Quinn Christopherson: NPR Music Tiny Desk Contest Winner 2019

[@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.

[@laurajohnson2573]

Nick is such a talented guitarist and singer. His project, Medium Build, is amazing. Check it out if you haven’t already. I had the chance to see him live and it was one of the best shows I’ve seen!

[@Justme-ny9ju]

Medium build - solo act - npr. Let it happen

[@samhudsonmusic1]

agreed.

[@marjorievandyke8243]

I started listening to this thinking ‘not my genre’, but what I learned if nothing else is that I’m drawn to music when I hear a musician’s ability to tell their truth through music and a connection to their fellow collaborators. All boxes checked off... I loved it - gorgeous, memorizing and raw!

[@robbiemize]

Great description!!

[@1amybean]

I would like that comment twice if I could - exactly!

[@ChillingwithMalc]

Most of these tiny desk shows are like that for me. I aways give them a chance and end up liking a lot of them.

[@brianlackey3983]

Marjorie Vandyke ❤️ agreed

[@mrj.skunkwerx7634]

A kin to my own perspective 🤗

[@silentdecay]

Just want to shout out NICK CARPENTER, guitar & vocals & vibes!, for bringing some stellar Soul to all of these songs & shows & videos ... so much great energy flowing from these performances (from both these two musicians).

[@madalynboy9505]

Quinn is clearly amazing but damn. Nick is not to be overlooked. He also has a very interesting and beautiful voice

[@sensiboyz7892]

very visible despite a medium build ayyeee

[@jayacosta6519]

Nick is now the legend of medium build

[@eileenc7773]

Oh yes, Nick is amazing in his own right

[@glennbollen6633]

I'm from Belgium, Europe. my name is Glenn, i have a five year old son Ellis. If he grows up to be like you, i'll be a proud dad. Great performance.

[@Kevin_MK7RSR]

Sometimes bravery is just being yourself in front of others. Bravo, man.

[@TinaHyde]

This totally caught me off guard - two dudes with guitars, no rhythm section, from Alaska - how is this the winner? It became totally clear to me after Quinn started singing. Holy shit. What kind of greatness am I witnessing here? Their body movements and intensity WERE the rhythm section! The brutal honestly in Quinn’s voice and the captivating songwriting would have led me to pick them as the winner, too. So freaking unique.

[@megalyssa]

Timestamps 0:10 You Told Me 5:01 Glenn 11:31 Erase Me

[@maggiemaecrawley5939]

Meg Alyssa papa bless👏🏽

[@jamesboshier7960]

I never comment. This pulled me from my voyeurs’ perch. Well deserved win. Amazing.

[@sensiboyz7892]

hope u get 2 interact more soon makes sense this blasted u here 2 the comment section of lyfe

[@benedictgigante7923]

when someone just leaves it all on the stage so to speak and just gives raw emotion and feeling and show their true self - it's just an amazing thing to witness. great work. truly.

[@Mikemanz3000]

Quinn is fantastic! I went to elementary school with this dude and always knew they were gonna be a world class performer. Keep it up boss!

[@rfm231]

First I'm like...nah. Then I'm like...wait a second. Then I'm like....holy crap. This is clear, honest, raw, beautiful, talent. But the best thing is the really likeable personality and a really great performer. Quinn!

[@spikeanddianimal407]

Well put!

[@sensiboyz7892]

agreed amigo super agreed

[@Menenaba]

It's 2079 and I am feeling all sorts of ways about this nostalgic storytelling epic. I want to cry and i want to get a tattoo and i want to get a friend and a pet all together. Such a refreshing sound.

[@ElevateEliminate]

I keep coming back to this video. Multiple times a day in fact. Nick Carpenter has always been one of my favorite local artists. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing Quinn perform live and this is actually the first time I've heard his music although I'm a local Alaskan. It is so pure and honest. It cuts right into me. I love it so much. I hope they come perform in Fairbanks sometime soon after all the touring! Congratulations guys. You're both incredible musicians.

[@AdmiralSarcasm]

Have you been able to see Quinn perform live yet? I hope you have!

