Samia: Tiny Desk Concert

Stephen Thompson | November 8, 2023
There's plenty of curious timing in Samia's Tiny Desk debut. For starters, this was the final Tiny Desk concert produced by Bob Boilen - he came in for one last Monday to accommodate the performance - which meant the singer-songwriter had to endure the reluctant tributes paid to Bob as she waited patiently to perform. Then there's the timing of Samia's song selection: All five of these tracks appeared on her terrific debut album (2020's The Baby) and not this year's equally magnificent Honey. Which is saying nothing of the fact that Samia is actress Kathy Najimy's daughter, yet we opted to run this performance a full week after the conclusion of Hocus Pocus Season! What were we thinking?
Fortunately, Samia's set nevertheless provides a stunning showcase for her charisma, vocal talent and deftly detailed lyricism. She possesses a remarkable knack for specificity in her songwriting, which finds her name-dropping her favorite bands, recounting conversations in devastating detail and even shining a light on songwriting itself. ("I only write songs about things that I'm scared of," she sings in "Is There Something in the Movies?" before adding, "So here, now you're deathless in art.")
Taking advantage of the Tiny Desk's quietude, Samia and her band chose to focus on the more subdued side of their sound, even deploying the sample of her grandmother that opens "Pool." As a result, it's easier and more rewarding than ever to hang on her every word.
SET LIST
"Is There Something in the Movies?"
"Big Wheel"
"Winnebago"
"Triptych"
"Pool"
MUSICIANS
Samia: vocals
Sam Calvo Rosenstone: keyboards
Boone Wallace: guitar
Ned Steves: bass
Noah Rauchwerk (Wormy): drums
Alycia Lang: background vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Maia Stern
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Audio Assistant: Hannah Gluvna
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Photographer: Michael Zamora
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Hazel Cills
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #nprmusic #samia

[@nprmusic]

Want to play your own Tiny Desk concert? Unsigned musicians, enter the 2024 Tiny Desk Contest between Jan. 23 and Feb. 21. Learn more: npr.org/tinydeskcontest.

[@blackout07blue]

Tiny Desk concert is just a concert for the most privileged goofballs imaginable at NPR/PBS.

[@ztuxilef5533]

Drummer has the craziest groove-face during the saddest songs i love it

[@roach3076]

that’s how you know he’s a drummer with great feel. he’s probably not even super aware he’s doing it while he’s playing but it’s what helps him stay focused and keep a good feel going

[@fabe61]

In the KEXP live session he's great there too - looks so hyped whenever Samia hits her notes on emotional peaks

[@rickg8015]

Jonah Hill-Face…

[@ofallthingsali]

@@rickg8015 no

[@BlueberryCrisis]

I HADN'T EVEN SEEN IT, NOW I'M HOLLERING

[@Not_A_Crook]

Nothing better than seeing a tiny desk of an artist i like. It’s like a concert I can always go back to.

[@duncanseltzer3211]

real

[@jackhazen3311]

Seriously tho 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@user-eu3hk3fq8c]

yeah bro..

[@gab_a_gool]

That Pool performance just proves why it’s her best song ever.

[@stevenpam]

00:00 Is There Something in the Movies? 04:58 Big Wheel 08:31 Winnebago 11:44 Triptych 15:30 Pool

[@Kaiterss]

Pool will forever give me chills. Samia has a powerful voice/presence.

[@wykowski]

“HOW LONG DO YOU THINK WE CAN SIT HERE BEFORE WE HAVE TO MOVE” 😭 17:09 I wish I could always feel that feeling

[@WillNorrisSmile]

I've never heard of Samia before this, but WOW she is incredible. The whole band is too. Triptych is awesome!!!

[@ralphb.d.6872]

Pool is my favourite Samia song! I'm Lebanese, so the recording of her grandmother singing a lullaby for her was so comforting 🥲 Real happy about this tiny desk ^^

[@libbygrace_]

Samia has been one of my favorite artists for a couple years now, and I’m so thrilled to finally see her on tiny desk. And she killed it- this set really highlights her incredible lyricism and stunning voice ❤

[@syd2248]

Got so excited when I saw Samia. This didn’t disappoint. Her vocals are so angelic yet raw. Loved hearing my favorites, Big Wheel and Pool. Pool was one of my pandemic songs. It is such a comforting song. Especially enjoyed the parts when the band joined in. Beautiful performance🤍

