Phony Ppl: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

March 4, 2019 | Bobby Carter -- "I wish I could've savored that moment longer," Phony Ppl lead singer Elbee Thrie said to me as we rode the elevator down, following the band's Tiny Desk performance. "I'll never forget this."
Throughout the set, you see Thrie scan the entire office, taking mental inventory of the entire experience. Phony Ppl is a group that emits a vigorous energy on and off stage. In this case, the spirit was exchanged between the band and the NPR staff from the moment they gathered behind the desk and gave a zesty greeting.
The Brooklynites formed in high school and stand out as one of a handful of R&B bands in the industry that makes eclectic choices in fashion and lyrical narratives. Their fifth full-length, 2015's Yesterday's Tomorrow, was praised for the way the band seamlessly melds jazz, R&B and hip-hop. After consecutive residencies at the Blue Note jazz club in New York City - and a tour with rapper Pusha T - Phony Ppl arrived at the Tiny Desk more refined than ever. They entered the building like they were shot out of cannon, with guitarist Elijah Rawk spending a hefty chunk of his prep time twisting his hair. Right before the cameras started rolling we unsuccessfully scrambled to hide their bag of shea butter. If you look closely, you'll spot it sticking out next to our turntable.
Donning a black turtleneck and sweaters, they invited returning guest Braxton Cook on saxophone to play their four-song set. They opened with "Compromise," a highlight from Yesterday's Tomorrow, and locked into an up-tempo pocket as if it was a second skin. From there, they wove in three more songs, including two from their latest project, mō'zā-ik.
Set List
"Compromise"
"One Man Band"
"Cookie Crumble"
"Why iii Love the Moon"
Musicians
Elbee Thrie: lead vocals; Elijah Rawk: guitar; Maffyuu: drums; Aja Grant: keys; Bari Bass: bass; Braxton Cook: saxophone
Credits
Producers: Bobby Carter, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineers: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kaylee Domzalski, Kimani Oletu; Editor: Kimani Oletu

[@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.

[@caydilemma3309]

This is the happiest band i’ve ever seen

[@chleopatra21]

Check out tank and the bangas tiny desk

[@msmawusi]

If I got "on" sounding like this... I'd be happy too lol

[@user-gr7xf9hh4d]

someone's never seen tank and the bangas tiny desk concert

[@erincurley1234]

they are amazing to see live, ive seen them 2x. def suggest it if you can !

[@charliebeeching3743]

The happiness is infectious, and I like it :-)

[@kimang9814]

the bassist and the guitarist are wearing sweaters that match their instruments bless them

[@Reggieteys]

Oh yeah... that's a thing watch all there performances... they always matching with their gear..

[@snowstrobe]

They cute.

[@kimang9814]

@Spread Love yeah i know they're fresh as hell

[@gabilavender3363]

@Kim Ang and Elbee's kazoo matches his sweater as well. Fresh as hell.

[@shardanette1]

And the stripe on the sax player's sweater matches his sax.

[@aashanap6211]

He's literally sunshine in form of a human.

[@syckindahead]

Just introduced to them after watching Meg Thee Stallion's concert where they did a dope job.

[@kj7682]

I was sleep too, but we awake now

[@nylaondemand]

Thank you music lovers. It’s crazy music networks us all!

[@alyssam7184]

Same

[@Tomi_janet15]

Same

[@Alphacentauri819]

Me too! And I had just found out about Megan! I’m not a super fan of her style, but still as a musician, doing her thing, props! Love these guys. I’m having a bad Christmas and this shot a little sun into my heart. I want to die a little less...

[@BIGGboyee515]

this is earth, wind, and fire the next generation..

[@carmensandiego7493]

I can see that

[@brandyspain8632]

Exactly! I 😍

[@juandorta2145]

I thought exactly the same

[@temiajibola8000]

we stan parallels

[@passionatty3443]

Ha! Great minds! 👌🏽

[@dawnzi]

I can assume you all have exquisite music taste based on the fact y’all fw phony ppl

[@ashleelamb7676]

I get kinda Brent Faiyaz vibes i dont know why but i do

[@carinaabreu2264]

period!!!

