Monika: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

May 6, 2016 by BOB BOILEN • When you hear Monika, life feels good: The singer's performances and presence are simply winning. Last fall, I saw her take a hands-in-pockets crowd in New York and turn it into a bunch of dancing, hand-waving fans. Here at the Tiny Desk, the office was singing along as the ebullient singer danced on my desk. She's a platinum-selling singer-songwriter back in Greece, and her most recent album, Secret In The Dark, is full of spunk and funk. The album was produced by the great Homer Steinweiss, whom you may know as the drummer for the soulful R&B band The Dap-Kings.
Monika Christodoulou's recent transition from singer of sad songs to purveyor of upbeat jubilance came after she nearly lost her life in a boat fire; she had to swim eight hours in the dark to safety without food or drinkable water. These days, it's all about a great band grooving, her joyful voice, and that infectious smile.
Secret In The Dark is available now:
iTunes: itunes.apple.c...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/...
Set List:
"Yes I Do"
"Shake Your Hands"
"Hand In Hand"
"Secret In The Dark"
Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Kara Frame, Colin Marshall, Nick Michaels; Production Assistant: Jackson Sinnenberg; Photo: Brandon Chew/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/pod...

[@kyliesparks1435]

gosh her presence is MAGICAL She really fills that entire room with her great vibes!!

[@mylittlewhatnow]

Wow, love her energy, very theatrical and almost kitschy but in a really good way!

[@andrelambert_]

that girl got some good energy! bless.

[@nickdiamantopoulos6665]

Just a fact. Except for the awesome voice ,exceptional songwriting and presence she is a mathematician too.

[@marios5891]

Απίστευτο

[@IHMadeThis]

She gives me the vibe of a really good...cool 1st grade teacher.

[@philaeew4866]

Nothing wrong with that, though! ;)

[@okidot]

I agree, I defo felt a bit old for this!

[@MentalPolution]

yea I thought Music teacher immediately.

[@WaaDoku]

There's something I really don't like about her vibe. Maybe it's the teacher thing. Idk, I can't watch this, it's giving me goose bumps.

[@stefanosliakos6370]

Υes

[@0HARE]

A tight funky band, and a dynamic fearless singer. What's not to love? Thanks for another great Tiny Desk Concert!

[@sendingmaniac]

It's my favourite NPR Tiny Desk concert of all time! There have been a lot of great shows. But this one just stole my heart.

[@sinkvenice4438]

sendingmaniac I’m curious to know if it still is your favourite Tiny Desk performance, or have you seen another one that you like better since you wrote this two years ago? 🙂

[@fedonmartzmovies9563]

@@sinkvenice4438 truuue!

[@lindatrent5738]

8PM

[@shavannac2771]

Sink Venice this is wonderful, but mother falcon still has them best tbh.

[@kostaspirros4153]

Generally are you voting?

[@tdsims1963]

What a winning, magical woman! She's the kind of performer you take to your heart--and never let go! I think the fact that she saved her own life is the reason for her exuberant performances. Adorable!

[@TNewsh]

Why is she not a bigger deal. This is great!

[@kadununes86]

the first tune is so Almodovar! she has such vivid eyes! i'm in love.

[@marymcrforever]

yes! i was thinking that as well!

[@matt1240]

what does almodovar mean? Google doesnt recognize it as a word, and when I look it up I just get some spanish film director or something,

[@Cye211]

this is such an accurate comment

[@albertogonzalez01]

Mm mm from what movie exactly?

[@albertogonzalez01]

@@matt1240 is a movie director from Spain, their movies are influenced by the movida madrileña a movement of art in the latest 70 and all the 80 in Spain. The movies are great but lately in their last 4/6 movies are not just good enough. Pd you can search for McNamara and almodovar and you can get some vanish idea of their movies, but if you want to see I suggest todo sobre mi madre, la mala education, tacones lejanos, mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios y hable cn ella.

[@killab5505]

I've gotten 1 minute and 30 seconds into this video, and all I can think is WHAT A BEAUTIFUL VOICE! What a wonderful presence, AND why have I never heard of her?!?! I almost feel ashamed!

[@wonderlandian8465]

Well you probably haven't heard off her because it's really difficult sadly for artists in none english speaking countries (especially US and UK) to be visible on a larger scale and actually get discovered. Monika has been making music since 2007-8 in Greece and although its nice to see that she has had her success outside the country it always sucks when you see talents like her not utilized properly just because they weren't born in a certain place.

[@contactkeithstack]

make sure you read the video description.

[@lydia5226]

contactkeithstack thanks for the tip :)

[@cabbycabby1770]

What do I do next?

[@psychicbink4492]

Wow her story is incredible

[@thorkmunch]

Why?

