The Beths: Tiny Desk Concert

[@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.

[@anthonymetcalf6739]

The Bethst Band To Ever Do It

[@ZapperRS]

Nice pun

[@qcengr]

I see what you did there

[@stukksmith122]

👍

[@erikkennedy]

Simply the Bethst. Bethser than all the rest.

[@mandyjane3328]

Omg she sounds the same live. What a beautiful voice.

[@jasonsnusberry3654]

It's crazy how good she's gotten now too. I think earlier on she had trouble with some of the higher parts of the records live but she's become so tight vocally on top of being so great with her voice from the start.

[@sandimtavares]

My favourite band. That this dropped today, on the hardest day I've had in forever, is just a sign that I should stick around and hope for better times. Thank you Tiny Desk and The Beths.

[@weaverzone]

Music is the balm that helps us all get through until the better times. Here's to yours coming to you soon, Sanderson.

[@andrewmartin520]

Def hope this helps!

[@charliedu]

things always works itself out, keep fighting!

[@janee166]

Better times are coming Sanderson-take care

[@rosseddington2530]

It gets better and occasionally worse. Keep positive. People love you. The Beth’s are amazing and so are you.

[@ericmurphy9478]

Putting ads in the middle of a song should be a criminal offense

[@rocktheqasbah]

I love that she sings in her accent.

[@eltedioso]

I agree. It's so charming, and kind of hilarious.

[@jeffdixon847]

If it’s your accent it’s not an accent.

[@mantra1229]

​​@@jeffdixon847 a lot of us ditch it when public speaking, acting or singing. it's a phenomenon called colony shame where we don't like hearing our own accent

[@rocktheqasbah]

@Jeff Dixon it's not my accent lol and even if it was. I have a British accent regardless of where I am.

[@mooselessness]

YES it's so good

[@terencecaron2922]

Discovered the Beths only last year and its one of those bands that make your life better. Liz Stokes has the most honest singin voice I've ever heard, nothin overplayed, all heart.

[@christurnerrr]

The best band out there right now

[@barbatkinson7347]

Indeed

[@AndrewGlenWeeks]

And it’s not even close.

[@brendenunderwood3837]

The Beth band out there right now

[@bigbromiki1]

def my fav band for years now

[@blessedbethecurse]

That's right.

[@Tugboat_City]

That one handed drumming/glockenspiell playing, is impressive.

[@bpm-14]

The one handed clarinet/shaker too! Talented bunch

[@stevescotthiphop]

So thrilled that The Beths are getting more exposure. They have what it takes to be a global phenomenon!

[@Sirmackerel]

The lyrics of "Expert in a Dying Field" get me every time. Devastating.

[@abellopez.]

Devastating 😢

[@Depreston_Ross]

So great to see my fav band getting the recognition they deserve. Go Beths!

[@RobertSlover]

zzzzzzz....

[@DarkkestNite]

++

[@dCip77]

@@RobertSlover I couldn't fall asleep to bad music if i tried, thats a high tier compliment

[@RobertSlover]

@@dCip77 zzzzzzz....

[@astrorad2000]

I'm 74 years old and I love this band.

[@zachariahsmith419]

They seem like such genuinely kind people and amazing musicians to boot

[@DanCaporello]

I just saw them live at SXSW and their personalities and relationship with the audience made it my favorite show in a long time. They're the complete package. A band you love to love.

[@ThePatrickNZ]

My daughter is a huge fan, and we've been lucky enough to meet them briefly a few times and they are all genuine and lovely people.

[@besosinfinitos]

They are! They are the real deal

[@blayruniverse4682]

​@@DanCaporelloI'm planning to see them live soon, I've never been to a small show before (only stadiums), this makes me so happy to hear

[@analysiswitch6095]

@@blayruniverse4682 Same here!

[@rotarychainsaw]

I just love the beach boy esque oohs and ahhs on expert in a dyung field. I kind of assumed it was studio trickery on the record. Im glad for tbis stripped down version.

[@amie7137]

have you listened to their ep warm blood? its so good and while i havent listened to the beach boys it has lots of oohs and ahs that are phenomenal :) highly recommend!

[@connorokeefe4589]

NPR getting the breakfastandtravelupdates pitch I love it. The full authentic live Beths experience

[@romychubs5382]

0:00 Expert in a Dying Field 4:46 Jump Rope Gazers 12:55 Out of Sight 17:11 When You Know You Know

[@christurnerrr]

Out of Sight is an all timer. So glad they played it

[@killahwhaleduets1998]

Legend

[@dyll_pyckle]

Love The Beths so much!! So glad they were on Tiny Desk. Their music is incredible and the banter is awkward & hilarious.

