Alex G: Tiny Desk Concert

Marissa Lorusso | December 7, 2022
"I don't have a lot to say," Alex Giannascoli, who performs as Alex G, says with a laugh after his first song behind the Tiny Desk. Judging from his discography alone, that's not something you might ordinarily accuse the Philly singer-songwriter of: nine full-length albums in the last dozen years, in addition to a couple EPs and a film soundtrack. His prodigious output of melodic, peculiar indie rock has earned him a cult-beloved status. True, he got to play guitar on a couple Frank Ocean tracks - but for a more accurate indication of the fervor of his fanbase, turn your attention to the internet: the hours-long playlists of unreleased Alex G demos painstakingly assembled by fans on KZbin, for example, or the raucous chatter among his fans on message boards.
At the Tiny Desk, Alex G and his band dialed down the volume for a handful of songs from across his vast discography. They started with a couple songs from his stellar new album, God Save The Animals, and also played some deeper cuts: "Gretel," a wonderfully creepy track from 2019's House of Sugar, and "Snot," the closer from 2015's Beach Music. Under the layers of electronics, experimentation and vocal effects on Alex G's studio records, you might lose sight of Giannascoli's primary strength as a songwriter and the emotional core of his music. But at the Tiny Desk, the stripped-down sound only underscored the sturdiness of his craft - no explanation required.
SET LIST
"Runner"
"Miracles"
"Gretel"
"Snot"
MUSICIANS
Alex Giannascoli: vocals, guitar
Samuel Acchione: guitar, vocals
John Heywood: bass, vocals
Thomas Kelly: drums
Molly Germer: violin, piano
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Marissa Lorusso
Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Pierre Kattar, Sofia Seidel, Alanté Serene
Audio Assistant: Natasha Branch
Production Assistant: Jill Britton
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Hazel Cills, Kara Frame, Ashley Pointer
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #nprmusic #alexg

[@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.

[@joebonen353]

I saw Alex live and I yelled for him to play Snot. He looked at me and asked what I said. I said play Snot. He said ok, this ones called Snot and then proceeded to play a different song and everybody laughed at me.

[@ryanschaepkens3889]

W Alex

[@julyboy66]

F

[@Wvymoo]

I’ve seen him do that on multiple occasions 😭

[@senylalala]

that is such an alex thing to do

[@sluggibammy]

This comment sounds like an Alex G song

[@rexsupreme515]

this is the highest quality of alex g we will probably ever get

[@joshuadewe1116]

i definitely enjoyed this, but that is a bold statement

[@drewhurley5822]

The set he did for The Current is also a really high quality recording. Would recommend checking that out for some nice live versions of the god save the animals songs

[@thomdotexe]

@@joshuadewe1116 think he might mean in a hi-fidelity recording way

[@blackroses6315]

same thing with car seat headrest

[@andreastherapper]

he literally has hi-res music available

[@cameronbrosius6941]

He's really on the professional grind for this album

[@laurensevigh]

So true bae

[@syl5047]

fr

[@dilute734]

i grind for this album

[@rakimhinds6388]

Saw him live recently. Really solid live show, and the band seems really tight and in tune, which probably makes things smoother as an indie artist.

[@smellsfishi]

genius lyric video next

[@burgy_]

Must have been so hard to choose four songs for this set, so many gems in his discography.

[@sharkskeepmoving495]

I know and he picked these..... blah

[@runeschoenberg]

@@sharkskeepmoving495 to be fair these are some phenomenal songs and he is still off of his new album craze so

[@masonchase4599]

@@sharkskeepmoving495 bad take. these songs rock

[@RobertSlover]

zzzzzz....

[@hristoad7443]

@@sharkskeepmoving495 Gretel, snot > runner, miracles

[@kurtlo-mein1512]

alex not knowing what to say the whole time is so funny

[@coop_0128]

Can’t believe he cloned himself to play the electric guitar too, massive dedication

[@annarobertson4596]

genuinely thought it was him when I saw them all live ngl

[@dipski6321]

I saw him live in November and when the guitarist walked out everybody started cheering cause they thought it was Alex

[@sansisntness]

sam looks more like alex than his own brother

[@chumplunge4628]

sandy clone jutsu

[@Spacegeezer]

@@dipski6321 they were cheering for Sam.

