Now, Now: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Nov. 15, 2017 | Daoud Tyler-Ameen -- Now, Now's breakout album, Threads, was not as much about breaking up as holding on. Its songs carried in them a weary recognition of how desire and nostalgia linger in the body and mind, and zoomed in on the brittle filaments that bind together people who have long since declared themselves better off apart. "I can sleep, I can sleep, I can sleep - soon," went one characteristically fraught line, teasing relief and then snatching it away as guitars cracked and rumbled like fireworks.
There's not much material evidence of how the band's next move might be different, but what little we have to go on is striking. Now, Now took the Tiny Desk stage with a minimal setup (dig the sampler as drum kit) that laid the vocals bare, but still lent the songs a room-filling pulse. Among those songs were "SGL" and "Yours," the two singles that heralded the band's return this summer (a full five years after Threads, with a pared-down lineup and no album yet announced, though the rumors say next year). As their performance here makes clear, KC Dalager and Bradley Hale have added a few new tools to their arsenal - synth-forward arrangements, that triplet swagger you loved from "The Wire" and "Run Away With Me," the word "baby" - but their focus on tiny moments between people just outside of love is as sharp as ever. If there's more where this came from, 2018 can't come soon enough.
Set List
"Yours"
"SGL"
"Separate Rooms"
MUSICIANS
KC Dalager; Bradley Hale; Jeffrey Sundquist; Daniel O'Brien
CREDITS
Producers: Daoud Tyler-Ameen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, CJ Riculan, Alyse Young; Editor: Niki Walker; Production Assistant: Salvatore Maicki; Photo: Christina Ascani/NPR
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[@nickhudson4966]

I am so happy that I found this. Now, Now blows me away! Great songs and the music compliments the lyrics perfectly.

[@DenEz_TV]

Yeah, they are great!

[@Vehshya]

If you are on the fence on the band, check out their recorded stuff. Especially the song "Prehistoric", one of my all time favorites.

[@matheusdomingues6820]

Yesss... this is a masterpiece... it's my favorite too

[@sarahtaylor846]

I first discovered Now, Now on Spotify with their song Prehistoric and I absolutely fell in love. One of their strong suits. I the listened to all of their “Saved” album and was completely blown away. Different tones? Different times. Love each.

[@NuOrder11]

Agreed. That entire album is amazing.

[@mikeg6606]

They completely messed with one of my fav songs, and I still love it. Digging the 'Stranger Things' vibe.

[@DenEz_TV]

Now, Now's music speaks to me. Such a great band, cool sound, cool message! I want more concerts in that format from them! Awesome.

[@krostout]

love this band! stripped down or not, still rockin'! these arrangements are different, but in a cool introspective way, like suddenly being hit by a familiar realization. these versions also allowed me to really listen to their lyrics, which take on whole new meanings and emotions now. thanks npr!

[@orbixmusic]

They tied his arm up... So much symbolism

[@maragraziano3437]

wooow, this version of separate rooms gave me chills!!!

[@TheMostEccentric]

Now, Now sounds glorious here c:

[@carpeimodiem]

Every Now, Now comments section gets dominated by ppl talking about their older material. But this is such beautiful/perfect escapism. Everyone contemplate the best days behind you. Do this Now,

[@henriquecobra8653]

they deserve to be bigger

[@anger101]

Love these new versions

[@Timid-Creatures]

Haven’t seen them in forever!

[@itstommynutter7088]

i like it. reminds me of cyndi lauper and Haim. and an old band called grandaddy

[@anthoni426]

I don't know if you realized, but the "Old band called Grandaddy" part was quite punny. I just thought I should point that out.

[@noisemartin7291]

Sweet! Guess I'll watch this later, later.

[@cabbycabby1770]

Interesting. Check out their Audiotree session if you want to hear the band in its prime.

[@system_eneve]

saw at baby's bk last night ... soooooo goooooooooooooood!

[@caseywittrock4314]

Awesome music this time around! You guys should invite The Deer Hunter to come for a session.

[@Wulfarwacht]

Cacie's Mum will be very happy today :D

[@andredemendonca3937]

HELL YEA!

[@ushnotzkr4006]

That was great.

[@katiemcclusky]

oh my 40 seconds in I was hooked!

