Julien Baker: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Jan. 10, 2018 | Bob Boilen -- In March of 2016, just a handful of months after her debut album Sprained Ankle was released, Julien Baker came and played a quiet, thoughtful Tiny Desk concert that went on to become one of our most popular and certainly one of the most-talked-about Tiny Desk Concerts of the year. (It's now approaching two million views on KZbin alone.)
Fast forward to the summer of 2017, when I heard that a new record was imminent. I don't usually ask an artist back for a second Tiny Desk Concert simply because they have a new release - but for Julien, I had to make an exception. With all the love that surrounded her first visit to the NPR offices, I reached out to ask if she would be willing to do something different this time around. Last fall, she delivered.
All the songs for her return to the Tiny Desk come from last year's Turn Out The Lights. Just a few weeks before the album's release, she came to Washington; we tuned our piano, she brought violinist Camille Faulkner. The first two songs, "Hurt Less" and "Even," were accompanied by Camille, with Julien on piano for the opening tune and acoustic guitar on the second. It's quite stunning, as she sings:
Putting my fist through the plaster in the bathroom of a Motel 6
I must have pictured it all a thousand times
I swear to God I think I'm gonna die
I know you were right
I can't be fixed, so help me
For the last, Julien put together an arrangement of "Appointments" that begins on electric guitar, which then was looped as a backdrop to her on piano and voice.
Julien Baker is a massively talented songwriter with a deeply caring heart and a perfectionist streak - all of which delivered to her a career-making year. We are so thrilled to have her return.
Set List
"Hurt Less"
"Even"
"Appointments"
MUSICIANS
Julien Baker, Camille Faulkner
CREDITS
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Alyse Young, CJ Riculan; Production Assistant: Salvatore Maicki; Photo: Jennifer Kerrigan/NPR
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast.

[@fictionalpulp]

Julien Baker: Regular Sized Desk Concert

[@neild4609]

Well, on KZbin they say that NPR Music's Tiny Desk grew three sizes that day.

[@renciav]

"Appointments" is like a hidden open wound you cant locate, in every version i've heard and it hasnt lost the magic

[@gibdopaminepls]

*slaps roof of song* this bad boy can fit so many feelings in it

[@JohnDoe-gp4vx]

best usage of that format ive ever seen

[@jamesfitzgerald8282]

Best comment. Thank you.

[@abramhernandez1216]

Lovely ... Thanks Missy Baker. Entrancement galore! It's so amazing how your songs relate to me? Never stop.

[@jakea5463]

congrats on the best comment award of 2018 and now 2019!

[@musicisbrilliant]

I dont understand this comment. Anyone want to help me get it?

[@nicolekiss468]

Some sad music makes me sad, but her sad music is cathartic--more of a release of the burden. What a beautiful, honest soul.

[@rowzee.]

What a lovely and absolutely perfectly accurate comment 💜

[@pedrolins56]

I really wish she read that comment

[@andreygirl]

i cannot believe julien said "hi my name's julien baker and i'm really happy. to. be. here. with you all!" and then played even. girl ur teasing me

[@cassidyjf8450]

ikr my reaction too

[@cybulskiya8725]

Ive never seen any group of people so universally positive and supportive of somebody and their art as julien baker’s fanbase

[@josephmccafferty199]

Julien Baker is that artist you can't believe isn't a megastar that she's so good, but your also glad she's not. She's the restaurant you hope no one finds out about because there'd be a line around the block.

[@amazingpcw]

She’s Grammy nominated now. Getting the recognition she deserves ❤

[@jadenpotts4389]

FACTS

[@diend35]

Thanks NPR, didn’t realise I was scheduled to cry today, thanks for reminding me

[@airwaveshorizon]

Josh Saaga lol thats deep dude

[@alexmccalman1173]

Don't want to miss that appointment.

[@theodorepiel4057]

same. “isn’t that what you want?” mercy.

[@kylemckenzie8148]

I usually say that just listening to the news.

[@johnwrath3612]

You should try not to miss any more appointments.

[@WeekendUpdate7]

"Nothing turns out like I pictured it, maybe the emptiness is just a lesson in canvases". That line gets me every time.

