Khalid: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

June 18, 2018 | Sidney Madden -- Before Khalid performed "Location," his debut single that's now four-times platinum, at the Tiny Desk, he told the audience the story of how he wrote the track during his senior year of high school not knowing where music would take him. (FYI: He graduated in the Class of 2016. Feel old yet?) And before singing "Saved," Khalid explained that this was one of the first songs he ever wrote and remembers that when he put it up on SoundCloud, a rude commenter tried to diminish his talent. Obviously, he didn't let the negative energy stop him.
"I honestly couldn't tell you what that guy is doing with his life but he's not doing this," Khalid said with a contagious laugh.
Khalid's music narrates life's awkwardly necessary moments: the butterflies of young love, the angst of craving freedom, the apprehension of teetering on that next step in life. He creates honest, comforting pop for teens and young adults that speaks to the kid in all of us. Accompanied only by acoustic guitarist Jef Villaluna, the 20-year-old sensation captured this fleeting fearlessness of youth and brought it to the Tiny Desk for a heartfelt serenade session. The way his voice glided calmly over the guitar notes, switching between baritone and tenor, was fitting given that he sings about teenage peaks and pitfalls. Khalid's sense of wide-eyed yet humble wonder permeates through the entire set.
Khalid finished his set with a mini bow and a peace sign to the audience, but made sure to squeeze in time for some of the diehard fans in the crowd of NPR employees and their guests - many of whom were gleeful teens, some just as awkward, angsty and wide-eyed as he when penning his first songs in high school. He understood.
Set List
"Young Dumb & Broke"
"Location"
"Saved"
CREDITS
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Beck Harlan, Khun Minn Ohn; Production Assistant: Catherine Zhang; Photo: Eslah Attar/NPR.

[@nprmusic]

Hey Tiny Desk Fans, Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

[@benhurst4456]

Khalid's guitarist doesn't get enough credit, so creative

[@bulldozernetwork]

Ben Hurst The guitarist has vids on KZbin. Check out jussjef.

[@dolliedufort3590]

Yeah he's amazing!

[@markbyrd7710]

It's flawless. One of the best accompaniments I've ever seen.

[@ddalejandroo]

walkingpetfish yes he does, since like 2005 thought I recognized him

[@ya5413]

The guitarist is so legit.

[@n.1480]

he looks like his hugs are warm. 🥺

[@heart4serving]

Lol😂😂😂

[@KBWeeds]

n. YEES! Like you sigh in the middle of it and feel comfort.

[@n.1480]

K M Weekes you get it. 😭😭😭

[@KBWeeds]

n. Man people don’t realize the power of a good warm hug.

[@tees1798]

Yessss omg🤣🤣🤣

[@JoeMandell-]

My kids used to attend an after school program (CDC) when we were stationed Heidelberg, Germany. I remember Khalid and some other boys putting on a talent show and singing some boy band songs for the staff and parents. He must have been in the 3rd or 4th grade at the time. His mom was also a very talented singer. Good memories.

[@dalpiang635]

Your really lucky

[@JoeMandell-]

@@cristianacosta6257 I also grew up and graduated from High School in Northeast El Paso - Go Matadors! Let's just say it was a long time ago 🗓👨‍🦳. Despite the heartbreak caused by the senseless mass shooting, I was really proud to see how the city came together. Khalid has shown that he has not forgotten about his roots and is eager to give back to the community that helped shape him. He is a really good kid.

[@chriscourt8531]

@@JoeMandell- Wow parkland Highschool

[@benedictoplanet1768]

So nice when you share some memories with inspiring people

[@elijahbarnes2041]

His guitarist is so amazing. His playing, strumming, riffs, and so on are just so beautiful. He can play. He inspires me man.

[@deneesherpather9608]

Smooth operator. Subtle yet powerful style.

[@Adri4n0]

very true.

[@btodarent]

He is Jussjef on YT. I have been watching his vids for over a decade.

[@zurieltemmy]

he's really good !

[@zacharynagy4125]

Jef Villaluna

[@kmann6903]

Khalid sounds WAYYY BETTER LIVE. He needs to be protected at all cost!

