Saintseneca: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

One of the many instruments you may hear Saintseneca play - beyond the banjo, baglama, bulbul, balalaika, bowed banjo, baritone ukulele, bass and bouzouki - is a stomp box. Basically, it's a roughly 2'x2' plywood floorboard meant for pounding the beat. At a show just before this Tiny Desk Concert, craftily bearded singer Zac Little put his boot right through that floorboard.Saintseneca had its beginnings in the heart of a small Appalachian town in Ohio, and the band grew up at college in Columbus. This year's Dark Arc is a pastiche of gentle lyrical moments and punk anthems, often within the same tune and often with that aforementioned stomp, straight from a small wooden porch.After Saintseneca left the Tiny Desk, I pointed the band to a hardware store to replace its broken floorboard - only to get a note a while later telling me that the new board had been destroyed within weeks. Here's a good sampling of what the group does best, though you should be sure to see Saintseneca in concert, where its fierceness is afoot. --BOB BOILEN
Set List:
"Happy Alone"
"Fed Up With Hunger"
"Blood Bath"
Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Olivia Merrion, Nick Michael; photo by Olivia Merrion/NPR

[@keithklassen5320]

I love how the bassist is always checking in with his moustache, soothing it, making sure it's ok with what's going on around. A Highly Sensitive Moustache is often seen as being as much a curse as a blessing, but it looks like they've forged a strong and committed bond. I could only wish the same had happened for some others; Friedrich Nietzsche's tragic relationship with his face pet comes to mind.

[@paulbeck2816]

greatest

[@Umbrey_Dunctum]

Aaawwwww!!! A furry ‘face pet’.

[@kalliades]

As the full version of the old saying goes. "Behind every great man is a woman and behind every great moustache is a man (usually)"

[@iangillham9647]

That’s a First World War moustache!

[@FuckFistingAss7osuFF7osu]

I think he’s the frontman also it’s v weird you mention Nietzsche

[@chicken42o]

I'm convinced his mustache is like a harmonica and as he sings it filters through and makes his voice more beautiful

[@swapnildas3087]

This version of 'Happy Alone' is so much better than the studio recording.

[@nudogg137]

Agreed!

[@rurucook8295]

Absolutely

[@rambazambaramba]

I know so many songs played there I prefer to the record versions!

[@loather8766]

Yes indeed, and that voice though. 😲

[@wertnevis7319]

Well observed me ole mucker

[@pjfan1210]

The NPR crew doesn't appreciate this performance enough At least compared to other performances I've seen. This is top notch.

[@TheDudeSmashTrash]

forreal, idk what their deal is but their applause after each song sounds so disinterested

[@hetane]

Hipster music was not as common back then...people felt guilty to applaud it openly (even if they liked it)

[@mikejunior5825]

@@hetanewhatchu talkin about this was in the hipsters hay day

[@nctrlnet]

absolutely lovely

[@juleisha123]

This is exactly why I am subscribed to NPR. Discovering awesome music like this.

[@JMarquiseee]

Agreed; however, when you read that with "Daria's" voice it seems incredibly sarcastic...

[@grimdawg83]

JMarquiseee lol

[@HugodeFreitas]

Exactly. I just found it this channel this week and im in love. Im from Brasil and i've never heard about Saintseneca and it is a great indie folk song. We want more!!!

[@petervincent9261]

With you on that... Try DakhaBrakha if you haven't already!

[@ricomartins_]

I share the exactly same opinion :)

[@kateguillot8401]

[@RustyClantonOfficial]

Smashing

[@claytontaylor5916]

+Rusty Clanton It's always funny to see a fellow friend in a random place on the internet! hah

[@thepsychoflamer]

Rusty Clanton Why am I not surprised to see you here?

[@khethelozungu984]

XD I got it on the second look. Oh my...

[@fegit9413]

wish i could smashing that hipster chick over the head with a shovel. amazing vibes!!

[@0nionSlut]

feg it sounds like u genuinely hate women. She's way more successful than you will ever be! ALSO, I saw you in FL (2017 i think) and your music fucking sucks :)

[@tunein2522]

Saw these guys at nelsonville music fest a couple years ago. They blew my gourd open with their awesome. Later that night in the campground dance tent Mr.Mustache drunkenly climbed a tent support and did a surprise trust fall into a small group of myself and about 10 other people dancing. We danced around holding him above our heads for a minute before setting him down. Great fun!