[@biancasbookishadventures]

yes pool and the whole baby album was such pandemic comfort for me as well. super cool to see her on tiny desk

[@graceida]

the first time i saw samia she opened for hippo campus in NY, 2019. she really sparked my ambition back up when it came to my creativity/self image. her performance showed me how absolutely raw and unapologetically soft but boisterous it’s okay to be…. how much you can sparkle even within a reality that seemed so dark at the time. 6th time seeing her this year open for boygenuis… the further away i get to watch her the more grateful i am. thank you, Samia. thank you, Tiny desk. ❤️

[@allyson--]

That's special, glad to hear she helped re-open a part of yourself

[@julessadie6318]

one of the most beatiful lyrisits writing right now. I fall more in love with Samia everytime I see her perform

[@meganbelch2924]

i’ve loved her for so long i’m actually estatic that she gets this opportunity. nobody deserves it more.

[@iamaconcretewall]

an absolutely spiritual performance of pool & triptych. samia & her band are truly talented & this album will forever remain one of my favorites

[@simon-b]

No way! Bob Boilen retiring from NPR, what incredibly sad news! Thanks Bob for all your hard work over the years, you have inspired many and wish you all the best! I had never heard of Samia until now, she unbelievably pretty, and has a beautiful voice, the whole band is awesome. What a great set to end on for Bob.

[@IbokRock811]

I was about to say!! Thank you Bob for everything!

[@AmitKohli1]

I also hung on that! Wait, so who's taking this over? Hopefully it won't die? Thanks Bob for your hard work, I've found some of my favorite bands through your work. Not only that, I've discovered new dimensions on bands I already loved, so congratulations on having discovered a scalable intimate way to explore sound. Thank you!

[@justadad2304]

I know I'm late to the party but holy gosht... what happened? Who authorized this? No way Bob can go anywhere or be part of anything other than Tiny Desk! I'll sign any petitions anyone creates to stop this madness...

[@remyhii7917]

I have never wanted an encore more from a tiny desk concert

[@Umbreonnightfall]

This is the holy grail of youtube videos for me. I have been following Samia for years before she released her first album. Iv seen her in concert twice and I have been loving tiny desk concerts for so long. The fact that my favorite artist is now performing a tiny desk concert blows me away. Congrats Samia on all of your success, I could not be more excited for the future as a fan of yours.

[@sophiet167]

her playing winnebago is such a treat i love that song :') she never fails to amaze

[@keyanhardman3377]

Each song's unique tiny desk rendition was so good!!! Need this as an EP release. Also Pool was just incredible I love her sm!

[@pokey123457]

this is the greatest rendition of pool ever, wow.

[@jbecknc]

Loved this. Another great group that I had not heard of. Hats off to the great Bob Boilen. His work on Tiny Desk has really been important in showcasing the wonderful diversity and excellence of the musical talent that is out there today.

[@xHektorx]

It's a good thing they're so talented, because this was my introduction to the fact that Bob Boilen is retiring! I hope the Tiny Desk Concerts continue - it's one of few ways I can discover new artists as an old nerd!

[@akamolls]

I’m so thankful to live on this earth at the same time as Samia (and her band)

[@emmacarroll12]

I could listen to every song of hers every day for the rest of my life and never get sick of it, thank you for immortalizing some of the baby in this video forever

[@poetics1725]

“Big Wheel” is an absolute jam.

[@KevinMerinoCreations]

A pair of golden voices paired with the good vibes from the band members ... a great start to an early day! 👏👏👏

[@herrvierkoetter]

Dear Bob, so often you made my day, and for so many years, with the incredible diversity and quality of the tiny desk concerts! Thank you. ...and thank you, Samia, you, your songs, and your band are awesome.

[@broookepap]

Her sincerity❤ so happy she gets to share her gifts and light with the tiny desk audience, it means so much to her. Always awestruck by how her humanity shines through when she’s performing

[@chloecodner3486]

This is the first tiny desk concert that has made me have a full on chest-shuddering cry. Love her so much

[@alexandrawatkinson2691]

she sounds incredible, her voice and energy while performing live has so much depth to it. would love to see her in concert one day, such an incredible talent

[@amarakatara7836]

been looking forward to this one since starting to listen to her stuff years ago! her vocals and lyrics are so raw, emotional, and real... you really feel everything she's singing. can't wait to go back to this tiny desk over and over.

