Tiana Major9: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Abby O'Neill | November 6, 2020
Ascending R&B talent Tiana Major9 welcomes us into her South London home with a band she assembled for her Tiny Desk (home) concert. Tiana gained the music world’s attention in August when Adele took to Instagram to call the song “Same Space?” “absolutely stunning!!” (The post was liked more than 430,000 times.) I was lucky enough to witness a private Tiana showcase in Los Angeles several months earlier, where I was moved by the refined nature of her voice.
She begins her Tiny Desk with an ending of sorts: the devastating “Collide,” written for the final sequence of Lena Waithe’s critically acclaimed film Queen & Slim. Later, she shows off her range and timbre on “Think About You,” a stunning love song that infuses elements of jazz, alternative R&B and her Jamaican roots. The sweetness in its refrain “I need more hours in the day … just to think about you” feels like a blueprint for how to spend the third wave of quarantine.
SET LIST
"Collide"
"...Exclusively"
"Think About You"
"Lucky"
MUSICIANS
Tiana Major9: vocals
Daniella Bernard: keys
Gaetan Judd: guitar
Benjamin Bekantoy: bass
CREDITS
Video By: Lauren Ambersley
Audio By: PRGRSHN
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Abby O'Neill
Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Kara Frame, Maia Stern
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[@nprmusic]

Tiny Desk Concerts are only possible through donations from our community. This year has been unprecedented but we’ve made sure to keep producing the concerts you love. Show your support with a donation to your local NPR station at n.pr/support-the-tiny-desk

[@L.W..]

Can you please get Brandy?! 🥺 pleaseeeeee

[@L.W..]

And Jazmin Sullivan !!!

[@malachiwashington356]

@@L.W.. Yes! Both of them PLEASE!

[@JadeStone87]

Yes Brandy is long overdue. Please.

[@mariamabdulle]

@@L.W..b

[@Bluebird0323]

Same space brought me here. Collide was the vibe when the soundtrack was released. One of the best. We need more of Tiana. She’s definitely a major chord

[@douglasarnoldda33]

Me too I love same space

[@dawnadolph9105]

She's got a little Jazmine Sullivan, H.E.R., Lauryn Hill, & scatting like Ledisi! Love it! Thanks to my girl Q for sharing her w me.

[@rhysdennis4834]

Lets not forget a glimmer of Miss Lalah Hathaway!

[@suspect2k10]

Yesss I hear Lalah Hathaway especially in 'exclusively'

[@Honest000w]

Yeah... Ledisi is a BEAST

[@sheriseparker5237]

Was literally thinking the same, she gives me Jazmine Sullivan-ish vibes

[@henrinevermind1695]

🌬🎶🎙👂🏽🎨🖌🤔

[@TH-lo8mq]

Never skip an NPR music vid, or you will miss people like this.

[@destinixshakur]

This the comment

[@jahsoldier3297]

Just watched her 1xtrq mash up of brandy/swv... Wow I've skipped her name just coz Im old school find faves and stick to em for time... Until angels like this Empress come through.

[@hopesdaughter5947]

Her songs reminded me of the beautiful feelings you experience when wanting someone and falling in love.

[@1DANEJOHNSON]

SHOUT OUT TO THE BASSIST IN HIS SOCKS 🧦 VIBING AND GROOVING 💯🙏🏿😎

vocalsssss

[@17drumma]

IN JESUS NAME 🙌🙌

[@genevievemorgan7821]

Yes!! Gorgeous!!;she sings with a proper English accent .❤️

[@selenazhou7640]

please collab ❤️

[@99sclark]

Vocals are FIRE! ❤❤❤

[@NahhIbe]

!!!!!!!

[@jonsarpong4082]

I think that the second song 'Exclusively' is the best performance I've ever heard on Tiny Desk. How are Tiny Desk performances always better than album tracks? Incredible!

[@mamohaukekana5284]

She is magical

[@daniellezedomi1784]

Her tone is crazy😍

[@ZippyLeroux]

When she looked into the camera I spontaneously combusted into technicolor fruit flavor. She looked right at me you guys! I'm in love!

