Maren Morris: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Rachel Horn | March 6, 2017 - It had been quite the week for Maren Morris: Four days before the 26-year-old strolled into NPR's offices, she'd pulled off a mighty duet with Alicia Keys during the 59th annual Grammys ceremony and taken home the evening's award for Best Country Solo Performance. It's no secret the Nashville songwriter-turned-performer has star power; her limber voice and the big, crossover-friendly gestures on her major-label debut, Hero, let her easily dominate a huge stage like the Grammys'.
Our small stage suited Morris and her songs just as well. She's cultivated a soulful, irreverent pop-country aesthetic that trades in trucks, bros and beer for a vintage Mercedes, female friendships and boxed wine - and which owes much of its charm to details that shine in a stripped-down setting. Take, for instance, the cash-register ka-ching that punctuates the chorus of the oh-so-sick burn "Rich," or the intimate, after-hours raggedness in her voice as she sings of jaded heartache in "I Could Use A Love Song."
Between songs, Morris kept up a friendly banter with the audience on the other side of the desk - even shouting out Tiny Desk alumnus Anderson .Paak, who'd also been part of a memorable performance at the Grammys. By the time she got to "My Church" - the radio megahit that had earned her that golden gramophone, performed here in a dazzlingly pure three-part harmony - everybody was part of her congregation.
Download and stream Maren Morris's album HERO:
Download: smarturl.it/mmherodevice
Spotify: smarturl.it/spotifyhero
Set List
"Rich"
"I Could Use A Love Song"
"My Church"
Musicians
Maren Morris (vocals, guitar); Bennett Lewis (guitar, vocals); Annie Clements (bass, vocals)
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Rachel Horn, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Morgan Noelle Smith; Editor: Morgan Noelle Smith; Production Assistant: A Noah Harrison; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/ti...

[@NicoCollinsOfficial]

I find the hate here kind of ironic considering she's actually one of country music's more authentic sounding artists. People are complaining about her songs having pop melodies, yet seem to have no problem with Sam Hunt, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, and a slew of other male bro-country stars who don't even use live drums amongst other instruments in most of their songs anymore, that have equally as poppy sounding songs. Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood's new duet could've been a Meghan Trainor song and I wouldn't have known the difference. Country music has evolved and changed drastically and I think that's the real issue "hardcore country fans" have. If you want that twangy, old-school vibe go put on a Chris Stapleton record. Anyway, I give her mad props for actually writing her own music, considering a lot of people nowadays in country music don't write a single word of what they sing. "Hero" was my favorite album of last year and every track is a winner. My favorite is "I Wish I Was", hopefully that one becomes a single down the line!

[@THENBASTORYTELLER]

why yell at the 18 people who hate, instead of recognizing that an overwhelming amount of people enjoyed this.. look at the likes the views, the "Silent Majority" of yt viewers

[@dana102083]

I think it needed to be said, regardless of what was said here, or lack thereof. It's universally understood and it gets a huge, "HERE, HERE"... and I'm glad I found where Lera Lynn's old lead guitarist went to. I missed Bennett. He's one hell of a guitarist and backup singer. Glad he found another exceptional artist to play with. I'm just late to the game so it seems, I missed the Grammy's last year.. woops...

[@jackiebryant5808]

Preach nico, everything you said is the truth!! Maren is FIYAH

[@Killenmachine05]

you're right, 80s mercedies is one of the most authentic sounding country songs put out in the last 5 years, you're very in touch.

[@edley47]

john capone I didn’t see it as a put down of Chris, who I play whenever I want real country music, or Jamey! But those pop country bros produce little that calls my name. 😢

[@bobby6657]

I can believe you won a Grammy...Girl you are killing it...100% pure gifted talent, playing like this shows you are the real deal!!! as well as the two behind you...real musicians.. loved it....

[@georgetownstreet6196]

She’s amazingly talented! She’s got a badass unique voice that’s underrated!

[@johnschubert6699]

I discovered her much later but became so impressed with her passion in her music. Her most recent song, Background Music, will become a classic. She reflects on her career as a singer/performer and even though she thought it would last forever she recognizes there is an end. She is such a talent.

[@christiangregorioofficial69]

She's one of the best female country artist in this generation . Imo

[@luney4tunes88]

I LOVE Maren!! The first time I heard "My Church" in 2015 I knew she'd be a star. I'm so glad she's gotten the accolades she has -- talented AND an awesome human.