[@marcelaperez4126]

Yup!!!!! Bless up 🤘 let’s stick together us music experts lol

[@chefboyarcaesar7956]

Yes

[@_tiaa_5594]

Yup 😌😂😂

[@shihyeong]

I always come back to this to feel the positive vibes. I love them

[@inpace1]

Same here :)

[@rosespersonal550]

"Just be careful where you look for love.." ...As I'm blissfully looking into his eyes and falling in it.

[@zoecorser7179]

Pink lemonade duo over in the corner sending out the best vibes ❤💛❤💛

[@sydneyalexandre6026]

This man done stole my heart through the screen

[@jobs4813]

He is very cute 🥰

[@dontaskdontworry]

Sydney Alexandre Same 🥴

[@yeetoban]

I been loving Phony Ppl since I heard "Why I love the moon"

[@stoneflower8751]

same!

[@inolofatsenglekaba5026]

Samesies bestie

[@joninehritamusic]

It is wonderful seeing black men be so unabashedly joyful. Great set! I can't believe it was released last year and I only just discovered their Tiny Desk today.

[@trippytofu]

this set made me so happy😭🖤 i just discovered them today!

[@Phyoomz]

@@trippytofu WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!

[@RubenDari]

well said

[@xoxomgitsabby]

the guys on the guitars playfulness with each other is a breath of fresh air. This whole band is a breath of fresh air

[@heathertea2704]

CHUURCH! LOVE 💖💖💖

[@speakeroffacts.8931]

0:58 ur welcome

[@TorTheWeirdo]

Phony Ppl is exactly that.. a breath of fresh air!

[@yearoldvampire-ee2ff]

Enrico Meghnagi also 3:12

[@mw2girlvivoz310]

Phony ppl is seriously the most underrated band out there. They’re energy live is absolutely radiating. I got to see them a few times and absolutely amazing every time. They love to hang out with their fans afterwards. I got to chit chat with them after one of their shows and wow they’re incredible :,)

[@fancybag4052]

sombody said it, thank you. But i think the success will come.

[@johnhozak3903]

Truth. Saw them a couple of times at the Blue Note in NYC.

[@betaniajohnny209]

THAT’S SO COOL!! I wish I could see them live, I’m from London :(

[@moshecohen8314]

Thanks for your opinion! Watched this and a couple other videos, read your comment, looked up dates, and bought tickets!

[@toasamoa4111]

Wow so underrated I just saw an ad that they’re coming to my country, so had to look them up and broooo how good, this is my people, my vibes 💯💯💯

[@shanthemusickid]

every song by phony ppl sounds like a movie idk but sounds like they could be in a movie, soundtrack, but in general just like the music is a movie itself. a good one. a happy one

[@mizta6819]

om- ikr like, doesn't Either Way sound like something you can hear in a 2d disney movie?

[@jacob-ui2tk]

these versions are literally better than the studio versions their MINDS

[@alexhoward1884]

This is so true. I hope their next album uses their live arrangements.

[@WanderfulAndy]

So true

[@EliseoElorga]

As always

[@js78910]

That's 100% fact. I heard this before the studio albums, and this to me blows them completely out of the water. Their albums are great too, but their live performance is insane.

[@mhlorenzo]

This is what happens when poeple do what they love!

[@gabrielleholt446]

1:31 I'm loving Spongebob and Patrick groove steeping in the corner 😁

[@Spaccaspecchi]

I really wish I never would've stopped playing the sax. There's a certain kind of interaction with people you're jamming with that you can't get from anything else.

[@rainman2527]

You look like such a kindred spirit idk you just give off that energy

[@ayilawrence8576]

Lmao

[@tyqwanafraizer6931]

I know that I'm so late with known phony ppl… But SpongeBob faces was everything.. U can tell he loves what he's doing...

[@delanispeakin254]

His voice is so niceeeeweeeee and his hair so moisturized and clear skin he’s so cool!!!

