Phox: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

I first saw Phox in an impromptu concert at a restaurant in Philadelphia. I thought the band was talented and charming, and I still do. Phox is six friends from Baraboo, Wis., who make pretty, catchy music. The group's not-so-secret weapon is Monica Martin, who sings with a smoky lilt in front of spare, tasteful instrumentation.
You can hear that warm, accessible sound on Phox's 2014 debut, which was recorded at Wisconsin's April Base studio, built by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and his brother. Touring has tightened this band since that off-the-cuff restaurant performance last year, as this marvelous performance at the Tiny Desk suggests. -- BOB BOILEN
Set List
"Kingfisher" 0:00
"1936" 3:47
"Slow Motion" 7:55
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Maggie Starbard; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Colin Marshall, Nick Michael, Maggie Starbard; Assistant Producer: Morgan McCloy; Photo by Morgan McCloy/NPR

[@SeemsLogical]

If they ever got back together and made a new record I would buy it without ever hearing a song in advance. They're such a fun band to watch and listen to!

[@5k33k]

Since it isn't already listed, the people performing are: Monica Martin - Vocals Matteo Roberts - 6 String Guitar/Piano Matthew Holmen - 12 String Guitar Davey Roberts - Percussion Jason Krunnfusz - Bass Zach Johnston - Banjo

[@Pterribledactyl12]

So sad that they're not a band anymore. I saw them like 4 times in 2 years pretty much right after this and they were so cool. After one show in Champaign, IL they all came out and danced with everyone.

[@np5388]

@Dana Hsu they're on indefinite hiatus

[@lslewis]

Man, they're nailing those vocal harmonies.

[@lennthaman4562]

that is their real secret weapon!

[@mmmk1616]

Yes, yes they are!

[@SOV_Gambit]

1:23

[@StarTexaspets]

Just scrolled through 7 years of npr videos to find this gem again for quarantine 🖤

[@benradtke7321]

Monica Martin is one of my all time favorite singers, and she's sooooooooooo gorgeous!

[@benaaronmusic]

I think I'm falling for her. Great live performance!

[@mlnyonasi]

Is she mixed? What is her ethnicity?

[@CorkbushFieldMutiny]

Rip Red Who gives a shit? Why does it matter? Everyone is a mix.

[@mlnyonasi]

Corkbush Field Mutiny true, and the concept of race is a social construct, but I nonetheless find it fascinating...I still wanna know her ethnicity.

[@chaisaepharn8088]

Rip Red It's her hair that has you intrigued.

[@OHitschristina26]

i love how humble and nervous she seemed the whole time and yet still sounded incredible. had the pleasure of seeing this group twice and meeting her once and not only is she the most charming and sweet person ever but she's like 10 times as gorgeous in person lol.

[@Tony-jm3pd]

I wish they would get back together again. This band was so unique in both sight and sound.

[@sydneeburgess2832]

I am not able to handle how freakin' adorable she is. I LOVE her voice.

[@burmashavetom]

I love how someone so talented can be so nervous and modest. Great voice, great band. I'm sad I missed them in Toronto.

[@ihavetoomanyemailaddresses]

her voice is deep and light at the same time

[@AARozz34]

I agree, it reminds me of Joni Mitchell for that reason.

[@Dontevenknowfam]

Ikr?!?! Sounds like her natural singing voice is an alto with airy falsetto and her speaking voice is like 2nd soprano. Dynamic. 😍

[@noahdiggs5131]

The fact that the guitarist is wearing a Dr. Dog hat makes me love these guys even more

[@stickfigureslauralee]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@SkateruntAli]

saaaame

[@Bamdoozler]

Saw these guys open up for dr. dog a couple weeks ago. He was wearing it then too

[@paullelujahmusic3734]

She is SO beautiful and her voice is gold!!!!

[@mikewattdisciple]

Just discovered Monica for the first time the other day when her collab w/Vulfpeck came out. I'm a fan.

[@lukemuffinz]

**Back up male singer casually harmonizes an octave higher than the female lead**

[@luisg6404]

he might not be a guy.

