Benny Sings: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
July 14, 2020 | Bobby Carter -- I've never come across a moderate Benny Sings fan. The Dutch singer-songwriter and producer has maintained a cult following for over 15 years and performed in the United States for the very first time at the Tiny Desk back in 2016. He's released a couple of singles since we've transitioned to Tiny Desk (home) concerts and I felt it was the opportune moment to ask him to take part. Recorded at his studio in Amsterdam, the set list reads like an inventory of quarantine essentials, opening with "Apartment" from last year's Free Nationals LP and closing with "Music." The hook reminds me that I'm not the only one who continues to seek refuge in song. He sings, "Music help me through this / I can't do this on my own / But music help me through this / Whenever I'm down."
SET LIST
"Apartment"
"Sunny Afternoon"
"Music"
MUSICIANS
Benny Sings: vocals, keys; Adam Bar Pereg: keys, vocals; June Fermie: vocals; Bram Wassink: bass; Colin Lee: drums
CREDITS
Video By: Benny Sings; Audio By: Benny Sings; Producer: Bobby Carter; Audio Mastering Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[@danielboulton922]

So good seeing Benny on tiny desk, I think he's criminally underrated.

[@mhhealy]

1000% agree

[@kmarsokay]

Too much so

[@JakeWiped]

He Was On It A Few Years Back Already. Not Complaining, Keep bringing Him Back.

[@fcoveram]

Strongly agree with you

[@gabilll]

indeed

[@Vulf]

oof getting funky on that prepared piano

[@TheDragonsKeep]

just in time vulf

[@robertvandelft4095]

oh my, a collab with the vulfpeck and Benny would be sick. But I don't thinkthe world is ready.

[@luccarodrigues781]

@@robertvandelft4095 Vulfpeck x Benny Sings would be amazing. Can't get any more minimalistic funk than that.

[@zacharyoberdier1654]

what's up vulf

[@Jkfuegestate]

Im here for Vulf sings 🤙

[@GIRLINA101]

If The Bee Gees and Steely Dan had a baby...

[@baltimoreredbeard8100]

Sprinkle some AWB on there.

[@cjmbooth]

With a bit of James Taylor

[@mr.enigma4475]

The Bee Gees is definitely there, but Steely Dan? AWB? James Taylor?? Nah..If you can't hear The Isley Brother's, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye all over these tracks, your'e tone deaf. Pay respect to the originators of the Soul and Funk being translated here.

[@justustunes4430]

mad true

[@markb972]

Don’t forget Hall and Oates.

[@FF-bs6hy]

So that's where we are now: sitting in Amsterdam, watching the American national public radio only to discover a fantastic artist who sort of works next door... Excellent!

[@SuperMoodyyy]

Ik ook!!! Trots op de Benny

[@IreneMastail]

Yess (:

[@willemvandebeek]

hear hear

[@brilliantroads]

Benny mag eindelijk wel eens doorbreken met zijn eigen materiaal, hij heeft zooo veel goede features en samenwerkingen al op z'n naam staan!

[@cmathews5909]

FF117, Yeah, guy has been around since 2003.

[@jacknunn94]

Who else was pleasantly surprised to find out that Benny Sings looks exactly how I expected him to look :)

[@Ricardo-xi2fu]

Haha, yes I was! Really awesome musician tho .

[@GeeLove]

His voice is unique with that Bee Gees and Michael Franks flow. Excellent!!!

[@zinrau3267]

was searching for this comment

[@nitamontgomery2361]

I agree and love it

[@therondellsheridan]

with a little Simply Red thrown in.

[@cmathews5909]

@@therondellsheridan Simply Red, not much. Red had a blue eyed soul voice. After Gee said it, I can't ignore how much he sounds like the Bee Gees front man. But you explain your Red angle (other than the hair), would love to hear.

[@therondellsheridan]

@@cmathews5909 yeah robin gibb I can see, and Benny's phasing does remind me of my personal favorite - michael Franks, but I dunno, the first song put me in a mick hucknall kinda vibe. It reminded me of "say you love me" and the classic "holding back the years". but hey... maybe it's me?

[@tondesam]

The back up vocalist is exquisite

[@ignaciovenditti]

its like a soft sinth putting the perfect note

[@bddarrington538]

I accidentally clicked on this & realized this was The Universe's way to tell me "YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS"...

[@calcradden6293]

Can we give it up for the bassist

[@The1diotKing]

@@destah3269 bruh

[@wyatt-8922]

@@destah3269 major bruh moment.

[@Vousdoyou]

Is no one going to talk about June’s beautiful harmonies??? I’m obsessed 😍

[@lynxox4855]

i think its a crime that benny sings is so slept on. my man deserves so much more

[@spurts]

Love how much the girl is so loving this.

[@shadygroves8252]

Killin it too

[@cotinaspann9475]

Wow😲 His voice is so smooth and soothing. He's like an entire easy listening radio station rolled into one person😁

[@fitzgerald5032]

music... help me... through this

[@JasperHoogland]

you can do this!

