Lianne La Havas: 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.
May 5, 2020 | Suraya Mohamed -- Something special happens when Lianne La Havas performs an acoustic set. Our audience agrees; her first appearance at the Tiny Desk in 2015 is one of the most popular Tiny Desk Concerts of all time. We are thrilled to have her back, this time performing from her home in London.
She looks quite comfortable in her cozy space. I love the effect of the close camera placement; her essence penetrates the fourth wall like she's singing just for me. Lianne performed the tender "Paper Thin" and "Bittersweet," two recent singles that will be included on her self-titled new album set to drop in July. The intimacy of the performance matches the lyrics of the new songs, personal vignettes about her life and growth over the last five years. Also included in the set is "Midnight," a wistful gem from her 2015 album, Blood.
SET LIST
"Paper Thin"
"Midnight"
"Bittersweet"

[@siyethabamthembu7971]

Imagine being her neighbor and getting to hear that angelic voice everyday 💆🏾‍♀️✨

[@nikholm3823]

Yea, and there is my neighbour, a crazy old lady constantly cursing at her cats

[@ants9151]

Wonderful

[@connorgill3378]

I would probably tear down the dry-wall on my side of the wall separating our houses

[@stevomcsteve9492]

I live in a van down by the river. Can't imagine being her neighbor! I can dream!

[@RachelMulwee]

@@stevomcsteve9492 Can u come give my teenage children a motivational speech? And please be careful not to fall thru the coffee table.

[@juliansthoughts5641]

She definitely knows how to make a guitar sing like a harp.

[@mangomak1342]

julian amedmariam classical guitars b sounding magical :)

[@jazzbit100]

Iv been saying this for yeaaaars. She needs an acoustic album. Her early eps were just that and were so amazing

[@tinadube6163]

As a harpist, I agree

[@jettooo]

@@jazzbit100 she has a Solo version of her Blood record.

[@elianacorrea2505]

Totally agree!!!

[@donnor_grieve]

Man, these minimalist performances are where Lianne shines. Her album stuff is good but seem a little over produced in my opinion, and they never capture her raw talent as a performer the way this video does. This was awesome, please do more.

[@marieclaireevans]

Yes this is what I've been saying for so long. It upsets me to a certain extent when I can't get into an artist's studio work after obsessing over their live performances. On the other hand, this is the most organic connection to music that there is.

[@nushious]

I agree. Her first album was the only one which didn't sound overproduced in my opinion. but the rest don't capture her beauty at all......

[@TheVEPrice]

I totally agree! In love with the idea of an album like this! Reminiscent of Lauren Hill's Unplugged album ❤

[@Alyssaj1236]

Omg I sooo agree. I thought I was the only one that thought that!!

[@emmagoldenage]

TOTALLY AGREEEE!

[@xRedSmartiesx]

Though the audio quality is terrible, Lianne manages to pull off one of the most soulful performances in tiny desk history.

[@Koga-Ed]

I agree. But at the same time this adds an extra vibe to the intimacy of the performance and her songs. It makes it so pure this way.

[@madanhamuchineuta3157]

It’s because we wre all in lockdown and she couldn’t get proper equipment.

[@andy25piano]

The microphone didn´t do any justice to Lianne. Her voice is pure silk, like a feather floating in the air. I discovered her some years ago watching her first NPR Tiny Desk concert. I owe you big time, NPR!!

[@LynnOnVinyl]

Yeah that’s how I discovered her too!

[@marxer8665]

It’s been said before but low quality mics give a especially nice character to music

[@jorgek92]

I think she was just recording with her laptop

[@yega3k]

@@jorgek92 Yeah, or even a phone

[@subs4794]

What was wrong the microphone she used?

[@brucekeen8925]

I prefer her tiny desk concerts to her albums. Without reverb and drums , her voice doesn’t need anything else

[@theTrend7]

Some singers are just that good that they don't need accompaniment. She is definitely one of them.

[@DanielGarcia-qm7vv]

A "keen" observation to be sure 👍.

[@alexispierce3636]

I've never agreed with a comment more 👌those acoustic melodies with that voice is all I need.

