Julie Byrne: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Sept. 19, 2018 | Bob Boilen -- Even in an office in broad daylight, Julie Byrne sings with both a husk and a whisper as if she's gone a long time without speaking - as if she's been alone, as if she's been traveling. Her opening number at the Tiny Desk, "Sleepwalker," sings of the road as a source of freedom.
I lived my life alone before you
And with those that I'd never succeeded to love
And I grew so accustomed to that kind of solitude
I fought you, I did not know how to give it up
Julie Byrne's hypnotic fingerstyle picking conjures a sense of wandering, a style she adapted from her father and a sound she grew up with until multiple sclerosis robbed him of that companionship and comfort. She now plays her dad's guitar.
For me, the mark of a great artist is transformation - the ability to take me far from my everyday thoughts - to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, or at least to see it in a different way. After performing "Sleepwalker" alone, Julie Byrne was joined by her musical companions, Marilu Donovan on harp and Eric Littmann on electronics. Together they conjure an ethereal compliment to Julie's love of the open landscape - I'm transported.
Set List
"Sleepwalker"
"Follow My Voice"
"I Live Now as a Singer"
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Bronson Arcuri, Kara Frame; Production Assistant: Dina Kesbeh; Photo: Morgan Noelle Smith/NPR

[@stargazergiordano]

I have just discovered Julie, through "Follow My Voice." Her voice is so captivating. The whole "Not Even Happiness" album is spectacular. My personal favourite song is "Melting Grid." Thank you for your generosity, Julie.

[@jharden21]

She’s like some mythical goddess of wisdom

[@doriankay.]

Hypnotic

[@nataskaos]

If you're reading this right now, please know that you are loved and that someone out there is overjoyed to have you in their life. It could be your mom, your dad, your brother or sister...someone loves you. You are important.

[@KyOllie]

thank you

[@popcornisfromcorn]

: ) thanks

[@davidsiuraneta7300]

Lovely comment. You too, for sure.

[@jaybrown8898]

nataskaos I love the positivity you’re spreading! Thank you so much

[@hanneskluge1239]

Thank you so much ❤

[@pecanchic]

I'm just amazed by how many great artists NPR Tiny Desk has introduced me to, and others that they've made me see from a different perspective. This is beautiful.

[@ninamarie177]

I have never heard of her but that was just beautiful.

[@WayOfHaQodesh]

HalleluYAH, thank you sister. YaHuWaH Most High bless you and your family and keep you. A beautiful tiny desk concert.

[@joshl3868]

I had a family member go through some pretty traumatic health problems in the last year and Julie's latest album was one that I would put on a lot to decompress. Thank you Julie and thank you NPR. The Tiny Desk Concerts are some of the most enriching things on the internet.

[@user-wc7mo2io9z]

00:00 -- "Sleepwalker" 05:14 -- "Follow My Voice" 09:58 -- "I Live Now as a Singer"

[@AJ-cr8ic]

Weird I just got this recommendation ... I grew up with Julie. My ex taught her how to play the guitar.. crazy world.

[@emilyliberatore5819]

this is a criminally underrated tiny desk concert !!

[@sundeepbasi8120]

I saw Julie live, last year in an old church converted into a concert hall, and her voice was beyond lovely. Believe it or not, she sounded better than this. Ethereal, indeed! Very happy to see her success growing.

[@joshjones6410]

That bassy voice. Like an arctic cave of smoothing ice stones. Love this.

[@zanolande719]

Beautiful

[@joaocarlosazevedo5093]

I can't believe it! I met Julie's work a few weeks ago and I loved it, and I remember thinking "it would be so nice if she did a NPR concert". And now I got this notification, it made my day!

[@DIRKCHRISTIAN]

very rare listening-experience for me....her voice touches my heart.

[@paulisthelegend]

her music makes me sleepy, in a good way

[@diegom6602]

paulisthelegend yeah it’s honestly very relaxing makes you forget your surroundings in my opinion

[@le.ko0]

I had stopped listening to radio a long time ago, but tinydesk have changed that reality because every morning, i know that whatever i click, will be a new discover and i will nevesr gonna be regretted. Thanks Julie

[@le.ko0]

woa, Nice tip. Thanks :D

[@no_torrs]

Not Even Happiness was one of my favorite singer/song writer albums last year. It´s great to see some of it done live to get a visual sense of that raw emotion that is felt throughout. Thank you tiny desk.