[@3ferns555]

That's so superficial

[@tomkruze1304]

His eyes are actually so beautiful, usually wouldn't notice that on another guy but he's got those innocent doe eyes with lots of intelligence and soul in there

[@rondothard1698]

@@3ferns555 give it up, he is a cool looking dude!! maybe more brothas need to visit the drug store and get their stuff together.

[@1Shao_]

Beautiful black men on these instruments! 😍😍😍, Elbee with that beautiful voice!! I love this band!! 💛🔥🕊

[@okaygworl]

Beautiful man, with a beautiful smile, with beautiful hair, with beautiful vibrations, and a beautiful voice... that voice reminds me of stevie wonder. love.

[@phareel6929]

His tone is alot like phareal Williams but he definitely has more control of his voice and can do much more with it.

[@MrTerryleague]

that's why iii Love Phony Ppl

[@benlaurent3102]

Terry Zheng solid reference

[@cassiusroth6149]

Nice

[@whoiska.waii_p]

Ayyye😊

[@austen2090]

The bassist seems like the nicest dude in the world. Would love to sit down and talk with him and the rest of them. Great music.

[@malinafeliz8603]

people like these are the reason why i love humanity

[@sarahbrown9524]

can someone explain why he’s so pretty

[@ashleysapp1333]

his eyes are stunning yo

[@mhlorenzo]

Ikr?

[@ifloetic]

the smile

[@aurasoular6804]

Melanin 😉

[@drewholland7347]

yeah I love Erick Arc Elliot

[@victorysampson]

THEY FINALLY GOT ONE!!! Y'all deserve this!!

[@JacquesStLouis-xg1cw]

Honestly for me the NPR concert is the album I'd rather buy. Not just for this band, but so many of NPR sets. Great work, and the acoustics is so well tuned!

[@sonaamusan666]

I know right

[@DivaDen]

Agreed they played with Meg Thee Stallion and this was the same energy

[@sambadiop6610]

so true

[@bralyntaylor5496]

And that's periodtt

[@JaleLkharrat]

It's like this was an ad campaign just to get us to buy the albums made by the featured artists but also have fun in the meantime

[@lesherooi5684]

No the fact that Elbee Thrie actually kneeled when introducing Braxton Cook so that he wouldn't be in the way touched my heart

[@elbeethrie5140]

the fact that you noticed touched mine. ✌🏿☝🏿.

[@shaleahkwilson5809]

**orders black turtleneck and monochromatic sweater**

[@gmob4672]

LOL

[@immob3247]

😂🤣😂🤣

[@flipnamese75]

😹😹😹

[@meequon1]

😂🤣😂

[@berk2116]

That dude made me want to play bass just from this video...

[@samieb4712]

it's too bad his audio isn't balanced

[@UnusGrunus]

​@@samieb4712 solo at 17:52 so good, his expression on the high notes haha

[@flashpastrecords7164]

dude, right?

[@Niggus_14]

Same thing for me ...🔥🔥🔥

[@jayusa123]

The audio engineer on these concerts is my hero. These tracks make their studio albums sound unplugged. Great band and great concert!

[@randombooze]

Somebody said this is the next generation Earth, Wind, and Fire! I CAN NOT UNSEE IT NOW🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾♥️🥰🤩

[@DmanUNT2014]

It's good to see Phony Ppl getting the recognition they deserve. They're beyond dope. I've been waiting on the KZbin upload ever since I saw this on the NPR website.

[@Nazbeast]

Where the creations at dman?? 👀👀

[@jakbulanwrld]

Yoo my man dman listening to fire

[@mattmerc]

Make more ufc2 vids

[@speakeroffacts.8931]

They’re so underrated. Everyone must check them out immediately.

[@dillondelatorre7754]

Beastcoast gettin they due!

[@FreeformThoughts804]

I swear Ima need to see them do a collab with The Internet soon! Love the vibes of both bands! So damn refreshing!

