Saintseneca: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

One of the many instruments you may hear Saintseneca play - beyond the banjo, baglama, bulbul, balalaika, bowed banjo, baritone ukulele, bass and bouzouki - is a stomp box. Basically, it's a roughly 2'x2' plywood floorboard meant for pounding the beat. At a show just before this Tiny Desk Concert, craftily bearded singer Zac Little put his boot right through that floorboard.Saintseneca had its beginnings in the heart of a small Appalachian town in Ohio, and the band grew up at college in Columbus. This year's Dark Arc is a pastiche of gentle lyrical moments and punk anthems, often within the same tune and often with that aforementioned stomp, straight from a small wooden porch.After Saintseneca left the Tiny Desk, I pointed the band to a hardware store to replace its broken floorboard - only to get a note a while later telling me that the new board had been destroyed within weeks. Here's a good sampling of what the group does best, though you should be sure to see Saintseneca in concert, where its fierceness is afoot. --BOB BOILEN
Set List:
"Happy Alone"
"Fed Up With Hunger"
"Blood Bath"
Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Olivia Merrion, Nick Michael; photo by Olivia Merrion/NPR

[@keithklassen5320]

I love how the bassist is always checking in with his moustache, soothing it, making sure it's ok with what's going on around. A Highly Sensitive Moustache is often seen as being as much a curse as a blessing, but it looks like they've forged a strong and committed bond. I could only wish the same had happened for some others; Friedrich Nietzsche's tragic relationship with his face pet comes to mind.

[@paulbeck2816]

greatest

[@Umbrey_Dunctum]

Aaawwwww!!! A furry ‘face pet’.

[@kalliades]

As the full version of the old saying goes. "Behind every great man is a woman and behind every great moustache is a man (usually)"

[@iangillham9647]

That’s a First World War moustache!

[@FuckFistingAss7osuFF7osu]

I think he’s the frontman also it’s v weird you mention Nietzsche

[@chicken42o]

I'm convinced his mustache is like a harmonica and as he sings it filters through and makes his voice more beautiful

[@swapnildas3087]

This version of 'Happy Alone' is so much better than the studio recording.

[@nudogg137]

Agreed!

[@rurucook8295]

Absolutely

[@rambazambaramba]

I know so many songs played there I prefer to the record versions!

[@loather8766]

Yes indeed, and that voice though. 😲

[@wertnevis7319]

Well observed me ole mucker

[@pjfan1210]

The NPR crew doesn't appreciate this performance enough At least compared to other performances I've seen. This is top notch.

[@TheDudeSmashTrash]

forreal, idk what their deal is but their applause after each song sounds so disinterested

[@hetane]

Hipster music was not as common back then...people felt guilty to applaud it openly (even if they liked it)

[@mikejunior5825]

@@hetanewhatchu talkin about this was in the hipsters hay day

[@nctrlnet]

absolutely lovely

[@juleisha123]

This is exactly why I am subscribed to NPR. Discovering awesome music like this.

[@JMarquiseee]

Agreed; however, when you read that with "Daria's" voice it seems incredibly sarcastic...

[@grimdawg83]

JMarquiseee lol

[@HugodeFreitas]

Exactly. I just found it this channel this week and im in love. Im from Brasil and i've never heard about Saintseneca and it is a great indie folk song. We want more!!!

[@petervincent9261]

With you on that... Try DakhaBrakha if you haven't already!

[@ricomartins_]

I share the exactly same opinion :)

[@kateguillot8401]

[@BlazerSmith]

These guys slept on my living room floor once.

[@SelfTaughtArtist1]

shoud have given them your bed

[@KH63896]

Hahaha right on, I bet they've slept on a lot of living room floors.

[@SelfTaughtArtist1]

@@KH63896 Lol . Its slumbrous parteca

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

Did your floor announce its veganism the next morning? Haha!

[@cherianivan1579]

Your living room carpet just made history!!

[@jaymianderson9665]

one of my favorite bands of all time: a rotating cast of multi-instrumentalists and lush vocal harmonies. All of their albums are on heavy rotation in my world.

[@tunein2522]

Saw these guys at nelsonville music fest a couple years ago. They blew my gourd open with their awesome. Later that night in the campground dance tent Mr.Mustache drunkenly climbed a tent support and did a surprise trust fall into a small group of myself and about 10 other people dancing. We danced around holding him above our heads for a minute before setting him down. Great fun!

[@5k33k]

Since it isn't already listed in the video, the names of the performers are: Zac Little - Bass, Ukulele, Acoustic Guitar Maryn Jones - Strumstick, Bass Steva Jacobs - Electric Guitar Jon Meador - Acoustic Guitar, Strumstick Matthew O'Conke - Drums

[@sevenerowski254]

This band is ridiculously talented.