[@smarmar400]

Yes! Those lines hit me hard, 'cause it's true. Music has helped me get through these past couple of years, fer sure.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Apartment* (2:42) 3:38 - *Sunny Afternoon* (6:33) 7:18 - *Music* (10:33)

[@mrpetersen7025]

The most humble platinum record ever leaned against a wall.

[@kitakhat]

I love Apartments. This might be my favorite song on Free Nationals album. I Left my City Pop vinyl at my moms and she was listening to it while reading. I became a fan. I'm an Anderson Paak fan - Free Nationals - Benny Sings that's how I got here, lol.

[@ammltr97]

So cool that he did a Free Nationals cover :)

[@cakredi4132]

Thanks for Benny Sings *we're all diggin' to the mighty Michael Franks once again.*

[@natmank92]

NPR Tiny Desk killing it lately with these artists. Keep it up!

[@nprmusic]

Thank you! We have some really great artists coming soon!

[@emmansal]

NPR Music D’Angelo??

[@gangonemfr9460]

@@nprmusic billie eilish

[@naj_z]

@@emmansal Omg that would be so awesome, but I don't think he would do it unfortunately

[@artbyvince]

Why isn't Benny at the very top of the charts? Phenomenal artist.

[@nioc00]

This is, indeed criminally underrated music. Love the understated backing singer. Drummer is not playing with ego. Bass is perfect. Keyboard is just so calm. Exquisite just about says it!

[@PPullMusic]

Benny never ceases to amaze me with his incredible talent. He makes me feel laid-back and energised at the exact same time.

[@DaleDriven]

Benny Sings!!! I’m so happy to see him here! He’s been doing amazing music for years. I hope he gets so much more recognition!

[@JDTimmerman]

yeah! BTW: He already went to NPR back in in 2012, so this is actually his second NPR gig :)

[@baltimoreredbeard8100]

I’ve listened to Benny since 07. It made my heart smile when he collaborated with Rex OC.

[@shonylclaudia7370]

discovering benny sings is the best thing that has happened to me today

[@BrydenVasquez]

Tom Misch and Benny Sings within 24 hours?? Stop it NPR. You treat me too well

[@spurts]

Yeah, Benny and Tom would be a great pairing.

[@lucasmattos1311]

@@spurts And just like that, a Benny Sings x Tom Misch single!!

[@SheenylHassan]

Benny is like a musical Dave Chappelle. He layed low for a few years, and resurfaced as a genius legend extraordinaire musician.

[@essaysbyken]

Benny Sings: if an acclaimed children's musician shifted their act to be totally relevant to people in their late 20s and 30s. That's at least part of the reason I like him so much. He's like Raffi for 33-year-olds.

[@TonyDandl2000]

Ken Lane 41 year olds too!

[@CED.Dweller]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@MegaLadyrainicorn]

you just perfectly described him!

[@hart.6230]

15 year olds too!

[@berd2460]

I randomly discovered this while browsing NPR concerts while feeling a special kind of awful. "Music" is really the song I needed to discover right now. Made me thankful that I have access to such a mass of beautiful music at my fingertips, and an even greater appreciation for how much music does for me in my life. Music really is, for me at least, both the ultimate healer, the ultimate shoulder to cry on. Thanks to everyone involved in this beautiful production.

[@DerrickJohnson84]

Love that he opened with ‘Apartment’

[@samoeson]

It’s so crazy how the bands and people that help him write his songs really inject their sounds and style in it, but all the while it still sounds so much like a Benny Sings track. Man, Benny Sings is incredible.

[@GD_-]

Super talented! I love Benny Sings x

[@cursedshit3685]

one of the most underrated

[@marcela.1433]

this is so underrated.

[@pocketsilks]

I love Benny Sings I was put on by Claudio Coello of MAN 1924 from Midrid Spain. Benny's music is so whimsicaland soulful, he's like the Michael Franks of our time!!!

[@jazsings]

Music can't get more fluffy - I adore him 💗

[@JuicyMangoes]

Its 2022 and its only now I discovered Benny! People needs to hear Benny so they can survive this period!

[@Mylovejanedoe]

Found out about him 3 months ago, so sick seeing this on here.

[@ilancardenas-silverstein525]

It's really interesting getting a more mellow Benny Sings take on the funky free nationals vibe

[@underbeatz]

I love Benni, your band, but I love your beautiful vocal backing a lot more! What a beautiful and elegant woman!

[@kerendawson7778]

I get the feeling Benny really hates talking as himself, but is really only here for the music

[@mr.enigma4475]

Yeah. It reveals how much of a put on his singing voice is.

[@pr00t33]

How have I never seen this! Ive seen Benny live and it was so amazing. Love his music

[@TehEndOfAllFlesh]

HOW DID I MISS A BENNY TINY DESK WHEN I WAS ACTUALLY LOCKED INSIDE omg ty npr

[@lulux810]

I'm so glad Benny's on tiny desk. He's amazing

[@Concentrum]

benny sings, i love this man, he behaves very much how i imagined him to

[@paulie4450]

he's like a ticket to all the chill vintage vibey stuff from yeaster years

[@TheRaginRach]

Bennnnnyyyyy I love youuuuu genius musician artist!!!!

