The Wild Reeds: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

November 20, 2015 by BOB BOILEN
Great singers aren't easy to come by, so finding three in one band is something special. The Wild Reeds' music shines when Sharon Silva, Kinsey Lee and Mackenzie Howe harmonize, but each also takes a leading role - and that's the power of the L.A. band, whose songs are clear and memorable, potent and sometimes delicate.
The Wild Reeds' 2014 debut album Blind And Brave only hints at the talent on display here. Here, the group opens with my favorite song from the record, "Where I'm Going," and then offers a taste of 2016 with two new ones. Next year ought to be a big year for The Wild Reeds, and this Tiny Desk Concert will show you what I mean.
Blind And Brave is available now.
iTunes: itunes.apple.c...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/...
Set List
"Where I'm Going"
"Everything Looks Better In Hindsight"
"The World We Built"
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Walker, Nick Michael, Julia Reihs; Production Assistant: Kate Drozynski; Photo by Julia Reihs/NPR
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[@davidwalton6138]

I maintain that this is one of the most impressive tiny desk performances

[@5k33k]

Since it isn't already listed in the video, the people playing are: Sharon Silva - Electric Guitar (Black Shirt) Kinsey Lee - Banjo/Harmonium Mackenzie Howe - Electric Guitar (Flower Shirt) Nick Phakpiseth - Bass Nick Jones - Drums

[@gemseed]

this performance will forever be one of my favorites, endless days/ nights singing these tunes at the top of my lungs

[@ikuep]

MTV Unplugged used to be the raw, broken down versions of bands/singers, but this is even more intimate, more raw, and definitely more diverse.

[@dbdmack]

Better artists, versus just star power.

[@waldenwonders]

you cease to lie here my friend.

[@soldierofsoul86]

Yea, mtv, especially early on, considered themselves rock only and did not allow any diverse content. This continued for a long time and it was particularly prevalent during the unplugged years.

[@jamosensei]

Not to mention they provide WAY better sound engineers...I could go anywhere else for the same songs, and they never sound this good!

[@riabakilaloo1983]

Also, here there's no pressure of attracting viewership. Allows for more experimental genres

[@RawrFishAE]

Now I want to see The Staves do an NPR Tiny Desk concert! Also, I can't wait until Matthew Santos gets on here

[@ducklordbolemole992]

+Noodle THE STAAAAAAAAAAAVES!!!

[@romie126]

Staaaaaaaaaaaaaaaves :D

[@toaotewaiapu5815]

Now that would be a hit.

[@Ivan-zw6eb]

Grammy for the sound guy please. Also, holy crap this band is good.

[@stephenfolorunsho4887]

Yeap that's exactly what I thinking. The sound is ridiculous - what a wonderful channel - full of joy.

[@Profitocracy-]

Sound guys is nothing without musician.

[@Ghost_in_Gray_]

@@Profitocracy- Musicians are nothing without sound guys. ;)

[@gabrielmaroto18]

If a tree falls in the woods

[@aaronbrockman482]

The audio engineer on all these recordings is amazing. You are a master of your craft. Thank you sir or madam

[@alex0589]

Years late, potentially, we all agree and salute. cheers to the people who bring music.

[@lornapresant9238]

Thank you. my daughter and FB gets the credit, really..not me.........

[@guahcap]

It's so insanely goooood. I don't even know how its possible. You watch some of the tiny desks that were done on a single mic like Nickel Creek and its perfect.

[@ProfessionalDad]

True. The mics are high quality and actual musicians sound great when they are unplugged

[@deborahchamplin8999]

aaron brockman agree

[@alexanderferguson1734]

I remember when I had moved to Colorado and I had no families or friends around me at first. I went to their concert by myself. It was weird and euphoric at the same time. I’ll always remember that little show at the Ogden.

[@apesapopp1n]

I've been to 10-20 of their shows. Can confirm, that is the vibe every time.

[@cgill914]

I went to a Florence and the Machine concert alone when I was in college and it’s one of my favorite memories 🥰❤️

[@jeffking4269]

One of the best npr tiny desk. Love the voices

[@suhasinibose1656]

They're using a harmonium. Just hearing the performance, I would never have imagined it as one of the instruments I was hearing. But here I am. See it being used so perfectly outside the traditional south asian music.

[@river3275]

The second song, Everyting Looks Better In Hindsight, has so much raw emotion. she went through this and delivers the song so honestly its just beautiful.

[@treeman913]

"love is a choice every morning, not some fuzzy feelin in a room"

[@amandabrewer9780]

Looking for my sharpy,i want to write that everywhere!

[@wultlolz]

5 years later.