[@liamkeith2315]

Vincent Van Gogh on Bass

[@Guitaristscreamer]

Liam Keith He really developed an ear for music

[@psilocybino5732]

Met nog 2 oren ha!

[@besiprimitif9513]

that was the first tough when i see this video, hahaha

[@triagunglaksono1751]

Wkwkwk

[@aprilolivan1782]

ok good im not the only one

[@antoniopadia3576]

from beginning of the video i was wondering where is the guy voice coming from. later i see the bass player lol, for his big mustache i couldn't see his lip moving lol

[@debraforbes5701]

Antonio Padia Me too

[@nightdogsmedia]

I just audibly laughed

[@666ndr]

He's got the full crazy Nietzsche

[@kirstymartin471]

Hahaha, I read this comment before I seen the bass player, that's some Tash alright

[@blueboystudios]

I was checking the comments to see if I was the only one who couldn't make out who was singing in the beginning. :P

[@RustyClantonOfficial]

Smashing

[@claytontaylor5916]

+Rusty Clanton It's always funny to see a fellow friend in a random place on the internet! hah

[@thepsychoflamer]

Rusty Clanton Why am I not surprised to see you here?

[@khethelozungu984]

XD I got it on the second look. Oh my...

[@fegit9413]

wish i could smashing that hipster chick over the head with a shovel. amazing vibes!!

[@0nionSlut]

feg it sounds like u genuinely hate women. She's way more successful than you will ever be! ALSO, I saw you in FL (2017 i think) and your music fucking sucks :)

[@samtaylor4272]

Exactly what I needed on a wet and miserable Wednesday, here in England.

[@AcornFox]

Maryn played in our living room back in like 2008 or something. So happy to hear her voice again.

[@spoonermcgee]

One of my all-time favorite bands, everything they've done is so beautiful and moving

[@zacharyhyde2781]

when he plays the intro to fed up with hunger like it's just whatever. respect.

[@mkgvlc4]

It really isn't that difficult...

[@OneWhoLivesThere]

Zac Little (red hair, mustache), in addition to his playing a ton of instruments and being the consistent force behind Saintseneca over the last 15ish years, also makes some incredible artwork for their releases. And Maryn Jones, who is featured here and was only to be with the band for a few more years, has a handful of great solo releases.

[@apeirofobia]

This must be the 100th time i watch this performance.

[@buckshotandthepepperbox3042]

Apeirofobia Good stuff, I just found them.

[@Pikasde]

isd my 5th, and i plan on joining ur record for the sake of my heart and ears :)

[@pkcowzah3369]

Yes, they ARE that good

[@againcreativeless]

Cunrrently close to that figure too

[@stevengreene6937]

He looks like the Lorax

[@andt1994]

He speaks for the tree

[@TheBardWitch]

Lilf!

[@ryandominiack3693]

Anyone ever say he wasn't? Ever seen em in the same craft cocktail bar? Hmmmm...ya suspect.

[@ryandominiack3693]

Top 10 TDC'S

[@neilrandolph9353]

This made me lol

[@mikeperth8027]

I came to the party a little late, but these guys are brilliant!!!

[@spacemanspiff4152]

Bassist playing power chords, sick

[@oldbirdwing9114]

my sister has been to a couple of their concerts and theyre basically empty (to her advantage) because of how unknown they are, i cant imagine them staying that way for long though, with such genuinely beautiful music.

[@BLReaper1]

Punk will never live

[@bflakes]

+Bradley Rigol ?

[@oldbirdwing9114]

+brandon detraglia I'm confused too

[@johng.6174]

Old Bird Wing the only reason I know of them is because they opened for a concert I went to last year

[@johng.6174]

I've been to one of their concerts and I can confirm that, pity because this is one of my favorite groups

[@InternationalConglomerate]

6:30 When the band doesn't give you an instrument in the song so you stand awkwardly trying to focus on anything

[@seanmatthewking]

I would have given him some close-ups. He felt so self-conscious he grabbed a broom from the office to hold 7:30

[@aquaticliving6019]

@@seanmatthewking 😂😂😂 underrated comment

[@CommercialVehicle]

someday drums may be considered musical instruments

[@InternationalConglomerate]

@@CommercialVehicle I mean he's not the drummer, drummers just chilling on his stool behind them.

[@elsergeone]

2019 - Here I am.. loving this.

[@alfonsuroj]

''Fed up with Hunger '' bring tears to my eyes.

[@creamstein]

Luis Alfonso Rojas me too.

[@youtubeguest6177]

This video must be old. Van Gogh still has both his ears in this

[@shaunwilliams101]

Ah this caught me off guard. I lost it for about 5 minutes at this. Thank you.