[@YungKlausSchwab]

Such an authentic artist/person. Pure 21st century Americana. We love and respect him a lot here in Japan.

[@stevenmanley7157]

Cheers from New York! That is a good description... pure 21st century Americana. Have you listened to the latest Big Thief album? I would use the same term to describe that album

[@Milk-jy1kn]

Alex is loved and respected in every corner of the world

[@calmao666]

the g man got its fair following here at Chile too! music full of honest raw lyrics and soul moving tunes, impossible not to love

[@Kcasadont]

@@stevenmanley7157 agreed!

[@fabriciofigueroa4431]

much loved and respected in Brasil :)

[@serpentislord]

this snot performance is heavenly

[@crimpingenthusiast]

honestly i prefer it to the album version

[@bennett3432]

@@crimpingenthusiast slow your roll bucko

[@evolution0fself]

Snot easy to pick between them

[@endikarizutama5163]

indeed!

[@alistairsedgwick8295]

I am wetting myself for this

[@Richard__Cranium]

I graduated high school with Alex and Sam. Knew both of them since 6th Grade. It's surreal to see how far they've come but I'm so incredibly happy for them and all their success. Two of the nicest, chillest guys you could ever meet. Much love.

[@beckyc1904]

Aw that’s lovely to know he’s kind! Thanks for sharing

[@davidcryptt]

thats so awrsome

[@Spacegeezer]

Nice man

[@opath6699]

This is so awesome to hear!

[@maxwellvasquez21]

have they both been so passionate for guitar as long as you've known them? I tried speaking with sam briefly after a concert but couldn't get much QnA LOL

[@user-ye3dg7yl9l]

0:00 - Runner 3:30 - Miracles 7:25 - Gretel 10:32 - Snot

[@nikobussell]

you’re a true hero

[@RobertSlover]

zzzzzz....

[@Anthony-ed6ed]

Real one

[@codyavilez9518]

Love the version of miracles

[@sleepy9082]

Thanks for the time stamps ❤❤❤

[@esteraraujo2906]

I love Alex. Not hearing him do the scream in Runner did break my heart a little, but this is still a gem

[@lakeroswell]

it's probably hard to do it properly while sitting down. he did it on his late night appearances

[@jackdandy]

I love any change tbh. But I do love that scream. I think it's partly why I like him since much, random extra Lil things like that.

[@987kpop]

NO FKIN WAY!!! TINY DESK HAS BEEN POPPING OFF WITH THE ARTIST CHOICES THIS MONTH 🔥🔥🔥😤😤

[@vVincent.]

ikr also beabadoobee

[@imariot6112]

no they are all so boring zzzzzz

[@vVincent.]

@@imariot6112 ok

[@IamSillyPilled]

@@imariot6112 then why are u watching it

[@ebbtide4233]

And now the smile too

[@charlottesmith462]

I thought “Snot” was my own little hidden gem of a favorite song by him but the fact that he played it last here out of all of his other great music… I somehow feel seen I can’t explain it lol. Also this live version of it is sublime.

[@AwesomeGenius96]

Its the song I show friends to get then into him. Very easy listening

[@ididgt4259]

Snot is my favorite too I love the lyrics

[@Bailmom]

Love how they all come in on the first beat perfectly here

[@ddebberrs]

This!!!!!

[@franhilpert]

Es una locura total

[@allyson--]

I can't get enough of Molly on violin & keys. Quintessential to the band's sound

[@gracethewriter7977]

Agreed. Violin is my favorite component of his songs

[@calvinnigh5489]

Heavily agreed

[@jackdandy]

For sureeeee

[@jstn9914]

Love her fills in Runner. They really elevate the track.

[@jstn9914]

Check out their live performance of Poison Root. It's incredible what Molly's playing adds to it.

[@safisafiasafia]

The chemistry between them is so strong! The way they look at each other and nod being like “everything is good, keep up” is so cute

[@samzuckowich1588]

they’re so good together. sam and john have been by his side since day 1 and i absolutely couldn’t love it any more 💕

[@safisafiasafia]

@@samzuckowich1588 saameee

[@suburbansymbolism9382]

Helps when you're friends and not just business partners.