[@MrMaceko]

The guitarist is Nick Carpenter from a band Medium Build. I highly recommend you give him a listen too.

[@christopherrusch]

i’ve been obsessed with medium build all month, they’re so great

[@samuelstocher5391]

isn't quinn the singer of medium build as well?

[@Bettyish]

Thank you for sharing x x

[@AjrWOO]

Samuel Stöcher No, Nick writes and sings all the songs for medium build!

[@bernoulli884]

Thanks for letting us know. He's a great guitarist.

[@ryleewoodall8602]

Just a random day with a random Tiny Desk selection to watch while doing my hair. Standing in my tiny bathroom sobbing. This was an unexpected gift just now... pure and vulnerable. I think I just experienced a new level of genius. Thank you ❤️

[@erix1971]

Sobbing is right. So Beautiful. Swept over me like a wave…

[@thames21]

Very powerful concert but what hit me the most was how they looked at each other after the last song. Where most musicians look at the crowd and give thanks (nothing wrong with that) they look at each other with a look of disbelief and pride in their faces. I can imagine winning and being able to perform at npr must be an incredible experience when you’re working hard with your music. Loved it!

[@bridgeterin3]

thanks for noting this - didn't notice and find it super moving

[@phatmattd]

Their smiles are so infectious, but then again so is the anguish. Rarely do you find a group that can express emotion this raw, and I am just soaking it up. Beautiful performance, well worth the win this year.

[@meliastrickler7561]

I was born and raised in Anchorage. My brother was shot and killed in Spenard 2014. Hearing this guy sing about these parts of my hometown has me all kinds of emotional. The last song pulled all of the tears out of my eyes. :'( Just beautiful

[@tinosimi2287]

Melia Strickler rest in power to your brother. glad you got feelings of nostalgia through this amazing set !

[@jennychesbro9732]

love to you ❤️

[@teamblacktree3431]

🙌🏾🙏🏾

[@korbyn1112]

I'm really sorry to hear of your loss I couldn't imagine losing a brother if I had one

[@Andele37]

BIG hug from Switzerland to you

[@tilthewheelsfalloff3456]

Something about watching people do something that they genuinely love, you can see it in every bit of this performance. Incredible.

[@humanearthling1484]

Oh Wow. When they looked at each other, and you see them communicating and smiling because they know where they're going, just beautiful to witness. I feel it from here.

[@twoslowcabrio]

These are two artists wise beyond their years - what a powerful performance. Bravo. One of (if not) the best Tiny Desk performances. Wow. I am blown away.

[@theParallax2]

You Told Me and Glenn are such great songs that I could listen to daily. But Erase Me, Erase Me hit me like no song has in quite a long time. His delivery sold it even more. So raw and genuine. I am sure we've all been to that point of being misunderstood and not taken serious for the way we feel. I wish great things for you Quinn. Please keep gracing us with your gift.

[@WalterDeBarr]

This performance only gets better with time.... Wonderful decision NPR.... a constant reminder of the magic of music....💙

[@44mory]

I am in my mid fifties and I don't understand tran this or tran that or trans fat for that matter but my son sent me here and I am so thankful he did. Amazing talent, amazing voice, and it is a great world where all voices can be heard and appreciated. I didn't read all this until after I listened and until after I was blown away by the beauty of these songs. Keep on keepin on, I am less judgmental today than yesterday, I can't wait to see where I will be tomorrow..

[@txtomlong]

Learning is a lifelong process. We grow up until the day we die, until the next generations grow on top of how far we sought the light.

[@Kevin_MK7RSR]

Mory Amen. I'm not far behind you in age, keep that mind open and growing 👍🏻

[@heglenn]

🧡🧡🧡

[@mariejohanna2166]

Okay boomer Nah Just kidding, if I learned anything in my short Life it's to Love as much as you can and Always stay open minded. Great to see that people from other Generations are Open minded too :) God bless you!

[@humanearthling1484]

Mory, you are awesome

[@veronicavay7680]

Will never stop watching this.