[@ilcomendante]

🤣😅☝️

[@dregan1061]

That guy on bass must have a hard time eating soup.

[@Shotzeethegamer]

It is called a soup trap for a reason.

[@someoneelse1534]

I love that 90% of the comments are just about his moustache

[@graemeroberts2935]

A bubble tea straw, I guess.

[@fateunreal]

It's the flavor saver!

[@johnbutler7403]

Probably has a good relationship with a straw.

[@Anonymous-is2qb]

The bass line in that first song is so killer 😲

[@Brianstemm]

I honestly didn’t realize he was singing until the second verse.

[@sidneyarcher1259]

It’s just his mustache singing

[@Unapologetically_human8349]

Same here!

[@nwmartin100]

I was on the same page.

[@einesteine198806]

ive watched this video at least once a month for 4 years banging set

[@malik_alharb]

Now thats a proper mustache

[@reconciled518]

I've watched quite a few of these tiny desk concerts over the last few days. This one surprisingly ranks near the top. I'm glad to have discovered Saintseneca here.

[@emmametos5636]

This is my favorite band, I heard they recorded a Tiny Desk episode and I have been anxiously awaiting it This is so great. They are so fantastic live.

[@turtlemegz]

I LOVE the way Maryn feeds off Zach's guitar. Their voices together are those that only angels can make. I hope that they get together again soon! Xoxo

[@jazzblasterrr]

Man seeing a band live was a magical thing.

[@Anonymous-is2qb]

Not long now brother 👍

[@nanaValente]

I saw three last week and it gave me back my will to live

[@willis94]

Just saw them live last night! Very cool band, and even got to talk to them after. Amazing show!

[@spaghettoi2059]

The fact that he sounds exactly the same live is amazing ,,, hope these guys come by my area some day

[@manstett7066]

Music like this keeps me on my feet through the day

[@Unapologetically_human8349]

Thanks Tiny Desk crew! Another gem on my spotify upload selection! When I look it up, I feel like a music genius!

[@dannynysus]

Legend has it that if you say "Saintseneca" three times while staring at your reflection in a puddle in the forest, a pair of cutoff jean shorts will magically appear on you...possibly on top of the ones you're already wearing

[@rossasgarrow2517]

Low-key freaked me what you jus said

[@otokoboson]

Amazing, thank you for sharing this with us!

[@johnpalmer330]

Came here because of a 10 year old post I made about seeing them at Strange Matter in Richmond, VA. Still love their sound

[@chrisfrederick6491]

The first time I saw this band, they were so jammin'. It was before they had a drummer, just stomping and singing their hearts out in a church rec. room. Berea Fest V, if I'm not mistaken.

[@TheIrishmike1984]

These guys sound so good.

[@noneya8418]

I like their harmonies. :)

[@thatspoonybard8013]

Their voices are so unique but match so well! It's crazy!

[@dew1199]

8:58 is the best part. 1, 2, 1234 waaaaaaaaiiiiiit ooooooonnnn

[@curtissmcadams1400]

DARK_LORD1919 totally dope!!!

[@troyjimenez5117]

Blew my fuckin mind dude, i was like WHAAAAT

[@BrandonTran]

Wow I absolutely love that song "Happy Alone".

[@kalbunga7168]

Let's go!!!! I had yo go so far back to find this gem!!! L9ved this so much. So glad it's still here

[@psa1029]

Since 2015 I'm here

[@davidmcdonough7774]

I never knew about you guys before I saw this video. I am now a fan for good. Love the music! Thanks for sharing!

[@IzaNinJah]

I love them!! great performance

[@househereseed3352]

Nice use of the strumstick with capo....sets in the mix well...been a proud owner of one myself for nearly twenty years and havent ever seen one in a group setting like this... Loved the vibe - u guys r awesome saintseneca... Thanks for this NPR!

[@samgfds1755]

She's so cute and has such a lovely soft voice I got a new crush

[@davidianbaker]

great wordplay in their lyrics; fanstastic writing and amazing compositions!

[@danlewis-leaver8247]

Absolutely flawless. Great performance guys

[@alexroberts6216]

This tiny desk is the reason blood bath is my favorite song of theirs. Great stuff. Met them at a show in September last year as well - Zac is a cool dude

[@laurelmonterosa7586]

chills, thankyou so much!

[@darellteague3845]

I'll be honest; came for the jean shorts, stayed for the haircuts.🐉

[@delseshie8127]

For the longest time I thought the lead singer looked really familiar. Just remembered: Asterix! Great songs though!

[@banana3519]

So glad you're on hear!

