S. Carey: 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.
Stephen Thompson | April 21, 2022
Sean Carey's music often evokes the comforts of home, so it only makes sense that he'd gravitate to the quiet confines of a modest kitchen in his hometown of Eau Claire, Wis. This is a Tiny Desk (home) concert in the truest sense: S. Carey performs these four songs surrounded by household appliances and a handful of his closest collaborators.
Carey's fourth solo album, Break Me Open, lends itself perfectly to confined intimacy. The record came out of an intense stretch of Carey's life in which the singer got divorced, lost his father and embarked on a period of deep introspection. But it's a record about growth as well as grief.
Of course, Carey had a clear musical path to follow, given that he joined Bon Iver shortly after bandleader Justin Vernon wrote his own masterful breakup album, For Emma, Forever Ago. Now, more than a decade later, he's the one healing amid the snows of western Wisconsin, just in time for the spring thaw.
SET LIST
"Paralyzed"
"Where I Was"
"Rose Petals"
"Island"
MUSICIANS
S. Carey: guitar, Wurlitzer, vocals
Courtney Hartman: guitar, vocals
Zach Hanson: percussion, vocals
Ben Lester: synth
Jeremy Boettcher: upright bass
CREDITS
Video: Brendan Lauer and Christopher Behnen
Audio: Brian Joseph
Mixed by S. Carey and Zach Hanson
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Video Producer: Michael Zamora
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bobby Carter, Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern, Ashley Pointer
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #TinyDesk #SeanCarey

[@riley.3841]

Been recovering from a deep depression, the last month I've made miles of progress - watching this at 4 am as the next day comes, a day better than before, a day where I have a job and a place to stay and everything I need to truly live - it really made my month to fall asleep crying tears of joy as this played in the background. You never know how sounds and words can truly bring people peace.

[@fx2effects]

Best of wishes! Keep it up!!!

[@kristenjackson713]

Yes, best wishes, and I hope it continues to getter better!

[@lotusmilano]

Sending you love bud. Def the power of music

[@yoben2000]

Stay strong man, we are with you

[@fOx02400]

Riley, check out the Hip Abduction, just toss it on and zen out

[@crescendollsx]

Glad to see Sean get the recognition he deserves! He's half the reason why Bon Iver is so amazing.

[@westwalnutrecords]

Bon iver would be amazing if he stopped singing falsetto.

[@squeakeththewheel]

@@westwalnutrecords Off topic, eh?

[@lucassanchez5133]

Don’t forget Matthew on drums and Michael on bass/sax!

[@aidanfl]

@@westwalnutrecords exact opposite of the truth

[@eak_jak]

@@westwalnutrecords ты че несешь бро

[@catman2316]

Sean Carey used to play drums in my parents basement when he and my brother were in high school, I used to sneak down and listen.

[@yoben2000]

Wow, nice

[@popinga1000]

fantástico privilegio

[@joshhorner7321]

Eau Claireski

[@martakordas9324]

Hi, I'm from Poland, abroad. Ukraine, where is the war. We have a lot of Ukrainians in Krakow who escaped from the war. There is a difficult atmosphere. Your music is so out of touch with reality in a good word. It soothes, distracts from bad thoughts, is beautiful. Thank you

[@samanthadaubenspeck58]

Praying for you, Dearheart, Marta. 💖🛐💜🛐🔥🔥🔥🔥 for all of you(us)

[@livemusicshots]

Hundred Acres is a masterpiece. Thank you for this and that

[@kristenjackson713]

I always appreaciate Sean so much as a part of BI, and love how his solo music is so beautiful, gentle, soothing.

[@rolfkalb7754]

It's finally happening ! Thank you, Sean, so beautiful ♥ (@Tiny Desk: Please do Bon Iver next)

[@OwnTheCrown]

Thanks Sean and also NPR for this concert! I have been following Sean’s music since All We Grow was released. I play his songs whenever I am stressed out and it helps A LOT.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Paralyzed* (3:16) 3:43 - *Where I Was* (7:20) 7:37 - *Rose Petals* (11:30) 11:52 - *Island* [17:06 - Tiny Desk team]

[@lucaluca3816]

love this! Never knew his solo project (outside of Bon Iver) before this, will surely check his discography.

[@TiagoDnt]

His album Hundred Acres is a masterpiece

[@DanAddison]

@@TiagoDnt agreed. One of my all time favourite albums.

[@lucaluca3816]

@@TiagoDnt yes, it"s a great one. From 1st listening some of my faves are More I See, Hundred Acres, Yellowstone, Rose Petals.

[@ChubbyChicken_]

The softest songs on the internet 😢❤

[@celioguga1]

Hi. My name is Celio and i'm from São Paulo in Brazil. Is a pleasure to hear you. Thank's . And God Bless you all.