[@keshiapeters1575]

@@Bluey_777 This. I have been streaming his stuff on pandora. So much production. He doesn't need this on his songs. I feel the same about SZA.

[@gonzacollao]

@@Bluey_777 Good thing about it though is you can enjoy these songs both ways; some days I'll feel like jammin to the album version, others I'd like to just chill to the live ones. The amount of production that goes in his albums doesn't take anything away from the fact that he's just talented AF. Cheers!

[@user-uv4tv9po9j]

only sometimes lol...he sounds straight up terrible in bigger venues and when the song is played at its normal speed

[@davidmorris2852]

90 percent sound better live .

[@anna-mariyablue8580]

he's one of the endangered species - a singer that can actually sing

[@DmanUNT2014]

What a time... NPR is on a roll.

[@indioca4272]

DmanUnt2014 Dman, what’s good!!

[@huh736]

that's what I thought too

[@lawislaw2585]

Who else are they gonna give us!?

[@rolandryder5811]

i guess im asking the wrong place but does someone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account?? I somehow forgot my account password. I would love any assistance you can give me.

[@averycayden6154]

@Roland Ryder Instablaster =)

[@laineyshay334]

why do I always love these stripped back acoustic versions on tiny desk better than the original songs. His voice is so raw and I can hear the grittiness and imperfections, its so beautiful

[@-Teague-]

His voice is so incredible, like literally to the point I thought he was using autotune on some tracks he literally wasn't lol

[@StephCody]

bro honestly, this is the most raw, clearest vocals that I've heard on any of these videos... well frickin done Khalid

dude on the guitar is killin it

[@Yuval_Hod]

Exactly what i thought through the whole video

[@adrianberdecia4489]

Tight af

[@PrestonFrederick]

He's actually so clean and dynamic. acrobatic through the technic shifts

[@neilbereal3866]

What is the guitarist's name?

[@Malilise221]

@@neilbereal3866 is name is Jef Villaluna

[@kaveenranasinghe6284]

That synchronized head bob at 5:23 was just awesome

[@danielpartida9132]

Wow 😂

[@Caribe.k]

lmao hadnt noticed

[@broookehunter]

You're so right!!

[@plushtuber101pt7]

Wow, I just noticed

[@hannahgxogxo4772]

Almost fell off of my chair

[@kierstinvalencia6600]

How can ANYONE say he sucks?! Four years later and this is still one of the BEST Tiny Desk Performances. ❤️ His voice, his energy, eveything!

[@majorallan2416]

commented on this to bring you back to this video ..now lets vibe together 😌

[@abedofevilandlettuce]

Who said that? He's my faaaaavorite. 💚💚💚

[@ruckme1100]

Now, Fred Again.. is the best Tiny Desk performance

[@subscribbled]

so many singer songwriters seem kinda arrogant, but khalid seems like a genuinely nice guy

[@10chi93]

Subscribbled he really is. he surprised the kids at my school for a pep rally and he’s such a sweet person and i couldn’t help but smile whenever he talked

[@callummoodley6311]

NPR yall need to be stopped , goddamn 🔥👏

[@WiiNV]

Callum Moodley L😂L

[@hello_teacher1653]

Callum Moodley gah damn

[@nicolebarnett4452]

HAHA .... BUT like REALLY DON'T STOP THOUGH!

[@veganvampire95]

his voice is literally flawless if not BETTER live with these acoustics

[@Kaylaaisbeast]

jodie way better. For me, anyways.

[@jobsuijs3032]

I wish he had done 'Angels'. It is a hard song and I haven't heard it live yet.

[@MelancholyProducer]

I think a lot of it is the years of singing these songs now. cause he is even better here than when I heard him live in 2016.

[@hannahadkins6299]

somehow his voice always brings tears to my eyes because it’s so beautiful

[@brechtvanolmen1799]

00:00 Young Dumb & Broke 04:06 Location 09:06 Saved

[@honeys.9579]

Thanks for the timestamps.

