley Hendrickx invented music

[@konumbra]

underrated comment

[@milliedavis2987]

literally

[@clarissafrye7763]

😭😭

[@jordan3636]

It sounds like every other post twee slow band. She can barely play guitar

[@zealouslyCantankerous]

@@jordan3636 you're probably right the feeling this person's music has made me feel is indescribable :>

[@adeline-music]

her music feels like going out into the spring air and taking a deep breath after being trapped indoors all winter

[@gabrielhuhu5989]

adeline why is this so accurate

[@merandtheboys4893]

This after quarentine

[@mariekeverhaegen7960]

This feels like a perfect harmony when the sun is shining and it almost feels like spring.

[@DanielC__]

adeline unfortunately that deep breath just indicated dogs with diarrhea were in the area.

[@adeline-music]

Synergy Technology Imaging you must be sad

[@SwitcherooU]

"I Need to Start a Garden" is one of the most impressive debut LPs in recent memory. She has the raw songwriting talent of a young Leonard Cohen. I just love her to death.

[@benjamineastman9950]

Comparing her songwriting to Lenard Cohen is kind of an insult. Cohen was a well established poet and author before he was a song writer.

[@benwright9238]

@@benjamineastman9950 ratio

[@wrathVchild]

This is one of the most out of touch with reality comments I've ever seen.

[@youresohot1392]

⁠@@wrathVchild”most out of touch with reality comment” and it’s a comparison of two artists

[@First_love_late_spring]

@@youresohot1392REAL it really doesn’t seem that deep

[@PolyvinylRecords]

re-watching this because i feel like crying today

[@missheaven-yi1iv]

polyvinyl why r u here

[@PolyvinylRecords]

@@missheaven-yi1iv y not

[@missheaven-yi1iv]

@@PolyvinylRecords idk, another question, when r we getting the new alvvays record

[@zsoltsoneriu6373]

Also feel like crying today

[@tuff1uck]

pretty much

[@jamesharvey5530]

when they zoomed out during the intimate eye contact we were robbed

[@jick311]

Like, for REAL!

[@35mmonica]

anyway can we acknowledge how intricate and difficult her simultaneous fingerstyle playing and vocal performances are?? so talented

[@matthewleger5605]

i listened to this video and flowers sprouted from my ears

[@observantalien]

love this comment

[@LionMister]

Musicians are undoubtedly the coolest people capable of existing.

[@ronnie4085]

ok these are literally the cutest people ive ever seen theyre adorable

[@BeardAroundTheWorld]

Jajaja for real tho

[@lynkempa3415]

Zooou

[@ronkb]

Holy shit. That version of No Face is incredible.

[@sunrisewolfy]

Rowan yeah I wish this song was uploaded separately somewhere! It’s way better than the short album version or the other live versions I can find.

[@FRAGGARED]

her not saying bridge of my nose hurt my feelings a bit ngl

[@crieverytim]

The best version

[@crieverytim]

Love thoss little hesitations they do . The brass swells. The Harmonies. Everything, just intoxicating

[@rickashley2322]

Paste magazine channel has even better cover of no face than this one.

[@Pedrofiliac]

the looks between haley and the synth player are giving me life

[@zelenozuto]

[@reggievideos]

i am literally always thinking about this video

[@colleenkeith]

sofia regina literally same.

[@samfinnorchard9838]

ngl her album got me into gardening. it helped me see the beauty and the importance of patiently cultivating things with love

[@sallysurely]

Here's a fun story. I went to school with Haley, one of my best friends had a crush on her and wanted to make her a valentine but neither of us knew how to spell her last name so I went with Hendrix. What up Haley! From NAMS you go lady!

[@acresofcosmos7563]

This band epitomizes Portland Oregon perfectly.

[@CatchThatFlyBernard]

I think I need to visit Portland Oregon then 😊

[@audreybrazell4288]

This is the most positive comment section I’ve ever witnessed on KZbin. Haley Heynderickx brings out the best in all of us.

[@user-wc7mo2io9z]

00:22 -- Oom Sha La La 04:12 -- No Face 09:37 -- Worth It

[@AssMcBlast]

Thanks :)

[@jamesaburke7]

Am I the only one who cried during Haley's performance of No Face? With a voice like Angel Olsen and guitar llcks like Shakey Graves, I expect more from her in her future.

[@sharahyoung5227]

I'm literally crying rn

[@riyonine]

Yeah man, that song and how they played it. It's totally awesome.

[@konumbra]

that's literally such an accurate description ohmygod thank you

[@penelopepenny4593]

One of my all time favourites, particularly this version.

[@TheDallboi]

Shakey Graves licks, thats exactly it!