[@jaymianderson9665]

one of my favorite bands of all time: a rotating cast of multi-instrumentalists and lush vocal harmonies. All of their albums are on heavy rotation in my world.

[@5k33k]

Since it isn't already listed in the video, the names of the performers are: Zac Little - Bass, Ukulele, Acoustic Guitar Maryn Jones - Strumstick, Bass Steva Jacobs - Electric Guitar Jon Meador - Acoustic Guitar, Strumstick Matthew O'Conke - Drums

[@antoniopadia3576]

from beginning of the video i was wondering where is the guy voice coming from. later i see the bass player lol, for his big mustache i couldn't see his lip moving lol

[@debraforbes5701]

Antonio Padia Me too

[@nightdogsmedia]

I just audibly laughed

[@666ndr]

He's got the full crazy Nietzsche

[@kirstymartin471]

Hahaha, I read this comment before I seen the bass player, that's some Tash alright

[@blueboystudios]

I was checking the comments to see if I was the only one who couldn't make out who was singing in the beginning. :P

[@sevenerowski254]

This band is ridiculously talented.

[@spoonermcgee]

One of my all-time favorite bands, everything they've done is so beautiful and moving

[@BlazerSmith]

These guys slept on my living room floor once.

[@SelfTaughtArtist1]

shoud have given them your bed

[@KH63896]

Hahaha right on, I bet they've slept on a lot of living room floors.

[@SelfTaughtArtist1]

@@KH63896 Lol . Its slumbrous parteca

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

Did your floor announce its veganism the next morning? Haha!

[@cherianivan1579]

Your living room carpet just made history!!

[@AcornFox]

Maryn played in our living room back in like 2008 or something. So happy to hear her voice again.

[@liamkeith2315]

Vincent Van Gogh on Bass

[@Guitaristscreamer]

Liam Keith He really developed an ear for music

[@psilocybino5732]

Met nog 2 oren ha!

[@besiprimitif9513]

that was the first tough when i see this video, hahaha

[@triagunglaksono1751]

Wkwkwk

[@aprilolivan1782]

ok good im not the only one

[@oldbirdwing9114]

my sister has been to a couple of their concerts and theyre basically empty (to her advantage) because of how unknown they are, i cant imagine them staying that way for long though, with such genuinely beautiful music.

[@BLReaper1]

Punk will never live

[@bflakes]

+Bradley Rigol ?

[@oldbirdwing9114]

+brandon detraglia I'm confused too

[@johng.6174]

Old Bird Wing the only reason I know of them is because they opened for a concert I went to last year

[@johng.6174]

I've been to one of their concerts and I can confirm that, pity because this is one of my favorite groups

[@OneWhoLivesThere]

Zac Little (red hair, mustache), in addition to his playing a ton of instruments and being the consistent force behind Saintseneca over the last 15ish years, also makes some incredible artwork for their releases. And Maryn Jones, who is featured here and was only to be with the band for a few more years, has a handful of great solo releases.

[@zacharyhyde2781]

when he plays the intro to fed up with hunger like it's just whatever. respect.

[@mkgvlc4]

It really isn't that difficult...

[@samtaylor4272]

Exactly what I needed on a wet and miserable Wednesday, here in England.

[@mikeperth8027]

I came to the party a little late, but these guys are brilliant!!!

[@emmametos5636]

This is my favorite band, I heard they recorded a Tiny Desk episode and I have been anxiously awaiting it This is so great. They are so fantastic live.

[@InternationalConglomerate]

6:30 When the band doesn't give you an instrument in the song so you stand awkwardly trying to focus on anything

[@seanmatthewking]

I would have given him some close-ups. He felt so self-conscious he grabbed a broom from the office to hold 7:30

[@aquaticliving6019]

@@seanmatthewking 😂😂😂 underrated comment

[@CommercialVehicle]

someday drums may be considered musical instruments

[@InternationalConglomerate]

@@CommercialVehicle I mean he's not the drummer, drummers just chilling on his stool behind them.

[@apeirofobia]

This must be the 100th time i watch this performance.

[@buckshotandthepepperbox3042]

Apeirofobia Good stuff, I just found them.

