KIRBY: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Sidney Madden | June 11, 2020
"Baby, I almost shook my wig off! But that's what a love song does to you," KIRBY exclaims midway through her Tiny Desk (home) concert. And you know what? She's absolutely right. The music of this Mississippi singer-songwriter carries the most weight when it embraces those slightly disorienting, in-between stages of love's journey, the moments that playfully throw you for a loop.
KIRBY's panache here, bolstered by a yellow bodysuit and blonde afro, is infectious and - just like the sunny backdrop of her manager's LA home - her vocal runs radiate a soft power. Accompanied by Tiny Desk alumni guitarist Justus West and flanked by plenty of plant life, KIRBY leans heavy into love songs off her debut album, Sis. But don't let the throwback pop and doo-wop fool you - these tracks come with a dose of millennial spunk. "New hair, new braids / Nina Simone with a touch of 'Yonce," she sings on "Kool Aid" with a confident smirk to camera.
Before ending her set, KIRBY welcomes yet another alum of the Tiny Desk, Grammy-nominated Lucky Daye, to join her on "Velvet," a song that stands out on the current season of Insecure for highlighting the beautiful mess of Issa Dee's love life. It's no coincidence that Issa's mishaps fall in line with the starry-eyed tales KIRBY spins in her songs. In both cases, there's an authenticity in admitting not everything's figured out, but living it up anyway.
SET LIST
"Kool Aid"
"Apple"
"Velvet" (feat. Lucky Daye)
MUSICIANS
KIRBY: vocals; Justus West: guitar; Lucky Daye: vocals
CREDITS
Videographer: David Karp; Audio Engineer: Kenneth Wright; Producers: Bobby Carter, Sidney Madden; Audio Mastering Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Video Producers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Maia Stern; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[@jcsaldana2594]

LOVE KIRBY! This woman has written songs for Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Kanye West and Rihanna! ugh, the power

[@saragarro4628]

😱😱🔝

[@davidcanas6022]

Yep

[@amadib.6405]

REALLYY?

[@happyholidays9071]

PAUSE SHES WHAT???

[@christaldunaway1256]

Wooow!!!

[@enduringstone]

"When I fall in love, I wanna do two things, and one of them is eat." BIG MOOD.

[@lezleen.gerren9986]

Okayyyyy...What she said!

[@ShayLamere]

Lucky’s voice has so much clarity

[@nl_2652]

Shayla Ferguson Shure SM7B pairs with him very well!!

[@sheagoldstein7309]

That woman looks & sounds like. The sunshine opening a flower up on a spring day.

[@nprmusic]

Well said! We agree. KIRBY is great!

[@rafaelpayumo9066]

you mean a live sunflower singing

[@gaalcantara4706]

Sounds somethings that Key would say on his flattering sketch

[@reedthetradesmen4951]

you are spot-on with that description OMG she fine

[@tradonmyoozik34]

WORD.

[@gracedodd2191]

lucky daye just poppin up made me smile

[@denisechaney9822]

Right i only watch it to see him

[@niqueybangz]

💯💯👏🏾👏🏾🥰🥰

[@Waters..]

The way he came in on his verse had me shook my God

[@CrysSpen]

Terrell brought me here. Let me send him a thank you card.

[@faithsibelo5076]

Saaame! 😊

[@jeanettedesenclos27]

Same here

[@davidcanas6022]

Omg same

[@indigobreeze6100]

I’ve been streaming her music everyday since Terrell

[@powerofknowledge8333]

Me too...😁

[@mariekanu3203]

This is about Lucky’s 3rd Tiny Desk appearance, ain’t it? Get it, Lucky!

[@kieranarmstrongproductions4743]

At this point he must be the audio engineer 😂and I love it

[@joeyhyland]

That voice as smooth as butter baby.

[@damagedlov3]

No way Kirby is on Tiny Desk. About time tbhhhhhh. Also special appearance by Lucky what a fkn blessing!

[@luthandomakgatho1191]

Fr fr

[@thelightseven]

Yall better stop sleeping on my baby Lucky Daye's range! Sing babies. Looking like a sunflower 💛💛🌻🌻☘☘

[@Holly18th]

okay who else just fell in love w Kirby

[@moorebernstein]

😳👍🏾

[@MangoNizer]

Tjeck.

[@Judahmt12]

that man Lucky Daye is a monster on the vocals!