[@jordanoblein4050]

Hero

[@MarilynNoonan-sx3bk]

Khalid NEEDS to release an acoustic album!!!!! Khalid dun took off HAM ON THIS RIGHT HERE! a u t h e n t I c v i e w s dun took his career off 2 the next level fr fr no cap

[@Tsheepac]

Just this week, Daniel Ceasar, Jorja, Goldlink and now Khalid. Npr are the hero's we need but don't deserve

[@gabriellejoy1177]

Tsheepac & tom misch

[@MrJknox428]

They need sza next

[@wezaricardo9828]

They're basically reading my mind like...

[@scratchsquad7320]

Jordan Knox indeed

[@letsparchmentitupyo7566]

legends

[@simba1225]

NPR aren't playing any games. Been a great month

[@Nooberstein123]

young simba Misch, Caesar, Smith, Khalid you are SO right

[@simba1225]

Joseph Kenny Tipton don't forget Goldlink!

[@briandalopez8670]

Location will always be my favorite song

[@Angeleyesly]

August . One week before class starts again . Its raining. Dancing in my room in the dark . My depression is cured . Life's beautiful . Thanks for existing Khalid

[@californiapapii322]

These tiny desk concerts are slowly turning into the only way I listen to music!

[@dontealmighty9517]

CA Lowe Agreed ‼️

[@amardeepbains637]

These show that the entire industry should go back to recording music this way

[@stacieklein3113]

I've been that way for years. 10/10 would recommend.

[@LL337799]

WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE ALL THESE AMAZING CONCERTS?

[@plmitch]

Silvia Minosa be your amazing self?!? MAYBE??? LOL

[@LL337799]

Haha I hope that's why

[@Redawuk1]

Clean livin?

[@LL337799]

Haha yeah that might be it

[@SingKiaMuze]

Let us keep receiving. The video for my new song U Ain’t Gotta Lie from the 3 Piece ’N A Biscuit EP is up on my channel. I would love if y’all could check it out and comment as you are inclined. Bless.

[@jelloqq9872]

Guitarist is like.. i'm just here to support my bro. Ain't there to talk or need credits to say who he is.

[@LTJuggernaut]

Jessjef he does alot of amazing covers

[@sarthakpatel314]

@@LTJuggernautdo you know his name??

[@daphnelee1284]

@@sarthakpatel314 Jef Villaluna

[@JA.MMP274]

JussJeff.

[@prithakshrestha]

@@sarthakpatel314 JussJeff is his youtube channel.

[@rl64069]

I remember during an interview Khalid said his Mother was his biggest musical inspiration 🙌🥹 Love his voice, it is so soothing!!!!

[@chrismcgrath6321]

NPR have been on fire lately with the RnB artists! So damn nice on the ears

[@heyheyheyhi]

The 915 is so proud of Khalid!!! 💕 My husband teaches at his high school and I got to see this kid sing the national anthem for senior night. Kind and positive kid. So happy for him.

[@robertoesquivel4447]

marissacarri cool beans

[@mjojo7070]

what's his real name

[@Seriouslioness]

I love his green outfit SO much, real earthy

[@cupidsiza]

Right! It's actually my fav colour too. 🥰

[@m.leslie]

Dude, Khalid is one of my favorite artists of all time. I love his voice, vibe and song lyrics. Such a pure talent and thankfully I've had the privelege to see him performe live! But let's not forget his guitar player. He was totally connecting with Khalid's voice! Great talent and doesn't get enough credit. Really good, both of them ! :)

[@davidb5205]

Somebody at Tiny Desk is really out here doing the Lord's work.

[@dawndcollins]

David Boucard 😂😂😂 you made my morning with this comment

[@chibaby0306]

Hahahahahah too funny

[@tajcameron5965]

Hilarious 😂

[@strongforu]

Amen to that!

[@EricaSilva-fq9ed]

Amen to that!!

[@LL337799]

JUST WHEN I THOUGHT IT COULDN'T POSSIBLY GET ANY BETTER

[@cristyhernandez25]

This is quality music The fact that all of the music presented here are just his firsts songs written baffles me. He's so young, with so much potential , not mentioning his voice has that something that just melts all your problems. Huge fan from the first chord

[@lauragpm7582]

Khalid NEEDS to release an acoustic album!!!!!

[@zenpanda100]

Preach !