[@NathanMandjes]

No way! Met him shortly in Tivoli a few years ago. Such a great and humble artist. Bon Iver without Sean Carey would be a totally different thing and his albums are so beautiful.

[@nickprostandrandomvideos6981]

His vocal is so pure and honest it almost seems a travesty hearing it again. How can this be a performance and not just . an expression of feeling , because that's what it sounds like, and I mean that as a compliment

[@Admjoh]

S.Carey is my jam, forever. He can only do good. Doesnt hurt that he gets to spend so much time with the legendary mr.Iver too. Only expands both their endevours.

[@Rivelli77]

Its not Mr.iver. Bon Iver is the name of the band. I think you mean Mr. ( Justin) Vernon. :-)

[@MatthewNobleELT]

This desk is VERY underrated

[@Nick-dw8nd]

Beautiful Sean! Can’t wait to see you on tour in a couple weeks

[@JeanFrancoCaringi]

this is EVEN BETTER than the studio album.... terrific terrific amazing performance of every one... God Bless you all!

[@cdbassyo9132]

Sean Carey is amazing, hope to see him live once again! Been listening to him for 7 years already :)

[@metamorphe3978]

Hermoso. al punto de las lagrimas. musica que inspira.

[@moegr8ness789]

Believe me when i say i do not write things like this and now I do, I do not know what happen when i listen to this i legitimately threw up as if there was a daemon leaving my body please read that again and you all brought me back to life thank you so much i haven't even heard of you guys before but its like the vibrations you put together made natural healing if that make since keeping hope to see you guys going in my travels

[@squeakeththewheel]

2 seconds in and I hit "+Save"

[@BenjaminJLindsey]

This music guided me through the loss of my brother and son. Thank you as always.

[@mcbearch]

Tiny desk at its best! Wonderful music. I listen it after a busy day, very relaxing, thank you Sean and band.

[@pbenson56fran]

I laugh because I've played the Tiny Desk Concert so many times. Why? When I need to relax its program in my phone. I agree with you

[@HyanStevens]

such a great performance. I am so pleased that I clicked in this episode of tiny desk and find this beautiful work.

[@debmurray2734]

I absolutely love S.Carey and enjoyed the set thoroughly. Maybe next time for Brassy Sun?

[@misspbrown2566]

Let the music wash the pain away. Beautiful opening for the Tiny Desk (Home) Concert. 👍❤

[@Leticiaaoki]

Never get tired of this ♥

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Beautiful and meditative music, says a person from Sweden who never heard Sean Carey and his group before.

[@pbenson56fran]

I said the same thing. Every since I've listen I have been back. Listened on Spotify for some of his other songs.

[@pbenson56fran]

Never heard of him, but glad I have through NPR.

[@goldsmifff]

He's an integral part of Bon Iver. And if you've never heard of, or listened to Bon Iver...I am excited for you to listen to them for the first time.

[@pbenson56fran]

@@goldsmifff okay. I must say I will do that. Thank you

[@pbenson56fran]

@@goldsmifff well I did listen to Bon Iver and had a smile on my face. Thank you for the suggestion. Bon Iver's name came up of these on American Idol. I never thought about finding the artist's music. I love NPR's Tiny desk for new journey's of music. (smile)

[@sagvTV]

Beautiful

[@Naomi-ow5pm]

I’ve been following you guys for such a long time! So glad to finally see you here😭Waiting for you to come to Japan🇯🇵❤️🙏

[@muzaakamidiastono2854]

Every great musicians always make their live performance better than on the record...

[@어제본돌고래]

I needed this today. thanks Sean.

[@AngeliqueMdePaz]

Absolutely beautiful. So full of peace. Thank you!!! 🌞

[@BenTheThird]

What a treat all the way from the Chippewa valley

[@geoffforduk]

Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh. And relax. Beautiful.

[@daphneylezama3662]

Beautiful music 💕

[@VicenteeYM]

It feels so heartwarming, thank you for this!

[@MistressOP]

I had no idea this was here. I'm thankful!

[@marcbrousseau4539]

Really beautiful music!

[@Snowboardbound]

So thankful for Sean

[@ailasoral]

finally!!!!!! i just wish we could hear hundred acres 😭💗

[@wahalaboy2787]

Great music man 🔥 love from Nigeria 🇳🇬

[@WillamNasution]

Thank you NPR! God Bless Sean Carey!

[@poppydaniel]

This is beautiful!! Thank you.

[@joshhorner7321]

Eau Claire legend

[@justadad2304]

S. Carey good!

[@paulfield784]

Range of Light is my island of peace and calm...

[@bdpatton2]

2009 In the Stream is my favorite song of theirs and reminds me of the golden age of the internet before social media was as dangerous as it's become (i.e.: Tumblr)

[@A.F.Chimes]

bring the performances back to the tiny desk!!!!