[@nicholaspalacio9672]

These three songs are all pretty iconic country hits from the last 5 years, which is awesome. She’s an incredible songwriter. I’d rather listen to her music than Florida Georgia Line or, God save us all, Sam Hunt. As a country musician, I really appreciate her songwriting ability. Not to mention her voice.

[@LauraZocca]

Fair enough to people that can't appreciate her singing voice (how you can't idk, her rasp and power is insane but ok) but damn you can't deny that Maren at least writes good lyrics. Or at least lyrics that have more meaning and weight to them than just beers, trucks, and girls, like 75% of the country (male filled) charts these days.

[@bcummings2187]

She is a fantastic songwriter. From my understanding she wrote all the songs on her debut album. She was unsigned. Put My Church on Spotify and it blew up and the rest is history. When you share the stage with Alicia Keyes and hold your own .....well..... and Alicia looks at you like damn girl.....let me tell ya ...you can sing. There is no auto tune here this is stripped down raw fantastic music. She is fantastic. I'm not sure how people cannot appreciate her voice. It's a shame.

[@kimberlybellefontaine1215]

Bob Cummings amen amen amen !!!!!

[@litethepath]

My god, the best artist, let alone country, to come along in 10 years. Get it Maren!

[@persempretuanicole]

Raspy, edgy, catchy... I love her voice and music so much. Beautiful!

[@itskarruh]

She is EVERYTHING !!! so amazing live and those harmonies LAAAWWDDD !!!

[@queenv4340]

Fr

[@briansounalath]

Her song writing skills are unparalleled. She’s going to work forever. Reminds me of Ryan Tedder.

[@rsvihla]

You ever heard of these two guys Lennon and McCartney?

[@ClaireBear7]

@Doug Murray it’s not about a few words in the song it’s about the whole song as a whole she is a really good song writer

[@rsvihla]

@Doug Murray What are you talking about? The OP wrote “her song writing skills are unparalleled.” I think that’s hyperbole, so I mentioned Lennon and McCartney, who clearly had much better song writing skills.

[@courtneyflows]

So freaking talented and such a great story teller!!

[@Jeff-S-Grimes]

@Doug Murray you must be a barrel of fun

[@PinochleIsALie]

I'm just gonna be honest - I have a massive crush on the bassist after watching this video.

[@marenated]

PinochleIsALie Annie is a badass

[@tbone9347]

Yep.

[@JeffDavis_is_JeffDavis]

She was clearly lookin right at you...

[@jjaakk7214]

Seems like she’s having the time of her life

[@normancrew2739]

Me too! Annie Clements is awesome. She has such presence. Hopefully she will soon get the recognition she so richly deserves. But yes, she does seem to be enjoying herself so much it is not so hard to imagine she would be doin it for nothin. Big FAN!

[@angelmoncada382]

Lol I wonder how many of the people hating on this youtube comment section are actual musicians. This is actually really good. Pop does not equal bad.

[@redrock717]

Angel Moncada I could name serval other legendary female country sings that have pop melodies in their songs. This sounds so authentic compared to everything else in country today.

[@jeremydiesel7805]

Maren Morris is an amazing vocalist. short girl but her voice is massive love this woman. Her and Kacey Musgraves are my two favorite country singers. she slayed that performance of " My Church" too.

[@luney4tunes88]

Kacey is who I first heard about Maren from! Gotta love Texas women supporting each other in Nashville ❤

[@fretfix1]

@@luney4tunes88 Sierre Ferrell...another 'short girl' you should check out...

[@ranidoll9428]

I honestly don't understand why ppl say she can't song.. when she CLEARLY can. THE rasp is everything. So good 🔥💙🌹

[@iam_madaki]

Only haters would condemn maren moris

[@JCoversH]

That sunburst gibson cuts though like a hot knife though butter. Just a beautiful, timeless sound.

[@marknachmias423]

Not to mention the totally cool shell pink/plexi guard Fender bass.

[@paulkelly5817]

Let's not overlook Maren's J45 😅

[@1977minicooper1380]

Dove

[@barbaravyse660]

Paul Kelly it’s hard not too - lol

[@zackzander425]

Yeah. That’s the only good thing about this.

[@blueboyandthebandits872]

Great performance. She’s shaking up country.