[@saskabooshsnareman6685]

And every evening too

[@spy2778]

She sang that the very moment I read this comment. The very moment I was thinking what an awesome lyric.

[@meelarai3966]

Explain please

[@ggambidt7840]

Sharon Silva is one of my favorite singers. such a beautiful voice live (black shirt)

[@grandenauto3214]

Fierce

[@diegorivera8835]

I haven't felt music like this in a long time. The second song took my heart away, they took a tear from me.

[@alex0589]

i hope they see your comment for this is what makes it worth it.

[@gladeswarden7016]

Same here!

[@jadeanjalee5322]

Diego Rivera goodness yessss!!! The second song was incredible

[@tokiobyebyetema1263]

Diego Rivera I felt too. Really they are good.

[@anthonyshats4427]

Absolutely holy poop wow

[@samuelwalkingstick2949]

amazing! they are all great singers and musicians obviously. vocals are spot on.you can tell they feel the music deeply. i love when the girl on the first song yells. even her yelling sounds amazing and it adds another dimension to the emotion and feel of the music.

[@jordanh6760]

Love that second song! Homegirl just hanging in the back strumming all mousy and unassuming, then "Hold up, let me destroy your emotions with my voice real quick." Very beautiful!

[@stevenarkfeld3510]

Perfect.

[@theofficalrutama2332]

yes, she surprised me too!

[@Flyrodder68]

@@theofficalrutama2332 that was awesome

[@ByTorAndMe]

I have a couple of their albums, but this blows them away. I wish NPR would release ways to purchase music from the Tiny Desk Concerts or, heck, just record the whole albums for these groups. Their sound producers and engineers are fantastic.

[@soadfan]

love the vocalist singing Everything Looks Better In Hindsight. warm, lovely voice. almost reminiscent to Angel Olsen's lower timbre

[@andyvega8797]

it's Sharon she's very very good I love her

[@somnilomusic3769]

that "love is a choice every morning" fackin got me so it did!! :D Beautiful harmony :)

[@viewerlikeyouare]

"Love is a choice every morning" 2:10

[@jimbackmann7808]

:)

[@beckaketchum470]

An awesome fuzzy feeling in the room.

[@LaLluvia722]

*not some fuzzy feeling lol

[@rbenzer897]

LaLluvia722 an awesome fuzzy feeling*

[@SP-mf9sh]

Great lyric

[@benschreiner8047]

You could not go wrong on a random NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert playlist, ever!

[@Tmendler]

When you wake up in the morning are you lonely? To find only the items I had left By your bedside, on the table, to your right hand? Little traces are the proof that I exist

[@ninaf5034]

"Everything looks better in Hindsight." Who's watching this during the COVID 19 crisis?

[@sethhale235]

I'm watching for the bazillionth (definitely an actual number) time and it just so happened to occur now, so yeah.

[@berrybluebird1798]

me, from germany

[@theofficalrutama2332]

These ladies are singing me through my divorce. Love them.

[@theofficalrutama2332]

@@sethhale235 me too, every morning

[@amandabrewer9780]

2020

[@taurtue]

I have so many questions for the sound engineer. How does he deal with phases? How are these recordings so clean with mics put so close to each other? How did he get such an amazing banjo sound with a MKH? Really talented

[@davidshaw5308]

The mic's pick up extremely directionally, the sound designer is definitely super talented tho!

[@birdseye2239]

My guess is each instrument is mic'd and recorded seperately. Afterwords each track is fully mixed and mastered, re-exported as the finished product then over-dubbed back onto the footage. Idk if that was assumed on your part or if that answers your question

[@nah9585]

​@@birdseye2239ur killing the fantasy if thats so

[@DelScully]

please please please do one with Ben Howard, I would die just to see it!

[@edwintolentino525]

still waiting for this to happen

[@yourfriendferal7864]

he might be the best live performance i've ever seen in person to this day..

[@TheVeek192]

No. Shut up. No comment on what you just watched/heard? Just something about what YOU WANT.

[@xfitch3809]

Yeah... seriously!!!!

[@josiahshank4355]

Not sure that would sound good

[@leahsero9753]

holy shit I'm in love

[@Reifenthaler]

+Leah Sero s**t, me too

[@HerrWortel]

+Leah Sero I'm boarding the love train, too!

[@lewisnash9820]

Was EXACTLY my first response

[@alwayshungry6828]

Listen to their song “clouds” it’s my personal all time favorite from them.

[@ashleysvoboda7610]

Me too! Head over heels!

[@mackelvoy934]

Holy shit Im gay

[@franciscoluna9596]

where can I leave my offering?