[@iansuny25]

The vocal harmonies with this band are so good

[@CharlieCreedonWells]

This arrangement of “Out of Sight” is poetry in motion, man!

[@wellenfeld8463]

How cool is this Band. Like Joni Mitchell is performing with Belle and Sebastian ❤❤❤

[@pagumb]

Fingers crossed for an acoustic album someday soon.

[@declanfarber]

Nobody should underestimate Jonathan Pearce’s skill as a producer. He is so great, what he does is revelatory and transformative, I might dare to compare him to George Martin. You might not hear it in a live performance like this, because there are due constraints, but on the records, heck yeah!! What a talent.

[@paulroberts3639]

I totally agree. He is a rock god in the making. Cheers Johnathan’s mum!

[@ram_s_d27]

at least D+D can't ruin this

[@phineaspotter5714]

Has he produced any other bands? I how do you know about his work in particular?

[@FiendishThingy1965]

I dunno, as much as I like the Beths, George Martin would never have drowned out those beautiful harmonies, which shine in this performance, with brickwalled distorted guitars…just sayin’…I’d love to hear what Todd Rundgren could do producing them.

[@tiki_trash]

Great minds think alike. The first time I heard their studio stuff I was reminded of the Beatles. Then I watched a video about how he records the Beths, and I was blown away. He kind of looks like Sir George too, lol!

[@kaba4466]

I had never heard of or listened to the Beths before today. I certainly will do so more from now on, these guys are just great.

[@tiki_trash]

I love them! I was kind of disappointed that they are playing acoustic on this video. Not that I don't like it, but they rock when they're electric!

[@jahildebrandt]

Oh man. You're in for a treat. I'm jealous. I highly recommend "Future Me Hates Me." The KEXP live version of it is fantastic

[@silverman169]

​@@tiki_trashI actually loved they played acoustic for this one, since they rarely get to do so. They normally rock with electric guitars for all their other live performances anyway.

[@darkforest4891]

Oh, to hear those songs for the first time again. You lucky duck.

[@cillid23]

I am back a month later after having fully explored their discography and gotten to the bottom of Liz's songwriting and can i just say, she is special. Very special. I will be seeing them very soon its gotten to the point where I'll travel to see them❣❣❣

[@HappyFingaz]

I’ll never forget seeing these guys perform live before they had released anything. It was at a small DIY house party on Karangahape Road in Auckland City at a venue called “Fuzzy Vibes”. Some great bands performed that night, but you could tell The Beth’s were the real deal from their very first song. Amazing musicians, incredibly polished live sound and gorgeous songwriting. It’s been awesome watching them explode internationally, but not surprising really! They’re very deserving of all the praise! Definitely catch them live if you can!!

[@dheerajbw]

and when was this?

[@JohnCrowley-ij1ox]

I love this band....constant rotation on my playlist....great NPR performance

[@ThePatrickNZ]

The Beths make me proud to come from Aotearoa - they always impress with their talent and kindness and deserve so much continued success.

[@isauld]

Tautoko! They seem to exhibit the best of our culture.

[@brucejohnston6184]

Nice to hear an antipodean accent ❤

[@Frank_inSA]

You are talking about New Zealand?

[@BKRockwell]

@@Frank_inSA That's another name for Aotearoa, yes.

[@lochinver1929]

And so you should be proud... they seem like such good eggs. I'm from the UK and when I watch/listen to The Beth's I feel proud to be a human being.

[@oblongsquare]

Wonderful! Never expected to hear the guitar solo of Jump Rope Gazers played on a clarinet...

[@case12hdsybncjkd]

Totally underrated, such higher order writing in this genre, totally infectious and relatable with all the feels.

[@stevecarter8810]

The writing is head and shoulders above. I like that it's (usually) presented as powerpop rather than angsty singer-songwriter, tricks you into thinking it's harmless, until the words hit you.