[@infatuaa]

@@samzuckowich1588and tom is the perfect drummer for them he fits so well it’s so cute i love them so much

[@elizardbeth666]

He’s expecting a baby with Molly (on violin)! Makes for a really special performance, especially of Miracles!

[@glc0stanza]

Wait. I thought he was in a relationship with Emily Yacina?

[@charleskorpics4240]

One of the greatest gifts to indie music is this guy.

[@spencerkochel2483]

Yoda?

[@gingerAV]

i feel like a proud dad watching this. i don’t care that he’s older than me

[@RickyBureau]

This guy is so incredible as an artist. He has gotten better with every album. Some albums might have higher highs than god save the animals but as a consistent piece of work I think its unmatched in his discography. House of sugar was close but in a world of one album wonders and sophomore slumps thank god for Alex G

[@cmgordon12345]

He's alright, but he is no Coldplay

[@stuck5091]

@@cmgordon12345 so true

[@rainor771]

@@cmgordon12345 yeah and tbh Alex has yet to write a song that even holds a torch to Rascal Flatts' 2006 hit single "Life is A Highway"

[@runeschoenberg]

@@rainor771 even alex knows he doesnt hold up to it

[@RaZvanRZ]

@@cmgordon12345 i prefer alex g's latest album than any coldplay album haha

[@alishawilkie_]

This version of gretel, I’m in love

[@linneamorgan2382]

The violinst is amazing, every track she plays on in Alex G's discography is brought to another dimension.

[@joshmaggooo7140]

Very true

[@lovinlikealovesong]

That’s Molly germer. Alex g and Molly are together :)

[@dimetrodonz]

she's also alex g's partner !!

[@lurho1367]

and she’s pregnant!

[@Arkisis]

Her 2nd npr appearance I believe. She's on Frances Quinlan's as well!

[@lucassswaves]

The meaning of Gretel hit me during this performance when you finally are on a good path in life the temptations seem like a house of sugar but you’ve come so far you know u have to fight to stay away and it’s almost melancholic leaving your old destructive tendencies behind because you are parting from a past self but you know they don’t belong with you any longer

[@allyson--]

🥰 awesome interpretation

[@mad6582]

Alex is such a gem. Reminds me so much of Elliott Smith. The band was absolutely amazing too. 💜

[@saucedo_]

can’t believe he played snot, such an amazing choice oh my god

[@oculicious]

Can''t be believe he ended on Snot, my all time favorite

[@liamnicol9390]

me too bro

[@helpmejesus17]

His songs saved me from suicidal and depression. Bless you Alex G, his growth as an artist is impressive and this is the time when he is going get what he's always deserved.

[@6laiv]

me too , he is just the best.

[@chaochao_42]

Timestamps for the set list Runner - 0:00 Miracles - 3:31 Gretel - 7:28 Snot - 10:33

[@_scabs6669]

Thank

[@AdioTk]

the electric guitar tone in this performance hits so good

[@authoroftheaccident]

Alex G and band have never sounded better! so cleanly mixed on tiny desk

[@tmagrit]

I'm 40 yo Brazilian guy, living far far away from American ordinary culture, BUT - I don't know how and why - Alex G works catches me so deeply. A piece of my soul lives in his songs, his lyrics, his album covers and videos. I'm very happy of seeing him on Tiny Desk, as well as some other few Brazilian artists.

[@dollyarone6007]

he’s truly an american gem

[@JujubaApplesauce]

tmb vivo no Brasil e sou viciado nas musicas desse cara, parece droga mano, coisa de você deitar pra escutar e parar em outra dimensão

[@gwendeseminat8r]

idk theres nothng really american about hte song gretel

[@its_Sam19]

​@@gwendeseminat8r indie folk culture is something very American, and we Latin Americans love your musical style

[@benh7506]

In case anyone was wondering, this was the man that played guitar on Frank Ocean - Self Control

[@kiikiihere]

And White Ferrari too, right?

[@xannie7511]

Yesss :)) my favorite before I knew he was even on the track!!

[@BigupSlime]

I swear “runner” has the ability to make this stone-hearted gentleman cry. Based and awesome-pilled.

[@jacobranjbaran2704]

when the first chord of Snot played I audibly gasped. one of his best ending songs.

[@vinsonminas1460]

The mouth percussion on runner is such a spark of genius.

[@marcopivetta7796]

That version of Gretel is sick. The violin+electric guitar combo is so subtle, so good!