[@okrunner]

One of these concerts that make you stop on your tracks during your workday and forget what you were working on.

[@imaspecialgirllalala]

All of these NPR concerts are so touching and full of heart. All I want to do is meet all these bands and be serenaded to sleep. Major help for my anxiety and depression

[@tfraz99]

Tiny Desks finds a way to show the true 'artist' in every musician/band on this show. These ladies are another great example of that!

[@curefanx]

Many times I have returned to this NPR of Wild Reeds. It's beautiful. As good as anything.

[@brandonmshrock]

Dang those harmonies are so good!

[@CodyMoore-y9e]

That's amazing, more Wild Reeds..

[@sleepyhouse3]

That girl singing "Everything Looks Better in Hindsight" looks so tortured, and sings it that way, so beautiful.

[@gabriellesearles7084]

Yes, I liked that song best.

[@tarapena5558]

omg the second song blew my freaking mind

[@JEFFRAUSCHL]

agreed

[@batty22222]

Sharon's voice is incredible

[@williammcharg4982]

tara pena that legitimately made me cry. It had the raw emotion and beauty of a John Denver song. I don't give that praise out lightly

[@j.m.p8051]

They are wonderful! I remember crying to this song 3 years ago. Stupid ghosting guy! I replayed it many times

[@greendog105]

Incredible lyrics.

[@ghosthouse6672]

I just want to say thank you NPR, you always bring the most amazing musicians to tiny desk.. I love you ❤️

[@ramzyred]

The Head and the Heart meets Haim

[@PlayitAgain16]

dude wow that is on point

[@fatcapital88]

oh wait... they all can sing? and are all amazing? awesome!

[@lukemuffinz]

Each girl has a different beauty about her.

[@karachay9383]

like your momma

[@StephanieDefinitely]

*woman

[@bigfatamishbob6935]

this is so good that it made me forget about the ice cream i was eating and it melted.

[@kirsty7671]

Why have I only found these Tiny Desk Concerts now?? These artists are awesome

[@thomaskittock2866]

Kirsty McNamara looks like you have some videos to watch

[@kirsty7671]

Thomas Kittock found some amazing new music!

[@keystonebrotherb]

Look up DRAM. So good.

[@Alphacentauri819]

I know! Weird how most of my favorite artists, of late, are people i didn’t know existed...i have another group of favorites around the bend, I feel it :)

[@stutisharma6576]

You think you know where I'm going The truth is I haven't got a clue One thing I know where I'm going There won't be another you And that don't mean that I found another man And that don't mean that I'll fall in love again Where this ship is sailing It don't need a captain of the crew Where this train is traveling The tracks lead me far away from you And that don't mean that I'll find another man And that don't mean that I'll fall in love again You see, love is a choice every morning Not some fuzzy feeling in the room I never needed your company But I surely longed for you Yeah I surely long for you I'm not running from a home we built for two I'm chasing the winds, I'm leaving on whims and I'm learning a thing or two You see i'm not running from a home we built for two I'm chasing the winds, i'm leaving on whims and i'm learning a thing or two Yeah, you think you know where I'm going The truth is you haven't got a clue And i never needed your company But i surely longed for you I surely long for you

[@reddvsbluee22]

Did I just fall in love three consecutive times in under 15 minutes? Yep.

[@jeBATMANnna]

Where I'm Going 0:00 Everything Looks Better in Hindsight 5:24 The World We Built 10:19

[@bookstore55]

I just found out about tiny desk concerts and feel very lucky!

[@jacked200]

I'd like to marry the harmonica player..thanks

[@ajeje1996]

"Day 174. They still haven't figured out that I'm just a dude with long hair. Send help"

[@thinkthankthinkthank]

Maybe if you hit the symbol a little harder @6:10

[@msalewski87]

*cymbal

[@jean.vincent]

calissssss

[@Babilonia156]

12D3 Netflix

[@Babilonia156]

12D3 Netflix

[@alphabetApperatus]

1 of the few bands who sound better like this than their studio album

[@noslonor]

My $0.02 - almost every group I listen to sounds better live; Tiny Desk, KEXP live, Audiotree, and so on

[@jillianmanning6767]

Saw them at Nelsonville Music Festival​ last year and they were great. Each lady led a different song that reflected slightly different musical styles. A talented group and I'm glad they're getting exposure.

[@steviebwoyy]

Great performance, they put absolutely everything into this and it shows. You've a new fan in me! :)

[@fourfilmsde]

All that matters: how could teeth possibly be that white??

[@lptomtom]

That's teeth whitening for you, it looks weird and very unnatural but many people in the US seem to love it

[@hikebikemike]

Wow. "Everything looks better in hindsight" is really stunning. Thanks.