[@juliamallol8059]

Completely agree

[@cris_here]

Bruce Keen very much agree. the instrumentals tend to drown her angelic aura

[@tipb250]

My dad introduced me to your music 7 years ago... he passed away this year. I’d like to think that he sent this from heaven as the perfect Mother’s Day gift. ✨

[@cherryberry582]

Young man, it sure was..🙏😇❤👍

[@cortneypayton6473]

💛

[@byeshua2533]

So sorry about your dad. May he Rest In Peace and God comfort you.

[@AyaDassai]

❤️❤️❤️

[@belindahoff9738]

❤🎶😇

[@RisingDead1000]

Incredible, a gift during quarantine. Couldn’t come at a better time.

[@jamesbronz]

Yes!

[@rebeccabrodkey]

Jona Banuelos going into the third month at home and things like this make it just a little bit more bearable :)

[@simbro4365]

lol

[@kenloose7026]

treasure

[@yannickgaubatz9436]

Wow 😮

[@michaeldillman1660]

I honestly can't decide if her vocals or guitar talent is more impressive. She is literally flawless.

[@BunzJackson]

Not to mention songwriting. She always amazes me.

[@Gootie29]

Been so numb lately. I think this is the first time I’ve felt anything in a while . Thanks for that

[@nuggets0717]

honestly, know you're not alone...life is so wild recently and her music is so rejuvenating. I watched this and was cleared of all life's stress. :)

[@neferatum]

ahhh the beautiful concept of vibrational music.. hope all is well

[@jessiecoghlan7010]

I hope you're in a better place now my friend! Sending peace and love from New Zealand x

[@yunomimystiktish7566]

Every minute counts ❤

[@FF-bs6hy]

Yes I'm too absolutely convinced she did this only for me

[@theavareh1]

Donno about first and third but she def did Midnight for me :)

[@toschka_music]

Öhm, sorry nope. She did this only for me! =)

[@shemamforage]

:D

[@FF-bs6hy]

@Esther It's so wonderful

[@GoddessY1968]

Me too ❤

[@JohnAqua1056]

Welcome back to Tiny Desk, Lianne!!! She's one of those artists who can disappear off the radar whenever she wants and will be readily accepted whenever she decides to return! Don't you agree?

[@kennethmewis4335]

This grainy vibe of recording compliments her voice so well.

[@Mustbcedric]

She makes me think I don't brush my teeth enough

[@normaflores4100]

Jajajajaja 🤣

[@TheDruidKing]

She should buy less Colgate Whitening and invest in a microphone.

[@officialsolublesounds4091]

im in bed thinking i probably should but its so comfy in headphones in bed lol

[@deadbabyjokes5319]

yo i was literaly think man i should go brush my teeth ahahah so ima go do that rigth now. tho we shouldnt allways compare our self :)

[@kimberlyshaw5691]

😂😂

[@CharlesLewis]

These home tiny desks have become the gold standard. If you can captivate an audience this completely with a guitar, a voice and phone camera...you got a real gift!! Cheers!!

[@thisiszaudi]

The fact that she is playing the guitar and singing with her eyes closed , just beautiful man ! This woman is phenomenal.

[@mowvu5380]

you've never played an instrument

[@enterthewildwood4211]

It's so rare for artists these days to be as unique as Lianne. This woman is an absolute treasure.

[@kse6909]

I wholeheartedly agree

[@domiknows90]

God it’s good to see her active again. Heaven is a Lianne La Havas acoustic melody

[@dianawinda4061]

this was a tongue twister my guy, but facts

[@anothersarah]

i’m dying for an acoustic album from her

[@gabrielmaroto18]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😻♥️♥️♥️😻🔥🔥🔥

[@PanArt_]

She makes this look way too effortless 😭 her performance is hypnotizing

[@jhaj457]

Her voice: unique. Her guitar playing: unique. She's a (musical) breath of fresh air.

[@cortneypayton6473]

She is a breath of fresh air. PERIOD.

