Joseph: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Bob Boilen | October 28, 2016 - My first experience seeing Joseph was in 2014 as an opening act in New York City. It was just the twins Meegan and Allison Closner and their older sister, Natalie Closner, and it was clear then they had something special. Over these two years, Joseph's sound has grown beyond the Closners' harmonies. Now, you're likely to see them with a band or hear songs from their latest record, which is filled with sounds far beyond voice and acoustic guitar.
It's been a treat to witness Joseph's journey, but I was also fairly thrilled that for their Tiny Desk the sisters stripped it down to their original setup: three voices and one guitar. It's those essentials that will likely remain their strength, and hearing these songs from I'm Alone, No You're Not outside a studio setting felt not necessarily better, but certainly friendlier. Now that this band has 5 million listens (and that's only counting one song on Spotify), my guess is you may have missed this earlier sound. Here's a chance to hear the songs you love the way they could have been.
I'm Alone, No You're Not is available now:
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/im-...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Im-Alone-No-Yo...
SET LIST:
"White Flag"
"I Don't Mind"
"Canyon"
MUSICIANS:
Allison Closner (vocals); Meegan Closner (vocals); Natalie Closner (guitar, vocals).
CREDITS:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Nicole Boliaux; Editor: Nicole Boliaux; Production Assistant: Anna Marketti; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/ti...

[@derwykynger]

It's been six years and I still keep coming back to this one. Such an incredibly talented bunch of people, I just love everything they do!

[@gabrielmaroto18]

2024 loving it.

[@bobbyguajardo9471]

I wish I could tell you ladies how important this particular tiny desk concert has been to my life.

[@imnothere51]

Same.

[@BaileyWhite]

I’m glad I’m not the only one. I come back to this often.

[@wobblebomb]

If you have the chance, I highly recommend seeing them live; it was like being hit with a wave of joy

[@raidonentebbe]

Yes! Saw them last night at the National in Richmond. It was a barn burner. Exuberant. The problem seems to be that the powers that be want to market them a certain way (Overproduced and sexy(?) for maximum profit) when them just being them, acoustic, on stage is smaller but exponentially much bigger!

[@KenRobert]

My daughter saw them in Albuquerque and became an instant fan.

[@talktech1]

Absoulutely. Saw then last night with the Shins and they blew us away. Big fans now.

[@Ch1pD0ug1as]

@@talktech1 went and saw them with the Shins just to see them, with the Shins 👍🏽

[@sashkob6626]

I've seen them live twice (opening for James Bay) and then their show at the Biltmore in Vancouver. I agree with you. You'll truly experience every emotion written into their songs. You'll leave with a new found love for many many things.

[@TheMikeRodri]

Years ago they were a last minute addition at a show in Portland, OR at the Aladdin Theater. Back then they were known as Dearborn. They came out in between sets of other bands and did a single acapella song...and then just left. It was the quietest I had ever heard a crowd during a performance. In between phrases of the song you could hear a pin drop. I'll always cherish those memories of their early performances.

[@KMochey]

It's cute that all three of them close their eyes when they sing.

[@chachoorta5785]

I AM A LATIN MUSICIAN LIVING IN CHICAGO FOR 40 YEARS NOW. I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN MEXICO. MY FATHER WAS A GUITAR TEACHER AT HOME .SO MY FAMILY WAS RAISED WITH MUSICAL GATHERINGS EVERY WEEKEND TO DO POEMS AND INTERACT MUSICALLY WITH MEXICAN AND AMERICAN SONGS OF THE 50'S UP TO THE 70'S , AND THIS GIRLS GOT ME TO THE POINT THAT I WAS CRYING WHILE WATCHING THEM SING AND PLAY .THEY ARE SO LOVELY MUSICALLY AND THEY LOOK SO HAPPY TO SHARE PEACE AND JOY .THEY TOOK ME BACK TO MY CHILDHOOD DAYS. NOW I AM ADDICTED TO THIS NPR TINY SHOWS. THERE IS SO MUCH TALENT .THANK YOU JOSEPH GIRLS FOR BRINGING LIGHT TO MY MEMORIES. WITH ALL RESPECT ,I LOVE YOU ...GREETINGS FROM CHICAGO