[@mariah5561]

my absolute favorite artist of all time, seeing this so soon after it was posted was such a treat. love him 4ever

[@nathanmayer8320]

He is my favorite as well, I remember seeing him when Beach Music came out

[@mariah5561]

@@nathanmayer8320 beach music is one of my favorite albums of his, even though its so hard to pick

[@marthaserranopayan8970]

If Alex G has a million fans, i'm one of them If Alex G has 10 fans, i'm one of them If Alex G has 1 fan, It's me If Alex G has no fans, i've left the eath.

[@jeansilovejeans795]

😂

[@icaromarques7322]

This is the perfect comment Martha

[@nicksimons7391]

so awesome to hear molly on miracles live. she was the one thing missing from an otherwise perfect concert when we saw them in toronto a few weeks back.

[@kayleighmiller3351]

she was at the show i saw in ny and she was WONDERFUL

[@IHearEverythingDude]

Top notch recording quality as always. Kudos to sound engineer behind this recording :)

[@sarova2000]

Yeah, but why can’t we hear the hi hat and cymbal??

[@globalsoundconcerts]

@@sarova2000 playing with broom brushes not sticks :-)

[@bigfootFRG]

@@sarova2000 I think they forgot to turn on the mic for the ride cymbal. Couldn’t hear it at all whereas the hihat can at least be barely heard

[@glxss3]

@@globalsoundconcertsit’s the mixing, but it’s probably purposeful unless they actually just messed up

[@_sessu]

I didn't know about Alex G until this year. God Save the Animals is an incredible album and I'm super happy to have this performance

[@rchenson9110]

Welcome to the fandom! If you like the new album you should check out House of Sugar. And if you want to take a deep dive, Trick and Race are excellent intro albums.

[@_sessu]

Definitely will! I listened to Trick a couple of weeks ago, but I still need to listen to House of Sugar

[@stevenmanley7157]

I have tried listening to him for many years, even saw him live and it never fulllly clicked until this album. And now that it clicked theres a whole discography to go back through! I love it when that happens

[@FriendlyAura]

Rules is a great album, too

[@InsulindianPhasmid2214]

a big alex g thing is his comically large amount of unreleased songs. you can find most of them on youtube and people have made playlists of unreleased tracks. helped me get into his music

[@r3so1ute]

Been following him since he released Trick on bandcamp for free. So proud of him and the band.

[@austin495]

Bill Hader was sick on bass!

[@boysinthewoods4189]

Hahaha

[@macderobo]

I could listen to Alex G play on Tiny Desk all day. In fact, I think I will.

[@jonbonhoagie5202]

Philly is so proud of you Alex G and band

[@josephreidel4408]

First time ever hearing him and I’m hooked! Led me on a rabbit hole the past couple days and got me to discover Elliot Smith. This type of music touches my soul during these winter days

[@harrytalay301]

wish I could listen to Elliott Smith for the first time again

[@andreaflores677]

the G in alex g stands for genius.

[@thenauman]

the bassist john invited to sit down and eat dinner with them at the earl in 2015 after i complemented the set and they are some funny, goofy, talented and humble guys. truly my greatest experience with meeting someone i look up to. they deserve all the success in the world and im so happy to see alex's writing reach so many people like it did me in my early 20s.

[@brandonme]

Not seen much of him live, but it’s neat how he can Incapsulate the bedroom feel in more open environments.

[@rchenson9110]

I have seen him live twice, he is amazing! I always notice he sounds different in recorded videos; I think he gets nervous in front of camera and it strains his voice

[@kingcouth8888]

Live Alex is amazing. Got into him years ago through a video of Animals

[@Tocu360]

Can't believe we had to wait this long for an Alex g tiny desk, it seems like the perfect fit for this format.

[@Kaphooey]

Dude the guitar tone and quality of the mix is insane... Way to go 🙌

[@marew5422]

alex g’s songwriting is spectacular and so is his performing ♡

[@stevenmanley7157]

I find every single note and every word on this album is just perfectly placed

[@loglady7869]

Ok but imagine if he played Brick for his tiny desk

[@IvanMejia1991]

Does he know he delivered one of the best albums of the year? God Save the Animals is a masterpierce.