[@BurtWicks]

This is my first introduction to KIRBY. I immediately listened to the same songs on Spotify. I prefer these minimalist versions of the songs more than the studio versions which were already stripped down. Hearing her voice with less (or without) reverb brings out the skill and soulfulness.

[@justjena_7]

I agree

[@sugarsmacks250]

Yessssss

[@PentameronSV]

0:03 - *Koll Aid* (2:26) 2:57 - *Apple* (6:22) 6:51 - *Velvet (ft. Lucky Daye)* (10:43)

[@MsAKALady]

She is beautiful with a voice to match

[@irishpodboss5339]

This group is Racists. Where's the white people??? You people, SMH

[@alper8966]

@@irishpodboss5339 ?

[@irishpodboss5339]

@@alper8966 ?

[@alper8966]

@@irishpodboss5339 ¿?

[@irishpodboss5339]

@orionh3000 WhiteLIVES MATTER

[@MusicRevolution1992]

I love when Justus (guitar) shows up on Tiny Desk. Idk anyone else who has.been on tiny desk more than this dude. When you see him, you know it's a dope set. 💯

[@gellebelle1]

How many times has he appeared on Tiny Desk?

[@cmooreHD]

Agreed!!!! I just couldn’t remember his name! But thank you

[@jenniferalberti5088]

His groove feels right

[@galaxylucia1898]

Yeah he is amazing! I’d love to hear him lead a jazz-funk rock band or something. I could listen to him play all day!!

[@hookdahustla]

looking like a nice glass of lemonade on a nice sunny day

[@farrahc7055]

I agree, a lovely and feminine description. 11.6.2020

[@naysaynever]

Delicious 😊

[@arnoldanderson4859]

Not only her beautiful warm falsetto & radiant glow but it’s the souther accent voice for me 🙌🏾 I’m definitely a new fan‼️

[@90sKhidd]

Insecure put me on to KIRBY! I won’t look back now definitely gained a fan! Amazing voice & personality🙌🏽

[@Lovliqueen]

Never heard of her. This was a welcomed introduction.

[@wallstreetkb]

Agreed! Refreshing sound

[@shon1872]

I love tiny desk for the music it introduces me to in such a pure way. The calm vibe, the focused live performance, the artists always seem so happy and excited and to have so many artists in one spot..! Tiny desk has such a great formula to amplify beauty and inspire the audience.

[@DRx.Factor]

You're in for a special treat. She's amazing.

[@TwistedLyfofTV]

Check out some of her older tracks, Loved by You and Vain. They sold me on her years ago.

[@naturallyunruly8862]

I fell in love her with the song " All my Love" you should give it a listen.

[@aestheticallyastro]

I love Kirby. I remember finding her a couple of years ago. My fav songs are Vain and Loved By You 😍😍😍

[@beautifullybackward]

Mine too I was hoping she would sing one of them

[@danitav23]

Award for Most Tiny Desk Appearances goes to.. Lucky Daye 💗🏆✊🏽

[@eshacooper8741]

Music like this is confirmation that GOD adores me!!!!! HALLELUJAH HALLELUJAH!!!! Thank you Daddy!!!

[@BAMSFESTInc]

Amazing vocals. The yellow color gives us energy and life.

[@yolandacollard6294]

Lucky Daye 🍀 😍 and Kirby🌹

[@torikellyfan9882]

They would be a bomb couple omgg 😍😍😍

[@sp3c1alsteph3n8]

Lucky couple 😊😁

[@yolandacollard6294]

@@torikellyfan9882 They would be though😍😍😍

[@brushsuka]

Afro Sunflower vibranting on a cloudy day

[@islandmanmikep]

I am still on her wave. It brings me joy.

[@cindyayt]

Lucky Daye 😍

[@diimmortales]

that mississippi accent sounds more home to me than anything else i've heard on tiny desk, including Tank and the Bangas

[@fonzarelly3154]

Hold up nah, Tank is from the 504!

[@diimmortales]

@@fonzarelly3154 Hahaha, I'm from Lafayette - so Tank sounds more home than Mississippi for me :D Tank

[@winnieadesuwa2000]

Velvet is just everything!!! Loved this version as well...got me in my feelings

[@KDunn123]

I wish she sang loved by you. I love that song !!

[@islandmanmikep]

That is now on my favorite Tiny Desk. I am a fan of hers now and also Lucky Daye. This was fire.

