Tegan And Sara: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Josh Rogosin | November 21, 2016 - Six months before Tegan and Sara Quin played two sold-out shows at Washington, D.C.'s 9:30 Club, we booked their Tiny Desk appearance. Their mini-set would take place on Nov. 7, 2016 - the eve of one of the most contentious presidential elections in U.S. history. However fortuitous the timing, it felt cathartic to hear two politically active Canadian twins serenade us before we embarked on our own election.
It's hard to believe Tegan and Sara have been making music for 17 years. They still look a lot like they did when they made their first record, 1999's Under Feet Like Ours. It took eight years for many fans to become hooked, but with the release of The Con, Tegan and Sara began to develop a fiercely loyal fan base. Songs like "Call It Off," "Back In Your Head" and "Nineteen" became heartbreak anthems for a worldwide audience.
Contrary to the poppy sound of 2016's Love You To Death, the two insisted on performing their Tiny Desk concert acoustically - stripping down highly produced songs while hearkening back to their early recordings. Without the distraction of production, we're left with the gorgeous sound of roughly identical voices blending. Plus, their endearing banter and jovial sibling rivalry left us defenseless against their charm.
Above all, what sets Tegan and Sara apart is how their vocals intertwine. The finest example in this four-song set comes in their hit "Closer" (from 2013's Heartthrob). Their voices, whether sung solo, in unison or in harmony, sound spontaneous, calculated and emotionally honest at the same time. It's no wonder they've stood the test of time while continuing to craft anthems of joy, sorrow and longing for new fans and lifers alike.
Love You To Death is available now:
iTunes: itunes.apple.c...
Amazon: www.amazon.com...
SET LIST:
"Stop Desire"
"Boyfriend"
"100x"
"Closer"
MUSICIANS:
Tegan Quin (Vocals); Sara Quin (Vocals); Gabrial McNair (Piano); Brendan Buckley (Drums); Eva Gardner (Bass)
CREDITS:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Josh Rogosin, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Colin Marshall, Nicole Boliaux; Production Assistant: Anna Marketti; Photo: Raquel Zaldivar/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/pod...

[@nadobass]

0:00 - Stop Desire 4:01 - Boyfriend 8:50 - 100x 13:06 - Closer

[@phenixfire8980]

Oh man acoustic Tegan and Sara are the best. The Con will always be my favorite album of all time.

[@IthinkImLoveStoned]

This version of 100x was on another level! I couldn't stop smiling the whole time! Unbelievable.

[@charlielenk1202]

Letter-perfect. I was just listening to the studio version and came back here just for that song.

[@jenniferbrewster9131]

I've heard it a million times and this made me cry.

[@earthgrazer5511]

The way tegan can't help but smile at 11:18 because she knows they nailed 100x! My favorite version of this that they did! So clean!

[@AbeRempel]

I know you commented this a year ago, but Tegan actually smiles because someone just sneezed. You can hear the sneeze and then you can see Tegan not only smile, but it looks like she's trying not to laugh.

[@earthgrazer5511]

​@@AbeRempeloh so that was a sneeze 😅

[@Phoca_Vitulina]

Wow their harmonies are so tight. Like they are just in sync with each other and it's awesome

[@MNeathway]

Abaratarat almost like they share genetic material

[@geebee380]

It's like they're AI

[@bobo2186]

Tegan and Sara are a hidden gem. I have loved them since "Back in your head". That is so long ago! The way Tegan(are they always left to right?) grabs the hair off Sara is such a sister move.

[@aliya8096]

They are so stunning it hurts

[@revenant3138]

These NPR tiny desk concerts are one of the best musical discoveries i've had in years. So much good stuff and the production quality is unbelievable. Thanks for the great work you guys are doing :)

[@portopilzi]

revenant3138 very true!

[@peacelove5052]

Thanks, Tegan & Sara for doing this show old school acoustic style. Felt like you were getting back to your roots. You both know you don't need all the bells and whistles production-wise. You guys sound better every time I hear you!👏✌

[@JasMace]

so true!