[@johnfrancisco4777]

Thank you NPR for this criminally underrated musicians!

[@SimonJefferis]

Love everything about this one... the soft mix, the beautiful songs, sensitive playing. Bravo over and over

[@BladeMS86]

His voice is like gliding through heaven - thx NPR!

[@lc4u412]

Big fan for the past couple years but who is the angelic woman doing backup vocals 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@daniel12312]

loving this

[@smellsfishi]

his last one was so beautiful! happy to see him back

[@DrGreg28]

Just what I needed today! Thanks for lifting my spirits Benny! Thanks to Tiny Desk, NPR for ANOTHER killer mix! Y’all rock!

[@haroldarchie3859]

Benny is a full mood. Love his music.

[@andrejzizek4290]

Benny, amazing as ever! We love you Benny...

[@rcarter012]

My boy Benny!!

[@spencerbrown5767]

Ty tiny deck for such beautiful vibes. This joint real real smooth

[@EPlolz]

yes!!! so much love to the singer for these breezy harmonies

[@loveenough1]

Just love watching these guys live. Right there with them. Beautiful fragility. Thanks 🙏

[@guillo573]

IM IN LOVE WITH THIS

[@JamesSmith-pw5hf]

This guy is one of my first recs for friends that want something new

[@mimiteas]

Hey, we're not friends, but I would enjoy a recommendation or two from you, if you always recommend music that is this good... 🙃

[@triplechocolate887]

I love Benny so much

[@simonevirden2254]

What?? This guy is phenomenal. I literally said a few seconds in that he reminds me of Jamiroquai and Anderson .paak. Then boom. Bliss. I’m shocked. Benny announces the second song. Second song…co-written with PJ Morton? I’m in. and then it’s actually so fire. This is the best accidental discovery of 2022. 🥹

[@FH-np9ox]

beautiful.

[@brandonhemoi3853]

Lovely, just lovely.

[@amberjoiphillips5905]

Yes indeed, smooth music!

[@bihhhhn7762]

one of my favorite

[@mawijohannruguian8345]

ANOTHER TINY DESK FOR BENNY PLEASE!

[@imarcvv]

This is all what a great music production needs! Love it!

[@northsupakit5977]

Incredible!

[@sinae0925]

Thank you NPR music👏🏻 love tiny desk home concert❤️

[@divaaqlrjs]

so glad you’re finally getting the recognition u deserves!!!!!😍✨

[@cherron3164]

I love Benny's vibe! Discovered him on my trusty Spotify Discover Weekly earlier this year and have been hooked ever since!

[@hilliardlarkins9278]

I never heard of Benny Sings but now that I have heard him I love his music

[@AdrianPrath]

*Excellent singer!!!*

[@jurtea1]

such a great band and soothing voice

[@Darkzdaone]

Benny is one of my favourite artists

[@4477sungmin]

I love benny's songs!!!

[@zoogoozoog]

Benny's unique style is so refreshing :)

[@faicalbaracat2671]

I can't believe how great are this music

[@tay8003]

i was today years old when i found out he wasn’t american 😳 ugh ive been listening to him for at least 4 years and his accent just slips away 🥺 luv him

[@PieGaming87]

BRO ME TOO MY MIND

[@mhbackman]

I played this every morning on repeat before teaching an online ZOOM class during Melbourne's stage 4 lockdown and it'll always remind me of that! Thanks for making it a bit more bearable!

[@saariepaarie12]

This was much needed, thank you!!!

[@lilfuego6613]

Everything about this is great!!!

[@mjc-holland]

Dit is pure liefde.

[@brammanck]

please... do this more often, we need this!

[@antoniobling]

Smoooooth, I love it!

[@moza106]

I have no words🙏🏾

[@dopakojones8464]

Love Benny Sings!!!!!! Thank you Tiny Desk. Can’t wait for Lianna Lahavas

[@franciscoignaciobravocerro5160]

Wow!! My 3 favorite benny's songs. Greetings from Chile

[@cmcmc7647]

oh my god, this is so gooooooooooooooooooooooooood !

[@AlecArmbruster]

10:15 I love the keyboardist turning up the spice here, wow! What a performance

[@akmedia8206]

Jeff bezos on the keys

[@AlecArmbruster]

@@akmedia8206 They thought he was in space, but he was actually in Amsterdam

[@hogartz]

ah, finally! Benny is here!

[@ColinDdd]

backup singer reminds me of my sister, miss you much lara :)

[@bkizzle290]

one of my faves 🙆🏾‍♀️

[@benjamincoryell]

Benny is the MAN!

[@edwinvictorsuot4262]

Chill vibessss

[@widenature9321]

my fav song's sunny afternoon 😇

[@dubloid]

Love this tunes! Thx!