Squirrel Flower: Tiny Desk Concert

Elle Mannion | March 13, 2024
“This little guy is someone we picked up on the road,” Squirrel Flower, aka songwriter Ella Williams, says between songs, referencing a tiny toy alligator resting on her mic stand. The Chicago-based indie rocker stopped by the Tiny Desk on the heels of touring her latest album, Tomorrow’s Fire. Here, she plays stripped back versions of her thundering rock songs without her band, giving way for her low register, affecting lyricism and guitar skills to shine.
There’s an intensity unique to each song Williams plays in her Tiny Desk set. “I told you, I've never been in love,” she begins on the aching "Almost Pulled Away.” On “Alley Light,” she sings about not being able to take things slow, musing “maybe that’s why she loves me.” The set seems to reach its apex on “Finally Rain,” when Williams' vocals ring the loudest. But then for the closer, “Iowa 146,” Williams thaws as she performs with a quiet kind of focus that’s just as powerful. She carefully plucks her strings and asks gently: “If I play you guitar, will everything fall away?”
SET LIST
"Almost Pulled Away"
"Alley Light"
"Finally Rain"
"Iowa 146"
MUSICIANS
Squirrel Flower: vocals, guitar
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Elle Mannion
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Technical Director: Josephine Nyounai
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern
Audio Engineer: Neil Tevault
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Photographer: Michael Zamora
Tiny Desk Team: Joshua Bryant, Hazel Cills
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#tinydesk #nprmusic #squirrelflower

[@nprmusic]

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[@angelasherick-bright2691]

One of the reasons I love tiny desk is because I get to sample music I would not find on my own thank you tiny desk and Squirrel flower

[@riverreasteve]

Spot on - a great way to introduce one self to new bands/artists.

[@greattrip1]

For those interested in this performance, check out her album “Tomorrow’s Fire” with the full band. It’s a great listen. Her vocal range and vocal control is fantastic, and she is a great guitar player as well. I think she’s amazing.

[@fabianwolf6849]

Confirmed. First time seeing this person perform and ngl the beginning of the first song gave me a "da heck was going on in the people's minds who booked this gig at NPR?"-like feeling, but then there's the crescendo at the end and the Flower is effortlessly showing off supreme vocal technique... I don't think I have to honor the songwriting anymore, cuz there's a million comments on the messages here, so... Amazing. Simply amazing. And thanks for your comment highlighting something crucial here. 🙏

[@earlisonline]

I found her after she made a cover of So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings

[@izzy_exe]

i've been a fan ever since I Was Born Swimming released and its crazy to see how far she's gone after just that short amount of time. such a stunning songwriter and absolutely captivating performer! congrats, ella!!!

[@BongoBaggins]

If I could make a sound as sweet as this with just my voice and a guitar I'd consider myself a proper musician.

[@BongoBaggins]

(I can't do either)

[@RobertSlover]

take a voice lesson and expand beyond the mid west teenage angst cliche!

[@BongoBaggins]

​@@RobertSloverProudly wearing your ignorance like a badge.

[@RobertSlover]

@@BongoBaggins 20 year musician buddy. cute video game videos....

[@RobertSlover]

@@otterbot9806 cute video game upload....

[@MasonMiller]

This is hauntingly beautiful. Something so pure and real about the sound. Strikes deep into my soul and pulls strings I didn't even realize were there.

[@elliotselmon7581]

Her WHOLE vibe is calm, insightful, and peaceful... I LOVE IT!!

[@RobertSlover]

take a voice lesson and expand beyond the mid west teenage angst cliche!

[@kev1368]

@@RobertSlover do you think people stop having emotions after the age of 16?

[@RobertSlover]

@@kev1368 ideally expanded and mature.

[@NuiYabuko]

​@@RobertSlover Mature enough to not spam the same comment?

[@rosycrucifixion2898]

@@RobertSlover please add a link to your tiny desk or live performance by a relevant production thanks

[@CriticalNerdTheory424]

Why are people being mean to this young lady? Actually listen to the songs...she has a story to tell! Respect all artist!