[@Imperfectionist069]

Freeform Thoughts literally had the same thought!

[@stoneflower8751]

ooo that would be awesome

[@FreeformThoughts804]

@@stoneflower8751 I actually wanna add the Free Nationals and BADBADNOTGOOD AS WELL

[@NyotaParker]

There is something so different about them. You can feel the passion. Regular people with a genuine love. Makes me emotional to see someone as passionate as I am about music.

[@billyswurld]

Bassist and Guitarist lookin like Spongebob and Patrick

[@idragonish]

Ha

[@kaywill1377]

Lead singer is squidward and the pianist mr Krabs

[@johnnybgood774]

😂

[@kjl4884]

Saxophonist might as well be Sandy with Plankton on the drums

[@BeNechelle]

BRUUUUUUUHH

[@RandyHall324]

The best word to describe their groove AND their smiles is "infectious". Never heard of these guys before today, and now I'm a fan. Thanks NPR!

[@relentlessthedragon]

I first discovered Phony Ppl's "why iii love the moon" single on NBA Live 2016. To my surprise, they were from Brooklyn. (where I currently reside), and then I bought they're album Yesterday's Tomorrow. Ive spent so many Sunday mornings listening to that album, making omelettes with my girlfriend. Then I had the blessing of seeing them perform live at the Blue Note. Man, when I tell you this band is everything and gives everything, they are not "Phony" haha :P They are earnest and honest with a strong appreciation for the music and the storytelling of each song. I can't tell you the many "new artists, neo soul, eclectic folks etc.." out there that seem to lack or forget, the music. Their music transcends and compliments the vocals. I know I am biased but its just a blessing to have a group out there like this. I still remember when I met them 2 years ago, after a Saturday night performance at the Blue Note. I bought a t-shirt, and you know merchandise is important for the artist!! Then I had the chance to ask a question to Elbee or take a photo...shit I asked them what's next for them? he humbly replied, "Im not sure yet.. but we are gonna go to the West Coast soon...and try to get our music out there" .. Wow, what intrigued in his response was the honesty and I had the feeling they were figuring things out, and man 2 years later NPR's TINY DESK!!!

[@suite6creative]

The bassist gives me life ... great performance all around ... This is the type of music that should be in the spotlight more

[@rishiocity]

@bubbl I concur

[@Luxx24]

I agree. His energy is something else. I want to know him! He seems like an interesting guy.

[@Ilaysax]

This might be the best tiny desk concert ever

[@andrewohara8920]

Why iii love the moon is one of the best songs that youtube has randomly recommended me

[@RzNdCz]

How could you not groove to this

[@gothboi4ever]

The drummer really blows my mind in how clean his playing really is. It’s immaculate honestly. ❤️🥲

[@tyqwanafraizer6931]

I have watched this set about 20 times...

[@shriramsrinivasan6092]

Cookie Crumble version with Braxton Cook was beyond elevated.

[@Luxx24]

yes, I am LOVING the sax!!

[@gbb23]

This is like the most ADORABLE tiny desk I've ever experienced. 💙💚💛🧡💜

[@Carson530]

9:00 when the bassist wipes his sweat with the scarf attached to his hair. That's legit.

[@ivoryvignettes]

The most beautiful band in the world. I recently saw them live and had tears in my eyes cause I never experienced such happiness before. Ily

[@ghollywood10]

Can we all just take a moment to appreciate the bassists name: Bari Bass 😍

[@twoslowcabrio]

97 people disliked this? What kind of horrible lives are you living? These guys made this look EFFORTLESS and the music was on point. Great show.

[@sethbartos9406]

Spongebob - Bass Patrick - Guitar Squidward - Sax Plankton - Vocal Mr. Krabs - Keys Gary - Drums

[@EarOntheTracks]

Why is Brooklyn always, bringing the real. No matter what Era, Decade, or administration. Always.

