Laura Marling: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

In this performance at the NPR Music offices, two pieces from Laura Marling's newest record, 2011's A Creature I Don't Know, bookend a gorgeous new song called "Once." She'd never even recorded "Once," let alone released it, so consider this performance a premiere of sorts.
Set List:
"Don't Ask Me Why"
"Once"
"Sophia"
For more videos and to subscribe to the Tiny Desk Concerts podcast, visit npr.org/tinydeskconcerts.

[@PetrifiedProduction]

Laura Marling is an original. Like Joni. Nobody else quite like them. Intelligence. Beauty. Grace. Chops. Just wonderful.

[@DennisAnthonis]

***** looks like eva, sounds like joni

[@wallacemurray134]

PetrifiedProduction Just for fun, I have to tease you a bit . . . is she or original or is she like joni? Because she can't be both.

[@DennisAnthonis]

I think she meant that Laura Marling is an original, like Joni Mitchell is an original.

[@ryanbarr4910]

I hear a resemblance to Joni too. A powerful and smooth voice...

[@jeffschultz1875]

She's original. Just like her. I hope you realize the irony.

[@commuterail]

My god, probably the most perfect woman ever. I could care less that she didn't say a word, the way she connects with her music is truly beautiful. Her lyrics are beautiful. Her guitar playing is beautiful. Gosh, she's beautiful.

[@thelittlethingsudo]

If she'd been perfect she could not have made this music. Hers is not about perfection. But i understand you wouldn't change a thing about her or her music.

[@HinduNoSoy]

@@thelittlethingsudo her way of copping imperfection is perfect and that makes her perfect

[@laurenthacker7657]

her voice is so smooth i wanna spread it on a crumpet

[@sharkbait430]

Lauren Thacker This made me lol.

[@psychomaji]

with marmite I hope

[@maggienicol2977]

@@psychomaji vegemite mate

[@julesbevis6018]

love on a crumpet

[@ifinditamazing]

Learning recently that Laura and I are the same age has totally transformed my appreciation for her music. She would have been 21 during this performance, it's mindblowing.

[@laurenkd89]

That is absolutely insane - 21?!

[@AmazePaulz]

Humbling

[@accuser_of_the_brethren7816]

Always come back to this once or twice a year, she's so dialed in with this set. Her lyrics really paint a feminine picture of what the other side of love and connection can feel like in my opinion. She's a great song writer.

[@AmazePaulz]

I feel the mournful loss of rusk in every part of this set. Im here too often a year. Its too good

[@selfay8593]

Over the years only Laura has stayed as my favorite,,,,,, she is queen.

[@paulquirk3783]

Over what years? She's 26.

[@selfay8593]

She's been in the scene since she was at least 16 yo

[@paulquirk3783]

Interesting, thanks.

[@TRICOTREAT777]

I feel you. Same here.

[@AL-ur1fs]

Yes, I agree! Queen

[@plasmaWisp]

This concert is extraordinary for Laura Marling. Her voice sounds deeper than usual, and the camera angles (plus her wardrobe and makeup) make her look more mature. She's totally a Joni reincarnate.

[@mollyhunter4064]

Exactly what I was thinking!

[@wanderinggeri8477]

She's the full package; voice, chords, lyrics.

[@flemingcourt]

Laura is GREAT!

[@flemingcourt]

More succinctly, she understands what and why she is singing.

[@mozobrain]

To have such command of voice and sense of presence at 22. Yes she’s amazing.

[@sadchristopher9518]

Those opening chords bring me back instantly. A Creature I Don't Know is still such a deeply meaningful album for me. Much love to Laura Marling 🙏💚🙏

[@plasmainheartache]

she has set the bar extremely high here with this incredible performance

[@crisclucas5182]

I could listen over and over and over. There are nuances of so many other folk singers but she has her own authentic voice. Such talent!

[@mglenwright09]

Now THIS is folk music. Brilliant.

[@PamsGoingOnRightNow]

I first listened to her like 5 years ago and I still listen to her on my ipod, but I never bothered to keep up with her work, and now I've got the joni chills, I am really starving for a live show from her, now.

[@flemingcourt]

How on Earth did I miss THIS TD! Been a fan of Laura since she was about 16, but didn't notice this delightful TD concert. Saw her in concert just prior to Covid where she performs with two instruments: A voice and one guitar. Jaw dropping. Thank you Laura and best of luck with your NEW adventure.

[@Nickknackks]

She's actually absolutely beautiful. What a voice and lyrics too.

[@hollanthemusician]

Oh Laura, you are such a sweet work of art.

[@MichaelLovelight2120]

This is an intimate set with,in my opinion(time will write)THE BEST SINGER/SONGWRITER OF THE 21ST CENTURY

[@MichaelLovelight2120]

this kind of talent comes around 'once' in a generation.