[@EnnyOwl]

His voice is the butter on my hot toast 😍

[@axshunjaxon4561]

Enny Owl Lmaooooo. Good one

[@sinenhlanhlachauke2218]

the hot to my cheetos sis

[@opipcardenas]

literally how i feel every time i hear him sing

[@alexandrias.1014]

This ^^^👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jehovahneesmiley3455]

the toast doesn't even need to be hot. lol

[@KyleRaphael]

NPR spoiling us right now

[@paltro8977]

Live performances like this, no backing track, no rowdy crowds, truly show the talent behind the songs we love

[@ZSaldua]

I just love Khalid... the quality of his voice brings out a modern style but reminiscent of traditional singing voices from various cultures... it just has a story in itself... Also this session is so chill it's like we jamming and living our best life with that dude in the classroom who plays the guitar and that other dude who just has a mad voice

[@Eskii_NZL]

That dude on the gat is a legend, he made location sound so good on acoustic

[@Nov95]

Lol the gat

[@hdee5615]

He must be a maori boy..

[@hdee5615]

Just relised he is from back home..hes on youtube under jussjeff.. foo mean maori mean...

[@slxyerxo]

Just by looking at him I knew he was from NZ 🤣🤣

[@Kevinschart]

his name is jussjeff.. i've been following him since like 2008.

[@ShawshankR3demption]

0:00 - Young Dumb & Broke 4:05 - Location 9:07 - Saved

[@willftk3942]

You the man

[@tori8787]

Thank you

[@gaijindando6726]

He literally named them before playing lol

[@gaijindando6726]

Vertigo

[@SeveruzSnape88]

@@gaijindando6726 he just gave us the minute when the songs played lol

[@Evelynjones-j6r]

I just love Khalid voice Khalid dun took off HAM ON THIS RIGHT HERE! *A U T H E N T I C V I E W S D O W T C O W M* dun took his career off 2 the next level fr fr no cap

[@SOLAIREtheSUNBROlvl3]

Wow I use to watch the guitarists KZbin videos back in high school. He made it 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@rubinthomas9246]

What's his channel??? I'd love to hear it

[@AugustZabladowski]

Yeah fr how do we find him? He's world-class.

[@nielsverschuur7892]

Tiny desk but Big impact.

[@amowdy]

This is the most grateful comments section I’ve ever seen lol Thanks npr for spotlighting all the great music lately

[@islndtkr]

Just seconds in and this goes right to the #2 spot. Right after TPAIN. OMG. seriously loving the voice.

[@video4newt]

Just so talented as such a young age. This performance was simply a feast to the ears. Thanks Khalid.

[@Marcus-ym2kg]

Doesn't everyone sound better live?!?! More heart, more soul. No clean, desinfected studio recording with videoclip nobody understands but just 2 guys, a guitar and an incredible recording engineer. Please don't ever stop these sessions!

[@oliverwest7780]

No, some people suck live. most artists can do pretty good. but some, like khalid, can just completely confidently play with his songs however he wants because he has an amazing voice.

[@cecilliachi]

Hozier

[@AdA-rl4eo]

Only if they’re good..

[@gonkillua14]

@@oliverwest7780 I didn't read the word some the first time I read your comment so I thought that you were about to diss him

[@xiaoyuezhu3599]

def no😂😂😂 some people just can't sing live because there are no auto-tunes to help them sound better anymore.

[@iheartdeepika]

he's so shy and adorable with the cutest laughter ever :, ) love his music, love his guitarist and love HIM

[@bushmanheart]

Acoustic and a voice like this. That’s all I need. Great talent and story telling. Hurts but at the same time it’s healing ❤️‍🩹

[@beelee4580]

I wanted an intimate video of Khalid singing and I couldn’t have clicked faster when I saw a tiny desk concert! I freaking love these.

[@lynnw2953]

khalid is one of the most distinct, unique voices to debut in the last decade. 😍👏🏽 tiny desk is on a serious winning streak with their recent artist choices! 🙌🏽

[@strongforu]

His voice reminds me.of Tracy Chapman.

[@ivanaaigle9017]

This guitarist has me so geeked. I love his energy, and those facial expressions are so pure. Lol! Everything about this is amazing! Loooooooove it!