[@BlueBoboDoo100]

Just got to see them in concert and they are phenomenal! Expert in a Dying Field was my favorite album of 2022 and it's still on a constant loop

[@plumpsterharris8125]

Elizabeth Stokes is an amazing songwriter. I don't think there's any other songwriter out there writing lyrics so consistently interesting/evocative. "But I can see a way to a new horizon Squinting through the clouds 'til it burns my eyes and Every other star is a sun that's rising And every other word, I'm apologizing But I just want to know Is this where you want to go? You and me aglow in the cosmos" --------------------------------------------------------- "Watching closely for some kind of clue That I mean anything at all to you If your world collapses I'll be down in the rubble I'll build you another" --------------------------------------------------------- "Hours of phrases I've memorized Thousands of lines on the page All of my notes in a desolate pile I haven't touched in an age And I can burn the evidence But I can't burn the pain And I can't forget it"

[@kianbarker6781]

My fav Stokes lyrics is "I'm not getting taller anymore/so when I fall it's always the same distance as before" So simple yet so incredible

[@charliedu]

when i discovered them this year as a 39 year old man, i couldn’t believe how much i could relate to her lyrics. she truly is amazing. her voice is so lovely it gives me the 🥰

[@jdawe390]

Ben absolutely nailed the guitar in Jump Rope Gazers on his clarinet!

[@l0wfye]

NO WAY THEY GOT THE BETHS THIS IS INSANE

[@rotarychainsaw]

So this video was my introduction to the Beths, and I have spent the past 3 weeks listening to everything they've ever done. It's all great obviously. But coming back to this video again having heard everything... It's really special. Maybe it's even a vision of the future. The piano and clarinet and even the little glock show that these guys are super capable of expanding upon their current sound and it will be for the better.

[@bigsima2k23]

Yeeeeow! Go the Beths! Doing Aotearoa proud ❤

[@SteveRamsey]

Fantastic performance. Great to hear the clarinet, piano, and Ben and Tristan repping the woodworking community! 😀

[@tellthemborissentyou]

Steve Ramsey you Rock!

[@ThatOneSnake]

steve ramsey is a fan of the beths 👀

[@fatjeezyindahouse]

This is the crossover I never knew we needed!

[@jqlee86]

Haha. I thought that was you I saw at their Fillmore show. Didn’t know they were woodworkers too!

[@falcos]

Woodworking woodwinds breakfast and travel, Ben’s so cool

[@kevinbrock6983]

Just back from seeing The Beths at a very wet Tramlines Festival (Sheffield, England) and they were outstanding!

[@robinpetty3180]

This unplugged puts centre-stage these gorgeous well-crafted, fragile songs and that whole side to them which sometimes gets overlooked. In part due the way they like the guitars to sound on the records and the live shows.

[@adamcoe]

I could several write paragraphs about this performance, and I might, but for now suffice it to say that that is an absolute gold standard performance. Hats off to the band and every single person involved. This is a 400 foot billboard for what Tiny Desk is about.

[@andwedanced7355]

I'm so happy music like this is being made ❤

[@rosslevitates]

Synchronicity, that such beautiful people should come together to make such timeless and meaningful music together at a time when it is sorely needed. I’m soo pleased that Aotearoa can put forth such a wonder.

[@homerjay20]

Wow, wow, wow are they good! First time I heard them and every song fit my ear immediately! Best new band I've heard in a long time!

[@justinlansdale]

I have truly never heard a better band in my life.

[@friendlykiwi384]

Lovely understated song

[@shottingham]

Out of Sight is quite possibly the most beautiful thing ever. Thank you.

[@myradioon]

This Band's got the chops. Real deal. Yet ANOTHER great band from NZ.

[@tmbrwn]

How did The Beths end up becoming one of my favorite bands? How did they sneak up on me like this?

[@eltedioso]

same

[@King_Goblino]

They're very well put together

[@RedZeshinX]

There's such a punchy, percussive quality to the lyrics that's addicting, which is furthermore thoughtful, poetic, clever and universal in appeal. The group overall has such industry-grade musicality and the kind of harmonious "knowing" quality in their synchronicity that you only find in groups with that special "lightning in a bottle" chemistry, definitely a rising star to watch out for.

[@cillid23]

Such a great sound. reminds me of early 90's indie rock and i just love singers with a British accent (I know their kiwi's) so the beths are a natural fit for me. I hope when they tour the states they come near me

[@EframeGadsby]

I am far too old to fanboy over an indie band, and yet...and yet! Loved the way Jonathan produces the band with such deftness in studio recordings and now mesmerised by the power of the vocal harmonies against acoustic guitar and keys at their Tiny Desk gig.