[@dan-ce8bb]

It's 7 am and my day is so bad. This video will help me.

[@ModularLanding]

dan sorry to hear that you’re day isn’t going well. Listen to some good music and remember, bad times don’t last forever.

[@nonchellent]

Your joy-It shall be unbounded. Go in peace.

[@NW-pt8zz]

Your day has barely started.

[@astroandyborgloh]

Wow, that is magical. What a voice, what a presence. Beautiful, haunting and uplifting at the same time.

[@THADUDEZ]

This makes my Heart warm, not in the way when your about to cry ....but the way when your in Love...

[@Chronomatrix]

her voice resonates with that of the guitar and it sounds like there's a second voice, amazing!

[@schulzbot]

I was waiting for the shot to zoom out to reveal more people haha.

[@rururu4024]

god all three of my favorite julie byrne and she sounds JUST as (hell, even more so!) hauntingly beautiful live as she does on the studio releases of these tracks thank you so much npr 😭🙏

[@nightowl1596]

OMG YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HAPPY I AM. JULIA BYRNE IS LOVE, JULIA BYRNE IS LIFE. 💓💓💓

[@ahmedmejri5465]

I admire how they all feel harmonious just a whole system up and down with the rising note of the guitar closer each time she sings, tender each time she exhales its ....beautiful

[@djork6518]

just discovered her in the final days of 2022. cannot wait to start the new year with this magic

[@tsopuaifa]

Tiny Desk for president.

[@ilikematches2]

got my vote

[@Mossy_Lungs]

Julie. You're an angel. Thank you for gracing the world with your music and voice. 🎵💙

[@acechase77]

Please don't cut off the guitar fingerpicking in future videos!

[@lauragwillim1055]

David Chase I was thinking the same! Come on!

[@VictorWerke]

I agree!

[@mjauuu271]

And we are seeing it everyday

[@GorgonDrageil]

Call this ear training lol

[@jdavis417]

I really didn't mind getting very, very close to her and her flawless skin! ;P

[@kareth117]

I had never heard of this artist until stumbling upon this video. I cannot express how much I enjoyed and deeply felt the music. Especially impactful to me, though, is how she plays her guitar. She uses her index and middle fingers with her thumb, and that's how I play guitar. I'm nowhere near as talented as she is, for sure, but it gives me hope that I can play like that one day.

[@bennycampa1422]

It's so weird that the claps don't do her justice. She's angelic and perfect in every way. There is nothing us mere humans can do to justify the extent of her grace, poise, voice and talent. Since I first heard this song, I must have listened to it thousands of times by now. Perfect.

[@hovienko]

one of the best new modern lyricists and singers. i love her voice and words, thankful to own both albums and looking forward to more. Thank you Julie for sharing your beautiful view of life

[@tgomez69]

I've been listening to Julie Byrne for the past six months and was shocked to see the NPR notification pop up on my smartphone. I couldn't wait to get home from work, put my earbuds on and listen to pure bliss.

[@sasha1192]

i’ve never heard of her and i’m only two minutes in but i am absolutely IN LOVE. she carries such a startlingly, almost ethereal, wise presence like that of someone who’s had hundreds of years to understand the world, but all wrapped up in such a young body. i must look into more of her work, she really has something special

[@max-yl9zx]

julie's songs calm down my soul

[@marcscordato4385]

Vocals are lovely. A good example of the power of a still small voice.

[@sfnhmp]

Amazing! For some reason her songs remind me a little of Will Oldham compositions, with some Nick Drake fingerings and a feathery wisp to her voice. Perfect 3 am gift to send me off to sleep. Thank you

[@MatinhoConter]

"I Live Now As A Singer" There ain't no use fighting for me My heart ain't in the ring for you Blue palms glide in the light of a red moon The Catalinas brought me to the West And yes I have broke down asking for forgiveness When I was nowhere close to forgiving myself And I have dragged my lives across the country And wondered if travel led me anywhere There's a passion in me, just does not long for those things Tell me how'd it feel for you to be here now At night beneath the universe you walk with me Shall I be ever near the edge of your mystery

[@jerryjamesz]

Man that first song “sleepwalker” really hits you deep in the heart ❤️. So beautiful and so talented, thank you Julie Byrne for the wonderful music. 🙏

[@dominicnozahic2412]

Not Even Happiness was my favourite album of last year, and last November I saw Julie perform in a small chapel in London which had a little cafe-like hut in the foyer selling hot drinks. So I cradled a cup of tea in the winter cold, watched her perform, and felt something like grace. Watching this video evoked those feelings; her songs are just warming, her voice totally captivating. Thank you for this unadulterated treat.