[@saxoco7453]

Watched this video so many times and loved it, never having read the description. Today, I read it and wow, what a genuinely incredible story. Always wondered why this performance felt so uplifting and now I understand

[@ardidsonriente2223]

She's adorable. So powerful: her joy make your heart feel light and nostalgic at the same time. Thank you guys for the show, is amazing to discover jewels like Monika through it.

[@deniscorrea484]

I do not believe I just found monika now in 2021. I love her vibe, her voice, she is amazing.

[@gloryinme523]

I come to KZbin for Npr music... nothing else !!!

[@spilledinfinity8652]

I so wish to be one of the people in the audience that she points at.

[@twocentscinema8587]

This is what we need in the world!

[@albertogonzalez01]

Non-apolagetic Cinema hahahaha I read that's the weed we need

[@alannaskye7441]

I love the drumming woman with the black hair; I love how she's always in the back smiling at the singer's antics.

[@modermeh]

she’s so lovely man

[@RenataTonezi]

She's lovely!

[@miriamcjackson706]

SHES MAGIC! I"M CRACKING UP! TOTALLY BRIGHTENED MY DAY! ...so now that I took a moment to read (above) I can add this...her freedom is infectious! THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE!

[@97Yaza79]

She brings sun in ! :D

[@brandoningersoll5034]

She’s fearless...and has some amazing stage presence....captivating!

[@jacksonmtown1]

It does a great deal for the quality of the music as I see the springy soul dancing and prancing about to the groove of the music.

[@rozbourboulithra]

There is my Greek girl!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU MONIKA!!!! I follow you forever, whatever you do, whatever music you make, to wherever you travel to share your music and your shiny greek energy!!!!!!!!!!

[@TcoJObiCHE67]

One of the best TDC

[@martimasvidal]

Some people can spread light

[@waderockstrom1751]

Rhythm section on point

[@sofiasidiropoulou6053]

Brilliant!

[@Gkuljian]

She sure knows how to have fun.

[@fabiobarbati6029]

simply beautiful, conquering, free and true!

[@nicktosti7487]

Wow she demands your attention like nothing else. This is great!

[@EMC2Scotia]

Wonderful and joyous. Unbridled.

[@dab505279]

I like this now. And you can tell she's having fun and she appreciates the audience.

[@giorgosgiannopoulos9036]

Ναι ρε Μόνικα!!!!!!

[@onurdoe451]

great performance,very charming singer.u r lovely Monika...

[@jsphotos]

Reminds me a little bit of David Byrne - very inventive - good stuff!

[@gasaron]

my thoughts exactly!

[@glazinghost5951]

I thought of Byrne as well ::))

[@jawshrick]

She is captivating!

[@m_k_o_]

the pianist is gorgeous .

[@loricorenespeak]

This brought me so much joy

[@shanwalks]

Beautiful clear voice

[@empossible4872]

I can't believe what she went through. Looks like she's making the most of life and loving every moment.

[@randydepew830]

Totally captivated.

[@macarraocomtomate]

Thanx NPR!!

[@user-ii5xz7wu7p]

Great torcher to my mother

[@jahmai87ify]

Amazing performance

[@diegodominguez45]

oop accidentally fell in love :')

[@lakisbouz]

Much Love xxxxxxxxxxx breath of fresh air...

[@flyingcheff]

She seems like she'd be a super fun friend that would keep you laughing and smiling! What a happy, lovely goofball! "Come on baby shake your hands and spread it all alover, What is "alover"? Um, cool. What a sweet thing.

[@Otimo34]

so good !! thanks.

[@annieb2865]

Τι να πεις γι αυτή την ταλαντούχα καλλιτέχνιδα.....Ότι και να πεις λίγο θα είναι ! Μπράβο σου,πάντα ψηλά όπως σου αξίζει άλλωστε ! Σε θαυμάζω πάρα πολύ !👌🎤🎹👍👍👍👍👍

[@ticotechhouston4917]

Secret in the dark : "...I can see it in your eyes, hear the breaking in your voice If I try to find the keys of what I missing, Would I give my life away to everyone?"

[@yaki2389]

wow reading the description in how she endured a near death experience is incredible, she's amazing

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

Indeed. So glad she survived. Really makes me think God just intervened and said "nah you're not done yet ma'am, the world needs you a little longer." sometimes it goes like that.

[@hoseindanesh2525]

I really enjoy her act. she is gorgeous!

[@benhue3671]

I'm in love

[@irver]

She is Matt Damon! Lol! Her real name is Lemonia and the translation for that is lemon tree. “Monika” is just a nickname. She is from Greece. She married a rich man and she has 2 children.

[@bradh716]

She/he is talented.

[@johnvafeiadis7111]

She is a female. Her name is Monika. How can this be a male's name?

[@greyareaRK1]

Wonderful fun funky vibes. Great band feel.

[@TheFranc77]

shes awesome

[@piticrind]

Fiquei impressionado com a vitalidade e energia da Monika, que harmonia esplêndida de todo o conjunto. Parabéns!