[@StarTexaspets]

SLAYING BASS

[@saudementalestiva208]

just like that... just another casual friday

[@filsdepoire7213]

often tho, I think, since they have weaker falsetto voice, they do good back vocal, (dis my humble opinion)

[@live4491]

Jason always slays those harmonies

[@elle2702]

Kingfisher has been my wake up alarm for YEARS!!! It’s such a beautiful song to start your day to. I always let it play through as I get up 💕

[@gloryholebutforholdinghands]

I love those moments when you find a band and instantly fall in love

[@jaredwilliams1160]

Always so impressive when i see or hear them. Not many bands these days, or even back in the day for that matter, are multi-intrumentalists that just play consistently every time and sound the same live as in the studio

[@juliablizin8885]

PHOX is awesome and Monica Martin? UNIQUE and talented to the moon!!! Love these songs.

[@rowinggorilla9437]

She doesn't "perform", she just sings & it's so beautifully effortless it lifts me around the room! Perfect music

[@jimmoore9239]

I will forever hold the town of Baraboo Wisconsin dear to my heart. I took my beautiful girlfriend (who went on to become my beautiful wife - of 28 years before I lost her to breast cancer in 2008) to Devil's Lake State Park when we were courtin' and a-sparkin'. I took a series of photographs from that long-ago love-time weekend and in fact, one photo in particular, where my wife-to-be just looked up to the sky, with the sun at her back, looking like an angel with a halo of light, ended up on her funeral cards. I first heard Phox on WXRT out of Chicago and I've been hooked ever since. They're very talented. I like how several of the dOOds play brass and woodwinds as well as bass and guitars. The piano player is very good. The song I heard on 'XRT was The Christmas Song, with a killer piano intro into Monica Martin's exquisite vox. Monica's voice is so soothing. I'd love to hear her singing with the likes of Lily & Madeleine. She is sooo sweet.

[@KoryCoonen]

+Jim Moore Jim...thanks for sharing those memories. The powerful mix of music and memories...and love.

[@mjlucey9442]

That's a nice lake too. Granite boulders bigger than houses. All piled up. Thank you glacier.

[@madiyahjames9233]

Best comment ever

[@spencergipple3442]

Jim Moore thanks for sharing that great story. I'm sorry for your loss. God bless.

[@degas]

Madiyah James Yeap....”Big Picture” ... ❤️

[@suiteweeksmusic7498]

Wow! Outstanding vocals all round. Those guys can really reach the high notes!

[@Bimp_Lizkit]

Great band. They seem very genuine. I have a feeling this woman is going to be a star. We should all remember we saw her here.

[@ekow9158]

I bet few people ever say this, but the guy with the banjo is the real star.

[@5amJones69]

Bassist is one of the best backing singers I've heard man. Wow.

[@hoppinginpuddles]

What an absolutely magical voice and band. Sheesh. Out of curiosity I check to see if maybe they were playing NZ sometime soon. They are. In a week. In a city 9 hours away from me. Damnit.

[@marklion315]

9 hours better than 24.

[@lazydeadpoet]

Go and bring them whiskey. They will love you for it.

[@joeracer302]

Are you going? I would totally drive 9 hours and get a cheap hotel for a band I wanted to see. Especially if they are coming from another country. Plus I've heard the scenery in NZ is supposedly not too shabby, so at least you have a pretty drive ;)

[@hoppinginpuddles]

Nah I unfortunately have kids to consider. And no money. Boo.

[@Alfredocap]

Wow from 10:19- approx. 10:25, when the piano comes in heavy and Monica's melodious and like, undulating vocals subtley fill the background... very nice.

[@langstonjones9184]

Monica is a blessing and revelation all in one. Hope we see a PHOX reunion tour soon

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

They're an INCREDIBLE blend of multiple genres. The musicality is solid, and the range of instruments being played give the outcome of a very unique sound. I don't think anything needs to be said about the lead vocalists... GOOD Lord that women is beautiful and her voice as angelic and serene as any I've ever heard. I wish the best for PHOX in their future endeavors

[@wackyshack1452]

This is one of my favorite performances of all time. Of any artist.