[@augustaskuprys6289]

Woah stupendous performance, got goosebumps throughout the video.

[@mitchelpaulus4078]

Triptych is so good. Also spectacular on her KEXP set.

[@karladrianza5825]

seen her live three times now and she’s even better in person!!! so glad she got this opportunity, she really deserves it ❣️

[@madelinejr]

Big Wheel has been one of my favorite songs of all time for years. I love Samoa and love the artist's Tiny Desk has been showcasing recently!

[@Nookinfashion]

It’s crazy seeing her sing it live. It gives me more appreciation for the lyrics. I welled up with tears a few times. So amazing

[@rmk1686]

THE BEST TINY DESK YET!!!!!!! so happy to see samia get the love and recognition she deserves :’))) thank u thank u thank u npr

[@benadamclimer671]

I got chills just hearing the chords at the start. 🥲🥲🥲 This is so beautiful!

[@nikolarossova3932]

same, immediate tears 😭 ❤

[@starskyhutch988]

Thank you, Bob. Your years and years of dedicated work on Tiny Desk have made it such an influencial force in all of music. Personally, this series jas opened my eye to some of my favorite artist and some of their best performances. I will treasure these concerts for years and years. I hope one day i can purchase the seasons or years digitally, on vinyl, or any other medium for that matter. Thank you, and enjoy retirement!

[@OGBellamii]

“Samia samia, O’ my eyes, samia beautiful and so nice” ♥️

[@Sunny-Muffins]

Holy smokes!! Josh really hit this one out of the park. I've never heard of this artist but that band sounds brilliant!! Well done! ❤❤❤

[@ItsJustJessi]

Absolutely love when the whole band harmonizes vocals

[@marrow94]

I love you NPR, Samia and Samia the band. This has been an incredible surprise! Big Wheel has been my introduction to Samia back when it came out and now The Baby is among my favourite albums ever. Thank you!

[@yourewrong154]

Easily one of my favorite artists for the past few years! So glad to see her get a tiny desk, even if we don’t get anything from the new album!

[@meladieh3542]

I’ve been lucky enough to see pool live a few times and I’ve never been the same again. This album means so much to me

[@elliegood7547]

i love samia more than anything. very lyricism and voice i’ve been waiting for this tiny desk!! yay queen samia

[@JamesOKlippel]

So surreal to see this. Played on a bill with her back in 2015 at Webster Hall. Now she's on Tiny Desk. So weird to see someone I've met on here. There's also a bass player that did a Tiny Desk that I know. Super weird. But strangely proud

[@Musicmaestro2023]

First time listener . Her voice has a lovely tone . Beautiful harmonies . Band with a full sound are a great accompaniment. Enjoyed her sound . Thanks Tiny Desk for showcasing great talent .

[@bonjourclaud]

I have this on loop - it's definitely making my top tiny desks list!

[@LawrenceBraun]

this set is all about that drummer and dont you forget it

[@allemander]

This was a new discovery for me, having never heard of this artist. I’m glad I found this as I enjoyed it very much. A very moving performance I will be sharing and fondly remembering.

[@Bagsy454]

Ugh thanks npr for reminding me how much I love this album. “The baby” got me through some dark times and I’m forever grateful to Samia and the team who created this masterpiece

[@amnahazeem3243]

Samia has one of the most pure voices, her emotions are so expressive when she sings

[@duartee.4798]

1st contact with Samia and her music. What a natural.. |smiling| Definitely made an impression. Thank you NPR. (yet again!) Thank you Bob Boilen! Salutes from Portugal

[@BlueBass2]

all of Samia’s discography has been lovely to explore in the past few years. she killed it in Asheville earlier this year and i can only hope she comes back! what a super tiny desk

[@permutationlock]

I'm sad that she didn't sing anything from Honey since that album is a masterpiece... But still awesome to finally get a Samia tiny desk!

[@rmk1686]

I was wondering why she didn’t sing anything from Honey!

[@rafi9594]

Fr! Kinda disappointing

[@wykowski]

Meh I’m in love with “the baby” I don’t ever think I’ll get over it

[@JackPronto]

Whats up with that? Was sooo looking forward to a Honey song... so disappointed :(

[@sommerjohnson9129]

Right!! Wanted to hear breathing song, that song is a masterpiece in itself but this was still amazing

[@davidguison8141]

i love this woman so much. made me cry with this tiny desk concert. im sobbing

[@otismoore1491]

Love Samia. Pool and something in the movies are such great songs

[@sponks_]

THATS MY FAVORITE ARTIST!!!! LOOK AT HER GO!