[@afriendofjamis]

0:40 - Compromise 5:30 - One Man Band 9:25 - Cookie Crumble 14:30 - Why iii Love the Moon Love these guys. First time i saw them me and my group was walking into the very first Steez Day in NY. Got there before Beast Coast went up and these guys were playing. Sun was setting, air was warm, and not only did the atmosphere and mood match the album cover, but the scenery looked exactly like it! I'm sure not many people knew who they were but its no exaggeration when i say everyone in the crowd were dancing to these guys.

[@triscuit816]

Yo Im happy to hear you had a great time seeing them, I hope I get to see them live some day

[@temiajibola8000]

the energy throughout this entire video is so beautiful and free! you can tell this is what they live for and it's so awesome. love thissss

[@gersonvarelalopes5207]

I've never seen a band so grateful to be at Tiny Desk. Nice band ;)

[@KawaiiKittenDoll]

Elbee Thrie is so precious.

[@johntylersounds]

I really wish y’all did “somehow” but tiny desk still 10/10

[@noufmansor3854]

me 2

[@dawnzi]

Right!!!

[@catarinaortins5404]

@honey comb my two favourites!

[@mcbluematter]

Daaamned couldn’t agree more

[@TheBaller97]

Thatd be really hard to recreate

[@RK-ss8jw]

なんだろう すごい懐かしい気持ちになる そして彼らの音楽へのピュアさから涙が出そうになる…

[@nia_neil]

Found him after watching Megan's performance

[@TanRicky321]

NaturallyNia Same 👌🏾

[@jaytrell6820]

Found them

[@jimjimjimmy7793]

Them

[@ArcticAirUltraPro]

I am here after hearing these heavenly vocals on Megan's set!

[@0k3j_]

This was the most magical and eye-opening tiny desk I have ever seen, I been listening to Phony Ppl since forever and never expected their tiny desk to be this wonderful

[@user-fh7dm1ux9e]

The energy is so positive; I love this vibe!!!

[@dallasdeppason1281]

The guitarist's and the bass' chemistry is LIFE 3:30

[@alyssamorris1692]

Elbee's energy is so wholesome and welcoming!!!!

[@aliciarobinson4107]

I really love this group. They have such a good sound and vibe. My daughters like them too. We always fight about who discovers great new music first. The internet is a Godsend for finding gems like this and NPR Tiny Desk is a great introduction to the live experience. Thanks y'all!😉

[@mhlorenzo]

Lol, so do my son and I!

[@dmg.2443]

NPR you knew this is exactly what I needed in my life at 2:05 am pacific time. Bless you. 🙏

[@OliviaGriselda]

The bassist got some swag and having so much fun in the corner 😆Love their "Yesterday's Tomorrow" album so so much! Hope to see them live someday.

[@Projacked1]

We don't live in the US, but in our honest opinion, NPR is worthy of an Oscar. Their consistency and quality in recordings are brilliant. Our speakers always start to sing, and it feels like a little vacation, away from the world, every single time.

[@skinnyboi316]

I put this album on for my girl the other day and she said "Wow. They would make a great tiny desk performance" She spoke it into existence! s/o to Phony Ppl!

[@mygnomeknows]

1ST A COLORS SHOW NOW A TINY DESK AHH

[@47riley47]

just like elbee said, they makin a comeback!

[@creathechiboi]

So glad

[@softpinkaesthetic8508]

discovered them on colours and fell in love got all their albums and became a fan all this tdc is doing is wrecking my composure tbh

[@delanispeakin254]

They’d be so good with Andersoon.Paak duet 🤤

[@thandikhoza9100]

Compromise is my jam

[@sharstarg2414]

I’d love to see them together 😊🔥😊🔥😊

[@user-zy5dp8fl8n]

Throw in Durand Jones & indications and we got a super solid tour!!!!

[@bobdylanlovr69]

They need to collaborate with him and free nationals.

[@betaniajohnny209]

YESSSSSSSS

[@js78910]

I've probably listened to this over a hundred times, and I only discovered it a few weeks ago. Phony Ppl are brilliant!