[@joseluisjacome4573]

estupenda presentación de Mónika 100% música acústica felicidades

[@tapangasoul6928]

beautiful voice

[@antoniomartinez6722]

My Monika from Greece :)

[@jgodin312]

this is great, and I didn't know how great John Turturro was at drums until now.

[@orginallos]

wow gems like these are really what make Tiny Desk so amazingly fun to check out!! It's so light and fun and sweet.

[@neonseacow]

This was so great! I love her energy

[@knotchhaze1620]

shes a doll

[@katerinakanellopoulou263]

i love her

[@orangetolex]

So good!!

[@marciusnery4065]

Marvelous!

[@SheDreamsOfYaTonight]

Unsurprisingly another incredibly awesome Tiny Desk Concert.. The band has such a high energy, so smooth and lovely!

[@nullnull2628]

It sounds like I've heard these songs before but my memory can not recall.

[@simonpakaya]

I love her!

[@alprez3298]

Captivating

[@prajwalsiwa8888]

Wow very nice monika❤️❤️

[@misterdaviddude]

Holy crap! I totally met that keyboard player back in January when he was on tour in Glasgow! :O

[@misterdaviddude]

Alan Markley is his name

[@Devineagan91]

Super great attitude!

[@JustReadable]

NPR Tiny Desk Concerts are just wonderful and inspiring.

[@rosachavez7774]

So talented! I love the album Secret In The Dark and revisited all the time.

[@Takeature]

I fell in love

[@ticotechhouston4917]

Yes I Do Monika Christodoulou 27 of December is arrived and I think it's Saturday Greece is turning into white and it is cold We don't really care I keep thinking of the way that we were met Feels like it's a fairy tale You're the princess the most beautiful I've seen I am just a prince I can make you play I can make you smile I can make you safe in my foolish arms You're my sweetest kiss You're my immortality You're my pretty world world Spins inside my little mind little mind Now we're kissing and we're saying to each other Just a little I do But the thing is what we really want to say It cannot be said And I promise I will never let that death Take you from me anyway I'll throw us stars stars stars To wish well never die You're my brightest sun You're my crystal sea You're my loudest rhythm Beats inside my heart I will make you laugh I will make you fly to the shinny skies Where well live in happiness.

[@Yougaljuboja]

She's amazing !!!!! And the musicians are sooooooo gooooooooood !!! I'm smiling²

[@sofske2553]

i love her omg

[@nicolehonrado9005]

Amazing energy! Such an amazing girl!

una mujer que canta bien y no se pinta los ojos!! ..................................paz y bien

[@0rcface]

It's funny. If you go watch the Sharon Jones performance, it's the same bongo player back there with the same just-so-pleased-to-be-here look on her face.

[@bevinroue5788]

How in the world did you figure that out?

[@bevinroue5788]

This is a compliment/shock as your perception/memory. Not a troll attack. (Didn't want the tone misunderstood.)

[@0rcface]

I understood. I read somewhere that she was connected with the Dap Kings. I has always meant to check out Sharon Jones, so I went ahead and watched that Tiny Desk. I guess there's just something about that bongo players face that grabbed my attention. She looks so happy,

[@MsTokies]

that please look is basic saying.. paid.....................

[@danielleelliott8565]

the keyboardist is the same as the new Maggie Rogers Tiny Desk too!

[@Malak-ck6nu]

She s awesome ^__^

[@friedbergrangel183]

I love her vibes!!!!!

[@luvmamusic]

She's so full of life. This brightened up my night!!

[@steveweire8795]

amazing

[@mpaulworkman]

I unreservedly love her

[@krystalartis4069]

I'm in love with your voice and your performance. Wonderful!!

[@artmcbreen9000]

She gets it going like David Byrne used to with Talking Heads - great stuff!

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

Dude I'm glad I wasn't the only one getting Byrne vibes!!!

[@briannhinton]

Used too? I saw him 3 years-ish ago. He definitely still gets it going.

[@veletri]

Que bella!

[@farzanfarhangmehr6919]

amazing!

[@BoSkisho]

I love the way she tells a story through the music, and all the energy in the concert! I want more! :)

[@karhart6663]

That 1st song is my new fave. I love it. It's a hot centender for a wedding 1st dance.

[@diegodecilealgo8354]

Hermoso!!

[@rosalienmander9357]

I keep coming back to this, and I keep smiling

[@tb770]

just a shame that the best tony desk concert contest occurred before this performance. i have no doubt she/they would have won it. she controls the room from the first moment and her passion and sincerity are infectious.

[@patapotata]

Tom Buckholz I disagree... Music is nice and tight but shes a really bad singer...

[@VeeeeryyyFaaaastSlooooth]

Bad singer? Lel

[@ididgt4259]

@@patapotata 2 years later and this comment is just as stupid as when it was posted. She hits notes and portrays emotion. I think she's great.