[@mandyking3707]

“I don’t mind” has to be one of the most cathartic songs ever written for people who struggle with trauma, depression or whatever is bringing sadness into your body. And the way Allison and Meegan in particular move throughout the song is part of what’s so moving about this performance. It feels like a therapy session, complete with self soothing movements along the way. Their music feels so alive and real in a way that many artists music doesn’t. So grateful for their art ❤

[@jimmoore9239]

I love female harmony. Sisters are the best. Nice Americana rootsy sound here, stone ground and original in a modern kind of millennial way. Their grandpa encouraged them and taught them and worked with them musically. He passed on, bless his soul. His name was Joseph.

[@spinningreelsofrhyme]

If you don't know of The Staves you need to...

[@LuqaS15]

Ye, the Staves first came to mind.

[@sca1871]

This is a great story and these are very talented ladies for sure!

[@MrThemightyjew]

I want to like your comment quintillion times! Just learned about this band today. Seeing them live this Sunday for the first time. 😊❤ @Jim Moore

[@accuser_of_the_brethren7816]

@@LuqaS15 I found the stavs by accident a few years ago and they have a live version of "The long run" I think it's called but holy sh*t is it crazy good. Their harmonies and musicianship is amazing to both watch and listen to

[@parix85]

These girls just slapped a smile on my face.. I wasn't prepared. That's not fair.

[@kellycahill5133]

These ladies neeeeed to release an acoustic album. I could listen to this tiny desk on repeat for hours but can barely get through a single song of theirs on spotify.

[@MrOriginalFlavour]

Great news. They have an album called Trio Sessions that's all acoustic versions of their songs.

[@joycewible8816]

Love when families sing together. These women are great.

[@morganedidier6570]

Underrated. You can feel how much they love what they do.

[@RRF211]

This is my favorite NPR tiny desk, would love to hear more acoustic albums featuring their sonic clarity.

[@macbain59]

These chicks absolutely kill it! Had to listen twice! Amazing harmonies, they're like a combination of Simon &Garfunkel, Shovels &Rope, Led Zeppelin, and Heart

[@samblenkharn8099]

'I don't mind', the middle song: it's raw and heartfelt and beautiful and I LOVE it!

[@lptomtom]

Clicked because of the botched title, stayed because of the amazing harmonies and seriously cool songs. NPR never disappoints!

[@Dashner100]

I clicked because it's NPR Tiny Desk Concert... really, there be no other reason.

[@oliviaf3310]

lptomtom the name of the group is Joseph!!

[@nicritchie6189]

lptomtom daqppz

[@HeatherBonerRickard]

M

[@gpeddino]

Yesterday I sat in the living room with my mom, opened the Tiny Desk playlist and picked videos at random so that we could listen to some new stuff. Among a lot of impressive stuff, this one stood out the most for us. Beautiful harmonies and powerful songs.

[@JoeJoesFarm]

Just imagine how proud there parents are ❤

[@TetsuoShimaNo41]

I love how she dances with the guitar.

[@the13thrain]

There's something so hypnotic and energizing about it. I feel the music more when I watch her.

[@carinm.bonifacino]

I just keep coming back to this performance. Vocal perfection. Beauty on so many levels.

[@tkfussell]

" three voices and one guitar. It's those essentials that will likely remain their strength". Couldn't agree more. The tiny desk concert has a charm that the albums can't match.

[@AmIKawaiiYet_]

sometimes you just sitting there, baked as, rollin a splif, and you desire background music, so you open youtube and click on the first musical video that appears, so your just about to finish rollin up, and the song starts, and...next minute, you've discovered some dope ass talented people being dope and talented, moral of the story is, joseph are some real deal talent type shit, this is that classic talent / hardwork type shit, and damn my dudes, the respect is real, impressive as fuck.

[@jaredanicetti114]

Agreed, 1000%

[@sca1871]

I couldn’t have said it better myself

[@jessicabremer9735]

exactly what you said.