[@Pikasde]

isd my 5th, and i plan on joining ur record for the sake of my heart and ears :)

[@pkcowzah3369]

Yes, they ARE that good

[@againcreativeless]

Cunrrently close to that figure too

[@willis94]

Just saw them live last night! Very cool band, and even got to talk to them after. Amazing show!

[@Unapologetically_human8349]

Thanks Tiny Desk crew! Another gem on my spotify upload selection! When I look it up, I feel like a music genius!

[@reconciled518]

I've watched quite a few of these tiny desk concerts over the last few days. This one surprisingly ranks near the top. I'm glad to have discovered Saintseneca here.

[@otokoboson]

Amazing, thank you for sharing this with us!

[@darellteague3845]

I'll be honest; came for the jean shorts, stayed for the haircuts.🐉

[@manstett7066]

Music like this keeps me on my feet through the day

[@malik_alharb]

Now thats a proper mustache

[@elsergeone]

2019 - Here I am.. loving this.

[@kalbunga7168]

Let's go!!!! I had yo go so far back to find this gem!!! L9ved this so much. So glad it's still here

[@alfonsuroj]

''Fed up with Hunger '' bring tears to my eyes.

[@creamstein]

Luis Alfonso Rojas me too.

[@stevengreene6937]

He looks like the Lorax

[@andt1994]

He speaks for the tree

[@TheBardWitch]

Lilf!

[@ryandominiack3693]

Anyone ever say he wasn't? Ever seen em in the same craft cocktail bar? Hmmmm...ya suspect.

[@ryandominiack3693]

Top 10 TDC'S

[@neilrandolph9353]

This made me lol

[@househereseed3352]

Nice use of the strumstick with capo....sets in the mix well...been a proud owner of one myself for nearly twenty years and havent ever seen one in a group setting like this... Loved the vibe - u guys r awesome saintseneca... Thanks for this NPR!

[@turtlemegz]

I LOVE the way Maryn feeds off Zach's guitar. Their voices together are those that only angels can make. I hope that they get together again soon! Xoxo

[@IzaNinJah]

I love them!! great performance

[@davidianbaker]

great wordplay in their lyrics; fanstastic writing and amazing compositions!

[@danlewis-leaver8247]

Absolutely flawless. Great performance guys

[@spacemanspiff4152]

Bassist playing power chords, sick

[@davidmcdonough7774]

I never knew about you guys before I saw this video. I am now a fan for good. Love the music! Thanks for sharing!

[@DHTC888]

super good, love it thanx guys!

[@laurelmonterosa7586]

chills, thankyou so much!

[@Anonymous-is2qb]

The bass line in that first song is so killer 😲

[@dregan1061]

That guy on bass must have a hard time eating soup.

[@Shotzeethegamer]

It is called a soup trap for a reason.

[@someoneelse1534]

I love that 90% of the comments are just about his moustache

[@graemeroberts2935]

A bubble tea straw, I guess.

[@fateunreal]

It's the flavor saver!

[@johnbutler7403]

Probably has a good relationship with a straw.

[@einesteine198806]

ive watched this video at least once a month for 4 years banging set

[@chrisfrederick6491]

The first time I saw this band, they were so jammin'. It was before they had a drummer, just stomping and singing their hearts out in a church rec. room. Berea Fest V, if I'm not mistaken.

[@spaghettoi2059]

The fact that he sounds exactly the same live is amazing ,,, hope these guys come by my area some day

[@peterhahn6896]

Simply great handmade music , wonderful and it makes me very happy !!!!

[@sueclarice]

I just love these guys so much. Caught them at Sunset Tavern in Seattle last year and they were just so amazing! Hope when the dark cloud of COVID lifts they come back to see us.

[@kents.2866]

Can't wait to see them

[@TheIrishmike1984]

These guys sound so good.

[@youssif9359]

Absolutely love this. Great band!

[@noneya8418]

I like their harmonies. :)

[@thatspoonybard8013]

Their voices are so unique but match so well! It's crazy!

[@alexroberts6216]

This tiny desk is the reason blood bath is my favorite song of theirs. Great stuff. Met them at a show in September last year as well - Zac is a cool dude

[@matthewfoster9816]

Really catchy, really fun, really accessible. I like this group!