[@jarekpokorney4023]

Shes amazing!

[@herbst1398]

She´s 30 years old

[@blodiaaa6990]

Not everyone has to like someone's music

[@therealadamfriedland]

This is a grown woman masquerading as a 20 year old.

[@NuiYabuko]

​@@therealadamfriedland Is she supposed to look like a grandma or something?

[@cwunshine]

THIS is classic tiny desk !!! just a musician and their guitar. what a moving performance. LOVE U SQUIRREL FLOWERRR

[@janos2938]

No energy

[@guitargrl12]

As a Sharon Van Etten fan, this artist stood out to me immediately when I first heard her. I have been playing her songs on repeat for the past several months and haven't gotten sick of her. Her songs are such a beautiful blend of zen and badass. Go see her live if you get the chance! She is amazing

[@MSarafinAK]

“Finally Rain” made me cry, what a beautiful song! Thank you for writing it❤

[@boondocksdragon8959]

Such a beautiful voice, perfectly apropos for such a beautiful human. Thank you, Squirrel Flower, for being who you are. We saw where you dropped the festival over the ongoing genocide in Gaza. ✊🏼🖤🇵🇸 solidarity, sis.

[@RobertSlover]

take a voice lesson and expand beyond the mid west teenage angst cliche!

[@stoogel]

@@RobertSlover You should quit music

[@therokenman2594]

Ella is amazing. She was great both times I saw her live!❤

[@nerolilaine9973]

Love this and Squirrel Flower!❤

[@onthemapshows5341]

So beautiful. Thanks Tiny Desk!

[@january2798]

I can feel the pain in that first song that goes deeper than the ocean. I can see this song being put into a movie and probably your life story as well. I wish you the best, beautiful girl.

[@RobertSlover]

dork.

[@mccypr]

I hear her a lot on College Radio. One of the more interesting now Artist in my 65 year old opinion. I’m excited about the young Indie/Alternative/Folk music Artists. Thanks! 🎻🙂😎

[@Lourens_is_my_name]

Do you know Elle Cordova (formerly known as Reina del Cid), Toni Lindgren, Josh Turner, Carson McKee and Allison Young?

[@mccypr]

@@Lourens_is_my_name I only know of Reina. I forgot that she changed her name. Thanks! 🙂

[@mccypr]

@@Lourens_is_my_name I just checked them all out Lourens…. Allison Young = very cool. Reminds me of Janet Klein. Knew about Lindgren because of Reina. All cool! I subscribed to their KZbin channels. Thanks much!!! 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂😎

[@bigmilkhog6440]

Absolutely beautiful

[@ben242000]

Love Squirrel Flower!!

[@jaydog189]

Such a beautiful performance and so raw. Emotions are transmitted through her songs with what seems like so little effort but has such a big impact on the listener it’s crazy

[@jonkers2007]

Beautiful!

[@user-in4ko9qq2r]

ギターと貴女の声、胸に滲み込んで来ます。違う世界へ連れ出してくれる様です。これからの御活躍を楽しみにしています。ありがとう🎉😊

[@paulwhetstone0473]

I find this lady and her music to be simple, sincere, elegant, accessible and strange.💋

[@laurengaines5959]

YASSSSSSSS I love squirrel flower. I go running is my favvvvv

[@brodieburns9350]

Iowa 146 is soooo good. I love that song. Great performance of it.

[@ready2cry]

i LOVE “not your prey”.. huge fan❤

[@HoomanthingMeetDog]

This is absolutely everything I've been looking for

[@Groundedsquirrel]

Wonderful to discover, thank you

[@sofiazas3610]

Beautiful songs💘

[@zombiesun44]

I love her music and lyricism she sounds like a divine being

[@nerolilaine9973]

Also wooow, live this version of Alley Light!

[@user-sx9lb1uv5m]

Thank you for the wonderful music this morning flower, haters grow up!

[@RobertSlover]

take a voice lesson and expand beyond the mid west teenage angst cliche!