[@nicholasmistic5440]

Dude. That's pretty much how I just found this. Lol. Beautiful music

[@JoeJoesFarm]

on the spot there dude enjoy that doobie

[@SuperWeedPower]

Them voices blend so well

[@bailey9947]

they're actually sisters, that's probably why

[@MelinWisconsin]

Yes them sure do

[@nickdue2303]

Natalie at 3:38 - "That song was a response to everything going on in the world. Ya know... how it wants to push you back into your home and stop you from going out and living your life." Crazy relatable in 2020...

[@sumernoel1553]

Exactly! Just listening to this performance again in the middle of this pandemic 2020. Looks like I’ll be listening to White Flag more often for a while. Praying I get a chance to see them live in concert one day. 🙏

[@shaishannahbennett8055]

I was just thinking that exact same thing. I say 'Burn the white flag'

[@theofficalrutama2332]

yes, I was thinking the same thing!

[@theofficalrutama2332]

@@sumernoel1553 they are good live too. I saw them at Bonnaroo they were awesome.

[@MindfulChaos]

Yep! Super weird I had to double check the date lol

[@cacarapa]

Been rewatching this since 2018. Comfort blanket to say the least

[@seosamhv]

I feel a connection to this band, can't quite pinpoint what it is...

[@Biswalt]

Joseph Vaughan they're good. You like good music. There's the connection. ;)

[@Philoglossos]

Reread the name of the guy you responded to, and then reread the name of the band x'D

[@phillloyd1930]

It's the harmony on so many levels...right?

[@victoriablow869]

they're all sisters, cant fake or buy connection like that:)

[@victoriablow869]

oh wait, your connection, not theirs lol

[@greenmarcosu]

NPR Music has been on a run of really great Tiny Desk performances.

[@ninetyplusthree]

One of my favorite bands. Incredible live, and the sweetest people. Can't wait to see them in concert again.

[@MissCreativeMinx]

Thank you for introducing me to this outstanding trio!

[@zacharysearcy]

they killed it.

[@user-ef3xe4uj8s]

This makes me think of why i am the musicjunkie that i am. It has something to do with me being convinced that artists, musicians in particular, are one of the very few "species" that i can think of that are doing something with their lives that resembles the most with what human life was originally ment for. These three ladies (among many many others) are absultely verifiyng my theory above........ Grateful for your soothingness girls!

[@renekitty2]

For some reason I can't not cry when I listen to this version of White Flag.. Something about the simplicity of the orchestration and the emphasis on the harmonies just moves me to tears. Love love love these gals

[@jodicrain4500]

Ditto!

[@yotamsho8597]

Had the same experience, just cried tears of joy and laughed throughout most of the song. The power of vocals singing loud in the same tone is a very powerful thing I found, the effect is amazing. And they nailed it

[@factotum75]

It's their energy. I feel the same way. An amazing girlfriend introduced me to them. I'm obsessed with this tiny desk performance

[@danbendorf7684]

These 3 songs are now my top three favorite songs!!!! I love their voices!!!!

[@gabrielmaroto18]

2024 ❤️

[@milbil3]

I need to watch this tiny desk once a month to keep my sanity. I watched this video for the first time about 6 months ago and I immediately fell in love with this band. I've seen them perform live and the energy they bring to their music without using any crazy effects or backup dancers is truly inspiring. Joseph will always sound like home.

[@ronn4156]

I listen to this once a month. that first song makes me feel a special type of way.

[@bruhfcamidu]

This literally bought tears to my eyes, the emotion of it..omg!

[@Jarmi777]

It's about time to have them back on for another Tiny Desk concert.

[@michaelhofmeijer3654]

I can watch this all day and i never get tired of it. It's so good! The delivery has so much emotion and authenticity. Love it!

[@mmcneal0290]

Incredible!!! Those harmonies are pure inspiration!!! 💚🙌🏼

[@Epimpin101]

Wow they are amazing.

[@erint8550]

i've never heard of this band before but i just got massive chills listening to them. so glad to have found them!! this is my favorite kind of music!!

[@carinm.bonifacino]

Last song in particular - OUTSTANDING!!