[@youtubeguest6177]

This video must be old. Van Gogh still has both his ears in this

[@shaunwilliams101]

Ah this caught me off guard. I lost it for about 5 minutes at this. Thank you.

[@ilcomendante]

🤣😅☝️

[@DarwinLo]

What a beautiful voice!

[@rodolfomarinfigueroa2879]

Simply Amazing!

[@tweetybirdlover22]

Saw them live last night since they opened for Tigers Jaw (who I originally came to see). Saintseneca was amazing and had so much positive, good energy. Hope to see hem get more publicity in the near future.

[@russkendrickmartin7257]

Wow!!! Another great discovery (on my part--they've obviously already been discovered by others) of another really cool band at the Tiny Desk. Thanks for this!!! I love how they share instruments. Made my day...Here's what we'll take away from this ladies & gentlemen. "Do music your own way. You'll enjoy it more and so will the rest of us..." Thanks Again!!! I

[@banana3519]

Their albums are fantastic... Just an amazing band.

[@davidquigley7227]

Great recording.

[@jazzblasterrr]

Man seeing a band live was a magical thing.

[@Anonymous-is2qb]

Not long now brother 👍

[@nanaValente]

I saw three last week and it gave me back my will to live

[@camf8372]

Good to see a stick dulcimer. Adds a different dynamic. Saintseneca, love you guys.

[@marianne3067]

my favourite tiny desk concert * i like your music * especially the second song *

[@silenceyourvoice]

Love this so much 💚

[@banana3519]

So glad you're on hear!

[@Loreman72]

This is really charming!

[@qdancer13]

found these guys on spotify... love them. so. good.

[@Adoboman]

found then out cause they're opening for Yuck. they sound great!

[@RodolfoMarinFigueroa]

Simply amazing

[@tonifrancis2189]

Great lyrics and sound!

[@timinno]

Just stumbled across this video. What a find!

[@pbachess]

I love this formation. I wish I could click the like button for them many, many times...

[@vanlac6079]

Might be my favorite thing on youtube right now.

[@WTFA54]

I make it a point to see these guys every time they're in Pittsburgh. So happy they have a Tiny Desk

[@daphneroubini]

love their sound!

[@jayallan-eq4tq]

Deserve more credit. Incredible talent.

[@Absa7319]

GREAT SOUND

[@dannynysus]

Legend has it that if you say "Saintseneca" three times while staring at your reflection in a puddle in the forest, a pair of cutoff jean shorts will magically appear on you...possibly on top of the ones you're already wearing

[@rossasgarrow2517]

Low-key freaked me what you jus said

[@johnpalmer330]

Came here because of a 10 year old post I made about seeing them at Strange Matter in Richmond, VA. Still love their sound

[@AudreyLynn8]

Amazing!!

[@morris676]

J'adore les musiciens qui colorient instantanément mon humeur et mon esprit du jour..merci Saintseneca ! ❤

[@maestrocaron888]

Oh my goodness gracious I love that I found this band listening to one of my favorite Tiny desk: Leon Bridges, it played at the end of credits. Love it too

[@tyro5888]

That was awasome!! The end song.

[@Brianstemm]

I honestly didn’t realize he was singing until the second verse.

[@sidneyarcher1259]

It’s just his mustache singing

[@Unapologetically_human8349]

Same here!

[@nwmartin100]

I was on the same page.

[@psa1029]

Since 2015 I'm here

[@nurrochman3538]

2020 and still listening

[@ronniebillhicks]

this is unbelievably beautiful'!!!!,.............

[@enjoi625]

SO GOOD

[@betolaza8309]

Nada Simple. Muy Buena musica. Bien elaborada Felicitaciones Congratulation

[@adidas-xc4ss]

great music

[@melindaalexander5778]

Great music!

[@yurydobrin2810]

I like it so much!👍😊❤️

[@Tummis.k]

So much talent.

[@sixmonthssleep3057]

Great melodies!

[@delseshie8127]

For the longest time I thought the lead singer looked really familiar. Just remembered: Asterix! Great songs though!

[@RHP0210]

god i love these guys sm

[@BrandonTran]

Wow I absolutely love that song "Happy Alone".

[@againcreativeless]

This is the best performance I've ever seen

[@alexdesslin]

the sound is terrific ! wawwww !!