[@thejahjah7330]

damn these dudes are happy, super glad i found these guys here

[@tesiawhite]

Phony ppl on tinky desk!? Never clicked so hard in my life

[@psneale67]

Phony Ppl opened up for Jill Scott this past June. They we're soo good. This is a wonderful concert.

[@thomaszagyeman7521]

13:10 The bassist... I... I just have no words to describe how I'm feeling

[@daddygarbo]

They remind me a lot of the first N.E.R.D albums! Love from Italy!!

[@gardenoflaina]

My HEART is fluttering with JOY. I looooveee phony ppl 🥰

[@scottstanley4378]

This is one of my most favorite Tiny Desk concerts. I had never heard of this band before a random KZbin recommendation, but I absolutely love it.

[@breakdiinternet7186]

Someone has to say the sax was fire. He's not a member of the band and I could feel him being shy and unsuccessfully try to make eye contact with the others in the first half but then he went throughhhh and I'm loving it

[@KnuffelThe]

NPR keep on doing that thing you do!

[@sssaturn]

they the east coast the internet, and in no way am i trying to compare the bands. its da vibes!

[@keikeikitty4330]

I actually got hip to them thru The Internet station on Play Music.... its def the vibes..!!!

[@JayPleezer304]

couldnt have put it better myself...respect...super good ear man

[@lakeithia7]

Or like a new version of n.e.r.d.

[@kaneshap.6146]

@@lakeithia7 that's what I was thinking too.

[@Lman136]

jeanpants FACTS FACTS FACTS

[@Arzorro666]

When i feel sad in my Life and want to get better, i come here and the sun rises again :)

[@ihatehumans11213]

biG blessinGs.

[@user-zy5dp8fl8n]

Whole band sooo smooth! Really love the Stan Getz style relaxed sax!!!

[@Justin-pw8hy]

Stan Getz didn't create that style... lol.

[@user-zy5dp8fl8n]

@@Justin-pw8hy that’s correct! But his style is the first that comes to mind when people play the super smooth relaxed sax

[@ezzie7933]

They're so charismatic! NPR knows wassup

[@allsmilez13]

Yall I clicked so fast!! I love Phony Ppl, I want them to blow uuuup, they deserve the recognition. EDIT: Yallll they got me jammin in my rooooommm 👏🏾👏🏾

[@noellaclarke9283]

His energy is so beautiful

[@chelseamalone47]

When he says that he's watched 1.1M shows on tiny desk while at this very moment the band has 1.1M views on their own tiny desk show .

[@tyler8902]

Alright, Braxton Cook's been on here with Christian Scott, Tom Misch, and Phony Ppl. When is he gonna get his own???

[@MrSaxMyJazz]

True 🎷

[@noahesills]

Tyler Richard yo that’s what i’m saying

[@b4thepreposition]

SPEAK ON IT !!! !!

[@shanethompson8730]

Braxton always brings the smooth - I'd watch him on his own for sure

[@lhamilt]

IKR!?

[@ClarissaGiles]

Anyone else hit like before the first song even hit?!

[@eddieredmond7674]

Yes! And I (like you) didn't feel it necessary to specify their skin-Colour

[@dodo-js5gw]

This tiny desk put me in a really good mood !

[@SydneyInTheSky]

Their collective energy is super happy and I dig it

[@jackshaver1568]

Simply outstanding musicians. They also seem like really good people. What a combination

[@AtRest2k]

Grade A ➕ performance and music! Never heard of these brothas before, definitely going to be in my rotation going forward!!!

[@keikeikitty4330]

Def add them to the rotation..!! You wont regret it..!!

[@animezae]

K I wasn’t expecting him to be a snack...😻

[@PhoenixMoore]

My absolute favorite Tiny Desk.

[@ElBeeEss]

19 minutes and 56 seconds of pure joy. Thank you! xxx

[@QueenKunta]

I’m just realizing he sang background for Megan Thee Stallion’s tiny desk performance. He was great there too!

[@christianbailey2695]

Sound better live than in studio. Not a diss just that they can really play. Dayum

[@battea]

They need to put out a live album ❤️