[@Wouldyoujust_]

PEACE LOVE I'm not a huge fan, but I got turned onto them hearing an acoustic set, so the rest of it weirds me out a bit. Don't get me wrong, I love well done synth.. shit, my fav bands are The Cure, Depeche Mode etc, and they kill that shit. Point being, I def appreciate their simpler stuff more. I do dig the song they did with Tiesto though. It was pretty decent. You know, the song about feeling boners.

[@clementinenovales8164]

I agreeeeeee

[@letyvaz91]

complete agree! I love their origional sound

[@nagymaba6694]

Oh my god Tegan's smile at 11:18 shows how happy she is as a performer and I love those moments they are why entertainment is amazing.

[@shumeister1059]

I really like the balance here, the vocals come thru well, the elegance of the piano, the drums there just the perfect timing, and supporting bass. Unlike big concerts all the subtleties come thru really well, Thank you for creating this beautiful tiny concert.

[@jsward01]

My 2 year old's favorite song (Stop Desire). She always says, "Oh oh oh," every time we get into the car, letting me know she wants to hear it again.

[@cherylmiller6214]

What a cool little kiddo😊❤

[@mischa2643]

My niece (who I have care of half the week) digs it too. Your kiddo would be 4 now I guess? I hope her tastes are still just as good!

[@topmodelandactress97]

They need to release an acoustic CD. Their electronic sound is cool and all but it just sounds like everything else on the radio. This accoustic sound showcases their uniqueness and I love it!

[@meep3445]

Moyo .A. that's the problem, their sound has evolved to a point where they're just bland pop now :(

[@FeePee1234]

Go listen to the Get Along acoustic album. It's only songs up to Sainthood, so it would be cool if they did one for Heartthrob and LYTD as well.

[@meep3445]

that makes me happy, because after sainthood ive just been disappointed.

[@adelaidelazarski6723]

YEESSS

[@kenc2257]

You have choices. Listen to something else.

[@radikuhl]

The stripped down sound works great on all these songs, it really highlights how well their voices blend and the piano arrangement. I hope they consider future albums in this style!

[@jadecordaro6078]

I wish NPR released mp3s of each!

[@portopilzi]

npr, never let these tiny desk concerts die please! everything is great about them, the artists, the quality, and even the comments are always very predominantly supportive! plus, you often feature indie artists that may be too "risky" for other outlets, and would not get a lot of coverage besides this. thank you!

[@jackmerlotdoesntliveherean9652]

Ping & Maxine & I heartily concur, NPR! You have helped some of my favorite artists capture their true spirits with TinyDesk & I will always be a supporter of public radio in part because of how great this series is.

[@clintwilson6380]

Julia, you seen the one with Billy Corgan?

[@louisarturo5111]

i realize I'm quite randomly asking but does anybody know a good place to stream new movies online ?

[@leandromarley53]

@Louis Arturo I dunno lately i have been using Flixportal. You can find it by googling:P -leandro

[@louisarturo5111]

@Leandro Marley thank you, signed up and it seems like a nice service :) I appreciate it!

[@aaschmit]

I desire that drummer's level of chill in my life

[@annelisenystrom4881]

Tegan and Sara's acoustic stuff is so good! I like it more than the pop version of these songs.

[@andrewgould1001]

Annelise Nystrom i dont mind all the production its a natural evolution for them creating songs how they imagine them in their head. who knows they might go more stripped back in the future

[@meep3445]

Annelise Nystrom they're trying to hard to be pop icons. I miss the first half of their career. I was obsessed w it all up to and including the con

[@andrewgould1001]

Jenny BRUTAL i dont think they are trying very hard at all, they just are.

[@ajeje1996]

TBH I feel that way about most of the artists who visit NPR - Death Cab for Cutie being my primary example

[@thelivingdead6820]

I feel like that is the general consensus for most of their fans. I feel like it works for most of the people but not everybody.

[@jasonsahl4529]

Great performance! Nice to see Eva Gardner on bass. Everywhere she goes is a must-see.

[@missnej23]

I love how they close their eyes and get right into it!

[@jonathanrandol794]

Samesies!