[@john-adriancoker2789]

0:27 She looked at you and said, 😏😌 I know you heard me slay that note, Serenading you like sucka

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Man, I'm sorry, but I'm pretty sure she was looking at me....😄

[@michaela2929]

I felt the same thing when she started scatting! 🥰😍

[@richardcranium4335]

Did you look over your shoulder to see if anyone was behind you, see no one there, and widen your smile because it is indeed you Tiana was focusing on to charm the night away? That's what happened to me. ;-)

[@ashleysolantro4611]

Tbh she was looking at me at that point xo

[@corinne5697]

she’s so talented man i really want to see tiana win, glad she’s getting more recognition

[@loud_inkdlamini]

She's brilliant!! 🔥♥️

[@mimiteas]

That bass sounds what a long warm comforting hug would sound like... ❤️

[@Tray_mack267]

Collide was by far my favorite song on the Queen and Slim soundtrack. Glad I rediscovered her 😍

[@meghandutcher1195]

doctor: “you have 15 minutes and 42 seconds left to live” me:

[@aneof]

Her voice makes me want to stay quarantined to enjoy more of this

[@creepyboners9645]

I love her accent

[@RobertSlover]

thats in poor taste alex....

[@ashleyweems996]

Real talk

[@RobertSlover]

@@ashleyweems996 thats in poor taste

[@ashleyweems996]

@@RobertSlover hahahahahahaahhaahha

[@CasnerPsallo]

Tiana + H.E.R are from the same fabric Mann! 😣... Sessh! 🔥

[@rutendom989]

Yep yep absolutely agree

[@destinixshakur]

Jazmine Sullivan too the tone

[@DanShureMusic]

14:26 - most key changes up a 1/2 step in pop/r&b sound like cliche musical soundtrack. That was one of the slickest most soulful key changes I've ever heard!

[@nattydreadz6635]

Yeah it was smoove

[@ninjavibez4696]

Was sick! I caught it too

[@ninjavibez4696]

Only a trained ear will appreciate that

[@Peighter]

a beautiful way to spend my lunch break that bass line on collide is sooo warmmm

[@oriellad5099]

"Think About You" is a masterpiece ✨🙏❤

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Collide* [3:03 / 3:50] - *...Exclusively* [8:00 / 8:22] - *Think About You* [11:29 / 11:57] - *Lucky*

[@allisonbishop]

Yr doin god's work son

[@isthatchep6974]

Thank youuuu!💜💜

[@tarachapman6167]

Is there cussing in this concert?

[@lucasbrendanward]

that bass intro forced my cursor unto the like button

[@wesleyhermanus6646]

no cap I was about to make the same comment!!

[@lensamplification]

double stops are the best stops

hahah same thing here! Literal!

[@phiwokuhlethwala9415]

Same here, lol...

[@Carmen-cv2oi]

SAME! 3 seconds in - Like SMASHED!

[@chanluxe7675]

I was today years old when I realized she's got an accent ... She got such a beautiful voice, her tone is ELEGANT!

[@QuietStorm26]

her voice is unreal.

[@ihuomatuesday1600]

Harpo who dis woman???? I've must've been under a rock but now that I'm introduced to her I'm in 😍!!! Everything about her is divine. Thank you NPR💛

[@loud_inkdlamini]

Welcome! She's brilliant 🔥

[@casharahorton9091]

Girl you crazy!!! Harpo who did woman??? 🤣

[@xLILxGEMx]

Her tone gives me goosebumps 🙌🏾

[@tiffakang4525]

2023 she still does

[@ta5393]

'Think About You' is my jam because I grew up listening to reggae, dub, and ska. I hope Tiana makes a reggae EP or album because I'd buy it ALL! Lol! ;)

[@ninjavibez4696]

What ! What ? I really hope she does because WHAT! Haha all day everyday on the stereo 😂

[@Dariaaaaaaaaaaaa]

Thank you youtube algorithm for putting this woman in my life last December, and now I see she has a tiny desk. woooooooowwww

[@kaishasherelle6761]

This girl is so super talented. Amazing representation for the U.K. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@JaySmith-wo3di]

WHEW! Her delivery on think about you was straight out of Jazmine Sullivan's book. Loved it!

[@ajbreeden948]

Agree! 🔥

[@pikkiikkip5235]

This Lady is a WHOLE VIBE !...