[@thaliaridge]

Unique yet timeless

[@laurensummers5364]

like a whisper in the wind, it's her voice

[@dreamer2120]

When you listen to Lianne for 2-3 years and reading all these comments make you feel so happy for her :)

[@calebrichardson9573]

Same. I'm crying.

[@michellemastrianni7819]

I discovered her music in 2016 and saw her live that fall. Been waiting, and super excited, for new stuff to come out and man she did not disappoint. I love how glowing all these comments are and hope more people discover her magic with this new album

[@koolkatkimina]

She's been around since 2010 no?

[@aubynrhodes-lewis1494]

No need for expensive recording studios for her. If this was on Spotify I'd be satisfied.

[@davidesparon1487]

There's an app for you : Musi 🙂

[@RiohnPhantom]

FACTS!

[@mmmwithlids7089]

Her vibrato is just mesmerizing. her vibrato & head voice combined???? *chef’s kiss*

[@shalomnoelli]

i strive to be this ethereal

[@JohnSmith-nf8bi]

I STILL WATCH HER FIRST TINY DESK WEEKLY

[@xxLivvy212xx]

forget is just incredible

[@mkg578]

Same.

[@tcw00]

Complete therapy!

[@victormendes1122]

Her vibratto..... I can't. The runs in Bittersweet, the cords. I need this album.

[@d-rocky]

feels like i’m just hangin at Lianna’s place, listening to her play. such beautiful music.

[@brittanyjackson6432]

Sameee!!! These new from "home" videos that people are putting out are soo beautifully raw and intimate.🌻 Makes you feel close to them...loving it!

[@Giantist]

That first song 'Paper Thin' is about loving yourself, we must learn to love and accept ourselves. Had me in tears.

[@jonsil001]

The fact that it's her laptop mic is testament to her raw talent. Absolutely zero frills. No reverb, just voice and guitar.

[@daincidle3941]

Honestly... I'm two years older than her...But I wanna be just like her when I grow up..She is such an amazing guitarist and her voice just undulates SO beautifully. It's like a velvet curtain. Amazing!

[@samlee2562]

I almost sank in that deep vibrato 🤖

[@jerrybee566]

Such effortless beauty. And a voice that melts like butter under the sun.

[@sirzebra]

That voice melts the sun, like butter =)

[@vulgar_oregano]

I couldn't have put it more eloquently.

[@samy5102]

such an accurate analogy :)

[@jamosensei]

Her undulating vibrato melts my soul and sets me free

[@BarefootPsalmist]

Ooh, I adore this. ☺️

[@ThePerro]

I really love that song of hers, “No Room for Doubt”. Can’t believe she’s not more popular

[@fmfdocbotl4358]

People don't appreciate good music anymore. Check out the channel "colors". That channel turned me on to a lot of artists

[@gorryman]

Almost 4 mil views I’m astonished music this honest IS this popular , with how dead msm has been the last 20 years , just a lot of Commies these days that check out NPR , I hope she is making a buck with all this talent

[@wfs4227]

Yesssss honety!!!

[@ddubb8449]

I swear no room for doubt when she was walking the streets of Paris got me hooked on her I wish she would do another similar to that one... empty is another fave ❤❤❤

[@Gabfigueiredo]

I am sure she went a lot of places that showed her how appreciated she really is out here

[@aliveangela7216]

"Your pain is real, but you won't let it heal." WOW LIANNE LA HAVAS. I'm so grateful an old manager of mine introduced me to you. God bless you - love this first song. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talents. Much love

[@nataliamedina2577]

She’s just beautiful and outrageously talented

[@rebeccabrodkey]

She looks so calm and at ease playing music at her house, like we’re right in the room with her 💖

[@Humanspectrum]

Also, her house looks like it is a small apartment. It's like a cozy coccoon, don't you think?

[@rolom3]

Such a natural voice, no forcing anything. The ornamentations sound like milliseconds of heaven ✨

[@MetallicAddict15]

First time listening to Lianne. What a talented lady in terms of both vocal and guitar skills, and she seems like a very down-to-earth person too. Am definitely going to check out more of her music.