[@TheAelishify]

That's the lyric I scream sing through sobs in the car. Julien is not safe driving music.

[@MMacAttack]

Hey y’all What’s your interpretation of what this line means ??

[@andreygirl]

@@MMacAttack take this with a grain of salt, because i genuinely think this is a completely incorrect interpretation, but here's what it means to ME lol. "nothing turns out like i pictured it" -- she's saying that everything always turns out bad, even when she doesn't think it will, or doesn't want it to. everything always goes sour, always ends up back at "emptiness." to me, she's saying that maybe when she's experienced this emptiness so many times, even when she thinks she won't, maybe it's just a facet of who she is that she can't be anything but empty. if you fight for long enough and you end up at the same place every time, you start to think it's just who you are -- "a lesson in canvases." she's being taught by herself, repeatedly, that is essential to who she is, her identity as a "canvas," that she will always end up with emptiness. there is no other result. she equates herself with emptiness, with always coming back to the same place of suffering.

[@nicoleausten4251]

There's the potential for beautiful things to come out of emptiness. Like a blank canvas turning into a work of art. "Nothing turns out like I pictured it" - she's been forced to reconsider a lot of things in her life, dreams and conclusions which once felt solid. And while that process can be painful, it also allows her to reconsider the meaning of emptiness, and what she might be able to make out of it, or paint onto it. She HAS to believe things will turn out alright, and that her blank hopelessness will eventually flower into something beautiful. Just my interpretation, not sure if it's right. I really love this lyric@@MMacAttack

[@lcf3179]

​@@andreygirl i adore that interpretation! the way i hear it is how avoiding feeling as a coping mechanism and in return feeling only empty all the time is a less damning alternative to picturing things a certain way and having the reality falling short every time- as in someone constantly failing to make a painting turn out the way they hope and choosing to take it as a lesson that canvases are better left blank, and devoid of emotion

[@kennedyjayn1433]

I want her back for Little Oblivions. She's so talented and just one of those people who I think listening to changes you in a way. Her music is very cathartic and she's just such a beautiful person.

[@Lfrohawker]

0:00 - "Hurt Less" 4:36 - "Even" 9:48 - "Appointments"

[@JohnnyZBeatZ]

Thanks 🙏

[@lukeberrie3942]

SAD QUEEN IS BACK ON TINY DESK YES GOD BLESS NPR AND JULIEN BAKER!!

[@ericdog7899]

Luke Berrie man, fuck off with this shit

[@casparH]

Protect this world treasure at all costs

[@dzonwatson9718]

^^

[@BrucePSquirrelOfficial]

Agreed.

[@ConjointVR]

Task force is still here and on standby.

[@ckallaher]

She definitely gets an award for most tasteful use of a looper pedal on that last song. Always good to take a minute to appreciate her guitar skills, which can be lost in the face of the songwriting and singing skills.

[@ryanmonaghan436]

i can't believe turn out the lights was five years ago. my favourite julien baker album, she is so unbelievably talented with the most emotional, vulnerable, and cathartic music i've ever heard

[@joanacarolina8418]

I actually thought I was dead inside until I watched this and felt something for the first time in a really long time, thank you.

[@SkinnyDotK]

when she closes her eyes while singing i feel all the good emotions at once

[@dominicmariano9201]

Every time I hear these tiny desks, I'm blown away by the audio quality. It makes no sense for something recorded in an office to sound this good, and yet it does. Sometimes they'll record a full band with only two mics, placed 2-3 feet from the performers, and everything sounds crystal clear. Is it the mic? is it the space? Is it magic?

[@adamantiumgonzalez8389]

Dominic Mariano Magic I'd say

[@garlo.rodulfa]

There's a video from NPR themselves on how they recors these concerts. I still don't know how they do it.

[@therealseanway]

Dominic Mariano not magic just proper engineering

[@menriquez89]

I think it’s a case of keeping it simple

[@SleepFan771]

Julien Baker is the single best neo-folk artist out now. Her voice is so haunting and emotional. Her personal lyrics are heartbreaking, yet relatable. She plays beautifully too. Please listen to Sprained Ankle & Turn Out the Lights. Amazing albums.