[@prenomnom8095]

si quand même

[@Yukon734]

It is incredible to listen to them on NPR Tiny Desk after hearing them alive at local venues around ANC Way to go Quinn Christopherson!

[@OOyetio]

THis is the most fresh sound I have heard in a long while. Incredible

[@dana102083]

I feel like I remember the 90s in a new way. I was floating 💖

[@poyi444]

I'm not afraid to say this may have just changed my life

[@amandafeliciano542]

Me too

[@jay-remygrant8171]

Your not the only one my roommate and I were floored by this performance

[@JohnGrunow]

I think I’m half their listens on Spotify

[@beautyartistrybytine]

This comment just changed mine 😭 and the song🥰

[@vdsilva6806]

Two young cats, with no fashion statement or need to impress, but just play some dang good music. Congratulations!

[@sensiboyz7892]

i think their fashion is gr8 maybe it's just me tho

[@amandafeliciano542]

@@sensiboyz7892 nope me too lol

[@KenMarkovic]

Your songs are sweet, painful, vivid, and courageous stories. A music mentor of mine once said as singer-songwriters you've done a good job if the crowd does one of three things: 1. Smile. 2. Cry. 3. Sing your lyrics. Well done guys. Your performance moved me to do all 3.

[@czd55]

Y'all won me over halfway through with that song about your pops. Well done gentlemen.

[@hannah5310]

Holy mother of god, the emotion in this is breathtaking

[@joshb8226]

I get that this isn't everyone's type of music, but this gets them out there so they can find the people who do like this music

[@onacanoa8541]

So honest, so raw, so real.

[@tewanasmith2633]

Just saw them live 5/21/2022...I am now a FAN!!! Incredible Native Storyteller, keeping the tradition alive. We adapt, WE ARE STILL HERE.

[@cadehagen7981]

Definitely not my thing, at first, but maybe the most authentic-feeling performance I've ever seen. It's like two friends goofing around in a living room, having a great time, doing what they love, giving zero fucks what anyone thinks. And suddenly, it is my thing.

[@TheScaleBuilder]

So I'm currently on day 5 of listening to this straight. Good choice on winners NPR. Get more of them on here!

[@emilymuhlberg3941]

Will be spreading Quinn’s (& Nick’s!) name around to anyone who will listen. I was blown away by his contest entry and again by this...you can feel every single emotion. The sparse instruments are somehow perfect. The harmonies. The lyricism and storytelling! I bought tickets to their Austin show and can’t wait to witness their art in person.

[@Simi.Sun_]

That "you told me" song is SO heartfelt! It needs to be in a movie of tb show. 💓

[@phillieb30]

Absolutely pure music! I felt the performance for what it is and not what I wanted it to be. I love NPR for revealing artists that are giving tangible, magical, moments in a journey through lifes heartbeat of sound!!

[@timkehoe8800]

Two voices, two guitars = amazing

[@JosieCamara]

Listening to this on my computer in my bedroom... and I am doing a standing ovation.

[@amandafeliciano542]

Still come back here all the time, still want more new stuff from you guys!!!

[@melhilburn5890]

Makes me cry every time I listen to it - Nothing else hits me likes this does.

[@TheMesopotato]

Quinn you're amazing!! I heard your story on NPR while driving a few days back, and I'll be seeing you perform in LA tonight!! So excited and happy for you!

[@simonvandekar7996]

This is the first time I've immediately rewatched a tiny desk concert without waiting. What amazingly inspiring and insightful content. Thank you!

[@simonvandekar7996]

And, of course, a great performance

[@shaerobert3429]

Please get "Glenn" and "you told me" on spotify homies

[@ellijahneely1713]

erase me is on spotify

[@moisu1262]

@@ellijahneely1713 I think that's why they only asked for Glenn and you told me

[@ryanhutchinson5487]

We are still waiting two years later. So moving.