[@kenaull3765]

This solid playing, singing and harmony. Nobody is playing or singing too much or too little. Just a good solid show.

[@StarChildInABubble]

Little girl, big voice.

[@WaitingForTheHook]

She's really fucking good. Hero is an amazing album. One of the best country records I've ever heard. She's up there with Kacey Musgraves, even. That's high praise from me. Haha.

[@leeannatweed8811]

Yes yes yes

[@knockedoutloaded279]

True....she's great...

[@vicenteziegler]

ohhh god her voice such a power and her melodies, amazing! and the other musicians good vibe an nice playing and singing too, i'm listening this at least 2 times a day

[@awrestlingfan5085]

Maren is an amazing artist with tons of success through her short career and now more will come with the forming of The Highwomen.

[@bobcole612]

Annie Clements on the J-Bass. Perfect!

[@THENBASTORYTELLER]

I see more people yelling at the"Haters" then actual haters.. easy folks, an overwhelming amount of people enjoyed this... Never heard of her before that...odd... target ad floating around.. and I'm glad i went on to figure out who she was. Great Artist

[@ME3fan]

Right! I'm sitting here trying to find where the haters are? Haven't found 1 comment so obviously there's not that many.

[@dilkilone1]

I hope this is going to be a comment that you see but you made a huge difference in my life and I thank you so much keep being a badass person

[@KariAaraas100]

And she plays in The Highwomen!!! DUH

[@markbundy1694]

She is nothing short of AWESOME.

[@jflowers45]

Really enjoyed "I could use a love song"

[@patrickdichiro3654]

Wow. Maren is incredible. And her band is killin' it!!

[@oryfan]

I like that she’s not typical country. Do your thing👏🏾👏🏾

[@ivanmonroy9363]

Bass player killing it! As flaming as her playing

[@michaeljmusumeci5960]

Love the tiny desk. Maren & company, you guys rock!

[@bessiex69]

Love this tiny desk. Her songs are awesome. Her voice is commanding. The guitar is rich and amazing. Beautiful.

[@markprescott303]

Wow I really love her! she sings some songs that you can hear her scratch and pretty good looking too. Love this newer generation of country artists. I was going through a tough breakup and listened to ‘I could use a love song ‘ a million times……..plus one

[@jesskuhx20]

I love her. I could listen to her sing all day. She’s amazing

[@howards8535]

Excellent. Love their vibrant youth. Love Maren’s youthful American songwriting. Jimmy Fallon doppelgänger on guitar and charismatic bass player are all in.

[@patrickdichiro3654]

Great voice, excellent songs and an incredible band. What's not to love about this performance?!

[@joshrmcgee]

When angels sing...they sound like Maren Morris.

[@barbaravyse660]

Amen

[@ryoungatlmidotnet]

The bassist is selling these songs, winning, and looks like she's having a lot of fun. Annie Clements.

[@davidlapacek8893]

Ryan Young what is he winning Mr. Proof read. Sorry spellcheck didn’t catch it!

[@kristjanaj6348]

Maren's a freakin light and I love this Tiny Desk Concert!

[@elsagreen1476]

The bassist is awesome. I dig her energy.

[@jimikazak]

Wow, what a humble bundle of talent that trio are. Great stuff.

[@taylorhouglan1998]

I love her voice, she has so much soul and her lyrics are so catchy and meaningful. One of my favorite Tiny Desk Concerts. I have this on repeat

[@MarionFiedlerMusic]

I love this version of CHURCH, and the two other songs are performed brilliantly also. Great job on the audio production btw!

[@philofthepresent]

She sounds even better live!! I can't wait to see her career soar!🔥🔥🔥❤

[@KariAaraas100]

She's an amazing song writer!

[@janereno8158]

This song RiCH os fantastic!!! Had never heard thag before.... so creative😁

[@desertvertigo]

I love Maren. I could listen to her all day, she's great to sing along to and have some drinks! HAHA!!

[@lorenzzo00]

Then some Sharon Van Etten

[@loodiddles]

She is the best. Ugh! Love you Maren!

[@jarjar2190]

She's so captivating it took me a whole song before I realized the tall, dark, handsome man behind her. And believe me, you, these eyes are always peeled for cuties 👀

[@GeorgeLisi]

I enjoy Maren's music. Lots of soul in that young heart.