[@FindYourFree]

I think the same for me..incredible

[@natureblade]

When your plant game is on point 👌

[@globalsoundconcerts]

Justus West has played guitar on Tiny Desk 5 times: Logan Richardson, Leikeli47, Mac Miller, Ty Dolla $ign and Kirby. Did I miss any?

[@surreptitiouswritings]

Playing that Tosi Abasi signature

[@devwhite22]

Excellent EAR and EYE!!!

[@mr.smileytm]

That was the first thing I noticed. I turned on the video and I was just like "OK this is gonna be good"

[@Sinistration]

When Justus is on it, you know its fire!!

[@Mr.otaka108]

He's one of the GOATs on guitar as far as i'm concerned 🎸🙏🏼

[@ttyson133]

Her voice is amazing! I don't know why she hasn't blown up as a solo artist yet, but I pray she keeps making music!

[@PhillyJawn69]

Smooth voice + little funk = Kirby. Coolness + mellow voice = Lucky Daye Kirby + Lucky Daye = Amazing Sounds

[@cfeliz70]

I loved everything about this. The singing from both was divine. The guitar player was magnificent. You could feel their confidence. The set was subdued and beautiful. I wish I could've been there!

[@jellybean5326]

Yaaaaas my girl is here and Justus West on guitar and Lucky Daye my heart is jumping ❤️❤️❤️

[@mdelosreyes]

obsessed w her music. her voice is amazing

[@untalivan]

I can´t stop watching this wonderful woman and listen to her lovely voice

[@dlk12dnice]

Tiny desk did it again putting me on to another dope artist..... appreciate it!!!!!!

[@elizabethlapay9941]

I love the change between her normal talking voice and accent to her singing voice and style

[@emakua5]

I've loved her since 'Loved By You'. Angel voice!

[@gracedaniels3387]

Luckyyyy. ✨✨

[@cheyennehelberg5498]

She made it onto Tiny Desk,so happy for her!🤗 Hopefully she'll get another tiny desk performance in the near-future after ms. Rona has left us💛🙏🏽

[@ravenjohhson4300]

I wouldn’t mind seeing her in a live concert, I know it’ll be everything!

[@thekaerichtexas]

Honestly I'm here after terrell show video. This lady is alright with me

[@ashleydenise9875]

Yes me too!!!😀

[@UKLeonie]

Me too, that episode was solid.

[@shannonjeffries1865]

Lucky ATE. Wow. Loved this.

[@Rafstiano]

This girl will keep my simpin strong. Happy '22 y'all ✌️

[@p.reneeblue7799]

Giving me Orisha Oshun vibes....🌻

[@katlehomanoto5608]

Her energy and voice is infectious. 😍

[@cornbreadcabbage2354]

Sooooo glad to see her on an even larger platform! I've followed her since her "song a day" youtube days. Goooo Kirby 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 If you haven't heard "Loved by you" by her, you are losing! 😂

[@twinkie112351]

That's my favorite one by her!

[@mackenzie.kuykendoll]

I just watched this while taking my braids down and I’m in love. THEY SOUND SO GOOD LIVE!!! And they blend very well. Like 🤯🤯😍

[@NATURALstarKEY]

I see Lucky I click😍🥰 simple....also Lucky you on Tiny Desk AGAIN!!! That’s got to be record 😂

[@tyshayalowe6233]

Magical music 🎶 🎶💃🔥🔥🔥🔥💃

[@mizzstizzie]

Yall remember she did A song a day once upon a time on KZbin? She was my very first review I did on my blog over 13 years ago and she reposted it so humbled that anyone could have written about her.. now look at her shining. Brighter than sunshine. Literally 🙏🏽💛💛💛 love you Kirby, from a day 1 supporter!!!

[@qundracollins588]

AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING!!! Love both artist 😘😘😘😘

[@yulpaige]

She’s just a breath of fresh air😍

[@patriciamccraig]

Instant chills EVERYTIME with Velvet 😩

[@smcalmont5870]

..OK baby ohh kaay! Perfect performance both of you!!!

[@ms.cre8708]

🌼Love 🌼Love ESPECIALLY when one of my favorite artist jumped in "Lucky Daye".

[@xxgiraffe]

Her Soul brings LIFE🌹🥀💐🌻

[@NYALABLUE]

wow i love coming back to this video, they did their THING! they sound so good together like my eyes are watering lol

[@GreenArmy420]

Her voice just made to go through my ears, streaming smoothly, activate my brain chemicals and playing nicely with my body nerves, love it!!