[@backtoemocovers]

Amazing version

[@backtoemocovers]

Youuu don’t mind so I don’t minddd

[@andredemendonca3937]

Are you guys still comin' back after all these years?

[@travvypoo]

Hope the album version of SGL sounds like this one here. But it won't :-(

[@Alvaroq2]

brad should have his own TDC as sombear... well if he ever decides to record a new album lol

[@Fernandaaa96]

brad has beefed up

[@toniwhitten8365]

I like how you can tell that she really means what she's singing

[@youtubeyoutubeyoutube9961]

They definitely peaked too early. Ever heard their old stuff? Amazing.

[@foeshizzel]

youtubeyoutubeyoutube ....what album would you suggest I listen to?

[@skyeatsyourface]

threads is their best.

[@qtip4747]

This is the first I've heard of them. I quite like it.

[@foeshizzel]

lordbanky thanks.

[@FriggleFraggles]

Neighbors is a great EP. I recommend listening to Giants.

[@isa-zv3pw]

hiatus kaiyote pleasee

[@hanawana]

!

[@whiskeyjohnston]

What happened to the other girl that was in the band? Weren't there 2?

[@jeanmendoza5695]

Look for Tancred (y)

[@danman6669]

It makes me sad because I was in love with Jess.

[@bzed744]

Harmonies are very similar to Civil Wars. Dig it!

[@iintrospect9702]

its good, easily can place this on stranger things sound track ha

[@qwerty2qwerto]

synth arpeggios? stranger things.

[@robertw8861]

Sounds incredibly similar to Niki and the Dove, I had to go check they weren't the same band with a different name.

[@Crixilius]

Now, Now is great, but their real bangers are from when they were Now, Now Every Chilldren.

[@tuchesuavae]

Her voice is better now

[@purplesand]

I forgot jess isn't in this band anymore :(

[@deathmetalpotato]

Guttsu Yeah but that latest Tancred album is *amazing*

[@Flopcore]

would love a balance and composure one

[@DameFreshTV]

They flipped separate rooms!!!

[@stgodd]

This is not a good representation of them. Just listen to their album Threads to see who they really are.

[@Ahzpayne]

A 7 year old record will reveal who a group was 7 years ago. Not who they are now. Unless they are a crap group that never grows or changes.

[@danman6669]

As The Raddish Patch wrote, bands evolve and change. The best bands don't stick with only one sound. They mature and experiment with new sounds as their careers go on. Look at Radiohead. If they would have stuck with the sounds of Pablo Honey or The Bends, we never would have had OK Computer or Kid A. That's one reason why Nickelback is so hated. They have never changed their sound. Yes, sometimes bands can stay the same and stay popular, such as AC/DC, but, for the most part, bands have to change otherwise they get boring.

[@alliedarky]

Sadly that’s not who they are anymore, bye bye jess :(

[@hustla1609]

Jess is pursuing Tancred fully now. She actually just dropped a new song recently for that project.

[@wolflover968]

Same can be said for Maroon 5. I LOVED their first two albums..after that, they suck.

[@hanawana]

Hmmm...GRIMES please :)

[@nullnull2628]

Hana yes grimes

[@braydenowsley121]

I would like to see SWMRS on this.

[@seaniegleeson6067]

Sza next

[@Vicious5id]

Liked very much this new Cyndi Lauper.

[@BoneSesh]

Need Wood & Wire on Tiny Desk.

[@Loudloudloud5]

Where is that female guitar player

[@_winter7745]

9th

[@smilingface4222]

steve lacy

[@NickAdelman]

I'm on the fence about this one. Don't hate it, but don't love it either. Maybe having talent like Thundercat on here overshadows these guys.

[@himay333]

Nick Adelman check the studio versions on Spotify. Worth it completely.

[@S-K.]

Threads is a really good album.

[@sharonlocher5566]

Nick Adelman, definitely check out their albums. Threads is a masterpiece. I prefer the earlier songs but I do like some of the newer stuff.

[@Hazel.Eyed.Gemini]

I wish she would open her eyes

[@denniscyrilsaneo3243]

where's JESS? CACIE,.

[@memorandom7484]

God, they're so disappointingly fucking awful now. Just _dreadful._ Jess Abbott was obviously the not so secret ingredient that made them a decent band. At least _she's_ still putting out good tunes with Tancred.