[@Krustenkaese92]

I did not consent to the way she touches my heart :'(

[@superdeluxesmell]

I feel like Haley's world is a rich and lovely place to be. I'm glad to get a little glimpse into it.

[@Prestown]

It's called Portland

[@superdeluxesmell]

Preston Holmgren 😂

[@lianahernandez3678]

I love her spirit but wow the moment she named a song after No Face I literally melted

[@sophiadavis7716]

her talking voice is just as beautiful as her singing voice how is this possible

[@aedanhepner4557]

the drummer philip rodgers was my drum teacher as a kid

[@daniellong7085]

he's inspired me to continue growing my hair

[@jasonnn2284]

Are you sure that isn't Roger Philips?

[@somethinggood9267]

U mean Paul rudd

[@abrahammendoza4732]

Paul Walker?

[@fernandoortiz6593]

Pito

[@giselaswaragita1326]

the whole band is uncontrollably cute

[@crieverytim]

whole! yes!

[@rickashley2322]

Hole?! 😳🤨🤨📸📸📸

[@giselaswaragita1326]

@@rickashley2322 whole 😭🙏🏻 sorry english is not my native language and i have no respect towards the language whatsoever

[@rickashley2322]

@@giselaswaragita1326 bhaah no problem I'm just kidding about ur comment. So replied that haha

[@sideshowWWdt]

Their smiles are so damn infectious I'm sitting her by myself grinning like a fool!

[@nathanielhoopes4937]

The tuning she uses is pure magic. Even bumping my guitar accidentally now sounds so angelic.

[@boundary.alchemy]

I'm new to guitar....what tuning is she using?

[@LilMxKid912]

@@boundary.alchemy most of her songs are in open A. Sounds magical.

[@marktupazc]

Still can't believe I attended PSU with Haley and even was able to jam with her a couple of times. Proud of you homie!

[@guardianobserver6593]

What it is PSU?

[@lolno]

@@guardianobserver6593 power supply unit

[@eoin110]

@@guardianobserver6593 portland state university

[@jonathanmontero7973]

@@guardianobserver6593 Potato Soup Ukulele

[@hiimjosh868]

@@lolno bruh i spat on my computer screen

[@Alobster1]

Trombone dude was looking so fly. I hope he gets all the ladies.

[@sabre6986]

He is Marrying my best friends daughter in June. Very sweet man ;)

[@Pandcharlysmith]

You’re trombone man, aren’t you 😂

[@andrewgelpump]

@@sabre6986 did he borrow her shirt?

[@marcscordato4385]

The gently picked electric guitar in combination with the warm trombone creates a distinctive sound and style. Different in my book is good .

[@estebanb7166]

Marc Scordato Try using commas.

[@olivedotcom]

@@estebanb7166 try caring less bout people grammar lol like good vibe are better ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@estebanb7166]

@@olivedotcom people's grammar*

[@barb0za0]

the tone on her guitar is perfect

[@gabrielledennis549]

As of 8-1-21, I'm officially deciding to fall in love with her music.

[@randomnameforarandomnerd8400]

worth it was such a great finale for them. leaving the crowd with just good energy, not elated and hyper excited, but calm and content. i love haley’s music so much

[@tayloredwards9979]

I want someone to look at me the way Synth player looks at Haley lmao

[@kaylianigrace5542]

I'm doing that right now,!

[@crieverytim]

like at the @7:40 min mark? sooo good

[@j-man72b72]

Sing more duets and it might happen.

[@flyingcheff]

Keyboard player's smile and radiance is glorious!! They all are! Sublime, this is wonderful.

[@gerenerose9181]

NO FACE is probably the most heart-cutting song ever written/sung/transmitted

[@rochellejohnsoncabil2800]

Although I am in Atlanta, I accept and received and returned the 5 seconds of eye contact.

[@norahorphzinger6721]

Tbh, I really appreciated that too. haha. So considerate of them.

[@mixtotl0970]

Her voice is curing my hangover.

[@joshualowellcook]

I saw her live the day my grandfather died. She will always have a special place in my heart.

[@lisawho08]

Crying. Thank you for picking her. She's amazing.

[@CapoeiraPiper]

The chemistry between these lovely, lovely people is just fantastic. I've been watching this video soooo many times over the years, what a joy.

[@rickashley2322]

Same :) This video radiates so happy vibes and a treat to my ear everytime.

[@HoonAgain]

Keyboardists eyes are like wow...radiant and bright like her smile. Good qualities in a artsy band like this. Fun, fresh, intimate, emotional emoting music. Liked em I did. Tiny D good call.