[@mysticchords]

A rare gift is to help people rest in deep, soulful melancholy until it transforms into radiant joy.. Julie, your music is a precious jewel.. Appreciating how deep you've travelled to unearth these gems for us... This is a beautiful live set, as are so many on this channel.. Thanks

[@MammaApa]

I googled this for you so you don't have to - she is NOT the daughter of David Byrne (of Talking Heads fame).

[@ModularLanding]

Thanks, I was also wondering. Especially since I’m going to see David Byrne next week!!

[@knucklevision]

And you may tell yourself "This is not David's beautiful daughter"

You're in luck! MS has not, in fact, robbed him of the ability to play guitar! Nor has it robbed him of the ability to read.

[@zacisu]

Modular Landing Saw him twice on this tour, front row dead center in KC and at Red Rocks. Front row is usually overrated but this is a show in which being close enriches the experience. Because of the bands mobility you feel like an active paet of the show when close. IMO Byrne is the best at presenting his music differently for each tour without conpromising the original song's integrity. Once in a Lifetime is particularly magnificent with the percussion ensemble. Enjoy!

[@vexation5]

Martin Jones BWAHAHAHA ""How did I get here?"

[@KikaJoye]

I had my favorite singer for long time, I used to grow up with her since my teens, she has brought me to singing and playing the guitar. I listen to many folk singers since then, it is my heart choice. But when I see you, it is like I find the whole beauty of it all, I cant describe but I am so jealous of you, if I could sometimes catch the beauty of universe as u do. Wish u all the best on your way

[@JohnCampos062298]

Delightful, memorable, tranquil, and evocative. Thank you for posting another notable performance.

[@ilikematches2]

Every time I find an artist I love I find their Tiny Desk show and just continue down the rabbit hole. I love you guys and her, and all the people who made it here with me.

[@zeplover01]

Instantly fell in love with her voice. Reminds me of Nico just has that power that demands attention.

[@faroclau74]

Retro ESP I thought the exact thing without the Herman accent

[@faroclau74]

Meant german accent retro

[@TheInredibleMrH]

Julie is one of my absolute favorites. Beautiful performance.

[@ahdbiker]

What a great performance. She is very good and has a great style all her own. Whom ever her dad is he must be very proud!

[@byrnemcj]

He is !

[@byrnemcj]

You are so right. Thanks Mick Byrne

[@GorgonDrageil]

I'm hearing this on a lazy Sunday afternoon and its just perfect

[@reagan9000]

Eric Littmann RIP. His work was lovely in this.

[@schulzbot]

I listened to Julie 3 times tonight and I make a point of not replaying anything. This is really special. Share this with someone you love.

[@rubberdwellers3911]

Thank you NPR Tiny Desk. Great concert.

[@miamulyahusada4838]

🃏👕👖📜🪁🎲🎸🎤i like new music every day, serious, successful, perfect (melodious) class.

[@ingo8957]

As always, great to hear your music and see that you're getting the attention you deserve. Cheers, Julie!

[@mcdance1311]

quality of these have become so beautiful. thank you NPR

[@FerSpada]

AMAZING SOUND ENGINER

[@__-gr2wc]

Hell yeah

[@JayTheLane]

As with all Tiny Desk concerts 👌

[@rabendranath]

Gorgeous songs, I'll check out her album as soon as I can. Kudos to NPR as well for introducing these new talents. Keep up the good work guys.

[@thechetearly]

So, so, so good. Her lyrics are absolutely fantastic.

[@silvizita1]

Thank you for this precious moment!