[@Mariebayb]

Most talented woman ever!

[@tandilezweni2853]

Almost doubted how blessed I am until I watched this 😍 so honoured to be watching Kirby's Tiny Desk ♥️

[@cocomo3141]

😫 I'm mad I just started listening to her .... but it's ok I'm obsessed now 💛

[@SreyaMuthukumar]

I heard her laugh and was sold. Thank you NPR for introducing us to this amazing musician!

[@gzagoy]

*30 seconds into the video* Yes imma like and add to favorites

[@soulfulscales4731]

Agh, I just love Lucky Daye😩

[@khadijahalia]

I've never listened to her music but I like her! Her voice is beautiful and she's got my man Lucky Daye with her! 😍😍😍😍

[@charro028]

Oh she fine fine!

[@sp3c1alsteph3n8]

You fancy her?

[@charro028]

Steven Badu no. There’s nothing wrong with women complimenting other women. That doesn’t mean I want her.

[@margaretschlieter]

I love her style.

[@htrfdes]

Love this song.......

[@seliciarichards-turney9348]

She now owns that shade of yellow. Ate it up!!

[@eljeepi]

Oooh this is something I needed tonight. She so talented and the mixed vocals with Lucky just made it butter.

[@margaritaw3658]

Loves her voice! Amazing talent and sweet as pie.

[@antoinetteepps9228]

India Arie & Tweet combined into a most beautiful creation.

[@stingstungmemae1297]

I just listened to a full length album and was impressed. She is singing live here and I hear no flaws. NO FLAWS! 😮

[@Brittnioceansidevibe]

Her tone is a cross between Kelly Rowland and Elle Varner 😍

[@annmariegood37]

Gorgeous and her voice is everything😍

[@lalabearmuhammad4526]

Do y’all know how long I’ve been waiting for this?!?! Kirby deserves so much more recognition and I hope she really gets it this year 🥰💛💛

[@firstRiley]

BODY BODY SO COLD HE CALLS ME SNEEZE YASSS KIRBY GIRL!!!

[@moja1190]

Kool Aid sounding better than the studio version 🧐🔥👌🏿

[@MissBeeTV]

Omg this is such a treat! I was just listening to her. Found out about her from the show Insecure , song was “Velvet” and its been on repeat ever since

[@burtanicaroby7341]

And she’s from Mississippi ❤️❤️❤️ I love her

[@Jonathan-uu6mq]

Kirby performed three classics right here

[@Excosia]

I love Kirby. Her lyrics & the way she sings...I relate to every bit .

[@malod]

Big props to NPR Music (Tiny Desk Concert)

[@milamethvin6766]

Why have i never noticed that she sings in cursive before

[@LadyKane77]

Mila Methvin 🤣🤣

[@melloyoung879]

I don't really think she sings in cursive

[@theTrend7]

In cursive??? 🤔

[@teeb.2239]

I dig it... her notes flows, they’re fluid and so interconnected like cursive letters. I dig it...

[@vegannn7178]

She certainly does not

[@hannyadisme]

First time hearing her and I'm officially obsessed

[@tshilidzi1046]

This came at the right time ❤️❤️

[@sara78889]

She's so talented!!! 💚

[@LadyKane77]

Velvet 😭😭😭 Thank you for blessing our ears and hearts.

[@LeoPerantoni]

I absolutely love that Abasi guitar Justus is playing. Wow.

[@guidoferri8683]

I wonder what's her favorite color

[@AnnoyingAsianWitch]

It's probably the same as mine

[@lac0rde]

and her favorite nintendo character

[@irishpodboss5339]

Probably BLACK since the whole group is Black. Racist

[@alper8966]

@@irishpodboss5339 and what is coldplay, the beatles, queen, imagine dragons then?

[@irishpodboss5339]

@@alper8966 NPR is just showing an all black group two days in a row because of the "BLM" hypocrisy that's going on. It's pathetic.

[@bronzedbeauty3713]

Her voice is crisp like sweet tea with ice on a cool day

[@PowerL1N3]

beautiful

[@gmarie3082]

DOPE voice....makes me miss seeing live performances so much 😢

[@sicario7738]

Velvet is a beautiful song. Wish artists like these were more famous