Audrey Nuna: Tiny Desk Concert

Bobby Carter | October 18, 2024
After spending a few years listening to Audrey Nuna’s music and watching her music videos, I wondered how she would conform to the Tiny Desk. Her visuals embody larger-than-life personae, and the sonics of her debut album, A Liquid Breakfast, are anything but acoustic. Everything that comes with the New Jersey-born singer-songwriter is big. She stepped up to the challenge of stripping the elements in 2022 when she played a special Tiny Desk (home) concert, which was enough to hold her spot behind the Desk.
Audrey walked into NPR headquarters with her band, “The Jaywalkers,” baring that same persona that sets her apart from the rest, rockin' hunting vests, kilts with skull caps and a denim shirt made of denim pants. The setlist perfectly encapsulates how much musical ground she’s able to cover. She goes from a staccato flow on “Damn Right” to straight-up funk on “Time.” She flipped “Baby Blues” into a jazz number and played “Baby OG” from her new album, TRENCH, for the first time. Her long-time producer, Anwar Sawyer, handled keyboards and music direction, providing authenticity to this set. They’d put in weeks of rehearsal, and post-show, she told me that the execution was exactly what she envisioned.
SET LIST
“Damn Right”
“Time”
“Baby Blues”
“Suckin Up”
“Baby OG”
MUSICIANS
Audrey Nuna: lead vocals
Anwar Sawyer: keys, musical direction
Dominic Cannarella-Andersen: bass
Abbiana: vocals
Ethan Johnson: guitar
Jeremy Berges: drums
Sara Kawai: harp
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Director/Editor: Maia Stern
Audio Technical Director: Josephine Nyounai
Videographers: Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Mitra I. Arthur
Audio Engineer: David Greenburg
Production Assistant: Elle Mannion
Photographer: Sofia Seidel
Tiny Desk Team: Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer, Josh Newell
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#nprmusic #tinydesk #audreynuna

[@takaotsu3592]

Oh my, never thought I’d see Audrey on tinydesk. Time is a really good song.

[@jenjoestar.]

Fr so proud

[@superbadisfunny]

Super excited when i saw this

[@Lets-Go-Family]

She got Time and Space.

[@peachnecctar1658]

same im so happy

[@-miaumiau]

SAMEE EE

[@TheSolitaryNook]

Its weird but also refreshing hearing Aurdrey with instrumentals like this.

[@lunaz3698]

if the roots wont do it, someone has to

[@thisopinionwillexpire]

So happy for anyone who randomly clicks on this.

[@KandiceHenley-qd9mt]

I've definitely never heard of her ❤

[@hollydavis3716]

Just vibing here

[@tsy3288]

Me and I’m now in love

[@BU91RN]

I'm that guy

[@MetalheadMn5287]

This is horrible.

[@jchris333]

Much deserved. She been on fire for a few years now

[@debora.e1]

!!!

[@lailerszz]

SHE DID BABY BLUES!!!

[@jenjoestar.]

One of my faves songs! It’s so good

[@Mukduck619]

Crazy good track even the remix

[@sergeouattara9691]

It’s my favorite song too 😭😭✨✨

[@tsy3288]

As much as I love Audrey Nuna, but the backup singer is fcking on fire. Cheers to Abbiana too! Love you sister ❤

[@gazpromedia]

The Comment I’ve been looking for❤

[@PinkBossInc]

Jazz, rap, blues, rnb with a harp! I did not know what to expect but she is amazing.

[@Nosdeblack]

5:52 I jumped from my desk with that sudden and (for me) unexpected brazillian rhythm!!

[@mzgemini0006]

Wait what... I never heard of her! She's a vibe! Thank you Tiny Desk for introducing me to these gems. Always looking to expand my Spotify playlist!

[@ilfantasticobananajothesci3922]

battles on

[@itim777]

Her first album is FIRE

[@mzgemini0006]

@@itim777 I'm gonna check it out.

[@philipaitken6680]

Same

[@justinchoi4820]

She is on fire

[@tffp_]

People are gonna randomly click on this and witness the best artist out there at work

[@dominiqueholley4926]

I know I did for sure, then she got my girl Sara on the harps.