[@natalieredish2277]

Saw her open in Denver for Whitney - An ethereal experience and she was absolutely darling. Someone you want to support and be friends with at the same time. Looking forward to more from her!!

[@loreskcanada8402]

Tiny Desk never fails to deliver an experience like none-other. This talented musician has found a new fan in me.

[@sophiamilone4504]

this is so calming and beautiful, so nice to have in the background while you’re resting

[@laraposchl8526]

another wonderful concert, thank you @NPR for presenting all these underrated artists. I‘d love to see Lola Marsh here!

[@soijustlistenedto...]

What a beautiful description, TD!!!!!! And Julie!!!!!!!!!!! ❤️🎶

[@th3artistb3ach33]

My first time hearing her, really awesome!

[@AndyMacMusic]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you NPR!

[@amandaa.ribeiro6687]

I'm so in love with her voice and songs 💓

[@ildiko1vt]

lovely and nostalgic....love "Follow My Voice"...reminiscent of Ane Brun...the harp is soothing and effective with her vocals...love it all!!!

[@Herehear49]

Wonderful performance and as always, awesome video and sound production!!!

[@thehouseofandersen6302]

This is just so lovely, one of my new favourites!

[@SaSouljah]

Absolutely mesmerizing

[@dylanriesenbeck846]

Ahhh NPR thank you so much for finally having her on!!

[@verongverong3976]

Her music hugs me softly!

[@shera08880]

WOAH! this whole set took me to a different dimension of the ethereal world 🌎 so beautiful 😻

[@ethanshutt]

Shout out to the Harp. Possibly the #1 most underrated instrument.

[@071949]

Hi Ethan, Agreed! If you have not already done so, check out Amy Turk. I think she is great...

[@alex0589]

Try and load one in an elevator, see if it's still underrated.

[@jwest88]

The KEXP concert of Florence+the machine is amazing. Harp(a mini one but I'm not informed enough to know the differences that makes), acoustic guitar and a voice. No annoying backup vocals like on all of their other recordings either.

[@shu9062]

RogerC Yup, definitely an amazing harpist! I specially love her Africa cover

[@lexiebiggs]

I love the words, and the melodies for the songs. I do find it hard to understand someone who sings in their head space more than their chest.

[@j.lisowski100]

thank you Tiny Desk Concert. ive been obsessing over her for weeks. this was fantastic.

[@sunshaped]

music and voice are so pretty!

[@kiwisabby5960]

I ❤ your beautiful music Julie!

[@JeSuisYeya]

this performance still makes me cry

[@artbonacorse3000]

julie saved my life

[@EnriqueTroyodelValle]

Otra ejecución bellísima en los tiny desk concerts, lo mejor de la música en un ambiente sin simulaciones ni pretensiones: solo tener en escena a los que entregan el corazón en la música. GRACIAS npr!

[@charlielock2184]

breathtakingly angelic its just what I needed today

[@Sunyattah]

Her voice is so soothing. New fan right here

[@aaronarmstrongaa]

First time hearing but super impressed. Lovely voice, better guitar skils

[@teeganluthi6782]

I have been listening to Julie everyday since this video came out , even bought not even happiness on vinyl like 2 days after this Thank youuu NPR Tiny Desk

[@DirkJongen]

This is so soothing 😊

[@fufuberry23]

YES! TINY DESK I LOVE YOU Julie is captivating

[@GFlipDrums]

omg this is beautiful

[@jhart7304]

who could downvote this? insane times we live in.

[@loreskcanada8402]

Props to Tiny Desk for absolutely having some of the most consistently well written descriptions. You really do, do the artists justice.

[@SPLENDIDZEN]

I like your songs Julie!... keep on composing your own songs!!!...

[@n3cotraf]

This is so beautiful!

[@xundefiined]

Her voice makes my heart ache and heals it at the same time?

[@VolkerundWallyMusic]

Very good Performances

[@lj4466]

wow she is absolutely mezmerizing

[@eladeric3370]

Her voice sounds like she being crying for days and it melts me with love

[@TheGrouchDnD]

I wasn't ready to get my heart broken...

[@ghaithghazi6748]

one of my favorite indie artists

[@Alrato94]

I'm really into your guitar playing. Sounds amazing.

[@i.t.t.]

what a super interesting voice & style wow