[@nmbm]

watch her og npr performance *u*

[@yeshakushwah7750]

Ohmy god u hv missed out so much! Check out the song Tokyo, lost and found, and like every song

[@sandgaijin]

Au Cinema is my favorite

[@Drose4president]

Any live performance of hers is amazing. Check out her blogotheque performance of No Room For Doubt.

[@misternell09]

She is definitely gifted. She has a lot of great music on youtube. She sounds great whether she's solo, accompanied by her pianist, or with a full band. I'm looking forward to her next performances.

[@mithelight9600]

Bless be Earths angelic vocalist Lianne ♾💓🧚🏽‍♀️🦋🍄🌸

[@louisekendralohmann6386]

I think what makes her so unique is her ability and willingness to be tender and vulnerable when singing - as well as powerful. Rare and beautiful. Wow.

[@barryb6282]

No matter how hard I play it cool, she brings so many emotions to the surface. Her voice comforts parts of me I didn’t know were hurting. Hope to one day see her live.

[@Josiah1BS]

Comforts parts of me I didn’t know were hurting!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 thisss 😭😭😭

[@jjjjake]

Her voice is so soothing. I was unaware how badly I needed this right now.

[@Pontsho000]

Tiny desk is a real plug😭🔌 So soothing 😩

[@estherlael81]

found so many dope artists through TDC

[@nprmusic]

🔌🔌🔌

[@Pontsho000]

Look my playlists are unmatched because of tiny desk 😭🔥 🇿🇦

[@simonlj1]

Not sure which ROCK I have been under, but I just discovered this musical Angel.

[@Beaut_Beau]

How can a human being be so delightful to watch and listen to, i can't wipe the smile off my face when i see her, she has such a beautiful presence.

[@bodyandskull7558]

Whoever disliked this was just upset it wasn't longer

[@cAcBethel1]

They were upset because they can't do what she does. Neither can any of their friends. Ha, ha, ha, Ha!

[@karlhohenthaner6353]

doesnt no anything about music

[@bluehalo8604]

GOT to be.

[@Kaylene__]

I think this is the only reasonable explanation...

[@christianpayette2689]

Their ears are broken... It's the only explanation.

[@3volk715]

Any of my guitarist friends like that first jam, the chords are Dm7 Em7 and Am7 all the same bar'd shape on their root note (on the E string), easy peasy, but more importantly it sounds way more jazzy and fun than regular minor chords. @8:46 you can see another jam with that same chord shape and adding in some little fillers. That shape and the minor 7ths rooted on the A string are my favorite right now and a easy starting point to playing something different than your basic major and minor chords. Happy Strumming!

[@elliotgraymusic]

pretty sure that second chord is Em7

[@MARYANNE269]

I want to learn again and play her Au cinema.. that is a dream one day I could make happen! X she plays so effortless X

[@Zeeno]

Good man

[@3volk715]

@@elliotgraymusic You are right! I should have actually counted the frets lol

[@Lalairu]

Love these chords, they sound 'special'. Can't find a better word... Plus English isn't my mother language 😅😂

[@joerickard2357]

Set list (at the time of writing missing from the description): Paper Thin : 0:00 Midnight : 5:10 Bittersweet: 8:47

[@PentameronSV]

Great job!

[@bennica7207]

Thank You!

[@seashore961]

Thank you!!

[@michiepooh]

Thank you!

[@kpdelaney6460]

5:20 WOW! That guitar playing is amazing!

[@micaelaabrahams4783]

Im grateful that music like this still exists.

[@mrrizkhan3000]

I'm glad she played midnight. Personally think it's one of her best songs

[@iDressLondon]

I love it so much too

[@FMPuppet]

I think it just showcases her range and her voice and how good she is at piano. It's like all the best qualities of her in one song.

[@AraujoMarii]

It’s my favorite, melody, lyrics, her voice, love it.

[@soldaliberdade13]

agreed

[@theavareh1]

That was like THE BEST suprise gift for me :((. My fav song of hers... well that really changes year to year :D

[@yiqiuli5327]

love her ， she deserves more attention!! Her new song “bittersweet “ is wonderful

[@animeasmey2]

Yiqiu Li ill give it a listen

[@yiqiuli5327]

caroline rodriguez yeah ~😁😁😁

[@sophiasimmons3307]

Yet another woman that makes me want to keep pursuing music. I want to sound like her someday. Also shes very pretty and I am swooning.