[@eltedioso]

I agree. It's jarring to me to be enamored with a band at my age. It reminds me of what it felt like all those years ago! And the music itself feels nostalgic for me too. It's like all the best parts of 80s college rock, 90s alternative and 2000s pop-punk and emo, simmered down to just the catchiest parts.

[@chired6851]

such a lovely bunch of people. her voice is addictive. how many times can i listen to this. please come to london, uk.

[@mattcooperakaleader]

They are in May

[@jimwilson6449]

@@mattcooperakaleader It's sold out I think 😞

[@chired6851]

@@mattcooperakaleader thanks!

[@markstephens2137]

Come and see them in Lille, France - great venue and only 1hr20 from London!

[@AvormW]

I literally discovered this band a few days ago and now this Tiny Desk gets dropped. That must be a sign. A new favorite. Awesome!

[@peteman-ur9gi]

Very similar situation here. I heard of them a week ago, and have been basically listening to all their music constantly since. I was stoked to see this pop up!

[@DVLinden]

I'm travelling New Zealand and my friend literally this morning just said the only band he knows are The Beths (which I didn't), and then this happens haha. Spooky

[@billherbert4961]

Another NPR listener since I was a teen...when I got woke...in the 80's. Been in Auckland for so bloody long now. Our RNZ, another stunning example of public radio, introduced me to The Beths. So stoked to see them on Tiny Desk Concert.

[@austinfassino]

I got to see The Beths at this place in Melbourne called The Old Bar on their first trip out of NZ. No exaggeration there were like 10 people in the audience and I was blown away that the place wasn't packed out to the street. So awesome to see them on Tiny Desk. Keep it up y'all!

[@8_Bit]

You know it's going to be special when the bassist pulls out the clarinet. Love The Beths, and the opportunities they've found recently for these less electric versions of their songs. But do check out the studio recordings too, as they have great electric guitar tones.

[@HappyNBoy]

Amazing performance, I absolutely cannot get enough of Expert in a Dying Field, I feel like if I listened to it any more than I do people around me would start to be very annoyed... But the reason I had to stop the video and write this comment is that I got to that first line in Jump Rope Gazers and completely lost it laughing. "I've never been the dramatic type, but if I don't see your face tonight, I guess I'll be fine"... that's the funniest setup and delivery of a joke in a song that isn't even slightly set up to be a joke. My god... brilliant stuff. Here's to seeing you with The National later on this year, folks!

[@janicestevenson6496]

"When you know you know, you know it's meant to be." Thank you for your wonderful music. This line about knowing makes a connection for me with Steps to Knowledge, a book about inner knowing. "Why engage in additional speculation? Why project further blame or judgment? Why make your life more complex and frustrating when all things become clear with Knowledge?...You have only to learn to be with Knowledge to see what Knowledge sees, to do what Knowledge does and to have the peace of Knowledge, the grace of Knowledge, the inclusion of Knowledge, the relationships of Knowledge and all that Knowledge contains...Allow yourself to be immersed in Knowledge and all things will become clear, for with Knowledge all things become clear and all questions disappear." (STK, Marshall Vian Summers)

[@johnchapman5125]

Thank you very much for sharing!

[@alwalw9237]

Gratitude!

[@fulorwansi]

I'm so happy, it's the Beths my fav kiwi band!!!! Love from Aotearoa ❤

[@RyGuy6012]

Absolutely obsessed with this band right now. Every song is a hit

[@mollyparker4070]

LOVE THE BETHS AND LOVE THE BREAKFAST AND TRAVEL UPDATES BLOG!

[@minzungopa]

They are so talented. Each song uses different combination of instruments.

[@saramandura]

Jump Rope Gazers is one of the greatest songs ever written

[@galsina]

Watched this and then went on to listen to hours of their music for the rest of my day. They have a new fan in me. Thanks for helping me find their music.

[@El_Andru]

I don't know why I had the urge to cry when this started. Those were happy and fulfilling tears. Thank you Beths. I must see you live.

[@jimmymack4079]

What a brilliant band. New discovery for me. Thank you NPR

[@casaclarks]

Just saw them in SF. They're phenomenal. Glad they are getting some love. More acoustic, please.

[@stevie4654]

Used to watch them at Golden Dawn (rip) in Tāmaki Makaurau, seeing them develop their music and seeing them more confident makes me so so so happy! Go The Beths! 💕

[@beechboiii]

Expert in a dying field is amazing. I've got that record on repeat since the day it released.