[@juliaarmengol8216]

my entire body has been covered in goosebumps since she started singing

[@cheenergies]

U.K stand up! Amazing vocals and musicianship. Love the album, just can't wait to hear more!

[@harveygibson123]

Big up UK

[@taniamarie2486]

She’s definitely her favorite singer out of the UK she deserves more attention. He voice is naturally smooth and not forced.

[@slep5039]

was NOT expecting the full on jazz that came in Think About You! man, that was wonderful

[@ihuomatuesday1600]

Yessss I was like "oh you sing sing?"🔥🔥🔥

[@RobertSlover]

jazz? no sir.....

[@ChristianSolider101]

@@RobertSlover Ahahahaha. That was fully reggae

[@RobertSlover]

@@ChristianSolider101 ?

[@guest4590]

@@RobertSlover 'scatting' is the word everyone is looking for lol.

[@JobyJay]

Love her singing voice, love her speaking voice.

[@asiamonaforprez]

she sounds beautiful , this gives me chills

[@valeriev1876]

she needs to stop looking into the camera like that I’m mf blushingggg

[@mimiteas]

Ok, after listening to this more than 10 times in a day, I can safely say that I am addicted. 😊😊😊

[@ericmass11]

she's so so so so so so so so so so so special

[@tramelljackson]

Love the band! The keys on "Exclusively" 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Beautiful vocals!!!!

[@ervintatum8987]

When she started to singing ..Exclusively... I fail to my knees ..it was like, God said..How do you like my flower.. speechless, I was. she lit my fire I'm so in love.

[@celestinedward244]

Love her music beautiful voice representing the UK 🇬🇧 💜💜

[@risenshine888]

Ooooh, Tiana '..Exclusively' sounded so good to me. Thank you for gracing us 😍

[@felinecrl]

What an awesome band to compliment her music. Love you guys! 🥰🥰

[@PurpleCityDame]

Never gave her music a chance and heard this all the way through I’m a new supporter 🥰❤️

[@mdoughty]

a young stevie wonder🤩 she's going to put the jazz back in R&B. her 1st EP is timeless magic. dearest dystopia is just one of those songs. tiana i hope you survive the industry & get to harness your full creative power. you are LEGEND material! and you can't hide from your nerd status, your name betrays you ^.^

[@jamiedeyes3087]

Yet another new discovery, thanks to Tiny Desk, everything is just right listening to this performance and her EP. Love, peace and music 🎶

[@AntoinetteD]

I like that she has a no-shoes home. Vocals and musicians were amazing, of course

[@robertcunningham5341]

She can hold Her own place great music tunes on tiny desk

[@shanthemusickid]

YESSSSS HERE FOR THIS

[@ian_santillano]

yesssssssssssssssssssss

[@mediavantage9782]

Women on instruments turn me on. Bass player: BIG up. Vocals=100%. Strings: enough respect!!! Can someone just hand them a Grammy? Thank you.

[@rebecca9949]

I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful human in my life

[@KevOnStage]

Oh my.

[@Honest000w]

Oh snap.... the queen and slim song! She is good 😌

[@justesmond]

Tiana Major9 is vocal perfection.

[@anaiismusic]

Sing TIANA!

[@mynameismaali4955]

Her and her acoustic guitarist talking to each other with their eyes when he started scatting is itttttt😂♥️

[@unique9719]

It's how smooth and perfect her voice is. I've been so obsessed with her voice since I discovered her years ago. I love how she does a beautiful play with her voice and how genuine her lyrics and performance is

[@leahoutlaw1999]

Her vocals are the truth 🔥🔥🔥💔

[@danielthomas4310]

It's the Bassist with the socks for me 🧘‍♂️😊...... this is a whole vibe 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love from CPT 🇿🇦 Thank you 👏👏

[@Dar1oGom3s]

i need more hours in the day just to LISTEN about you..... good vibes from 🇧🇷😉💚💛

[@DevSkeeWorldWide]

Tiana Major Came Outa NOWHERE , Voice like warm Butter Running Down A Hot Biscuit

[@p1mpc322]

I could listen to her all day. This has been on repeat since last night!