[@asant90]

Ocean Sage lucy rose is on another level... give her a try🤙

[@gustavttt4148]

she's great, but... there's bon iver, dude.

[@DonnieBrasco-dy9yd]

She tea bags both of them.

[@rowzee.]

If you like her, you may also greatly enjoy Tash Sultana... HIGHLY recommend.

[@MrFifififi]

Jessica DeCorpo agreed, she has unbelievable talent Check out Maggie Rogers tiny desk, her song Alaska is just incredible

[@joziehaze]

really impressive what she did with the pedals on the last track. i dont know much about guitars but that turned out so smoothly

[@sinner272]

i officially welcome myself to the julien baker sphere. how in the world is every performance so sad yet so soothing?

[@Pearl127]

So NPR, can this just be an annual thing now? Thanks.

[@evaharbor1199]

I love how supportive juliens fanbase is. theres no gatekeeping or negativity, we all just want the best for her. we love you julien

[@jackifender]

I don't normally comment on videos anymore, but when I realized you brought her back I felt tears inside. Thank you NPR Tiny Desk, please have more of artists that are this real.

[@d0nj03]

Maria Mena from Norway is also this real, though not always as melancholic/soothing. But you get the same feeling of a person distilling how they feel and what they've been through into pure melody and pouring themselves into you through your ears. :)

[@henryseisenman]

d0nj03 thanks for the recommendation, I'll check her stuff out

[@EvaSterrett]

Never noticed how she put tape on her guitar to keep the switch in one place. Gives the guitar so much character, tells a lot about her and her playing style 🥺

[@phillipbaety4955]

Anyone else wanna be best friends with Julien Baker? She seems like the coolest, most down to earth individual... best thing to ever happen to me in 2016 was stumbling across her first Tiny Desk video.

[@CertifiedPsychiatrist]

"whats up y'all" like she didn't just play a killer song.

[@wade_cagle4842]

Am I the only one who prefers her live music? The studio recordings are great, but for an artist as real and emotive as she is; it feels like an unnecessary filter.

[@heydeanie]

Agreed

[@JAY-CI4]

Strong agree

[@outbakjak]

The best musicians to me are all like that. Kevin Devine moves to tears every time he plays live but the album music is not nearly as powerful because it's never as emotive as a live performance will be. Music is art, and art is meant to move you. Feeling the emotion behind it as much easier when you watch it being performed. We need more artists like these, whom viewing and listening to, actually feels like art rather than just something to bob your head to

[@lauhren8444]

i love this woman more than i love myself

[@danbee6407]

She's like a drink of water for my soul~ *gasp *

[@jord5151]

I think we can all agree on that haha

[@rahullovesthepayne8690]

Everything about this feels like a hug to my bruised heart.

[@toastycabbagewaffles2115]

Elliott Smith. Elliott Smith. Elliott Smith

[@rahullovesthepayne8690]

Toasty Cabbage Waffles Elliot Smith is a legend. His music has helped me through .

[@stulora3172]

Heal! Hugs heading your way....

[@kinglychee]

this is the best comment i've read on any post anywhere on the internet anywhere in time........

[@bacicinvatteneaca]

Everything about this makes me wonder why we men are still here polluting this world against the beauty women could create

[@hopawaylittlebunny]

Appointments is quickly becoming one of my favorite songs ever

[@cf1586]

that little 'thanks' at 9:44 is the cutest thing.

[@EireAnPoblacht]

buttsquabble Reminds me of Elliott Smith live.... Rather endearing, I'd say....

[@subtlegestures]

I clicked on this by accident. And I've never heard of Julien Baker. But I am so glad that I found this! What an amazingly beautiful talent! I loved every song! You have a new fan, Julien Baker! xoxoxo

[@felipemeirelles1816]

Me 3

[@charliesrib6548]

She’s Back!!!!

[@cxmxg]

No she’s Julien

[@sir_Edguhh]

4:20 “Even” Personally this is my favorite place to start

[@tanujak98]

Julien's music has helped me through so much shit. Hell it's more than just her music, so much of what she says and does inspires me to be a better person. Thanks Julien.