[@kamaleon3580]

One of the most beautiful country voices that I've ever heard @.@ I most confess that i didnt know u guys .. I can say it was love at the first sight! Txs to #TinyDeskConcerts i'll follow ir music since now! Greatings from México ;-)

[@mmm-3737]

Her voice leaves me shivering... absolutely beautiful!!!

[@melvinlee5684]

Wow! After watching this, I now consider myself a fan.

[@CheesyBaconable]

"The taller the band member, the smaller the guitar" ~ This band, probably

[@Adam_Stuart]

This comment is way too clever.

[@evanpederson2034]

When I need to laugh, I think of this comment.

[@andrewstevens9749]

Lol I just got that,

[@9713sunflower]

Lol

[@betsywise2514]

Such haters. Close your eyes and listen, and you'll hear Loretta Lynn, Bonnie Raitt, Melissa Ethridge. Give the girl a break. She's 26, she won a grammy, and I'm pretty sure not one of you haters did.

[@Thelolo05256]

I did

[@luisalonsoecheverria]

I close my eyes and I hear Carrie Underwood trying to sound like Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey. Yes she may be 26 (turned 27 recently), but then you have Kacey Musgraves whose only a year older, and her music has more depth, lyrical color and emotion, and Kacey's not the greatest singer, but she sells it without being overblown or relying on pop hooks, considering Maren Morris' debut album was produced by busbee.

[@jennaperrin9982]

luisalonsoecheverria ARE YOU KIDDING ME! PLEASE tell me this is a joke! You're talking as if you can actually sing when clearly "Mr. Beach Boy wannabe"-> ya can't.. You remind me of someone who probably annoys a lot of people because they a- think they're perfect & do no wrong & b-don't know when to stop talking & just got on & on about stuff that no one really cares or thinks about. A 26 year old w/ a Grammy, on her 1st album. How old are you, & how many do you have??? OH thats right.. NONE! People like you really just blow my mind... You clearly commented on there as if you were trying to pick a fight, which screams "attention seeker" which then brings me right back to what I had said in the beginning.. Why don't you just worry about yourself & leave the singing & critiquing to the professionals....

[@luisalonsoecheverria]

I'm not perfect. I make mistakes like every human being and every musician. I'm not the best singer. I don't even have a pretty voice. But yes, I am someone who does go on and on about stuff, and that stuff is music. Sure at times I don't know when to stop, but that's because I'm passionate about how I feel. I love music. I love playing music. And I'm someone who has an opinion about music. But so do many people. We all hear and interpret things differently. We all have different tastes. And that's okay. We're all allowed to like and dislike certain music. If being a Beach Boy wannabe means I wanna be a Beach Boy, then yes, that is also accurate. The Beach Boys are my favorite group of all time. To be a Beach Boys would be a dream come true. Kinda funny that you would take up time to look up my videos just to come up with that insult. Either that or it was a really good guess, lol. And FYI, a Grammy is not always the best measure of success. Even the Beach Boys NEVER won a Grammy in their entire heyday career and yet they are one of the most influential groups of all time while they were in their teens and early twenties. For the record though, Kacey Musgraves won TWO Grammys for her first album when she was 25, so yeah. But if you want to know who's really impressive, that would be Jacob Collier, a 22 year old music genius who earned TWO Grammys from his first album that he recorded entirely by himself. What did you earn at 22? All I earned was a stinkin' Bachelor's of Music degree in Popular Music Performance! :P

[@jennaperrin9982]

luisalonsoecheverria Oh my gosh there you go again... See my problem here is that now you want to act all innocent & stuff after ripping her apart in your previous post. To be completely honest with you sir, I'm sorry but I stopped reading your comment after hearing every dang excuse & after you went on & on about being passionate about music etc etc etc because I feel that if you are "soooo all about music", WHY are you so negative & against someone who also has a passion for music? You want to talk about how her songs arent good?? Hah thats funny because before she put out her own album, she wrote several HIT songs for others.... Were you aware of that?? Look bottom line here sir is that I found it very messed up that you really had the nerve to "bash" her voice, her talent- etc WHEN YOU cannot sing yourself!!! That's just not cool man, esp againfrom someone who says they are "so passionate" about the same exact thing she is!!!

[@groovyruby888]

Full body chills listening to my church 💛 the power of music😌

[@fit_tit9902]

The guitarist is amazing!