[@jasmurrell1]

This first song paper-thin is so special and so incredible, I can't stop playing it. Singing from souls of souls , thank you

[@WowDaniX]

I can’t stop crying her voice is amazing

[@chloe-mariek2488]

Some people are just born to play.

[@anondrof]

Chloé-Marie K she was moulded for this

[@alexanderteuman7273]

Many people learn 10 or 20 years to play likes this. i love this; my uncle learned every day, only one classic song. music is a wonderful ...

[@Nickee_Sonicjinn]

Lianne's voice is really natural and soothing. She does possess such a comforting gift. Thanks a lot, Tiny Desk staff. I wish all of you well! 💖🧡💛💚💙💜💘

[@rebeccabrodkey]

MzSonicjinn NPR has really blessed us this quarantine 💖✨

[@nprmusic]

Thank you for watching!

[@sarahteonna]

Ugh, when Lianne hits *that* note in "Midnight" 💞💞💞

[@ProfessorStrange9]

Lianne! You've got the Juice my sis, keep walking to your light, your shining!

[@goldensunnn554]

I could literally just listen to the guitar in Midnight. It's so beautiful!

[@LionOfJudahRules1]

Lianne Please do an acoustic album like this please!! Your Voice and your playing is so soothing to my soul!

[@ap11031103]

SHE is what heaven sounds like.

[@sequoyalee4443]

One of the most consistent true artists of this time.

[@catalogodefantasmas]

Every little thing she does is absolutely magic.

[@philip_wefel]

These tiny desk home concerts hit different. I miss the crowd but its right in the feels.

[@eshacooper8741]

I imagine this is what sirens sound like on the great seas. How can one resist the song so velvety and lush?

[@philippinedumas4423]

lianne's voice is a true gift, a medicine for the world.

[@jacobfoot4974]

If you like this listen to the concert she did with the BBC symphony orchestra. It's stunning :)

[@cukoopmeekerlove3746]

those bar chords, that beautiful complex picking and being able to sing as perfect as an angel..isnt easy. i see you the time and effort and passion you put in just in the way you play

[@williamharper4834]

One thing that I am looking forward to when come out of COVID lockdown is to attend a Lianne La Havas live concert.

[@yezmirsheppard-halika6892]

I'm going with!!!

[@jamiedeyes3087]

I love her albums but seeing her play and sing live like this is a real gift to us all, thank you Lianne. Love peace and unity all. Music can be our one world language 🙌🎶🎸

[@PlatonsArm]

I don’t think KZbin’s thumbs up does this justice. There should be a propose button.

[@glenmcculley9772]

That's brilliant! Well played, Sir.

[@troywalkertheprogressivean8433]

count me in #204

[@raquelcavalcante3979]

I feel you, I am very much in love with this woman.

[@julieann287]

Truly!

[@reinaldogoncalves8937]

Nailed it 👍👍

[@hopesdaughter5947]

"Midnight" is my female anthem, my mental soundtrack as I move thru the world. Just play her live concert in London in your home at night with the lights off, you will be floating to another planet. It's on KZbin. Love you Lianne, Lori 🎧💓🎶🦋🌻

[@monayfromdabay]

thanks lj 😘

[@hopesdaughter5947]

@@nendu4316 hahaha... yes I know that feeling. Namaste

[@hopesdaughter5947]

@@monayfromdabay 🙋🏽‍♀️🙂

[@xgrumx]

This woman radiates musicality hoping that watching this I *osmose* some of this *ART*

[@pierreluniere]

'I don't know what to say anymore . .' & I'm sold! Beautiful, Lianna. luv, pierre

[@glenjnr10]

Who else was amazed by the harmonics in Midnight?

[@andjelatrkulja2715]

I just want to thank NPR for being here for us :) Lianne is magical as always. ❤

[@nprmusic]

We're so happy to be here for you! Thanks for watching!