[@yamifyify]

So glad that Phox is featured!!! They are so amazing and really deserve more recognition!

[@Purpadurpolis]

Good lord, how is such beauty possible?

[@Regimeshifts]

In music and in person

[@micahotto6062]

Im also from Baraboo, WI where these guys are all from and some of them just ate at the restaurant I work at yesterday, so of course I had to go over and introduce myself like a geek. Genuinely nice & talented people.

[@armandowilliams7520]

Who's listening during the Covid 19 lockdown of 2020?

[@HBJSpiegel]

what could be better. THis is a favorite grove of mine. PURE gold

[@faithactiongrace5614]

Her voice is like silk, lovely

[@TerryMark]

My wife and I saw them in December opening for The Head and the Heart in Chicago. They impressed us enough that we bought their first album.

[@lilygirlland1225]

big points for the banana shaker

[@two10eleven]

Sufjan Stevens and Imogen Heap had a baby. They named it Phox. Awesome Tiny Desk Concert NPR!

[@StarTexaspets]

Still one of my favorites to listen to today. ❤

[@IsTheSkyUp]

it's amazing how different Monica Martin sounds with Phox vs. with Violents

[@J4KETS]

This was 'dreamy'. absolutely love phox, such a great band.

[@brellynmuldoon8642]

NPR keeps these bands to me, that otherwise I'd never hear of. She's beautiful, great voice...pass the banana please.

[@tomfoolery342]

When the singer's face popped on the screen.....I was STUNNED!! STUNNED!! So Uniquely Beautiful!!!

[@katherinemay2000]

YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING!!!!!!!! i love you, Phox. Always flawless.

[@connormccarthy8461]

saw them open for the head and the heart in late 2014. super awesome performance.

[@ws8061]

probably the most underrated tiny desk imo

[@stefan-t--]

saw this group opening for paolo nutini in houston, super good

[@wheenona]

YES PHOX! Saw them open for The Head and the Heart once and they were PHENOMENAL. Monica Martin has a gorgeous voice and the rest of the band are very talented!

[@johngunnell321]

Love these guys. Wish them nothing but the best. Good people.

[@sommelierofstench]

idk why but i feel like her and sufjan stevens would sound really good together on a track

[@03LanEvo]

There are many people who agree, perhaps even Moni! soundcloud.com/monica-martins-iphone/john-wayne-gacy-jr-sufjan-stevens-cover

[@botifigus]

Adriana Villarreal John Wayne Gacy Jr.? Oh my.

[@derris]

delnuggets Yeah absolutely

[@ashleybbanks]

delnuggets GOOD CALL. I feel like her resonance is further back and his is further forward, but like....in a way that creates this perfect balance! Their tones, textures and vibratos.. would have sweet, sweet babies.

[@tylerschomberg7890]

delnuggets Just saw those two play back to back last night at Eauxclaires!

[@sofuggit]

Best tiny desk concert ever.

[@williamknell864]

Maaaaan... what a freakin' great sound. I slip down a KZbin rabbin hole and when I restumble upon some PHOX, or , Violents w/Monica, or Monica w/ somebody else it's always a rare, unique pleasure. Eventhough I've heard it before.

[@ivangarcia3051]

Thank you, NPR, for introducing me to Phox and Monica Martin. I have followed her career since this video. Phenomenal voice. Thanks again!

[@emmasankofa7597]

Monica Martin's voice feels nostalgic and rich with soul. This band's sound is dope!

[@william9491]

Always fascinates me to see super talented people so nervous and then perform like they aren't even a little.

[@Colora2ra]

Her voice is like fuzzy honey. Found their song 1936 in an episode of Transparent and fell in love.

[@PandaChaos36]

Watching one of your favorite bands climbing to the top is awesome. I love Phox! plus that Dr.Dog beanie made me so happy. Phox is southern quirky charm.

[@brentwalker8596]

Such sweet infectious and gentle melodies/harmonies. Lovely. Something tells me she's holding back on the vocals.