[@FakeFriendsForever]

Tancred is mediocre, at least Now, Now is developing new sounds and experimenting.

[@kawaiipotato6125]

They wrote "Cars" as a duo and it's my fav album.

[@odysseychl4925]

Wtf happened to the old now now?

[@modernsunsets369]

Jess made Now, Now? Fucking bullshit. Threads was one of the best albums of its time, both in sound & lyrics... but Cacie did most of the writing. Don’t believe? Go back and examine who they were when they were NNEC, before Jess. Jess had one decent song (Indiana)... other than that she’s been mediocre and recycled sound, at best. Sure Cacie & Brad went a little pop, but they were already going that way when Jess left (ref: Sombear).

[@dulkoski]

Breathy/dry vocals with no projection, little stage presence, and not even an acoustic real drum set? Do better, NPR

[@itwashimmusic]

dulkoski how are these things objectively less than? They’re aesthetics choices.

[@Mattlaysia93]

@dulkoski such a dumb comment. Caring more about everything else than the actual music

[@jondeere2312]

boo!!

[@brufusbrovolakthe3rd505]

The album called “threads” is a masterpiece. This is trash

[@thrillscience]

Too much head bobbing! Like a bunch of bobble-heads.

[@henry_brown]

I love that it almost looks like NPR doesn't read the comments at all, and just continues to bring great artists I've never heard of to the Tiny Desk! Hugely appreciated! Love you guys

[@henry_brown]

that being said, I would _kill_ to see a Death Grips Tiny Desk Concert.

[@_winter7745]

Fuck off. MC Ride isn't stable enough to show up to the DC office.

[@seamusin1697]

RedShadow Same here. They have definitely contributed to expanding my musical repertoire. I often share the clips with friends and get positive feedback. Music can be a great gift.

[@Brabldibrablmann]

do you expect to leave a comment like "bring this artist on" and then it just happens

[@Umweltfreundlich07]

If they did, Josh Rogosin would be earning $500,000/yr

[@danejurus69]

I think this is KC's best live vocal performance and I've been a fan since 2007 so I've heard a lot. This band deserves to be wayyyy more popular. Good god, this is so good.

[@HappiestSadGuy]

The dude on the beat is just chillin lol

[@ellenhater8764]

That dude is my nephew Jef 🙂

[@nmespooks2241]

@@ellenhater8764 HAHAHA WHY THE FACE? jeff is killin it

[@ellenhater8764]

Cuz he’s a super awesome guy and I love him ❤️

[@mikemerrill4073]

She seems a sweet soul. So cool. Great sounds.

[@rezas3846]

There are a few comments here comparing this performance to stuff on their album or to a previous grouping (with a former member), but I've never heard or seen Now, Now and I think this was incredible! I love their sound and aesthetic.

[@INeverWanted2010]

So aside playing drums, he also sings and plays keyboard? Is there anything he can't do? Lol.

[@LittleGagaMonster]

As someone who's used to the surround sound experience of seeing them live.. this was different. Not bad, just different. Something about the combo of the different audio equipment and the "stripped down" compositions of the songs doesn't translate as well as it does at their usual performances. Mostly, I'm just thrown off by Bradley on keys 😅😂 But all in all, super proud of these bbz! And horray for trying something new 💕

[@skyeatsyourface]

I love Now, Now. But they should have brought an acoustic for SGL. The instrumental felt very muted in this one, which is odd for them. They usually have some amazing instrumental.

[@esmth]

This is one of my favorite tiny desks. I love it.

[@jasonsoils5901]

Omg Cacie and Brad 😍😍😍😍😍😍. I don’t know what some of these comments are saying, no matter what - Now Now will always sound amazing to me

[@aj-ve3pw]

am i the only one who thinks their newest album is their best stuff yet

[@DenEz_TV]

Nope. I think that too.

[@IgnisFatuusblog]

I would agree with you, but their performance at Audiotree live made fall in love for them (old members). Yet this is an amazing performance. Their new album is great dough

[@xlMatteo]

same here

[@Qdog145]

I like it a lot. I bump it all the time. BUT Threads is on another level imo

[@CoralineMoth]

I LOVE this band so much it's ridiculous.

[@braddavistube]

I love the way this band sounds. Their next album is titled "Saved" and features a crucifix necklace. Is this a christian band? Just to be transparent; I would be disappointed to find out that's the case.