[@uglyposterboy]

@@ryanhutchinson5487 true, But the album sounds like it’s going to be amazing. Though really different from this

[@stewartgray6728]

I am always seeking new music and love tiny desk concerts as a god way to get introduced to new artists This has blown me away - it’s just honest and true and both of their charm come across Can’t wait to see them in the UK

[@sheila_loves_beer]

So blown away. Really needed this artistic boost to lift my dull day.

[@teivatruesdale3519]

This really shows that you don't need alot to make beautiful music. His lyrics and the passion and dynamics of these two are amazing. Super glad to have randomly clicked and found it! Thanks

[@kurtschrieber8556]

An artist commits! These 2 are artists!! Glad to watch be back again

[@robbiemize]

16:36 awesome set and they seem so genuine and happy at the end! Brings a smile to my face to see 2 true musicians convey so much with so little in the way of instruments. Incredible!

[@colinbrash]

Amazing find, this is why I love this series. In some odd way reminds me of Hobo Johnson, both the rawness and the conversational aspect. Really nailed something human that, when I listen and watch, I remember that I forgot is still out there in music today.

[@jamessum825]

This is amazing. I was a little thrown off by his movements at first but seeing the pure passion he displays and the raw emotions that are projected through his music are just unbelievable. What an amazing musician.

[@LauraDelvecchio]

As someone who is also transgender, the last song was all too powerful and relatable on so many different levels that people don't understand. I know your struggles, except we're seeing it from opposite sides. Good music my friend. Thank you.

[@braydenowsley121]

So is Quinn trans? I didn't even know...

[@LauraDelvecchio]

@@braydenowsley121 yup he is. A tran from alaska. Crazy world we live in. I'm glad he's finally happy.

[@jaguartony]

Didn't know that :0 I guess that just adds to his talents!

[@TheDutchyNL]

@@LauraDelvecchio That's insane. I legit couldn't tell. In fact i didn't even wonder if he was and then i read your comment.

[@valerielopez2147]

Thank you Quinn for allowing us to hear your beautiful songs. And thank you NPR for enriching our lives. Peace.

[@lizalu5677]

“You told me” needs to be on Spotify ASAP.

[@asymmetricbeing]

KZbin mp3 converter

[@lizalu5677]

Oceanmoon yes I could do that but I would rather support artists who are working their asses off to provide this beautiful music!!

[@georgefairweathermoonlight4]

yes, nice. the dude on back up gat moves are on point

[@frarfarf]

this is so good... he tell me don't be stoopid when I hang with friends

[@amce596]

all these hit home, especially the last two, ESPECIALLY THE LAST ONE. just wow. such talent. i could barely hold these tears back. so glad i stumbled upon this. that was raw... emotional... beauty. i just... what. hello. omg. that gave me a melancholy nostalgia and it wasn‘t even about me.

[@KEPLER35010]

Best 17 minutes of the month!!! Thanks ..... Talent still alive!!

[@slickniner]

This performance gave me actual goose bumps.

[@MOREMISHU]

I started listening and could not stop. This is pure talent and his ability to connect is epic. Congratulations- well deserved.

[@davidwilliamson8029]

That first song will catch you up in the heart

[@effiebriest1278]

This is one made me cry, so authentic, passionate and deep. Thank you for choosing them.

[@collamore]

First time I've heard of you guys, I love the sound! Today is the second Fathers Day with just my mom and me and the song Glenn was a beautiful thing to hear, it meant a lot, thank you

[@BobDylanStillAround]

Somewhere between Tarantino and The Cohen Brothers...great storytelling, amazing feeling...these two brilliant dudes made the past 17 minutes feel like seconds 👏👏👏

[@laquerhead024]

I feel like this is one of the most intimate Tiny Desk performances.. Amazing!

[@pipityri]

Every little detail of this is just perfect.

[@AnimatedVirtuoso]

Just found out Quinn is going to be a special guest on the wild hearts tour and i cannot wait to see him, such a talent

[@jennychesbro9732]

thank you quinn. you are amazing. thank you npr for introducing me to an amazing local artist and many amazing not-so-local artists over the years.