[@robinwyckoff3406]

I guess individual opinions or choices of music are considered "haters". Notice how haters call others haters.

[@ricky7973]

@@robinwyckoff3406good thing you have the freedom and ability to pivot and not watch this, or leave useless comments.

[@robinwyckoff3406]

Have the freedom to voice my opinion too. Really upsets the the woke.

[@UnchainedOfficial]

Sooo good. The vocals , original music making is awesome

[@TheRealDannAlexander]

Brilliant. Truly brilliant.

[@malcolm2486]

Yay Squirrel Flower!

[@_janechambers]

I saw them open for Hurray For the Riff Raff! I bought a cd and got to meet them ! super chill great music

[@guitargearconnection]

That SG sounded amazing. Very full. Overall fantastic!

[@kattysilva6675]

She deserves the universe! ✨❤️

[@gergie1234]

One of the coolest tshirts I’ve ever seen

[@tesorosdetomas]

Really? Look up Brainstory's new album.

[@tesorosdetomas]

And listen too. It's gold.

[@herbst1398]

Nothing special or expensive

[@stoogel]

@@herbst1398 You're a boring person

[@MeghanGuastella]

This performance made me pick up guitar again after a few years. I was inspired and picked up my dream guitar and got back into it. Thank you :)

[@michafrasher9986]

She’s so talented!!

[@herbst1398]

Where?

[@wisdomdaddy515]

Cool chill vibe..the guitar sounds are so smooth and relaxing..❤

[@johnnyandrewsjr.1118]

Ella is a true artist!

[@eyespyeyespyeyespy]

her falsetto is everything

[@AriLondonGirl]

‪I really want to see Kacey Musgraves at NPR Tiny Desk concert with a new album… I think it would be amazing!! 🥹💚‬

[@sixthousandblankets]

She sounds exactly how I imagine a person named Squirrel Flower would sound.😊😊😊

[@psychemusik]

Well, people are different. This is not something I could listen to for a long time. But there is something out there for everybody.😊

[@eliseesther_]

huge discovery, I love everything about her, great music, great artist

[@dblbassted]

Stunning. Honest, emotional, raw, but thoughtfully written. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TwoLiterSoda]

Love her

[@jevaun-deanlinton3285]

That was magical Squirrel Flower! Your lyrics are so poetic and delicate. I was so happy to hear you start with Almost Pulled Away. Best song off of Tomorrow's Fire, PERSONALLY. The fashion! The frog! The makeup! The guitar twang! The vibes! SO glad NPR exists!

[@stonedriver9298]

always be you..thank you

[@PolyvinylRecords]

ella, forever and always

[@natalievdavila]

heaven in a person

[@surnamesmusic]

so goooooood

[@stonedriver9298]

LOVE IT

[@jarekpokorney4023]

It's okay if her music wasn't for you. It was for me.

[@kayleeb6]

beautiful voice

[@BrooklynBrandstetter]

I’m obsessed

[@timk7073]

This is so great - reminds me of early Liz Phair, Jeff Buckley, and Nick Drake.

[@revoppro]

Thanks for the heads up. PASS!

[@user-de2qg8ls6q]

Jeff Buckley?... you high or something? They sound nothing alike. This is just a depressing sound.

[@mostblunted_211]

First song almost made me drop a tear.

[@WickerManLP]

I feel it :) nice to find her Music

[@herbst1398]

Don't you think she should get some singing lessons?

[@krsmerin]

⁠@@herbst1398no but you should def get a life

[@JoshuaPalley]

Saw her for the first time when she opened for Sam Beam in a tiny little church venue. It was such a lovely night :)

[@fcovco3298]

Votre Musique est relaxante, your song are relaxing, Merci

[@jocelynfeaster3782]

Love her! Seen her live twice. Literally angelic.

[@evgeny.ska.]

Amazing vibe

[@Julie32580]

Thanks for backing out of sxsw.