[@samueldegrandi4125]

that bassist is stunningly beautiful

[@JakeRommer87]

Brilliant voice and amazing songs! Lovely arrangements for the three instruments as well!

[@jeffolefson9415]

Maren is a treasure and while her music transcends a lot genres. It’s truthfulness makes it real country.

[@ZitherBeast]

Late to the party, but this is awesome stuff.

[@courtneyflows]

So talented and such an amazing storyteller!

[@marianaevano]

amazing!! i am out of words!!

[@TORIN111]

idc for the negative comments on this vid i think My Church is a fantastic song with a solid message

[@RMelvinFan]

TORIN111 That's because IT IS! You're preaching to the choir. (pun intended) These haters are salty for no reason.

[@Garyj1784]

@Justin Smith where's the link to your music?

[@luney4tunes88]

@Justin Smith ok gatekeeper 🙄 music is fluid and if you're looking for something formulaic to fit your definition of what country music is, there's PLENTY of it. the rest of us will gladly enjoy musicians who make good music, period.

[@abby9198]

Such a talent

[@lifesabeach7377]

I absolutely love this woman!!

[@brettplayle3274]

She's frickin' amazing!

[@alwayslearning4127]

Beautiful!!!! You go girl

[@robluedemon]

Thank you. This is everything I needed. 🙏

[@j.a.morris3804]

Beautiful voice, love it 🎼

[@johnmcgrath8886]

Very soulful... good sound mix, too !

[@davidmiscimarra8813]

Wow… I’m impressed. 🙌🏼

[@johntucker8419]

Country harmonies 😍😍😍

[@RomanHache]

I love you so much! So glad I got to see you live

[@francisw3456]

Love, love love this woman!

[@KuJoPlease]

So happy I found this! Love this version of I could use a love song

[@kimberlybellefontaine1215]

I just love her. She’s cuter than a baby dreaming about labradoodle puppies😍. And wow, her lyrics and that voice! For someone so tiny she sure has a big voice, and it sounds ah-mazing here, all stripped down to the basics. Gotta love when someone sounds sooo good, just her and her guitar, better than when all studio slick and polished. She’s a lucky girl - sooo talented, doing what she loves and is good at, about to welcome her first baby soon with a husband who’s as sweet as they come and hotter than 🔥🔥🔥. Yep, lucky girl ! I wish her all the best ...

[@timmills5496]

Very impressive, really enjoyable, Annie super positive

[@coolbeanss]

That guitar is sick! Lovin' it!

[@wesleyl3795]

The bass player had the time of her life. I loved her

[@bobcole612]

Annie Clements is one of the best bassists out there, she was part of Sugarland’s touring band for years, as well as playing with Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush individually. Listen to her sing, she could front a band anytime.

[@carterwatsonkeeponrockin2262]

I used to be obsessed with marten Morris but now I just listen to her every once in awhile but she is a really good singer

[@bowiehs]

Love her so much!

[@leeannatweed8811]

Love love love! She looks like such a baby here

[@lejo1233]

she is amazing

[@thomaskittock2866]

I for one, thought she was pretty good.

[@GoldenEyex009]

People have to stop hating on the similarity to Steve Miller. Not even he was the first to use that chord progression. If everyone was that picky about chord progressions, there would be a lot less pop songs

[@amitchell2009]

I’m a country fan and I love her. Good boat music

[@Wiley_Coyote]

Yeah like many are saying, the hater posts here are silly. Modern country has few bright lights. She's one of the few. She actually performs from the standpoint of being current, but also having some authenticity. Plus as can be heard here, she certainly doesn't need auto tune.

[@LOLsuzeLOLjacLOL]

she is so amazing omfg

[@caverpilot]

Just saw her with The Highwomen at The Gorge. Unbelievable!! What a gift to music, to all of us!

[@richardstets3269]

AMAZING

[@zuma2679]

She is great!

[@dralmeyda]

Like the bass sound!

[@chellyyo6624]

I just love her

[@torsionslo]

digging that guitar tone... can't see what amp he is playing though, bummer.. never heard of this gal, but the last song My Church is def a great song.. love me some tiny desk..

[@brianlehr78]

Little lady big talent !!

[@chuckcole988]

I love her!!😍

[@diamondsprince]

What a beautiful guitar. I love Dove's