[@jesminkhatun8816]

This brother is sick acoustically! Not so sure if I would dig his energy this much in another format.... But at the end of the day all I can say is that the brother on the guitar was having church all by himself! He slayed the total performance!

[@vibeaholic3686]

When he sings "Location" im transported to another world. Beautiful talent

[@user-bq4xk2yh6i]

*wipes away tear* NPR didn't have to go that hard for us, but they did

[@staceyharper6722]

Khalid gives me so much courage to pursue my own music. Love dis boi

[@tayaneleitte]

Funny he told this story about Saved, because that’s the song that made me realized how much I was in love with his music. Loved his performance on this. Wow.

[@theinfamouspokeinrichmondc3543]

NPR is a big part why my days are filled with positive energy everyday. Please never ever stop doing these.

[@jackgisel3211]

GOSH That kid is talented

[@jeffreywhipple3667]

Which one lol Juss jeff might be the illest guitar player ever

[@jasonlee2767]

I can’t get over how he graduated 2016 literally year younger than me lawl

[@thatbmorechickfoodiecookin500]

Such an Old Soul from this young man. Glad he's here; he brings something very unique & fresh with a lot of genuine heart & awareness.

[@trenchmob4066]

the guitarist and him have such good musical chemistry

[@smasher368]

seriously guys we need a Frank Ocean tiny desk concert

[@sashaningkan]

Nico F. AGREE

[@slena]

if anyone can get him out on camera they deserve a fucking medal

[@miajulzs01]

Fr

[@NothingBetterToWatch]

Won't happen in this lifetime sadly.

[@ashleylewis8796]

Agreed.

[@steaknbed]

years before khalid was even a thing, I subscribed to guitarist's channel, jussjef, cas frankly he was fantastic even back then. I'm legit ecstatic to see how much hes grown career wise. well done jef, you deserve it

[@allanmahazoasy342]

he worked with Bj the chicago kid before

[@veloqgabes9897]

Chan Lee yup.. I knew he looked familiar... I subscribed to him many moons ago also.. remember when his guitar was stolen and he was blessed with one

[@camilaindriago1076]

I will say it. That guitarist deserves far more recognition.

[@byron4638]

Dude on the guitar killing it 🔥🔥

[@venod3134]

He came out the gates at 17 writing all time classic music. He is already a legend. And this NPR is perfect per u.

[@martianrover1029]

Frank Ocean. Give m Frank Ocean on tiny desk and my life will be complete

[@devinwright5499]

RIGHT

[@niacamacho]

Agreed

[@Worldfamous888]

deadass

[@juliorendon211]

Pleaseee

[@ashleydinney5195]

Hadn't thought about it, but now that Frank was mentioned, y'all should have already had him in for a TDC? In fact, maybe twice by now. You're NPR. Now, great job & get on it with Frank.

[@rawrrr1194]

I can’t explain how much I love khalid UGHH🥺

[@BeardnScars]

El Paso Texas represent!

[@aikak4077]

We asked for Khalid but never thought we'd get him

[@sunkissedpatchy4832]

Please

[@alnoiseplaysmc]

yes plEaSe

[@FMRebs]

what a dream

[@yingghit97]

ask for B.I.G if he aint available A-F-R-O will do!

[@SagesRain]

4/4 NPR - Khalid, Daniel Caesar, Jorja Smith, Goldlink

[@onajitetaire]

The 1975

[@dezdezasseis]

tom mitch man !

[@piero914]

Don't forget Anderson Paaks set. So good.

[@andymontgomery1319]

Dermot Kenneddy...

[@burgerschmurger8694]

Sage's Rain should put Anderson pak on that list

[@MentalStillness]

This brother is a serious talent. I've been hearing Location for the longest and didn't know it was Khalid. The collab track OTW he did with 6lack and Ty Dolla Sign is so dope.

[@allisongay4473]

yaaass.. He is only going to get better too... Vertigo off Suncity is so beautiful and still my fave… xoxoxo -American Teen is my smoking and driving around a bit soundtrack atm lols

[@meghanjiron6218]

JussJef and Khalid together makes my heart smile. 😍

[@praiseakinnodi6521]

Tom Misch, Grace VanderWaal, Daniel Caesar, Jorja Smith, GoldLink and Khalid in a space of a month or so. Tiny desk isnt playing at all. Giving us this much fire back to back should be a crime Goddamn. Only question is who is next?