[@wolgarush]

i watched this sick by the toilet and i think it cured my illness, thanks, alex g

[@T.E.H.O.M]

gretel is beautifully done in this

[@atticusya]

so proud of him it’s so great seeing him on a larger scale

[@FrancescaS.]

I found out that Alex is going to be a dad through this album…. I feel like he was such a big part of me turning into an adult and still figuring it out….. I wish I could just tell him all. How the pain and confusion in his songs have always been so special to me. Thank youuuuu Alex

[@allyson--]

This is so sweet & special 😭

[@missdrew131]

ive been needing this for years thank you

[@DaveCarron]

this one is among the tiny desk sets that isn't trying super hard to be stripped down and dramatic. love this

[@JESUSLOVESYOU420]

been hoping for this for a long time, such an incredible set

[@samuelfoote5927]

Miracles is one of those beautiful songs that stops me in my tracks.

[@releasingendorphins]

This is amazing! Thank you for this gift!

[@carolynmoore6476]

Beautiful all around thank you so much for this

[@Tocu360]

OUR GENERATION'S BEST ARTIST

[@sebasfallas9086]

This version of Miracles means the world to me right now. Speechless

[@wolfheadedconjuror]

Yes! I have been waiting for this one.

[@subsuume]

i’ve been waiting so long for this. love u alex

[@GardenerPhyl]

Beautiful! I enjoyed this so much. Thanks for the music. 🙏🏻

[@therealbigballski]

Have been waiting for this for years. Perfectly executed by all. Thank you so much!!!!!

[@sophieg7021]

thank you tiny desk!🙏🏻 Alex G’s music is so special

[@barbarasipos]

love the setlist! 🦜💙

[@larrybird1650]

My friend recommended Alex G to me literally 2 days ago. I'm obsessed now and this video came at the perfect time. Insane coincidence

[@kdnye]

so much love for alex and the band, absolute favorite

[@robloxkaren101]

Im crying 😭❤️🤟🏽beautiful

[@wowjohn6017]

BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONEEEE

[@TheRedskins6969]

This was incredible. Hats off, Alex.

[@valpergalit]

Audibly gasped when I saw this video on my subscription page. Thanks, NPR!

[@user-iq4lz1si8o]

I can’t stop crying It’s so beautiful 💔

[@anachavez3313]

FINALYYY !! SUCH A GOOD ARTIST

[@dustink9297]

Alex is so fantastic, his music is so nostalgic thank you

[@frostboltcaster448]

This is literally everything and more to me.

[@mgmegt5920]

Been a fan for a long long time, congrats on all the success. Love ya Alex g!!

[@meaganswartwood4694]

I have watched this so many times, atp it's my comfort youtube vid

[@eveofdestruction]

So so happy Alex G finally has a lovely NPR ! I’ve been waiting for this for years 💛🥹

[@KulseeHoopder]

the squeal i let out when this was in my suggested videos today is unprecedented. alex g you are so wonderful and i’ve wanted this tiny desk for so long thank you

[@lcdsebsystem]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR SO LONG

[@plesuski]

i keep coming back to this live version of Snot, sounds so beautiful:)

[@cutiepatootiiiiii]

we love you, alex. so proud to see everything happening for you after all these years of amazing music. thank you for all the hours ❤

[@mooninherhands]

I love how down to earth they all are. authentic and genuine.

[@randompeacesigns]

I have been waiting for this moment for so long 🎉

[@julianahmod1817]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE.

[@42069wastaken]

after i found him on my spotify discover weekly last year there was no going back💀💀so happy to see him on tiny desk!! NPR has been spoiling us this month

[@Lorisv]

love how great they all play together

[@alterego1568]

i love this video so much thank you!

[@veraeroes]

Alex G has been the soundtrack to my life over the last year, so happy to see this ❤️

[@chrisivan_yt]

finally the recognition he deserves :-) amazing quality!

[@rajkgambhir]

Alex G, you and your band deserve all the attention you're getting and more. Your artistry has never ceased this past decade, and I am excited to see what new directions you continue to take your music in!

[@sharonleigh5281]

This is perfect. Listening to Alex always inspires me to continue creating music of my own. I'm so thankful to him.

[@jg5887]

its been a long time coming… it feels like alex shouldve had a tiny desk years ago, but man its finally here and its glorious.