[@1046RoE]

Me..I’m people . Artist to artist she’s special

[@leahhoward7645]

I’m the people too, this is a masterpiece

[@Verena2022]

She’s one of the best most underrated artists of the past 5 years

[@TailoredSupportServicesLLC]

Never heard of her… she’s vibes ❤❤❤❤

[@BEe-hi4my]

This feels like my first time listening to an artist whose studio discography I’m familiar with and then hear the tiny desk. And it’s not actually my first time. But it feels that way.

[@AnwarSawyer]

😂

[@VirtualSpore]

what

[@iam_aaa3025]

@@VirtualSpore oopsies, I was thinking of the wrong producer - I think he produced a lot of Audrey's songs though!

[@mybad6813]

Loved her for years. Got to see her live by surprise last fall when she opened for Ashnikko in NC one time. Magical then. Magical now. Love tiny desk for showcasing so many unique artists

[@frankgarcia3080]

Wait !!! What am i listening too?! Jazz, Funk,Rapp,Soul,R&B, ALL THE ABOVE 🎉🎉! This Young Lady is Ridonkulous! 🎉❤🙏🏼

[@shg3rr611]

HER VOICE IS LIKE SILK AND I NEVER REALIZED HER AUTOTUNE WAS STYLISTIC, HER VOICE IS SO BEAUTIFUL IVE LISTENED TO HER SINCE 2021🥹

[@tjhom2704]

Add it to the list of times Tiny Desk changed my life.

[@Mukduck619]

Megan the stallion, Paak, Mac, Amine, Nashe! Now Audrey 😭

[@mgstpgw]

@@Mukduck619go watch freddie gibbs. you’re welcome.

[@smoothman8007]

we got album and tiny desk on the same day, crazyy

[@AngionD]

🎉OMG you made it on TinyDesk!!!! Long time fan, CONGRATS Audrey!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@Mukduck619]

Same here! We eating good

[@fv7336]

I'm so happy that 'time' was chosen

[@jonathanrs705]

A tiny desk version of Audrey singing “Irene” would heal me.

[@jenjoestar.]

Omg yes!

[@oowatwat]

She did my favourite song Baby Blues!! I love this jazzy version too. And shoutout to the other vocalist, Abigail Lameley, who *really* enhanced those performance

[@DanniAgwuibe]

FINALLLYYYY some Audrey recognition she goes incredibly too hard to go as unnoticed as she has been! GO STREAMMMMMM!!!

[@JulianYee-v1j]

She sounds like her own individual and swings from grit and gritty to a clear and distinct sound. I’m freakin lovin it!

[@infamousdaone]

DESERVED!! Audrey has been incredible for years now. Tune in!

[@_sysout]

i would love to see the reaction of people that does not knew her before this tiny desk listening the original versions of her songs

[@NinaDeborah]

Now I gotta go listen to those versions

[@GomaekanKing]

Shes so unique, its hard to not love her. If you discovered her I am happy for you, please deep dive into her music. Its a journey fr!

[@indyathomas7783]

I was pleasantly surprised when I received the notification that Audrey was doing a Tiny Desk. I. WAS. NOT. DISAPPOINTED!!! I only wish that she did Long Year too.

[@AnwarSawyer]

Sameeeee it almost made it too 🥺🖤

[@indyathomas7783]

@@AnwarSawyer 🥹🥹 aww man. I wish it did. I loveeee that song. It makes me emotional everytime I hear it.

[@Mukduck619]

Long Year and Long Night both go so hard 😬

[@killabzz]

Finally your own Tiny Desk. It is crazy how your talent is increasing, such great control !

[@antonioespada2282]

Been listening to her music for years and the tiny desk is such a welcome surprise. Nuna with the ensemble sound so good!!!

[@xavierpierre1676]

i love when hip hop artists actually put instruments into their performances

[@user-wy3kt1ye1p]

I never heard of her but I'm a fan now. 🔥

[@mondaiyys]

i was bumpin liquid breakfast the whole summer of 2021!! so cool to see her on tiny desk

[@happy629]

Yet another artist I’ve never heard of before, but now I’m a fan. Love her sound!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@i_am_iri44]

LOVE TO SEE THIS FOR HERRRR

[@syariffmazzdan9711]

u should check out her "comic sans" with jack harlow and my favorite "i try"

[@thetalita]

Omg she’s my love

[@FemmeFatalV]

AUDREY NUNA GOT A TINY DESSSKKKKKK??? OH WE WON SO BADDDD

[@AthenaSyarifa]

I did not realize that she already did a tiny desk! Man these live versions are so refreshing to listen to, "Time" and "Suckin Up" went to a whole new level...