[@tfroriep]

Bands sound so much better at the Tiny Desk, love these shows

[@WTFA54]

I make it a point to see these guys every time they're in Pittsburgh. So happy they have a Tiny Desk

[@camf8372]

Good to see a stick dulcimer. Adds a different dynamic. Saintseneca, love you guys.

[@DarwinLo]

What a beautiful voice!

[@youssif9359]

Absolutely love this. Great band!

[@qdancer13]

found these guys on spotify... love them. so. good.

[@Adoboman]

found then out cause they're opening for Yuck. they sound great!

[@vanlac6079]

Might be my favorite thing on youtube right now.

[@marianne3067]

my favourite tiny desk concert * i like your music * especially the second song *

[@solarsatori]

The look he gives her at 5:05 omg!

[@buckshotandthepepperbox3042]

Minimal-ish Good catch.

[@Marksgoodvids]

+Minimal-ish I think she sang the part a bit early and he noticed : )

[@martinet1985]

adorable :)

[@junglodiegomunoz5533]

I prefer the love story :D

[@MiguelBordalo]

I think he got there a bit late. Adorable anyway! ahahah

[@matthewfoster9816]

Really catchy, really fun, really accessible. I like this group!

[@sueclarice]

I just love these guys so much. Caught them at Sunset Tavern in Seattle last year and they were just so amazing! Hope when the dark cloud of COVID lifts they come back to see us.

[@kents.2866]

Can't wait to see them

[@Helena-mi4it]

I'm completely enchanted.

[@nurrochman3538]

2020 and still listening

[@rodolfomarinfigueroa2879]

Simply Amazing!

[@jayallan-eq4tq]

Deserve more credit. Incredible talent.

[@peterhahn6896]

Simply great handmade music , wonderful and it makes me very happy !!!!

[@DHTC888]

super good, love it thanx guys!

[@RodolfoMarinFigueroa]

Simply amazing

[@morris676]

J'adore les musiciens qui colorient instantanément mon humeur et mon esprit du jour..merci Saintseneca ! ❤

[@tweetybirdlover22]

Saw them live last night since they opened for Tigers Jaw (who I originally came to see). Saintseneca was amazing and had so much positive, good energy. Hope to see hem get more publicity in the near future.

[@davidquigley7227]

Great recording.

[@maestrocaron888]

Oh my goodness gracious I love that I found this band listening to one of my favorite Tiny desk: Leon Bridges, it played at the end of credits. Love it too

[@againcreativeless]

This is the best performance I've ever seen

[@N.S.617]

Happy Alone.........always

[@deplant5998]

Still amazing after 6 years

[@henryseisenman]

Happy Alone is a true bop

[@daphneroubini]

love their sound!

[@pbachess]

I love this formation. I wish I could click the like button for them many, many times...

[@timinno]

Just stumbled across this video. What a find!

[@cabmiklas]

La verdad es que este grupo es de lo mejor que he oído desde hace mucho, energía y desparpajo a raudales!

[@cwade620]

The very moment he started singing I was off the floor.

[@cheesepleese_]

They couldn't give the poor guy a tambourine or something?

[@lana6268]

When we're barely awake And the heat of the day is weight I wait to sate my sorry longings for your rolling over And yet, here I sweat Somehow familiar with needs that I never met How does one so young become so fed up with hunger? No I know I Know I know I'm safe from you want No I, know I Know I, know I Got hallways I could haunt And I know it's all for you And I know it's raining flaming sulfur fumes When we're doused in the same flames Burning without hesitating Wet beds spread with flesh that's quenchless And I miss behavior No I know I Know I know I Want what you want No I, know I Know I, know I Got hallways I could haunt And I know it's all for you And I know it's raining flaming sulfur fumes Long days I spend in the businesses of Low wage heavy with this listlessness so Don't my dollars weight the same as any other? Don't that buy me rights to buy what I desire?

[@alnasseralmahrouqi1112]

My favourite part is the guitarist on the left standing quietly and obediently on the side as the rest of the band plays the second song

[@russkendrickmartin7257]

Wow!!! Another great discovery (on my part--they've obviously already been discovered by others) of another really cool band at the Tiny Desk. Thanks for this!!! I love how they share instruments. Made my day...Here's what we'll take away from this ladies & gentlemen. "Do music your own way. You'll enjoy it more and so will the rest of us..." Thanks Again!!! I

[@banana3519]

Their albums are fantastic... Just an amazing band.

[@silenceyourvoice]

Love this so much 💚

[@Tummis.k]

So much talent.

[@richieroma]

Kinda like new order and bright eyes had a child…fantastic

[@neilvankanegan4960]

Hey, Bright Eyes has kind of a unique singing style

[@TreavorUnion]

There's some the Decemberists in there too