[@superlady2960]

Back again, still loving this music.

[@oliviaf3310]

Ahh this is my favorite group! Joseph. 3 beautiful sisters with glorious harmonies!

[@davidtyrrell2823]

What a great way to wake up to these excellent musicians. Great harmonies, lyrics and performance...reminiscent of the Sirens of O Brother Where Art Thou....

[@Alexa-qm1wh]

I didn't plan to start crying at 9 in the morning, but their voices hit me in the soul. Damn.

[@AlbertCoRecords]

Wow. That opener is a put out there pretty d@mn powerfully!

[@Aidiera]

The part that starts around 9:57 is one of the most powerful screams I've ever heard.

[@Imenchaca16]

Completely blew my mind. 1,000% love it

[@acoldhand]

great performance. I adore the voice of the girl on the right. After listening to some more of their stuff I was a bit disappointed to find that she's not usually the lead singer and sometimes doesn't get a vocal part at all. They're all great, three beautiful voices, but hers has an edge to it and I just love that.

[@karirivers6148]

Allie in the stripes sings lead now on several songs on Good Luck, Kid :) Check out Half Truths!

[@lorenaarrarte1385]

Saw them live at the Fillmore in Miami they opened for James Bay and were amazing. These sisters killed it! Love their music since.

[@carinm.bonifacino]

Wish I could give this a thousand thumbs up 👍. “Canyon” gives me chills!!! Spectacular vocals!

[@emily.1922]

These women sing from their hearts!! Great concert!

[@MiriamA766]

Not only are their songs great, I also just love watching those girls perform. So much passion for what they do, love it!

[@TotalAssBag]

They are like an american version of The Staves. Real talent

[@lxsford14]

Yes. Love The Staves.

[@madelynh1102]

Seriously thought they were The Staves when I first heard I Don't Mind.

[@mentaldetecting]

Been a HUGE Staves fan for years. Those girls are amazing (and even better when watched in a church). This is the first time I've heard of Joseph. ... and i'm equally hooked.

[@zab666]

I wonder who would win in a fight.

[@bloodraine95]

I came here for this reply. Exactomundo!

[@gypsylane4213]

I love love love them. Have for years. The name Joseph is after the city in OR and for their grandfather. They’re like the wind blowing crazy through open windows on a sunny day. Motivation and inspiration. I saw them open for Dave Matthews in Mexico before Covid and they were amazing. 💜

[@Diosalicious]

The video that started my love affair with Joseph! I just got tickets to see them live for the first time!

[@kayteabear4061]

Praying I have daughters who can sing together. God answered my mother praying for me to be able to sing and so I’m praying the same! What a beautiful group of ladies! ❤️ love their music!

[@StarChildInABubble]

Thanks to Tiny Desk Concerts I've recently bought the new album from Andrew Bird and Mariachi Flor De Toloache. You can discover so many good artists from this channel.

[@juansantos752]

Andrew Bird is pure gold

[@TheTruth-qu4xx]

Rephrase-then-Erase m

[@bonniematthews2500]

omg I love those bands too! this is THE BEST place to discover talent :)

[@danielbutcher5836]

I keep coming back around to this one.

[@nedhill1722]

Awesome! Definitely like these "stripped down" versions better.

[@leerose8628]

Ned Hill same. Like with the iron and wine flag tiny desk.

[@kelseyhudson9116]

I have fell in love with SOOOO MANY new artist on this channel. Thank you NPR Music!!

[@angievelez5974]

"I Don't Mind" I see you getting sad I feel it running through your blood Let it run like water out of mud You think you're crazy Yell the sadness loud Throw it up against the wall See what stays then go and put it on It keeps you wild I will love you anyway With all your demons in the way Nothing can keep us apart I'll walk through walls into your heart I'll never know your troubles I only know what's mine Can't pretend to feel what I cannot That'd be crazy I will love you anyway With all your demons in the way Nothing can keep us apart I'll walk through walls into your heart I don't mind, I don't mind I don't mind, I don't mind I will love you anyway With all your demons in the way Nothing can keep us apart I'll walk through walls into your heart I don't mind, I don't mind I don't mind, I don't mind I don't mind, I don't mind I don't mind, I don't mind I will love you anyway With all your demons in the way

[@myoneblackfriend3151]

I heard them before I saw them. I love that harmony. It takes me back. Wonderful music ladies.