[@GeorgetheGreat]

BROCKHAMPTON tiny desk would be hard

[@lenonel3286]

I don't know if they could fit the entire group

[@veegmachineauto4859]

to fit

[@nes420]

i'd do anything to see that happen. given the nature of their live shows, it'd be impossible for all of them to stand still in that small space. but it would be incredible

[@mrhicks957]

GeorgetheGreat Tough luck lad

[@joelbarnard9373]

Best live version I’ve found of “yours” on KZbin so far. This new record is beautiful, it has kept me dreamy and happy for weeks now, be encouraged and keep making amazing music now now :)

[@jonwarren1]

I like their song Wolf. These were great too.

[@MATZ302]

i like tha music a lot... her hair is FIRE though...

[@rentosnyggt]

Fkn Great! Can't wait 4 a new album!

[@ryanbush942]

Is this the soundtrack to Stranger Things?

[@iliabear]

Now, Now--->>> "They Are Very Now Now- I Can Tell You That!"🤗😍😎 Bravo crew! NPR=Nails It Again! 💜💜💜💜💖💗💣💣💣💥💥💥💫💫💫 watch it a 2nd time around, don't mind if I Do!🤗😁😍

[@minenhlehlabangana3712]

ncaw... no Jess :-(

[@iliabear]

I Love you guys it's official - i may be a noob but, i do like this version 'Yours' better here.😍🤗 it speaks to my soul more here. Bravo! ❣💖💓💜💋💫💌 I'm introducing it to a friend it reminds me of, Thanks! 😘🤗😍😎

[@Specticwoods]

Ive never heard anything of this band and i love everything about it!! Im totally a new fan thank you for making incredible music and thanks to NPR to keep bringin such amazing artists! Lots of love from Argentina.

[@sudheergowan]

Specticwoods If you wanna listen to thier old stuff, their albums are "threads", "giants" and "cars", to name just a few. But im sure if you click on one in youtube you`ll jump straight into a wonderful portal of their music. Searches would also become easier if you use their former band name "now, now every children". Peace.

[@Specticwoods]

Cloud Empire Ty for the recommendation dude, and I've already listened to some of their old music like the album threads, it's different from what they do know but I really like it :))

[@sudheergowan]

Specticwoods No problem brother, glad you are enjoying their stuff just like I do. Keep on being awesome!

[@Specticwoods]

Cloud Empire You too! And I hope you have a fantastic year. Saludos desde Argentina amigo.

[@sudheergowan]

Specticwoods All of the best for the year ahead, sending good vibes from South Africa!

[@timekeep3r]

I like it. But i think i prefer their old lineup. Can we please get Milo Greene Or Ben Howard

[@Skironxd]

Yeah I was pretty disappointed it wasn't the older music :(

[@plebiannn]

Jake Gyllenhaal on the keys

[@Grizlydah87]

Love this version of SGL😍😍😍😍😍

[@Terce]

loving it

[@jessebyerly5163]

u ever hear music that you've pictured or heard in your head but hasn't existed in real world? this. wow. amazing.

[@nes420]

so much love to you guys. can't wait to see what comes next :) come to toronto!!

[@MrFoxture]

I love how brad has his solo project's name on his keys ! it would be very cool to have a Sombear session too !

[@samsmiley652]

These guys freaking brought it

[@빌려준]

Nice! very Nice!

[@robbierolla]

Boom

[@montsesalgado6495]

I'm so in love with KC♥️

[@danejurus69]

Since 2007 for me. Lol

[@tox99jorge]

She sings wonderfully and is beautiful, reminds me of an old love from my youth

[@jessebyerly5163]

woahhhhhhhhhhh

[@acadiasummons5178]

wow!

[@Zac124Roblox]

Hi KC's mom ):):)!!

[@josiahmartin5181]

Charlie Day has a band? Kinda disappointed Nightman wasn't on the set list

[@nullnull2628]

Cool sounds

[@MmmKayHuuNay]

Damn, I wish they would've done Thread

[@samrealbuto753]

Yeah, but it doesn't feel or sound the same without Jess. At least not for me since I found them when Audiotree uploaded them

[@danejurus69]

Something from "Cars" LP would've been cool too.

[@gustavoms92]

Sounds like College, cool sound