[@walkmythoughts189]

Above mentioned keyboardist is hot

[@midoriya8932]

I hope Haley sees this but I used to talk to her at the FG Goodwill all the time! she is as sweet as her voice dictates! always super nice! I love talking to her and helping her. My claim to fame is that I had an art show at PSU at the same time she sang it was amazing and I asked her to sing her disk for me because I knew she was going to become big!!! I am so happy to see you at tiny desk!!! I always knew you were going to be big!!!

[@silly_little_scrunkly]

hayley hendrickx is such a comfort to me and i dont know why whenever im having a panic attack or a sensory overload or anything like that i listen to this song thank you for all that you have gotten me through :)

[@akiray1999]

ive met her! shes so sweet and absolutely incredible, hope i get to see her again!

[@goose9693]

Wow the goosebumps I got from No Face was incredible. That song is beautiful..

[@mm-vg7dm]

I like her voice a lot.

[@SwitcherooU]

We need a new album! It’s been almost 5 years! When you drop a debut as good as I Need to Start a Garden, you need to follow it up!

[@SwitcherooU]

Still f*cking waiting! I heard rumors of new material for 2024, but now I can’t even find them, so maybe it’s BS.

[@NickolasHeynderickx]

psst... Keep this on the down low, as of June 8th the album is complete and is being mastered. Your patience will be rewarded.

[@halloweenjack569]

I've been listening to her whole discography on Spotify for the past few weeks on repeat... and I am feeling very happy :D

[@thebugcollector7155]

I visit this at the very least once a week and I am constantly in awe of just how passionate and comforting her music is.

[@TheJimbos]

The keyboard(?) girl. OH MY GOD. SO beautiful!

[@piyush.ochani]

This video is a whole experience in itself. It is therapeutic. With the first song- 'Umm Sha la la' , she's accepting some things in her that have died and she needs to let them go in order to live again. The second song- 'No Face' is her having a conversation with someone who she was probably with during the first process. She's coming to terms with the departure of this person as well from her life. In the last song- 'Worth it', she's stepping into the world of vulnerability again, knowing full well she can get broken again, but she is okay with that. 😢😭😊

[@crieverytim]

No Face is incredible! what a great performance!

[@khonsuthecore4788]

Amazing chemistry between Haley and everybody ever but especially her band.

[@naamakatz2963]

This has to be one of my favourite tiny desk concerts of all time, I can't explain what it is but it's intense and magical.

[@panderry8253]

One of my favorite tiny desk performances

[@qarcon3247]

I like the shakes in her voice. Is that weird? it should be like a Wide receiver dropping a catch. but for some reason she pulls it off musically. she sounds more raw and intimate.

[@sewagedump]

i think it sound the complete opposite of raw and intimate.

[@qarcon3247]

ok

[@chillhiker4414]

It's not weird at all, I had the same thoughts. Raw and intimate is spot-on.

[@thathabsfan1431]

To keep with your analogy, juggled catch! 😁 she nails it

[@jas_bataille]

Who the fuck cares if it's "weird" or not, you like it you dig it you love it, then that's fine, and it's the only thing that matters.

[@barryoffeastenders]

Broke away from my friends at a music festival a few days ago to watch her play. Hadn't listened to her before that, but it was an incredible experience. Such a charming individual performing such refreshing and genuine music.

[@Gooasooh]

"No Face" is just powerful! 🤧

[@Mp19parkour]

Garbage.

[@cesarquintero49]

Gooasooh PCCh BBG 555

[@Suburb_hell]

@@Mp19parkour So why'd you click on this video and then stay and listen to No Face then?

[@crieverytim]

@@Mp19parkour well punch me twice and call me a raccoon cause I love this fookin garbage!!!

[@rickashley2322]

@@Mp19parkour didn't ask + ratio

[@hippieasmr]

they're all so ethereal omg especially the person on the synth

[@4shotBballTrickShots]

Omg I love her. I haven’t been able to stop listening to the album. Her worldview is so unique

[@matthewrabbit]

This is amazing! The shake in her voice is so great, same with the way she delivers certain lines. Love her sense of humour in the lyrics too. Really beautiful harmonies and the trombone sections are lovely. Just all around awesome...straight to Bandcamp to order a copy of her LP!

[@psychedelicponcho9090]

its hard to decscribe how much shes helped me through my life honestly

[@rainap88]

"Worth It" feels like it came right out of my mind. A few songs from start to finish speak true to me, and since the first time I heard it it still makes me cry. Haley, you're seriously amazing.

[@eobhbelo0]

ow God the sound of this guitar is the sound of heaven

[@8dfeels285]

Bruno Belo I want this guitar

[@TydisAnthony]

This is my first time hearing Haley Heynderickx! I am in hypnotized by her use of melodies and harmonies. She is amazing and I am now a big fan!