[@Marcel-qm9qf]

A Tiny Desk Concert with Ben Howard would be great

[@JoelEmberson]

That last song with the loop pedals and the piano was otherworldly.

[@popolosable]

I love you guys for making an exception and having her back for a second one. This was amazing

[@zineeddinebarka6985]

I used to never wear a seatbelt 'Cause I said I didn't care What happened And I didn't see the point In trying to save myself From an accident 'Cause if somebody's gonna help me What's this fabric gonna help And when I'm pitched through the windshield I hope the last thing that I felt before the pavement Was my body float I hope my soul goes too I shouldn't have let you leave I should have called you twice But I didn't 'Cause it's always something else And I know it's a bad time But there's no one left for me to call And I was wondering if you would be my ride And damn it, we are gonna figure something out If it takes me all night to make it hurt less Leave the car running I'm not ready to go It doesn't matter where I just don't want to be alone And as long as you're not tired yet Of talking, it helps to make it hurt less Oh, leave the car running I'm not ready to go And it doesn't matter where I just don't want to be alone And as long as you're not tired yet Of talking, it helps to make it hurt less This year I've started wearing safety belts When I'm driving Because when I'm with you I don't have to think about myself And it hurts less

[@alexd2227]

❤️

[@hassanaftab629]

A part of me hopes her records would sell like crazy and tries to make sure everyone I know is familiar with her music so no silly producer would ever get the chance to mess with the utter sincerity and pureness etched across her work. The other part of me worries that no longer would I be able to see such a phenomenal live artist for less than 15 quids and there is of course the very real case of large audience expectations' weighing down creativity. Regardless, seeing such a wholesome human become huge gives me hope.

[@50ShadesOfEndo]

Hassan Aftab Wholesome?

[@robpantell3869]

The first time, I saw her live was in The Cat’s Cradle backroom, in Carrboro, North Carolina. The room only holds around 200 people or so. I was standing three feet from her during her set. I was baffled by just how earnest and luminous she is.

[@Antastico]

sure, why not. Like a triscuit.

[@MMacAttack]

Boygenius might be the answer to your prayers

[@YoeriRvK]

Known her for a couple of years now. Saw her last year for the first time in concert, so amazing. She made an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and now she is back again with NPR. I'm so proud of her

[@MMacAttack]

Now she’s doing Coachella with Boygenius w/ Phoebe & Lucy

[@Rastley85]

Yessss, she's so good. Really glad she's back for another one. Her first Tiny Desk Concert is one of my favorites.

[@christina-kd1dp]

she's such a good writer. appointments was the song of last year for me.

[@danman6669]

"Appointments" literally gave me chills. Julien is absolutely amazing.

[@beachbum285]

Thank you Julien for helping me cry through my grief at the loss of a dear friend.

[@elizabethg.8057]

my heart hurts.

[@lei2905]

so anyone else a lesbian

[@jadenpotts4389]

im a guy and this made me a lesbian tbh

[@MaryM.-zg3yx]

big time bruh

[@MaryM.-zg3yx]

@@jadenpotts4389hahah fair listening to anyone from boygenius makes you a lesbian

[@gasaron]

I love the clarity of the bass of her acoustic guitar.

[@slimkt]

My Dunkin Donuts queen is back to make me sob into my sweater!

[@effy6002]

slimkt nothing but love and respect for our dunkin donuts queen

[@amojcher]

I'm out of the loop- why is she the dunkin donuts queen?

[@kvnharris2]

Maybe because you listen to her music while engaging in some melodramatic sadness induced binge eating of donuts?

[@lydia6830]

super late reply, but its because she loves DD! She has even got a tattoo!

[@ThisiswhyWecanthavenicethings]

she even uses the same yamaha elliott smith did

[@gloriafloyd4323]

She’s so beautiful

[@JrAstronaut]

So stoked she’s back on. Found her here. Thank you NPR👍

[@henryseisenman]

Dan Clayton I just discovered her yesterday

[@sarahgutierrez8459]

The 'Your Song Changed My Life' book was perfectly placed.