[@keithrichards9034]

Michael Lovelight She's just a trendy, there's nothing special to point at here. She can play a bit , sing a bit - so what?

[@ronmimnaugh7674]

All of her music should be recorded like this instead of that overproduced crap that they release. I would buy it all in a heartbeat. It is difficult to listen to the overproduced stuff. It just isn't the same

[@TheDiceyman]

Keith Richards She's not just trendy Keith, she's a real talent, shake the muck out of your ears and forget about who's trendy and who's not.

[@keithrichards9034]

Dicey O'Reilly Is there anyone else who could play this? No, because there's no real song in the first place is there? Its not bad...

[@dccrocke]

I keep coming back to this. She’s damn brilliant.

[@jweyek]

She's also a lovely guitarist. Her songwriting is brilliant. Her voice is gorgeous. I can actually hear and understand every word. What a joy.

[@davet2625]

I've been into Laura a long time. I think she's got something very special going on.

[@nickunderwood6175]

This is the best live performance I've ever seen anyone!!!!!! Wow

[@williamlenihan7536]

Laura is almost indescribable. There are the references, similarities, predecessors but she is an island of song and spirit. I’m n love with the truth of her voice and songs.

[@msluvdmb]

Wow, you don't *often* come across a voice this rich and beautiful...it MAKES you stop what you're doing and pay attention. I'm in awe...

[@binnghulbain]

ever since I found laura marling's music I haven't stopped listening, she's awesome and everything she puts out is beautiful

[@flowersafeheart]

I knew while watching this I needed to eat some simple foods slowly with my eyes closed. Tomato slices and salty tapenaude. What a special talent Laura is. Thank you, Tiny Desk and Spotify for all the wonderful musical discovery.

[@gennasimon7338]

The guitar in Sophia always gives me goosebumps.

[@kayedramallama]

I keep thinking of Bert Jansch. The richness and complexity of guitar and voice, the complete mastery of both.

[@jedross2136]

She does a great version of Blues Run the Game, too.

[@nickunderwood6175]

Best music session I've ever heard!

[@CindyTaylorATL]

She's so amazing - such a huge fan! Her songs make me feel somehow sad and content at the same time.

[@patriciakucmanova3654]

I've been watching this for weeks and it gets even better every time. Everything about this is straight up gorgeous

[@victoredwards0530]

And "Once" is not the main song of this set; no, it is "Sophia." Musical genius. Love it!

[@jjj1951]

Having come of age with Joni, I was wondering if I would ever again see a talent who could thrill me like she did . My wait is now over. Laura is, like Joni, a true artist.

[@Yoursaffectionately]

"All I didn't know needed doing had been done" SO GOOD

[@teaandcakeordeath]

I hear Bill Callahan more than anyone else. The semi-talking thing really hammers that point home.

[@mmarquez75]

How am I supposed to ever listen to the album version of "Sophia" after hearing this?! Such an amazing song and voice.

[@harbourvioletmusic5330]

I love her low voice parts and how she plays guitar! Makes me wanna sit outside in the heat, drinking cold beer in the evening and stuff...

[@Adrianoptero]

Laura knows the meaning of beauty.

[@ellie_bellyy_495]

I definitely just cried from watching this. Beautiful voice.

[@RachelWoolmer]

Such a beautiful singer and songwriter....reminds me a lot of Joni Mitchell :) x

[@terminallyinquisitive1731]

This version of Sophia 😍😍 Gorgeous ringing guitar tone too.

[@mikewray6387]

my god she is so good, yet another british musical treasure.

[@tangerine365]

Thank you so much, I always find wisdom on her words. I needed to listen to “Don’t ask me why”

[@tarheelnation53]

Everything about this is beautiful

[@victoriao7039]

Your soul is a pearl, Laura.

[@dougzilla2237]

She mesmerizes me.

[@people235]

one of the best living musicians

[@podium918]

Like no other .she's amazing

[@workaccount1478]

Can't stop watching this. For years!

[@yetidodger6650]

I've been listening to her for 1000 years.

[@christopherscott2962]

I just found Laura Marling. I just became a fan.

[@fionariches606]

still floors me

[@sedisedita]

Laura and her guitar, is all we need

[@Mikespike44]

Awesome and so inspirational. Made me cry. Thank you

[@aqiiiiiiiil]

Intelligent lyric with angelic voice. What more could you ask.

[@AmazePaulz]

I cannot but come here. Once is enough

[@thisisjuliacosta]

Laura is so lovely! I keep waiting for you guys to host Johnny Flynn too 😭 pretty please!!

[@CindyTaylorATL]

AHHHH I LOVE her! So glad she did one of these!

[@terratrodder]

What a unique sound, a true performer. Haven't heard of her before, but will definitely check out more!

[@grahamdavies9735]

Just found this - mesmerising singing and playing talent

[@leonhind5565]

quality, thankyou Laura, remember hearing you on the radio and mentioning how you first started playing guitar on your daddies lap, a quote my dad uses a lot funnily enough is ask me no questions and i'll tell you know lies..