[@FranktheBlindArtist]

Straight of the bat reminded me of Phil eleverum! And Lisa Germano ❤

[@TarantinosCat]

Video was uploaded 26 mins back, hateful comments 24 mins ago, you dont judge a lifetime in 2 mins.

[@blodiaaa6990]

There's only 2 negative comments calm down

[@herbst1398]

This is a place for musicians, from musicians. So we can spot fast if somebody is a musician or someone who wants to be a "musician"

[@tesorosdetomas]

Peace mongers always get hated on.

[@karma______]

@@herbst1398cool, let me know when you get you’re own tiny desk

[@RobertSlover]

take a voice lesson and expand beyond the mid west teenage angst cliche!

[@theoradestra7060]

WOW!!!

[@carolinastringband]

Beautiful work! I really like the 3rd or 4th song where she repeats various words-example-grow up, grow up, grow up. Pretty music, my friend!

[@Amychen1025]

I love ❤

[@N.1831.]

Seen her a couple times in concert, she's a great live artist too!

[@rnor3146]

.....☀️..... Just sublime........TY. 🙏😌

[@stonedriver9298]

I like this one's vision.

[@rachelheart8397]

Movie content for sure. Nice Squirrel Flower!

[@gladbandanna]

This was so soulful, thank you for sharing!

[@cassandrajohnson5621]

That ws Awesome .. I see why you brung the whole band!!!

[@gobybikeNY]

That shirt is amazing

[@boatmeal]

i see that John Andrews and the Yawns shirt, fave shirt i own

[@archetypaljesus]

This is calming me. Thank you squirrel flower! Youre my bestfriend now☺️

[@jessthatsme]

This is so relaxing

[@magpielvira]

squirrel flower is one of my favorite bands. seeing them live was so magical. ella is incredible, and when the band is backing, it’s even more enchanting. i cried when i saw them front row in fayetteville, and was so happy to go home with the setlist and have it signed. & i’m so proud to support them as they support Palestine - raising money for e-sims during their tour, pulling out of SXSW for its ties to arms dealers (amongst other issues)

[@krsmerin]

I’ve been obsessed with her album ‘tomorrow’s fire”. Love the harmonies, layers, lyrics. Just gorgeous ❤

[@brettgoldsmith9971]

Love that gitar riff in the second song

[@stonedriver9298]

I like your guitars

[@kathyhollenbach7413]

Have never heard of this band before. I enjoy listening to her voice. The songs are unique and graceful. Thank you so much❤❤❤

[@bonniejean207]

❤️ from MI

[@isaacobaido3814]

Soulful.

[@elonnajones5062]

Well deserved yup give them bigger and bigger platforms! Kinda wild not playing "Hurt a Fly" but I get it too many songs to choose from!!

[@robczypinski1725]

“Hurt a Fly” isn’t even in their top 5 on Spotify 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@donkeymuffins]

Whoa, I had never heard of her but that was great. Love the sound of both guitars

[@cruxofthecookie]

Strong Julie Doiron / Jessica Lea Mayfield vibes. Good stuff :)

[@robk6635]

Chuck in some Grouper too

[@rockerpoet07]

That was incredible!! JT looks like he’s having the time of his life!! Love seeing him so happy!!!

[@boondocksdragon8959]

Since when are hateful trolls swarming the Tiny Desk comments??? Geez. Get a life.

[@tesorosdetomas]

Peace monger gathering here. You know the others will try to make you change your ❤.

[@robinwyckoff3406]

Guess people with different tastes of music lose there rights of Freedom of choice " and "freedom of speech ".

[@xDjembex]

​@@robinwyckoff3406 are you under the assumption having a different taste in music demands a person to be insulting and disrespectful? Or are you just being a disingenuous contrarian?

[@darkloy40]

Superbe !

[@SageAvery-hl2fh]

SQUIRREL FLOWER YESSSS, I win

[@ari.mann.]

dang grinnell represent

[@SoopahKEN]

Ugh I regret not going to her concert Had to work :(

[@user-bm7ze1vn8f]

Are the Cowboy Junkies an influence? Thanks for sharing