[@narwhalwitch9106]

Oom Sha La La has been the one song I go to whenever I need it and omg every single time it helps. Thank you. I have sung it in so many moments of my life when I needed it and it is perfect.

[@axolotldaydreams]

yesssuuu its like a recalibrator !

[@kuro758]

When the harmonies in first song started.. I knew I was gonna stay till the end❤️

[@AidynUrazbayev]

Thank you so much, Haley, you're a very talented singer-songwriter, and I wish you all the best!

[@HappiestSadGuy]

I can clean my apartment listening to this. Nice vibes

[@qarcon3247]

i guess i should clean my apartment too. i have 3 day old taco bell and i haven't seen my cat in 2 weeks

[@awesomeianmarco]

Did exactly this listening to _I Need to Start a Garden_ for the first time, great suggestion!

[@Lynnvandenbrink]

Qarcon ever find your cat?

[@ryanblackwell3263]

Fell in love after the reference to Spirited Away...literally teared up. You are just...wow...the good wow. :)

[@gustavosousa473]

Oooh references to Spirited Away and everything! I love her :)

[@amandagabriela927]

oom sha la la is currently bringing me through high school, thanks haley!!

[@alfie6098]

To say her songs come from her heart or soul would be wrong. It comes from somewhere far greater. I cannot describe it. Something about the combination of simple backing instrumentals with intricate progressions and her voice just emotes on another level. It is not perfect. But it isn't meant to be. It's just wonderful.

[@sirpython9385]

i love how simplistic yet soothing voice her voice is. love

[@WhoCares-ty7jo]

worth it is a masterpiece

[@rjh1226]

We are starting a Garden in the back Yard now. Never heard of her before today

[@mooncheesr]

her humming is one of the most angelic sounds I’ve ever heard, it’s unbelievable

[@orion410]

If artists like this become a trend, the future of music is in good hands.

[@elizholden47]

Worth It is such a special song. A delicate reflection of the messiness of building self-respect. Thanks for taking it out of the basement Hayley!

[@tinfoilgrillss]

Coming back for my monthly listen of this masterpiece. ❤

[@DrWells-qq1cc]

8:46 POWERFUL SOUND ENGINEERING.

[@jamesread-tannock7176]

lmao i totally missed that until i saw this comment

[@worshiptheanimal]

Y E S

[@crieverytim]

he got it

[@jacobliftsmore]

Listening to this reminds me to get out of my own way when creating music

[@dannymoffatt4459]

What a beautiful smile the singer has!

[@khonsuthecore4788]

A phenomenal guitar player with an amazing band.

[@ShadesoffosedahS]

Those are some sick progressions.

[@Finger_Lock_]

ClinicalCynic 1st song has similar progression(guitar harmony) to Lou Reed's Heroine song :)

[@grockcomedy]

ClinicalCynic How is a two chord progression in the verse a sick chord progression?

[@fuzzydunlop4513]

grockcomedy i don't think the person is just referring to the guitar.

[@brettjones3095]

grockcomedy didn't you hear the song?

[@cheirinhodepacoca]

explain to me

[@brinkleyholiday3441]

Worth It sponsored several months of my life and I am so grateful that it was there for me when I needed it :) still an all time favorite thank you Haley and the crew!

[@paulodavi9166]

She's adorable and incredibly talented. I wanna hug her.

[@yomuin5389]

Can't wait for another EP. She's so great!

[@dhendable]

They're a talented bunch, I hope to hear more of them :). I have to confess though that it was the name that drew me in, it's like someone took all the ways my name has ever been mis-spelled and combined them into a mega name haha. Good luck!

[@padakeno]

This music made me discover music again. I really liked it

[@germanocoker9645]

Right?

[@ginasaltarelli1215]

I'm so glad.

[@keyarrma]

i love everything about this and about her... the way she sings the way she speaks the way she interacts with the people around her... Yeah

[@wanttogotoengland]

Thank you so much for re-introducing me to this beautiful, soul-impacting artist. I've put in two orders for I Need To Start A Garden (one for me and one for my partner), and I couldn't be more excited to receive them.

[@MayFlwr]

been waiting on this, one of my favorite artists. perfect

[@dreadseph]

I've been waiting for this!! Haley, you're a beautiful person in and out. I love your voice and music. Peace

[@chillhiker4414]

She's so very real. I get to see her on Sunday with Andy Shauf - I'm SO EXCITED. I love them both.

[@awesomeianmarco]

LUCKY.

[@matheus230692]

I've never heard of them before. That's really enjoyable.

[@alameda111]

i love the sound of her voice

[@heilapaulino7602]

Her voice! It's like her music is just soulful enough and just pretty enough.

[@lheslie5424]

Her music is too authentic, genuine 🥰