[@ForevaNebula]

Never heard of this group before, but took a chance and I'm REALLY, REALLY glad I did. 😌😊❤️🔥✨💕

[@bl0nde4lyfe43]

been waiting five years for this!!! what a joyous day

[@kimmycola18]

the drummer has amazing facial expressions

[@jamesconte5980]

Pool has never failed in making me tear up

[@alliwedman3147]

finally getting her bag!!!! Big Wheel was my top track in 2021!!! Waiting for this one FRFRFR!!!!

[@cheekynative]

Not sure what I just watched but I am FLOORED. Simply beautiful

[@skidogleb]

How does she sing this without bawling!? Love from Utah 😭

[@mayairving1078]

I cried 5 times listening to this 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@fletcher447]

justice for Honey!

[@periwilliams]

i have watched this COUNTLESS times. samia and the crew are amazing, i’d love to see her grow in popularity. thank god for pool and triptych, idk where id be without them.

[@ivanheffner2587]

I’m glad I decided to watch this Tiny Desk. Farewell, Bob. The Tiny Desk series was a wonderful idea born of a terrible SXSW experience and we have never been more appreciative of someone else’s bad experience to create a thousand more great experiences. Tiny Desk has introduced me to many wonderful artists over the years. This is yet one more great experience to come from that one noisy venue.

[@Noorpnw2]

Samia is amazing I’m so happy she is getting to be on platforms like this . She is one of my favorites and deserves more recognition 🩷🩷🩷

[@sara1857]

every time i hear samia sing it’s like the first time her music and her voice and her presence is unlike anything i have ever experienced my soul is always transported to another realm. so proud of and happy for her!!! ✨✨✨✨✨🩷

[@Erinnestatic]

This was a beautiful performance by the entire band!

[@ly-pe2nh]

Triptych is one of my favorite Samia songs and this performance makes me love it more

[@ly-pe2nh]

me too!

[@lafe]

The drummer is living his best life, and I am with him.

[@mattlinz9834]

If you like this concert and are new to Samia, I highly encourage also checking out her song Minnesota and all the songs on her new album out this year (Amelia, Honey, and Sea Lions are some personal favorites).

[@zachmarhanka8937]

I met Bob at Samia’s tour stop in DC last February. It was already special to meet him, but now more so knowing she is his last Tiny Desk guest.

[@Kate-wj6yj]

great performance, as always. drummer has a great smile

[@Chlogenius]

I love HER and I LOVE this ALBUM ENDLESSLY BUT WHERE IS THE HONEY REPRESENTATION

[@user-sg4oz9kt9i]

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.

[@plato.]

i been waiting for this!

[@griffinmcdermott1151]

Dude on the drums is FEELIN IT

[@bluesclueslovers123]

Best moment of my summer was meeting her! Love you Sam 😭😭😭😭😭 this is amazing

[@neilost86]

What a great artist! Such delicate but daring notes.

[@gauravkapoor2902]

Isn't there some NPR policy that prevents Bob Boilen from retiring? What is NPR HR doing? What a legacy though - his work will continue to bring millions of people together...forever!

[@DannyMan3616]

now imagine this but live…she’s amazing I miss her sm

[@killahwhaleduets1998]

Such a lovely atmosphere, would have loved to be in the audience ❤

[@ryndesu8299]

never been so excited for a guest

[@joaquimds]

been waiting for this tiny desk since covid-19... thank you npr 🙏

[@Yeshellothisisshe]

So happy to see how far she’s come and how far she’s going

[@stantheroyman]

"I only write songs about things that im scare of so here now you're deathless in art" i FEEL THAT

[@emily-js6gn]

I’ve been waiting for this moment and it didn’t disappoint!!! I love Samia sm stream Honey!!!

[@artbonacorse3000]

POOL is literally the best song in the whole world

[@Heyheyheyjackson]

She’s magical…

[@LG-pv8se]

ive been waiting for this one!!

[@isabelleaeng]

Beautiful! So happy you guys had Samia

[@kiraaindow]

I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE

[@adelewilliams4209]

oh. my. i got chills this is incredible

[@justadad2304]

This session just got more and more beautiful as it went on...

[@Feliponcionye]

I love samia ❤