[@educatorenlightenment4684]

This young woman is so blessed with beautiful music, voice, talented artist and a very pretty face. From how she writes her music it seems as if her soul matches. Lianne La Havas, please continue to make the world a beautiful place.

[@smokinshabba]

This performance is purely perfect.

[@july821]

I find myself in you so much. Thank you for your music and your lyrics, you open for me a world where I feel at home.💖

[@Phuzz828]

She makes my hairs stand on end. So exquisite & graceful. What an energy

[@evanistrans-dimentional2092]

I met her backstage at the Crossroads Festival in Dallas, Tx. She is an amazing performer and person. Very real and down to earth. Lianne, if you read these please know, you are wonderfully a real breath of fresh air. Keep on keepin' on.

[@gableto]

The guitar is a harp in hands for she is an angel, a lovely sweet singing angel. My heart bounces when ever I hear her play.

[@doodles2458]

I'm always so blown away by her guitar skills, voice, and authenticity

[@RetroDutch77]

The melody of Paper Thin is so enchanting. I keep coming back because I prefer this version.💯

[@hopetrnr0]

That slow vibrato gets me every time.

[@thegreatestbassist]

Lianne is so very talented. Her voice has an ash sound that makes it so distinctive and sensual. Lyrics are always meaningful. Thank you Lianne. All the best from PHILLY!

[@din-zsrapdelikatessenkuche1279]

This the most beautiful thing i have heard since i got lost in 2020.

[@janelleford7461]

I LOVE HER especially when it’s just her and her guitar! Pure MAGICAL BLISS!!

[@lau7666]

If she sings with H.E.R one day....... i'll die !!

[@hay9164]

she appeared on H.E.R's instagram live one time, Im pretty sure there's a recording of it up here on KZbin!

[@willarroz6703]

@@hay9164 it is

[@katisomogaki5608]

A Tiny Desk (Home) Concert I didn’t know I needed 😩😍

[@theinfamouspokeinrichmondc3543]

After listening to this I washed the dishes and gave my Wife a foot massage. Now I am ready to be great. May everyone reading this be blessed with good health and at least $550k in your savings account.

[@eshacooper8741]

Good looking.

[@jimmybootz1277]

Blessings back to you and your family!😑😑✌✌

[@ekenekokelu13]

thanks doll!!! i second that lets hit millionssss

[@quentintaylor1016]

this is the best comment

[@cherryberry582]

amen ❤💎🙏

[@pichaliiiin]

I don't remember how I got there, but Lianne's was the first Tiny Desk I ever heard, a while ago now, and I've loved the series ever since. So you can understand how my heart jumped a little when I saw that this had been uploaded

[@Jo-annSamurai3069]

Thank you Lianne for your lovely concert. I’m in awe of how your guitar sounds. It does sound like a harp. Which I find extraordinary. God bless you. Your performance has given me hope. Not To give up. To carry on believing in our dreams for a better future.

[@nrxchito]

so incredibly brilliant. my absolute favorite "paper thin" & "midnight" live performance by Lianne ...and straight out of a home concert

[@hugopluto543]

shes beautiful and so talented i could listen to her all day

[@heliosa6714]

she's insane omg! her music literally speaks right to my heart, no thoughts, no stress.

[@johnnypasho]

Somber, yet kind and reassuring. Thank you Lianne :) Lianne reminds me of the stars of my youth - Roberta Flack, Nina Simone, Tracy Chapman and to a degree India Arie (I'm 34). They make me feel like a ship returning to harbour after a storm. Tender but strong voices. As a man, I can say these divas taught me respect to women. Sending my love to all. Stay safe! *My mask protects you, your mask protects me!*

[@Rogdog692002]

Funny that... Reminds me of Joni Mitchell. Difference between being in your 30's vs. 50's. Regardless of the comparisons though, the point remains the same, fantastic!

[@johnnypasho]

Joni Mitchell is Mom's favourite and I love her as well. But it took me longer to appreciate her. My english was good enough, but mentally I was not yet there :)

[@warcroftandry3404]

imagine being in the same the room, just in a corner listening to the vibrations of her voice and her guitar, going directly through your ears.