[@phillane2529]

taylor swift has nothing on her!!

[@windmasterfluke]

I really didn't know the Wild Reeds although I have heard of them in my travels. I must say this is in my top 2 favs (only behind lucius) Amazing sound. I will have to listen to more of their stuff. Thank you tiny desk

[@lauradaquila22]

Donnie Dennison they are on tour check out their facebook

[@lauradaquila22]

You haven't even experienced the wild reeds till you see them live! Check out their tour dates on their Facebook page

[@charlottecox2517]

I LOVE LUCIUS! They remind me so much of them!

[@silvestrasmaksimec3871]

Those girls give me goosebumps everytime. Love them.

[@elizabethpodsiadlochefsing8588]

Thanks Tiny Desk Folks. These ladies have a sound that is reminiscent of the Roche sisters at their best Thank you Wild Reeds for your beautiful insights into Love and life and feeding them to us in the sweetest of harmonies!

[@katearcangeli12]

Incredible!!! Female three part harmony!!! Beautiful feminine intensity, intelligence, wisdom and beauty. Brava brava brava!!

[@SquareNoggin]

They kind of remind me of The Be Good Tanyas. In a good way obviously, TBGT are amazing. Anyone who likes these folks should check them out.

[@jimbackmann7808]

Dude.. Fuck yeah, thank you for the suggestion, they are awesome

[@tanyaday3267]

I was thinking if the Be Good Tanya's. Great minds i guess

[@chuxtheweb1234]

The third song was reminiscent of The Roches for an old fogie like me...I will have to check out TBGT.

[@ramzyred]

Love this. Very, very good. NPR music TDC great job. Awesome!

[@mirandacooper4878]

"Did you plan on leaving?" That shit hurted.

[@BenNolan2772]

I stood on a train yesterday and The World We Built started playing, I have never more proudly cried in front of another man in my entire life, it goes hard 100%

[@ashleybradley5485]

Their voices are amazing!! So much talent in one band. Beautiful.

[@ns21210]

absolutely wonderful, your voices and harmonies are beautiful x

[@dewclawband]

this is so beautiful. goosebumps and tears.

[@AaronCruz-Guillermo]

+sedona arabella I cried too :(

[@MikeMaroneyWhatsupdirtycones]

+sedona arabella like a Damien Rice song but better

[@Bigfootbabysas]

Lets not go to crazy town-These ladies are fine and good but Damien Rice is the man

[@MikeMaroneyWhatsupdirtycones]

Bigfootbabysas I don't know bro... I love Damien but this was pretty goooood : )

[@j.m.p8051]

It is hard not to get stuck on this song after a breakup..Hindsight

[@lungflogger9]

and they have Jesus on drums.....

[@codydetweiler7521]

Actually it's Aaron Rodgers with long hair.

[@lungflogger9]

yeah I know, it was just a cheap joke....trying to have a little fun....that's all.

[@kylealcaraz7232]

What makes you assume Cody isn't joking?

[@michealsmith4612]

Kyle Alcaraz what makes you assume Phil isn't joking?

[@bergbandeira9500]

Micheal Smith and what makes you assume Kyle isn't joking?

[@craigsisak5989]

I'll never stop coming back to this short set.

[@logank386]

That first song was soo good

[@sushigimme]

+Logan Kissinger Buy or Download their albumBlind and Brave, it is sooo good! =) Also, check out their JamInTheVan performance of "Where Im Going"

[@lazylion420]

funny how the one thing that all of the most talented musicians today have in common is that they're all wallowing in relative obscurity while the most decadent trash our vapid culture is able to produce is busy getting rich and collecting all of the shiny golden award trophies....

[@malacite1]

I've finally found someone who comes even close to The Staves...

[@uvp5000]

The Wild Reeds are especially talented. While they have their own creative voice, "The World We Built" is reminiscent of The Roches in some ways. The Wild Reeds' harmonies just cut to my core and move me deeply. This Tiny Desk Concert really did provide just the right stage to show off their considerable talent.

[@chowner]

So when you wake up in the morning 😞

[@WeirdSoundingVoice]

I get chills literally every time I listen to Hindsight.

[@hirkalarentarim2893]

Oh, how I wish The World We Built was longer...

[@hfjireh]

i am STARING theyre all so lovely and incredibly talented

[@RolandStrykala]

oh, girls, what do you do with my emotions ..... thank you for this little tiny desk concert.