[@RyahVbby]

Best artists do this.

[@cantnv1]

Definitely prefer their acoustic sets to their electronic/synthesized stuff. Beautiful!!

[@koubl]

their chemistry is a thing to behold, truly.

[@tylerdean9554]

Its as if they share identical deoxyribonucleic acid.

[@ciudadindustrial]

It´s funny I´m watching it for the first time 1 day before the US Presidential election 4 years later.

[@cheezewheel]

yay banter, I miss googling their old concerts just to hear the banter.

[@saandra1896]

11:19 Tegan's smile says everything...they are so happy with there music. Just fall in love with her at this moment!!

[@MrFonseca75]

I come back to this video for 100x. Man that's a great performance.

[@JC-yy8iv]

Richard Fonseca omg i was knocked flat on my ass by it

[@irishgn08]

Closer is such a good closer...

[@jward9637]

These two have a real gift. I love them.

[@bobbydigital077]

This means so much to me when I was alone during the pandemic and I had this to listen to and I loved it, and did not feel alone, never get rid of this please 😅

[@miesjeil]

Late to this video/performance but I love their music, lyrics, voices, vibes and of course banter. I have been a fan since 20 years from the time that I went to their Brussels, Cologne and Amsterdam concert of the same tour. I love their early stuff up to So Jealous (what an iconic album) and The Con and I am discovering their (to me) newer stuff (yeah I know I am late). It brings so many good memories back seeing T&S, hearing their music. I am simply being in awe…again.

[@beyourselfth]

MAN they have really improved vocally .Props girls

[@blackjackhearts9593]

not that much unfortunately

[@AnnaBear88]

THANK GOD FOR THIS

[@miclagace]

My five-year old is cheering after watching this performance (from Burnaby). Well done!

[@Rascilon25]

I saw them live, 2 months earlier than this show at Fox Theater in Oakland. I am spoiled this year because not only did I get to see them at Stern Grove, I get to see them in San Francisco in a month for their book tour. Twice in a year!

[@TheRadiantAerynSun22]

I keep coming back for this version of "Stop Desire"

[@ronjiniray7201]

The acoustic version of Stop Desire is sooooooooo much better!

[@RyanAnderson0]

Here's the link

[@mrpink3998]

Having never heard this, or Teagan & Sara for that matter and then going and listening to the original for the first time they should really stick to acoustic. That pop version isn't even enjoyable.

[@MichelleCFunk]

​@@mrpink3998 On no! LY2D is by far their most unpalatable album since their debut. If you like pop, start with Heartthrob. If you like folk, go with So Jealous. If you like synth, start with Sainthood. If you're really depressed, start with The Con ;-)

[@mrpink3998]

@@MichelleCFunk if I'm depressed will The Con make me happy or more depressed? 😬

[@MichelleCFunk]

@@mrpink3998 It will make you feel happy about being more depressed, LOL

[@douglapp5211]

I've listened to this many times and love T&S and love their acoustic versions of their songs as much as what is on their albums. Been a big fan for a while now.

[@aldomarquez3064]

OMG. This is so beautiful. Like the lyrics I don't even pay much attention to. Just the sound of these two angels in its purest unaltered form harmonizing each other is enough to evoke an emotion of wonder and serenity in my heart. ❤️ . Simon and Garfunkel I'm sure are so proud.

[@taylor3125]

Has anyone else's knees gotten incredibly weak when Tegan smiled while singing @ 11:18?

[@FunnyCoolMonkey264]

HELLO YES ME.

[@SvenssonIwas]

Beautiful

[@lukasschumann6565]

thanks so much, i would have missed it. i cried.

[@krishafdo3459]

Yeah she is sooo pretty 😍

[@clintwilson6380]

I'm a dude, so is it ok my knees got weak☆

[@zoeniacasas2604]

you guys are amazing. My daughter Isabel who is 4 years old loves your music too we listen to you everyday. Thank you for making her so happy...xoxxoxox Zoe

[@shumeister1059]

I wish my patents played music when I was growing up. As soon as I left home and got myself a Walkman, there not been many days without music in my life. Music can be so powerful and uplifting for the spirit!