[@itsallgood5314]

Praise Akinnodi probably daddy Yankee

[@wenzycruz8378]

Praise Akinnodi yep

[@MarkEvichmusic]

PJ Morton is on the way. Beginning of July

[@fabnsavvy]

So glad I couldn't sleep and this popped up! 💕

[@Mishelle2100]

Khalid your voice is soothing and soulful. Kiddos to the guitarist. Love musicians who play from the heart.

[@priscillatellez2829]

I just said the other day that you've got raw talent that the world needs. I'm 46 years old and cannot stop listening to you ALL day. I'm a distance runner and your vibe and voice carry me through....thank you for your talent. Stay original!

[@ArkadianDream]

That vocal control has me crying uncontrollably I swear. Also I love that guitarist. Give that man all his heart desires.

[@blok31092]

Damn, Khalid is so talented. Great to see an artist on the radio with legit talent. Also, huge shout to his guitar player. He kept the guitar dynamic throughout which is huge since most of these tracks are the same 4 chords.

[@bijayph]

The guitarist looks so chill.

[@CallMeDaddy777]

Guitarist totally rocking it out makes it that much better!! Wish him nothing but boat loads of success!! Keep jammin!!!

[@alizeer6749]

Wtf khalid now!! You're awesome guys. I never loved a channel like this

[@lrrcew]

"Saved" was the jam for me.... loved it. Beautiful voice.

[@pedroabritta9966]

4 years later and i still come here to enjoy and chill. Thanks npr, thanks khalid

[@joanj3319]

That little "Rawr" is my life

[@Mhollette]

Can’t believe you guys just did this. Tiny desk >>>>>>

[@BigTimeBluesFan989]

That guitar player got mad skills

[@kevinbaxter5419]

My mouth is still hanging open a year later at those guitar riffs

[@Bojeezy]

Loving these acoustic versions of his songs that are now consider classics.

[@punkhazard2365]

I almost broke my finger clicking on this video when I saw it on my newsfeed

[@EkeneAnonyai]

NPR coming thruuuu with all of the recent concerts as always! My heart ❤️❤️

[@cheri618]

beautiful human he is

[@RawkManX]

It's crazy how young Khalid is. Mark my words; this kid is going to go on to become a music legend.

[@willkern6753]

Lol not sure why people are talking about how much a roll NPR has been on. They've been producing amazing Tiny Desk concerts for years.

[@BrightLifeVideos]

i love these video’s so much, they’re so pure and show off the true talent of the artists playing/singing!

[@dawngregory6181]

Khalid is the truest and purest form of music! A beautiful voice with an amazing vibe ❤️

[@greatestsawes9712]

Damn! Khalid is all out on the mic 🎤 Guitarist is smaching hot on those strings... 🎸

[@jenn1738]

please y'all should get Frank Ocean omg

[@alekm5201]

Stop I can only get so erect

[@Tsheepac]

My dream

[@jenn1738]

Alek Martinez honestly same my dick would probably break

[@jenn1738]

Tsheepac I knowwww but idk if Frank would come out omg

[@devontewilson6817]

Man, if frank came i would squirt ...and I have a penis.

[@djbtf2753]

WHOA IM EARLY AND I SEE THIS MAN ON A TINY DESK, BRUHHHH NPR ARENT PLAYIN ANYMORE.

[@nprmusic]

Tiny Desk Concerts are only possible through donations from our community. This year has been unprecedented but we’ve made sure to keep producing the concerts you love. Show your support with a donation to your local NPR station at n.pr/support-the-tiny-desk

[@mahasalah4532]

خمههع٦٧٧عنووةابتتعهخككك

[@mahmoudsamir1198]

الردود

[@pamnascimento7134]

L

[@daijawilliams1477]

Brent Faiyaz please !!!!

[@aubreythompson9514]

How did over 400 people thumbs down this?! His voice is so beautiful and his guitarist 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