[@bartoncasey1]

Brings tears to my eyes hearing these stories... thank you Quinn and NPR ❣️

[@riverascalesandtails2392]

I love his voice so much and the guitarist is perfect. What an exceptional duo. There’s so much emotion that seems sometimes effortless like it’s so naturally occurring and normal. I’ll be keeping my eye on these guys ♥️ love it

[@DeboraManusama]

I hope his dad Glenn is still alive and doing well. Gosh what a beautiful depiction of the man. I know he’s proud of you, Quinn! Danggg it I’m tearing up in here!

[@john-paulgardner9435]

Ive been religiously watching these for years, and i think that maybe the most captivating performance i can remember. Magnificent! Cant wait to follow the coming career 👍🏼

[@sixxxgunsinc]

I feel that way about the Benjamin Clementine performance. It is easily one of the best I've seen.

[@omgxwtf]

This reminds me of the first time I heard the Cat Power album Myra Lee. So heart felt, and ripped every emotion out of me and now I want to hear this on repeat.

[@StarChildInABubble]

This must've been the 7th time that I came back to watch this video.

[@jeffjames3111]

think I'm up to about 10 now..

[@amandafeliciano542]

I'm at like at least 85 lol

[@bbd1254]

15:43 Man, I just now caught what was so funny here. I’ve watched the original video where this happened SOOOO many times but I never caught the reference to it in this set until just now. Hahaha. Love it so much! Wow, 2 years later and this set still brings a smile to my face every time. I hope you guys record a full raw acoustic album some day.

[@guillermomontoyo]

My life is complete now that I've seen this band

[@JoshuaOLake]

Always coming back to this one! ❤❤❤

[@spencerboock8554]

I really hope these two continue to make music together, and eventually release it as a duo as well

[@joe_3y3s]

keep coming back to this. very special

[@addictedtoplaystation]

Amazing work - I am so excited for his song about his father to show up on Spotify.

[@AKNHealth]

Commenting after watching like 6 times. Pure, honest, 🙏🏾

[@zebrastreifenTV]

good performance , fine songwriting, honest and true - I like it !

[@sleepyparade]

congrats quinn so well deserved. i rmb how much i loved your 2018 tiny desk submission and how i couldnt wait to hear more

[@darianbear5400]

He sounds just like the lead singer of Live in the first song during the “you told me part”. That really resonated with me for some reason. Hurts good.

[@flyingcheff]

The most different and the very best TD I've ever heard. Absolutely awesome. What an insane par of voices.

[@spinalc0rds]

coming back to this after quinn's album came out and look how far we've come!!!

[@alexxrider89]

I just wanted to say. As a home grown & raised here/ worldly thinker & humble blues musician. You inspire me Quinn... Seeing you make it to win tiny desk as an Alaskan... Inspired my very essence of my whole being to become a better man & musician add infinitum. I'll hope for the best & experience the worst in pursuit of happiness via my dream to one day be good enough & make more money than a nickel a month ( Alaskan joke) to maybe see you & I have a friendly competition to win next year's contest. Most importantly put Alaska in the history books again as the state that has the most passion driven souls in the world.

[@kilboypwrhed]

So happy to see you guys explode. So proud of you both.

[@RayRay-br9xo]

WOW! I'AM LOST FOR WORDS, THERE ARE SO MANY SONGS AND AMAZING ARTISTS THAT I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF. I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU NPR & ALL THE BANDS/ARTISTS. AWESOME JOB

[@chantelmadill8130]

Wow ....the story telling here is amazingly well written and played and performed. Bravo!!!

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

man, they are *feeling* it....

[@ei9310]

Hearing Glenn always makes me cry

[@AshForrest]

Incredible performance, so much energy and rawness. Love "Erase Me", powerful. Excellent choice, Tiny Desk!

[@madalineolson4778]

So powerful! Like many below. Erase me.. Hit me in the right spot.. All the feelings. Thank you Tiny Desk and Quinn for being WARRIORS!!! Peace and blessings to all beings!

[@aeson33]

Those dudes are effing amazing. Every song is beautiful. Those shorts and that Danelectro go great together!