[@annalol6128]

How do they're voices. Like. Do that. ??? They sound just like on their recordings it's amazing

[@razrv3lc]

that’s attainable when you don’t edit your voice in the studio into something it isn’t like so many pop singers do...

[@because_the_internet]

Vocals stronger than ever and their blood harmony continues to give me chills.

[@jackmerlotdoesntliveherean9652]

koans-hugs-n-harmoniez

[@sarahfawson6013]

I've never been so curious about what is on the ceiling of the tiny desk office

[@jam3sbarry198]

Saw them perform live at the 2014 hangout music festival... one of the Best sets of the whole weekend !!

[@trishaang232]

They're so awkward and genuine and SPECIAL. Still listening in 2020!

[@garyturner1463]

I agree, these girls are special. I also enjoy hearing their voices without too, too much studio tweaking. They are gifted with instruments that have the 'it' factor, that is why the acoustic versions are so delightful. Great set ladies.

[@RyahVbby]

I come back here so often❤❤❤

[@heltokejelin]

this performance of 100x is pure beauty. i'm LIVING for the harmonies in closer. how does this not have 1 million views!? it's incredible!

[@SymphanyinSorrow]

Been waiting for this one for a while. Did not disappoint.

[@castilhogg417]

We love music, and we love Tegan and Sara. I loved they singing acoustic, so beautiful 😍👏👏👏✨

[@monkoora]

11:18 for the most beautifully genuine smile you will ever see.

[@glorias.2930]

Thank you.

[@rowzee.]

This performance reminds me of a dream I had just last night...wild. I've always known of Tegan and Sara but admittedly never listened to them..what a surprising lovely treat this was, so raw and sweet and genuine. Loved it.

[@handgemachtnaildesignbymel2951]

My favourite song from those awesome girls is and will always be “Living room” 😍

[@jackmerlotdoesntliveherean9652]

Yeah Living Room is so good & there is a kind of hard-to-find live version I watch sometimes but you can find it on KZbin by searching for SuperGiraffe13 Living Room hopefully that still works.

[@palmerlp]

“Stop Desire” is sooo Springsteen and I love it so much.

[@Melina-hq3rj]

15:14 sara' s voice is SO UNDERRATED 😍😍

[@emilyeatstoast]

0:01 , 4:03 , 8:52 , 13:10

[@SebastiaanHolStadsgids]

Oh yeah, they are great. I like very much. LOVE and RESPECT from The Netherlands.

[@jean-baptistecoeroli2040]

Life is Strongest than Anything, It's a Treat and a Blessing, just Forget Bad Things It's Easy like that !!!!!!!!

[@lisa-mariehasiuk7316]

I could listen to them banter for literal ever

[@deich31]

Heard the name but never the music. Took me about two seconds to fall deeply in love.

[@Cupofgo]

I never really got into the studio material, but this stripped-down set is a gem. Thank you Tegan and Sara, and your band for cutting the fat and giving us what matters; heart, soul and natural talent. An acoustic album would be a great next release.

[@sheaisabutter]

it's cute how they still banter even in a short concert performance

[@jahreese8329]

Great voice and beautiful personalities, Tegan and Sara!

[@JAPANquickies]

Ah, I love them and their music. Been a fan for so many years and so happy to see them on my favorite KZbin music series!

[@jonathanrandol794]

I don't think there is a set of identical Canadian twins I love more. These ladies are so, so, so special... I wish I could thank them personally for their art. It has helped me so much whilst I am wasting away with a beyond rare disease in my brain that has no name, and is killing me slowly, and subsequently forcing me to subconsciously push away all of my loved ones. Why am I telling this story...? Thank you Tegan and Sara, and thank you NPR for these tiny desk concerts. I listen to them daily. ✌💚🎵

[@brandonrempel1025]

Tegan's clapping in "Boyfriend" like that leaves me wanting more. What a great version of a great song!

[@notrandomname]

LOVE! Best holiday season opening. been waiting for years to hear Tegan and Sara on TDC and now I'm full of joy and gratitude!