[@senayon85]

For 3 years I have been in love with this performance ❤. "Exclusively" gives me the feels🥲. She's amazing❤❤

[@MissKrissyyK]

Tiana is an amazing artist! I love seeing her get the recognition she deserves! Only more greatness can come from her musical journey

[@samarajaniece1454]

My favorite song is definitely Exclusively! I am in love with her voice!

[@romerobryan9289]

She is GORGEOUS - and so talented. Had no idea she was even British. I'm heading over i-tunes now to buy her music. Got to support our own! xx

[@bornjusticerule5764]

She is Supreme Superb

[@kg8281]

I never knew she sang this collide. Her name is probably the most descriptive in music history lol

[@dreahmoran9344]

she’s too good

[@tiana5807]

She is just everything I had ever asked for.

[@mclevit]

Baby jazmine sullivan!!same energy!!what a voice ,her voice is soul food 😍

[@mountmariah]

I’m so excited that she was on here. I hope to see her on here again! Her music is truly amazing. I’ve been a fan for about 2 years now

[@teyarenwick3860]

You're so beautiful and I love your style! Great job vocals and musicians! 👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍

[@rotienoxoxo]

This sounds like cotton candy tastes. I’m obsessed!! Yes chocolate goddess and chocolate band!! The talent LEAPED out!!

[@pectenmaximus231]

That bass tone gives me such a warm feeling (says a bass player). The whole performance does though really.

[@do-it-nita4real]

This platform is so needed WHY ? Because for some of us it’s our comfort, it’s our grounding, it’s our identity THANKYOU ✌🏾

[@CalebKetting]

such minimalistic bandplay and crazy good vocals... hard, but deff pulled it off!!

[@yourbrothereli]

Such a glorious way to start the day

[@johnstewart214]

She better SINGGGGG‼

[@julandazachary2776]

LOVE HER TO LIFE♥VOICE OF A GODDESS

[@twilightjoi]

Third sing gives me Lalah Hathaway vibes. Uugghh I love this and her so MUCH!!

[@360Soundwave]

This is very good music Neo Soul with Jazz nice to see young musicians play instruments like that..and here voice so grown up and mature for here age..Big Up UK...Black Excellence..

[@sidlove5798]

Soulful priceless voice..loving the ambience

[@wellnesswithmarian]

Raw talent!! I can listen to this all day.

[@coenwassink3473]

Guys why does music do what it does to me? chills

[@necihines8042]

I'm obsessed with this woman's music!!

[@unique9719]

Collide and Thinking about you✨✨✨😭🥺😍my absolutely favorite. Such a wonderful and silky voice

[@Apfelwolken]

What a gorgeous voice! No matter if she sings, talks or laughs.

[@Brittnioceansidevibe]

I listen to her every day!!! Idk how I missed this drop OMG

[@siriusb187]

beautiful.

[@madlokovumngadi5159]

She reminds me of the late underrated legend Andrea Martin!!! Phenomenal voices.

[@tysparks598]

Tiana picked up 2 new fans, b/c my GF loved this, too... Thanks for wonderful times to start the day, we'll revisit them later. ✌️

[@HadassahIsrael97]

Her voice is like a clash of Jasmine Sullivan, and Brandy Norwood oh my gooooosh 😮I love her voice it’s so calming and reassuring

[@macapati]

Ms. Major9 sounds like an angel, she sure must be one..

[@deenice5255]

Soo Soo Beautiful Young Lady 😍 And the Band Members are Super Dope❤ Her vocals are soothing to the soul

[@stevenhamilton1780]

Beautiful woman and flawless talented

[@daviewproductions]

Love that has a style all of her own

[@stokelysawyers6063]

What a simply beautifully talented young lady. You cheered up my morning having arrived here serendipitiously. Thank you and love & light.

[@ConCitatoE]

Amazing. And I almost died when you went into Exclusively.. I stayed stuck in that space for the first few days I attempted to listen to your album because.. It just shook me up. Man.. What an amazing session. Jealous of Mr. Fly. :)

[@tasiaowens.]

Her voice is absolutely stunning

[@sarahcleary7414]

Yes!! Rep the UK 🇬🇧 girl

[@mkwins642]

Why have I never heard of her? Her voice and sultry sound is EVERYTHING 🔥🔥