[@aoc4v]

😍i lov her, a liquid breakfast and the recent album, are pure fire and water and candy chill in my heart.

[@Chefmeia]

Omg the blues mix up in the bridge of baby blues was 🎉

[@juenelson]

How I discovered this artist is honestly crazy and randomly funny. I remember being on this app called Vidmate, trying to download a song titled Machinist by Japanese Breakfast. To be honest, at the time, I couldn’t remember the exact title of the song. I just knew the music video had a space theme, so I searched "Japanese Breakfast space song." 🤭 Randomly, Audrey's song Space popped up instead, and I mistakenly downloaded it. I didn’t even realize I had downloaded the wrong song. One day, while shuffling through my playlist, this Space song came on, and I was like, "What? How did this even get here? Who downloaded this?" But as I listened, I was blown away. Her voice was so good! Even though Space isn’t as much of a standout trap as some of her other songs, I was hooked. I immediately went to Spotify to check her out. By December, when Spotify Wrapped came out, she was my top artist, and Baby Blues and Top Again were among my top songs. 🤭😂 Now, I can confidently say she’s my favorite artist at the moment!

[@ladyturpovargas9411]

Ahhh love this tiny desk, i know all her songs and this version is just EXPECTACULAR

[@justforshow1993]

I always gotta get back to Nuna glad she's still doing her thang.

[@freyadonaldson2751]

I’m so in love with Audrey’s music but with this sort of instrumental ? It’s like a fresh angle I’m loving! How did I not realise she did this tiny desk until now? Love it smmmm

[@keradel]

I just need time!!! ❤ Never heard of her, but now I’m a fan…🔥🔥🔥

[@niecisays9458]

Wow i’m so happy to see her on here, please give her her flowers. Cause she’s really talented 🔥

[@acousticwalrus6705]

Time is the first song of Audrey’s that I ever heard and I still love it.

[@Jeshwannnn]

holy krikey THIS IS just great after hearing "mine" audrey actually the goat

[@Bib.Permadi]

First time hearing her today.....so good 🔥🔥🔥

[@KaleLikesWaffles]

I remember when she was on Tiny Desk a couple years! This is so rad to see a full set 🥹

[@jacobsgrl1]

Audrey is so talented,love her

[@abxmist]

THANK U NPR ! thank u all the incredible musicians for this immaculate performances and thank u to the production crew and everything. best thing all week.

[@marissareyna5315]

TRENCH is a Masterpiece ❤ Nothing Feels The Same punched me in the ears and now I can’t hear nothing else! 🔥🔥🔥

[@tkt1185]

Audrey! Thank you for sharing your music!! Your vocals are mesmerizing 🤩 You touch so many genres of music in your songs! I am strapped in and enjoying every single moment of your musical journey that your artistry takes us on!!🙏😍 Thank you 😊

[@lowend_]

Audrey Nuna my favorite artist period, she got the mfkn harp I'm crying 🌛

[@lowend_]

she played Time, were getting married

[@Alienofthegalaxy]

My girl officially made it to tiny desk she so slept on she really be jamming 🔥🔥🔥❤❤❤❤

[@Mari-e1even]

Been out for only 2 weeks and ive played it more than 14 times...🖤

[@RonaboSoul]

I just discovered this incredible band during a Tiny Desk performance, and I’m officially obsessed! The singer Audrey Nuna has such an authentic vibe and pours so much soul into every note. The band is absolutely phenomenal-I'm in love with the mix of harp, guitar, bass, drums, and those keys! They brought the house down. 💣🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@Moon-Light147]

Audrey!!!! You’re on tiny desk ! LETS GOOOOO! ❤

[@jetlaggedjanice]

I had no idea I needed this in my life and I'm so glad it's here!!!

[@aranzaisabel1433]

LA REINAAAAA, qué felicidad ver este Tiny Desk

[@zollazul8]

It’s rare when an artist gives me goosebumps & this fresh original new sound is a breath of fresh air & what we truly need in the music industry 🙏🏽💯✨! She just gained a new supporter!

[@goognostic]

So much goodness... many thanks to Audrey & crew

[@willardlol]

An unexpected but well deserved spot behind the Tiny Desk! Been a fan of hers since she dropped 'Time' 😎

[@stevesargent4269]

probably don't want to hear it, but I'm almost 60 and that was one the BEST TINY DESK CONCERTS I'VE EVER SEEN!