[@willh7140]

Did not know who they were until Monica walked into my shop and introduced herself and bought a bubble tea (she's a fan of taro) Love their songs and even have some tracks playing in the shop.

[@bangorang1x5th]

Every member of this band is incredibly talented. Best of luck to you guys!

[@08bourquem]

she is adorable

[@sidoctober]

Saw them open for The Head and the Heart. They're great live!

[@jamillahjoseph2147]

exquisite voice. whole band is just everything... beautiful.

[@Lewislandofficial]

So it's still possible to find good music in difficult times like these!!

[@MrsKumiB]

Monica Martin's voice is velvety soft, favorite pajamas that is comfortable and so familiar and pleasant to wear. I feel so...cozy...happy...

[@toryeckhardt5082]

I am Baraboo born living in Thailand now. Wow! This is a nice ensemble of band members. Thanks for sharing.

[@arapora4478]

Have to keep pausing because my heart can't take this overwhelming beautiful sound.

[@MrZawdin]

holy shit Wisconsin you done good

[@dejiadeleye5697]

Good Boy Wisconsin

[@geoffalpert3678]

She is so dam beautiful and pretty

[@kaileebroadway7723]

I love them their so awkward and cute I soo adore them so much :)

[@kineylikes]

*they're hey, somebody had to do it

[@kaileebroadway7723]

+Ryan McCormick thanks i really appreciate it. lol

[@kaileebroadway7723]

+Ryan McCormick that was awesome they did that cover in love💕 even more

[@jfinkle1]

Beautiful and creative music! Vocals superb!

[@n0llie]

That little xylophone at 10:05 during Slow Motion is my heart. ❤️

[@oc_airwolf2156]

That was candy to my ears. Sweet.

[@61lastchild]

The bandmates are in love with singer...its the glue...

[@aaronmills4290]

Progressively falling more and more in love with the tiny desk versions even more than the original tracks/records for many artists. \m/

[@InstrumentManiac]

Sad to hear that they broke up. But happy to see more of her on new projects!

[@Feedurehed]

Deeelightful! NPR has out Phox ed me again, but in the sweetest way!!

[@Darryllbite]

Must buy this album , they're so lovely,wish I was in this band

[@jacksonmurphy111]

Been on repeat for the last few months they're great

[@jas_cuz]

I miss them 🥺

[@royaljamescameron]

She is lovely

[@Purpadurpolis]

I just fell in love.

[@samueldoe2773]

Are we ignoring that she is the only one that has been featured in more than one Tiny Desk Concerts.

[@herFLYness79]

Just found this. She's amazing! Refreshing! 💜

[@catfishmudflap]

Wonderful and dynamic performance.

[@3MockingBirds]

what a voice! band is great too! fantastic!

[@CamKnoppMusic]

Absurdly underrated band

[@BenTheThird]

Saw them play in DC after they did this. Really great live.

[@ptisawquah]

i mentally thank my friend everytime i hear this voice ♡

[@camcantrun]

Absolutely fantastic music.

[@greenmountainsteve4366]

This is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.

[@automaticbulb]

Amen.

[@HowardRoarkBR]

True

[@JeffreeHilton-Cogency]

Fresh. Sweet. Love this sound...

[@tsopuaifa]

Slow Motion is like a modern Bohemian Rhapsody (and I'm a BIG Queen fan). Brilliant!

[@leifnevener3213]

absolutely fantastic

[@Shoalpuck]

Lambert's in Austin, Texas the second weekend of ACL. Lovely sense of humor Monica has. The tequila shots calmed her nerves lol. Rueben in the Dark opened for them. Phox did not play at the actual ACL festival. Oct 2014 :)

[@Hunter623]

Absolutely beautiful music.

[@SammySantiagoIrizarry]

This is a truly wonderful Band!!! Their sound is GREAT!!!

[@gessecrash]

So beautiful

[@christineshipley1450]

She's so unique. I love it!

[@piratem8077]

BRILLIANT !!! Thankyou Tiny Desk !.