[@askaichin]

the recording at npr is might I say better than on the original record

[@sullivan2339]

Usually is-I don't understand how-magic?

[@deenibeeniable]

Wow. First time listening to her, & I haven't been knocked over like that by someone in a very long time.

[@kareneriksen7440]

An updated tiny desk with Laura's new album please!

[@tmp1k]

nice, one day layter and you did got just that ;)

[@KarlPlesz]

Wow. She sounds better live and solo than on her albums. Sophia is def one of my favourite songs. That voice........

[@Thetonetemple.]

i actually hear Joni Mitchell all over the place in the first piece. A poet with phrasing and space that is as easy for her as breathing. oxoxoxoxox

[@glamorgan5888]

i love people who are not so special! what if she was special? one of the greatest voices i've heard from a very long time.

[@doctor19741]

wowsa, her voice knocked me sideways, upways, downways and any other way one would care to go!!

[@larrypinkard2051]

A Breath of fresh Air in the smog of pre- manufactured bubble gum mediocrity mainstream garbage.Grateful that She shares Her Wonderful Magic with the rest of Us!Thank You Laura.

[@edbarrett5995]

Astounding songwriting and performance.

[@geanjenet]

It's not like she's doing anything new, but what she is doing is so beautiful, and I love that she uses the classical it suits her

[@moonbeanification]

She is an exquisite talent ... ♥

[@cplowman09]

I find it a shame how many people fail to even have an opinion(or time for one) these days. I love what you are doing, Giver! Thank you! @lauramarling

[@RuthlessHumor]

Such an inspiration. Hope to one day achieve a modicum of her sound.

[@ApriIka]

Once is amazing! I am floored.

[@tammiehayward7098]

holy crap, I have no words. Just tears....

[@hugabuga535]

"...I know it's not right, but it's real."

[@thatswhatchelseasaid]

she gives me crazy goosebumps.

[@lyrilljackson]

small gigs are the best for falling in love with a LM song. ONCE ftw. shoutout to LM, great job well done. Loving it. That is all.

[@BensPurdyLady]

YEAH FINALLY!!!!! Laura Marling is the BEST!

[@KServeux]

Don't Ask Me Why is my favorite! It has a oldies feel to it idk why. Love it!

[@newpurplerider9802]

Such an old soul, all the way back to her first album when she was, what, 16?

[@danielblunt8241]

+Paul Arbuckle truth

[@Dangermoose-rv6bb]

''youngest of three daughters, Marling learned guitar at an early age. Her father, Sir Charles William Somerset Marling, the 5th Marling Baronet, ran a recording studio'' ..certainly no sheltered, underprivileged upbringing, that's fo' sho'

[@copscantsurf3458]

Tears... I miss my kids

[@efebrahim]

low key the best tiny desk. simply better than anything else.

[@efebrahim]

just the understated majesty of the set. you can tell she knows how good this is

[@kappaky24]

This is the definition of beauty.

[@Teona1212]

Wonderful, I love Laura Marling.

[@TheCarrifaery]

did Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell have a love child?

[@lulupassiflora1546]

And a bit of Beth Orton

[@coialley4148]

Hahaha

[@JKDC97]

Why do people keep comparing her to Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan? Laura Marling can actually sing.

[@brunozadro177]

@@JKDC97 because Joni was amazing and nobody wrote music like Bob did. So this is more then a complimenct

[@philp521]

John K I love Laura’s stuff, but, come on, the influence of Joni’s 70s stuff-especially albums/tracks like Hejira-is CLEAR on Laura’s vocal delivery and songwriting, especially in this performance. Of course, she has her own, distinct style-I’m certainly not saying she’s derivative-but a lot of the things I cherish about Joni are also things I cherish about Laura.

[@underblix]

i don't think her voice will ever leave me

[@AureliaLambrechthey]

'Once is enough to break you.'

[@ariafalco]

she is incredible.

[@xmisunderstoodgirlx]

I was looking at my wall and my first reaction to seeing this video on there was "PERFECTION."

[@piningmartin]

Being one of the first people to see a video like this with such a beautiful performer feels sort of like waking up when it's been snowing and seeing that your footprints are the only thing in the world. (better than F1RST lol, huh?)

[@hannahtaybooks]

Beautiful story teller.

[@RaeZoladawn777]

i think there fore Laura is Really beautiful thank u dear

[@tomoliveras]

Holy shit she has an absolutely amazing and unique voice. It was completely unexpected.

[@maitri1429]

LOVE her singing.

[@nwLohmann]

so graceful.

[@arthurs4833]

Sou graceful, amazing technique

[@MrOasis316]

Laura Marling is amazing.

[@traukopalestino1]

La escuche por primera vez en 2020 y es como si hubiese nacido adulta. Amo su musica.