[@jenjoestar.]

Audrey is an amazing artist def one of my favorite npr videos

[@opcomment]

you should never outgrow great music!

[@GoBrandi]

I'm so happy she got a Tiny Desk. I found her music in 2021 and been in love ever since! Audrey is hella dope!

[@jaysauer834]

She killed this!

[@jossmoonoz9879]

I love Abbiana's "girl's girl" energy 🥰😍 I really liked this! I haven't sat through a whole Tiny Desk session in a while

[@EaterNewsletters]

SOOOO DESERVED!!!!! Audrey's BEEEN killing the game

[@PawaW05K]

I was waiting for “space” so bad id love to hear that in an acoustic arrangement 😊 big up Audrey ❤

[@jenjoestar.]

Audrey!! Lets gooo. The live performances always hit so excited to see you on tiny desk

[@Jasmineswifelife]

Wow i just randomly looked up audrey nuna today to listen to my faves and I get blessed with this tiny desk concert?? ❤

[@pearluniverseasmr6225]

She's so talented

[@CheekoJPN]

ohhh.... didn't expect the band set to be this too awesome

[@mariehebert1412]

Fuego!!! 🔥 I just love the happy vibes and energy that everyone is giving off!

[@monik2579]

Nada más bonito que encontrar nuevos artistas en tiny desk ❤❤

[@yaelshan2632]

CMON AUDREY!!!! ✨💕 As a fellow lover of Korean artist, I’m glad to see her here!

[@absolutelyfabulous7342]

Great 👏👏👏 bravo ! And tks for sharing this amazing band and lead singer! 🙏

[@chawanavaughn]

@AudreyNuna resplendent as always 🎉 @Tinydesk you guys continue to highlight 🔥 artist 👏🏾

[@soukairu]

I love Audrey, her new project is freaking amazing.

[@eikosai3573]

Listening to this made me feel like I just found a treasure

[@chck13522]

I guess we should get marries Ms. Nuna cause Time is one of my favorite songs. Legit though Audrey Nuna Radio on Pandora is the most fire channel and all I listen to so thank you for your beautiful musical contributions to my life and the world✨

[@arantxapellme]

these tiny desk concerts from artists that are normally not acoustic at all are my favorite

[@opcomment]

Audrey's music is so good. Happily surprised to see her here!

[@requis5679]

Happy she finally got the recognition she deserved. Heard her first song comic sans and man every other song she had was nothing but bangers and every new song she’s released has been nothing but a hit.

[@ducielpaisible]

i listened to Audrey in high school, so glad she made it to tiny desk!!!! as she deserves!!

[@enbusquedadeperlita3133]

I'm so happy she's finally getting her just desserts!! Always been a fan.

[@Treasurelee10]

She is sooo beautiful! And her voice 😍 I love her !!!!

[@ng3147]

Abbiana has my whole heart what a shiny radiant person

[@theycallhernomad]

Ahhh yesssss. So glad Audrey is getting her flowers!!!

[@genki_walflower]

Been listening to her since she was on 88rising, so awesome to see her on Tiny Desk!

[@alexandratheaverage]

Time was one of the first songs I learned to play on bass. It will always bring me to good place. The vibes are immaculate

[@dreamulator]

GETS BETTER EVERY LISTEN

[@LiyahYT]

Top tier rapping and singing skills 😍 gotta love Audrey

[@jmclane27]

What were her raps about?

[@s.harrison3699]

From bass to keys to strings to sampled things and voice to words to rythmn. Kudos.

[@wheninmanila]

Audrey is so talented. So happy to see her here!

[@funmioh]

Freaking love her ❤

[@caglayesimoglu1107]

18 minutes felt like 1,5 hour 🥰 this happens when the music is awsome 💞 Love and peace from İstanbul🐾

[@amelitagm]

Audrey on Tiny Desk! She's amazing and this performance is a new take on some songs I've been listening to for a few years- and some that just dropped! ❤Her band rocks too. Thanks NPR Music for sharing her with more people.

[@cole3533]

this is my favourite tiny desk ever i LOVE AUDREY

[@gldflcn]

Been following this talented lady for years, one of the best out of the 88 rising camp. Saw her name and clicked immediately, so happy to see her here!!

[@asandakutwana7751]

That was class from these young Artist. Thank you Tiny Desk!!