[@liamdmcinerney]

Not an angel expert, but this is likely the voice of one

[@flannelgay420]

“Hurt Less” is one of my favorite songs of hers and I owe that to this performance

[@KingKita]

I keep being amazed of NPR's sound quality. Over and over their sound is clearer and more balanced than most "official" acoustic live performances. Thanks so much for all that effort, really makes me feel like I was there.

[@kaitlynwoodward2528]

Cried again 4 yrs later.

[@teenyeggs]

I can never get over how much emotion she pours out in her songs. It makes each and every one listening feel as if we're all feeling the same way and I just wish words could suffice for how beautiful Julien and her songs are.

[@comradehermit9320]

That voice is the stuff lesbian crushes are made of. She pulverizes my heart into the most fantastic shapes. I swear to god I think I'm going to die.

[@micky_knuckles]

THIS.

[@bacicinvatteneaca]

It just makes me angry that we men exist. Most things do.

[@micky_knuckles]

@@bacicinvatteneaca lol wat? silly boy.

[@bacicinvatteneaca]

@@micky_knuckles I hate our appearance. That of other men even more than my own. I want the universe to split, one of peace for women and one of endless torture for us

[@quackatoa2100]

@@bacicinvatteneaca yo dude are you okay?

[@faigler]

Occasionally I see the dates on these videos and I'm like "SHE WAS 22???" (and probably just barely, as I do the math, because her birthday is september, and the description says it was fall of 2017 even though it was posted in jan 2018). and like. at that age i was going through it, and so were my friends, who a lot of the time are the people i'm thinking about more than myself when i relate to her songs, just by happenstance? that's what caught me: go home was the first song i actively listened to (as opposed to just listening to and going "oh cool") and i'd never had SUCH AN UNCOMFORTABLE MOMENT of relating to NOT AT ALL THE NARRATOR in a set of lyrics. and i was obsessed. and ...wanted to give her a hug. but -- we weren't...actually writing and performing those songs on npr. we were just messes. dear jb, i'm very glad you're officially not eligible for the 27 club. we are luckier for it.

[@rubenxmedina8990]

She is flawless in her songwriting. Every note played, every word she sings resonates in you and you can just feel her hurt. I 💜 Julien Baker.

[@uphillbackwards]

turn out the lights was my favorite album of 2017. hands down. love her

[@lindienelms2230]

This just popped up in my recommend videos and I was like sure why not, i had never heard of her. Now here I am trying not to cry at work, failing mind you. I just have so many feelings about this and her voice and those lyrics and her playing and yeah man, this is top shelf music.

[@dicte-aya]

i go back to this video every month. JB is so incredible.

[@TheSuperkolor]

i havent been listening to julien's for quite sometimes, and earlier today while driving i randomly listened to her music again. only to find this video when i got home and open youtube. thank you NPR.

[@jacobbarton5564]

So glad an artist finally made it out of Memphis with Talent. Julien Baker deserves success more than anyone, She represents the 901 well.

[@Dorachagi1]

You must have missed Valerie June's Tiny Desk... kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3Ono4d-eLiKesU

[@triplepeanut]

I saw the thumbnail and was like "but I already saw this... wait... OMG I HAVE TO WATCH RIGHT NOW"

[@ididntknowtheyhadwifiinhell]

obviously i've been listening to this for days already, but i just came here to say JULIEN I LOVE YOU. also this is my favorite version of appointments so far

[@sarahpartridge4424]

obliterating my heart with that last song

[@sydneysykes7304]

I really needed this, I recently found Julien because of her first tiny desk acoustic. I would like to take this as a sign things are going to get better

[@72marinablue]

The last song shows so much mastery in leaving space between her guitar notes, and letting them ring. Love.

[@TobiasRobertson]

Never clicked so fast in my whole life.

[@danielpalumbo8375]

Same

[@andressini3057]

same!!!