[@rachelsinger9647]

For those of you who like the sound guy, Josh Rogosin, check this out...he has a few different clips on how he does sound on tiny desk! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2Gak3xrp99pfLs

[@stutisharma6576]

When you wake up in the morning are you lonely? To find only the items I had left By your bedside, on the table, to your right hand? Little traces are the proof that I exist Looking back now I can see your clear green eyes In that old shed with the string lights, you reside With the swing set stuck above you in the rafters And the books and the records on each side And the books and the records on each side I knew I could grow to love him But his walls came up too fast I was strong in his presence But he left me for the past Now will he ever stop haunting me and let me go? My mind travels through memories My mind travels through memories I only remember the sweetest of these I only remember the sweetest things, hey! So keep her close now, keep her happy, keep her wanted Don't desert now the way that you did me Cook her breakfast, share your music, tell your secrets Give it all like you never plan to leave Oh, did you plan to leave? And I tell you, friends, it was easier then To give your heart away Before home became broken and eager to love I gave it all with haste So if you're telling a story, especially of heartache It better ring out true To pass down your bloodline and travel through song In an honest remembrance of you 'Cause I knew I could grow to love him But his walls came up too fast I was so strong in his presence But he left me for his past Now will he ever stop haunting me and let me go? Will he ever say goodbye to me? I've been on my own Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh So when you wake up in the morning are you lonely? To find only the love that you had left By my bedside, on the table, to my left hand? Little traces are the proof that you exist

[@m.k.mcgill]

I listened to this one on the way to work one morning a couple years ago and meant to save it for later, because the scene that is set in the second song has been stuck with me ever since I heard it, but could never find the way to describe the lyrics, because it’s just such a vivid picture that is described in such a beautiful way. Anyways, I’ve been trying to find this again and was almost beginning to think it wasn’t a Tiny Desk performance that I’d heard that song on. But today, I’ve finally found it. I’m complete.

[@kathylopez4484]

Music does drive us to find it make it love it! Glad you found this song again…prayers for all of us searchers searching out our vibes 🎶🫶🎶

[@evansplace7021]

Coming back to this almost two years later and they still give me chills

[@davidhohenstein1813]

LONG Live Tiny Desk Concerts

[@michaeldurkin6528]

just found you guys very recently. I love " Everything is better in Hindsight" ... A beautiful voice and nice performance .

[@franciscojimenezpatino8884]

Excelent footages from whoever filmed this vide. Congratulations and thank you !!

[@sarrahmanalatos438]

I love how they just play the different parts to make it sweet. Beautiful.

[@arlo247]

Whooo! that second song. fuck, that was good. her voice is amazing...

[@sarahneczwid366]

DAMN!!! Pandora was kind enough to find me "Where I'm Going" a few months ago and I've been calmly in love with that track ever since. Admittedly, I haven't had time to indulge until tonight when I stumbles across this episode of Tiny Desk. This is outstanding! I'm buying both vinyl records and probably the t-shirt (because come on... it's a groovy skull with a wig). Thanks NPR Music.

[@paulonopa]

I love beautiful girls....very much.

[@11jacqueline11]

There will be life before I heard these harmonies, and life after. Wow. Blown away by these women! Tiny Desk for the win again!

[@KTRox00]

My god. I clicked without knowing who they were and I sure got a shock! As soon as the started playing I remembered hearing that first song a while back but had forgot all about it! Such a good song

[@christina-kd1dp]

fantastic! so much talent in one band.

[@threlfish3125]

stumbled over this on a sunday afternoon. What a vibe.

[@klakaboomeloli]

these girls are fantastic

[@SethLaHorner-kn9yj]

My mind travels through memories, I'll only remember the sweetest things

[@samye8571]

Celebrating the triumphs of human music experience.

[@mullerulrich6801]

I love this music, greetings from Berlin, Germany !!! Thx

[@donkanis6141]

As a 30 year veteran musician I say this with with the utmost praise that these girls have bluegrass quality vocals.

[@rebekahnelson1478]

If you like these gals, check out First Aid Kit. Very similar sound, with incredible harmonies as well.

[@debbiegillette4734]

Saw First Aid Kit last year at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in Feb., 2018. Van William opened for them and both were very good. Emmylou Harris was sitting front and center in the audience as well. Great venue and wonderful concert!

[@manthepost]

Thanks just checked them out really good

[@trevorppp]

Also check out Joseph and The Staves... so many great female trios haha

[@theweirdsoul_]

First Aid Kit are magnificent

[@lovesbirth1]

They made Emmylou Harris cry!

[@peatlejville5392]

Love the way The Wild Reeds, paint pictures with music and tell it in song with clever use of lyrics, harmonies and perfectly placed instrumentals.

[@Flyrodder68]

had to come back to visit this...awesome performance

[@bullpablo]

Extremely underappreciated band