[@jeffj1120]

After being fans of the band for years, we finally saw The Beths play in Santa Fe a couple of weeks ago. They are one great band to see live (and electrified). Liz is a superb songwriter and an accomplished guitarist. Jonathan, Ben and Tristan harmonize beautifully and are dynamite instrumentalists as well.

[@rivaldealer__]

So glad these guys got a Tint Desk concert, well deserved. Future Me Hates Me, Jump Rope Gazers and Expert in a Dying Field have gotten me through so much over the last couple of years, from the beginning of my first relationship to the recent end. To me, their music is a perfect depiction of love; not good, not bad, just tumultuous. One of the most important bands to me, glad to see their recent success. Love from a fellow Kiwi!

[@alec7364]

I just got into this band, I can't believe how beautiful their music is, I've been listening to them everyday since then!

[@bulgieR]

I need to get out from under my rock more often I guess, because this is the first I've heard of them. Now I adore them. Thank you, Beths, for being adorable.

[@thecruddybug4437]

I don't know why but this band makes me cry. Like every song makes me want to cry. No other band does that to me, it's wacked... except for John K Samson, and The Beths remind me of John K Samson a lot, so that's probably why.

[@lucasefe]

And ben killing it with the clarinet, what a rockstar. And the melodies, and the lyrics, and everything. What a band, they are The Bests!

[@mr.honeycomb]

If these songs were flowers, then whoever came up with this arrangement would be considered an ikebana master! Such a beautifully balanced bouquet!

[@loquitogusanito]

Love this band so much lizs voice is just too addicting

[@harveydent1873]

This is pure brilliance, what a fantastic performance!

[@jonathanseely5069]

Oh man, can we get an album of these pared down, semi-acoustic versions? Out of Sight was beautiful (as it is on the album)

[@matthewduncanjones8975]

One of the best young bands going at the moment, great songs

[@clambake8496]

So talented and yet so humble. Such a great group!

[@richsolomon2995]

I'd like to formally request an hour long Beths tiny desk concert. Make it happen NPR

[@esgee3829]

kiwi respect for te reo Māori is beyond. something of oz, canada, us to aspire towards.

[@gerardlynch2838]

Yep, Ireland could also take a leaf out of their book. Ar fheabhas, buachaillí agus cailiní!

[@noodletherabbit]

My happy place band! I loved seeing them playing outside a church in Auckland . Magical !

[@tuxedu671]

My favorite Tiny Desk so far! Love the acoustic versions of these awesome songs

[@lucasefe]

The arrangement with the piano on Expert in a dying field is marvelous, such an unexpected change, such good taste. It's always a joy to watch anything from them. They are the best band out there, period.

[@jmaydelotte]

One of those rare bands that seem like they are playing just for you - almost all their songs are on my cycling playlist. Nice to see them on TD!

[@tctc2727]

Beths!!! I wasn’t expecting this🔥🔥🔥

[@friendlykiwi384]

Just love her vocals 🎉

[@CarolineOceanaRyan999]

So great -- thank you, Beths!! Loved hearing the piano and clarinet, and Elizabeth's voice not competing with the plugged-in guitars. Nice one! 😊🙏

[@adamreyna1980]

I’ve seen them 10 times in concert and this is just as amazing. They put on such a great show.

[@iansmith9125]

Insanely talented. I can’t get “expert in a dying field” out of my head. They seem so super nice as well 😊

[@BryannaFerrara]

Honestly, I've never heard of them before but I'm so glad I did.

[@leighpharis5078]

The joy of the Beths is so contagious.

[@leledok]

these shows take a month to upload, so I refresh every day. Finally not disappointed by one of my favorite bands❤

[@willlivingstone3127]

Can it be true? Yes Beths!

[@emilyboehms3435]

Just saw The Beths at Meow Wolf and they were superb!!! Much love from New Mexico❤️💛❤️

[@tiki_trash]

Wow! I am so jealous, that must have been awesome! I've been wanting to go to a MeowWolf installation for a long time and seeing the Beths there would be heaven!

[@KurtSkert]

Same :) one of my favorite concerts ever

[@JustinDangerpants]

I love this so much. I listen to it far too often. There is so much could say about what I like but I get overwhelmed

[@adamkarcz8644]

I get to see them open for The National, in August, and this just solidifies why I'm so much more excited to see their set. Also being a liquorish stick player, I can't resist a good clarinet solo. Wonderful TDC!

[@elireyna9464]

The Beths are truly incredible