[@SPLENDIDZEN]

Beautiful musical medicine!...

[@KTblue]

Love these women ❤️! Such a soulful sound.

[@thomaskittock2866]

This made my morning! Loads of natural talent :D

[@petercuthbertson9612]

made my week! listened to it about a dozen or two times on the npr site

[@amandawilcox9638]

Yum. Thank you. Thank you! Have heard of Joseph before, but this is my first listen. Definitely will listen again !🌈

[@sandyberlin3097]

Incredible harmonies! Just, wow.

[@erflingnot]

I play a game and we compete with other teams….. I have submitted this as our group song we are a bunch of women together! Just doing what we do! Thank you Joseph for this beautiful song! it helps someone somewhere every day of their lives…….. thanks grandpa….. because everywhere under the skin we are all brothers and sisters!

[@acfshenk]

I saw them live in December and met the ladies. They are sweet as can be and amazing live. :)

[@paulgurney3546]

3 Angel's sent from Heaven 😇😇😇. Such beautiful music. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@miiiOne]

they are incredible live!!!

[@milesdavis-matthews6796]

Every time I go to Spotify and listen to any of these songs, I have to stop and return to this video to actually enjoy the songs. Hearing it this way has spoiled me forever, lol

[@roastbeafman87]

Man, I love Tiny Desk Concerts. And these great musicians.

[@raymondwalker8458]

Never give up thanks for reminding me

[@tekokako1]

man i love these guys. thanks for having them NPR

[@Keetont34]

This may be my most watched video on KZbin. I love these women.

[@pfrost6745]

Can't wait to see you ladies at OK fest in Enterprise in August. I am prepping by revisiting you AMAZING music. Lol. Love you ladies....goosebumps and tender tears at every single show. You touch my heart. ❤️🙏❤️ Love, From Joseph Or 💪

[@richardlacroix9069]

So good. Can't lie. Kinda fell in love with the guitar playing beauty.

[@majesticcasual]

Love this!! Feel good vibes only.. ❤

[@joedealess9636]

1 2 3

[@morrismacri1808]

love it.

[@christopherdickey6733]

Goosebumps from head to toes

[@AndersRapp]

To write lyrics and melodies like that with that pumping rhythm guitar is...just out of this world. I was blown away. Did not expect. Had never heard of these girls before. Will definitely listen more.

[@mountymo6000]

Wow ! just love them - So much talent

[@immerse_yaself]

I'm hooked - iTunes time!

[@heftydog]

Excellent job ladies, I really like the gang vocals.

[@JoeJoesFarm]

i think i have listened to this about 150 times now love it man

[@jean-lucnicaise9804]

Quels talents, quelles émotions distillées, quelle(s )harmonie(s), on en redemande ! Greetings from Belgium!

[@peace_and_love]

Amazing band!! Love them ✨✨✨ singing their hearts out 💖👌

[@12DanB]

Those harmonies are .... wow

[@ChrisWilk]

WOW! Thanks for sharing NPR, incredible harmonies!!

[@RyanJosephLong]

Wow! Great vocals! Another grate discovery!

[@nicohenningsen3399]

SO much better than their overproduced Album! :)

[@elisabethannwexler4728]

Wonderful! Just tuned into you for the first time! Love that you are THREE SISTERS! There is a great power in this! Beautiful voices - compelling song.. Thank you! I look forward to hearing more..! EAW

[@1minrecording]

so beautiful and talented

[@gabriellebadowski4712]

So thrilled to have stumbled across this gem of a band

[@macarenamartinez1772]

You sure know how to transmit emotion through those beautiful voices!! :):)

[@lxsford14]

If you haven't listened to their newest album, it's a little edgier and all-around awesome!

[@billycarson]

"genetically perfected harmonies"

[@arcticrunning8370]

I keep coming back to this, day after day.