[@abnerocks1]

aw! that moment between the drummer and the bassist at 14:22 ♡

[@mps397]

Talented, great singer's and sense of humor. I mean WOW! Their a package deal.

[@jipes]

Beautiful voices blend !

[@lindsaykearney5089]

I love their harmonies. They are, and always have been, unique.

[@stelzeratelierdeeducacaoex9223]

to tegan and sara - even the breaks you guys take, they say something subtly beautiful and important

[@MStar-lv7qi]

I wish Sara would open her eyes more. I LOVE them so much. They are such amazing vocalist.

[@iliabear]

Wow ladies, I really didn't know you. I work at a daycare, some 4th-6th graders introduced me to your music. Great job, great misc! Love it All!,🤗😍😎🙆💃🤘🖖🤙👏👏👏

[@swagmaster7000]

lol the drummer is so cute when they zoomed in

[@lorenzmuller3542]

when?

[@clumsysandbocks5650]

14:20 is the only zoom I saw

[@swagmaster7000]

yes exactly!

[@b1ackteaisgood]

I met him, he was actually really sweet.

[@snuffles7492]

Sara is so gorgeous i'm gonna cry

[@chegeraut]

Man, felt in love with their vibe and sound. Searched for more stuff, but studio versions aren't close to this by far. Grls, you are amazing when acoustic, stay this way. Regards from Europe.

[@himay333]

listen to so jealous, the con, and sainthood - the zenith of their carrers

[@stefaniedc1128]

agreed with the other person that suggested The Con. look up their live shows on youtube. you'll like it.

[@laurzg1467]

you both look beautiful and have a great sense of style.

[@jacksonm16]

100x Sounds awesome, wait never mind, the whole thing does

[@ChefBogan]

ugh so great, loved them forever, love tiny desk

[@joshualipovetsky2744]

They are so awesome! Great performance and band.

[@tp3650]

Superb songs - as your looking out, at the faces in the crowd; knowing friends are looking back. 100X9.19 I saw what was said.

[@jean-baptistecoeroli2040]

It's so Simple with Tegan and Sara !!!!!!!!!

[@renekitty2]

Do you ever watch an NPR then come right back to it because yup that's me here I am

[@le_th_]

Gosh, this is such a good recording! Love this acoustic set! and my god, they are stunning with barely any makeup on: stunning!

[@jward9637]

I love the little aside about Ryan Adams. These two are so amazing.

[@peacemaker6253]

Oh god they’re gorgeous!

[@Kaylee2ish]

Their voices are so clear, I love!

[@renekitty2]

Ugh So so so good The simplicity in orchestration really highlights the voices and everything is so soft on the ear and I love it it just warms my heart

[@izzyboss6875]

I like the little kids comment at the very end “that was really nice singing!”

[@jean-baptistecoeroli2040]

That's Nothing But You Have to Be Correct, That's Life

[@RealestRaines]

Ugh. I remember singing rehab and Sara everrryday as a teen. Lost myself but now I find myself doing this again. Thankyou for your music.

[@magz7284]

Their new stuff, stripped down, is actually pretty fun to listen to. I'm personally not a fan of their current pop sound. I wish they would go back to their old vibes.

[@misscourtniex]

2 years late but same.

[@Neuroneos]

Yep. So Jealous and The Con are still my jams.

[@_antarjyoti]

Their songs are so much better in the acoustic version!

[@davidmckesey7119]

I love the write ups in the info tab that npr always put. amazing

[@JB5D]

I like old Tegan and Sara...So much charm and authenticity in being young less seasoned vocalists.

[@DUTCHswift]

I like the new pop stuff but I'll always love their older acoustic and alt rock albums.

[@kemplerbrave]

Been following them for many years and think they are great song writers and love how they perform and have fun doing it. Love hearing the acoustic versions of songs.

[@haytata]

So amazing hearing the old and new Tegan & Sara ❤️

[@lastcall9998]

That piano sounded amazing. Sara on boyfriend was soooo into it. Nice.

[@aprilabsynth243]

they could not be any more adorable and talented