[@KC-ml1kt]

trending sentence

[@aletheia_lethe47]

I like the moments where she sort of stares at the space blankly after a performance at 9:01

[@isa0ber]

the song appointments always gets to me. there's lot of pressure to be happy and to make sad songs hopeful but julien is so honest about despair and loneliness and, strangely, it makes me feel less alone. listening to her is a painful cathartic experience that leaves me feeling like i have company when things are shit. her voice and amazing lyrics always make for good company.

[@RideAlongside]

A SECOND Tiny Desk Concert for the same artist! Wow! Wish list for other artists to have a second Tiny Desk Concert: Leon Bridges Tedeschi Trucks Band Those 2 ^ were phenomenal and I have rewatched both numerous times. Keep the Tiny Desk Concerts coming!

[@raehu3873]

My heart almost stopped when I saw she got this second session!!

[@krevin543]

She is such a small human, that guitar looks huge on her. Love the music 🤙

[@jadenpotts4389]

my personal measure for music is if it makes me feel things and i love it. and jb makes feel it TOO much. i cant watch a set without tearing up at the least :)

[@2guns1cowboy]

so beautiful.. and criminaly short. Her voise, lyrics, chords, sound of her delayed, reverbed guitar and smile makes me wanna live that life brighter. Hope someday i will hug her and say in whisper "thank you". *couple tear drops on a keyboard*

[@jackettech]

I tend to be annoyingly cerebral when it comes to music I like (a weakness I think), but she sets a mood and strikes at it deep down. Thanks for this one!

[@stop7980]

every time i rewatch this i get caught by surprise of how good this show is -and julien herself, she's just unbelievable

[@filipabarros1712]

This girl performing makes me feel things, and that's a very hard thing to do, so thanks NPR!

[@angelusway]

Let us pray our world can hold such a soul.

[@theuserofthissite]

I can't believe I almost missed this one. Her first Tiny Desk was actually my introduction to this channel, and I'm thankful for both that and everything else about her existence.

[@KevinQualls]

Nice! Thanks for having her back so soon! What a blessing!

[@dakotadietrich7990]

Please do Gregory Alan Isakov, his music is made for this platform!

[@WhiteSlash_Guitars]

Appointments, sounds so freaking awesome, and yet she's doing everything live by herself... I'm a huge metalhead, but damn, I've been listening to Julien for a while now, and she's so awesome ! (discovered her on audiotree then npm :p)

[@ZakRoM]

I discovered her because she sings in Touche Amore's Skyscraper. I love that band (not metal but Post Hardcore, take a listen to them maybe you'll like them) so I thought if they sing with her she should be good. I listened to Something and dig her right away.

[@WhiteSlash_Guitars]

That was actually pretty cool :) I was afraid when you said "post hardcore" because I'm not into hardcore at all haha

[@johannes2812]

She is simply amazing. Her first npr concert was just also amazing. Julien, the telecaster and her voice is in perfect harmony.

[@jaydonm4634]

julien is magical i find her music in such strange periods of my life. she reaches a different part of my soul than other artists.

[@whimshroud]

I must've listened to this record a hundred times already (it's on loop.) but somehow, it's even more beautiful seeing & hearing her perform here.

[@drunkass77]

The stuff she plays on her tele is pretty sweet. Her songs are way deeper than anything i can come up with. My songs are pretty much to my dog telling him how cool he is lol

[@raphael5844]

crying. literally. she touches me in some very intricate ways. thank you for this moment NPR

[@ImmmmmII]

"Appointments" always gets me

[@richardstone2908]

Second Julien Baker npr I've watched, unbelievable fantastic music, so glad I've found you and your music this day. These days it gets a little rare to find singers, musicians, song writers who have that connection with there own soul, which enables them to touch ours so deeply.

[@gbluecheez]

imagine being in this room

[@weyheyjackie]

Thank you so much. I can't believe its almost been three years since her last tiny desk concert!!! thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

[@euphorloey8674]

seeing her so young with no tattoos is so insane, insane talented person

[@adyyoung19]

What an incredible performance. Never heard of her before, but came out of that video with probably a new favorite artist.

[@artsynahnah2658]

another one of her!!!!!! YESSSSS i was just humming her songs yesterday! 😊💓