[@2stepsforward4stepsback]

Best "home" tint desk I've heard 🙌 👌 😍

[@hvybones]

Tears.

[@kagillogly]

What a voice!

[@LAVISHING]

Thanks Sean! I can’t wait to play with you in person sometime! I’m thinking about recording in Wisconsin sometime in the future!

[@korosekills]

I'd be lying if I said this didn't make me cry a little, just a little 😭

[@brandonyttri459]

Wow, beautiful. It sounds like this album may be their best work yet.

[@pbenson56fran]

I had to come back to listen again.

[@leonardovalenzuela673]

Beautiful ❤

[@YPVISA]

Love Sean, love Bon Iver and all the musicians that contribute - so many beautiful tracks, looking forward to a new Bon Iver album soon 🙂

[@tannerhackwith2262]

Based on the video's chapter titles, I was really excited to hear a new TinyDesk exclusive song called "S. Carey Island".

[@alfredclausen1991]

So amazing

[@Juewz369]

Peace Love & Light

[@erikadanielle3272]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@dahsaw]

Very good compositions, presentation. Congratulations!

[@lauriebradley8295]

Great space❤️

[@ronshina4022]

0:01 - Paralyzed 3:43 - Where I Was 7:37 - Rose Petals 11:52 - Island ========== Rose Petals ========== I woke up and was wallowing I run from it every day I started making sense of it At least that's what I say Hiding in the rose petals Holding only what you know Hanging from the pedestal Hinging on whether you should go We're back to where we started Our backs against the wall And you're tracing your old steps Like you said you wouldn't do Hiding in the rose petals Holding only what you know Hanging from the pedestal Hinging on whether you should go Hiding in the rose petals Holding only what you know Hanging from the pedestal Hinging on whether you should go

[@MsBillygoatgruff]

So good 😍

[@alanaluzmusic]

so beautiful

[@koochin]

Wow!

[@moegr8ness789]

honestly i don't feel like drinking anymore after this

[@thomchris2]

It's brilliant! I feel so inspired, and for some reason, I have just written a song about how much wallpaper and ceiling need paint in an open D tuning!

[@thedeeprot]

🎧🎧🎧

[@KsMug]

Best

[@catransom3912]

Island............... aaaahhhhhhh

[@WillSamson]

🙏🏼👏🏼 so good

[@condimentking414]

This is cool! Sean Carey totally derserved his own Tiny Desk Concert. So... now Bon Iver is missing, right?

[@kristenjackson713]

Meaning Bon Iver should do a Tiny Desk? That would be awesome, but their NPR concerts rock.

[@condimentking414]

@@kristenjackson713 Yes! The one from the '22, A Million' tour totally slaps!

[@guaranteedhabit]

So beautiful. Great songs and elegant perfomance. Anyone knows what the percussive instrument is called that can be seen at 7:46?

[@ryancohenmusic]

See you tomorrow in Philly Sean, sounding better than ever.

[@DipsetBabiizz]

💕💕💕💕

[@krupboom]

Check out Courtney Hartman's solo stuff too

[@irmasiahaan1154]

Keren banget music nya. 👍👍

[@Nickee_Sonicjinn]

S. Carey! I like his music a lot but I’m teaching a kid on the zoom class=.=

[@jonnespalugan7984]

😍

[@nicolasmontenegro3625]

🧡🧡❤❤💛💛💚💙💜

[@Bananaofpeaches]

Muy mono

[@CoreyRobison]

Can anyone help me out with the chords for Paralyzed?

[@taasinbinhossainalvi9173]

Following

[@elisehmn]

New f****** discovery

[@조원준-h3f]

That prophet sound......

[@StanislavBoyko]

Great, very melodious and beautiful, and now get out of my kitchen, I'm hungry))))). But seriously really great music. hello from Russia

[@genieboots4269]

What Microphone is Sean singing through?

[@genieboots4269]

In case anyone else was wondering I figured it out. Likely a C12 or 251 large diaphragm microphone.

[@Scotteth23]

The music wasn't my thing... very nice but not my thing but I watched the entire video desperate to know what happens to the potato. It may be incidental (who knows these days) but it's certainly an effective marketing tool to just place a potato in the shot and create a deep sense of intruige that ultimately holds the viewer to the performance until the very last frame.

[@111-d1t]

ㅆㅅㅌㅊ

[@samframe3779]

Try at 1.5 speed. I think it sounds great.

[@Carlos-bo5kx]

Paralyzed lyrics please? : [

[@zacstaffiere]

one more tong

[@長男ネイチャー]

1

[@seashley8931]

He sounds kinda mono..he’s great with harmonies tho. It’s just his voice alone doesn’t have much of solid/steady presence

[@JM-fo1te]

Why aren't they wearing masks?

[@rrich52806]

Why is no one wearing masks in Ukraine?

[@NathanMandjes]

Or just appreciate this music.