Usman Riaz: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

This is simply astonishing. Watch twenty seconds and you'll be sucked into the world of Usman Riaz, an immensely talented 23-year-old Pakistani musician who will change your perception of how a guitar can sound and be played. What's more remarkable is that this Berklee College of Music whiz kid learned much of his dazzling guitar technique by watching KZbin videos at 16. He also learned what he calls "parlor tricks," like body percussion and harmonica. But the classically trained pianist also used the Internet to learn how to write and conduct orchestra pieces and make films. If you're a skeptic, fine, just watch this youngest of TED senior fellows and be dazzled. --BOB BOILEN
Set List
"Boneshaker"
"The Waves"
"Shimmer"
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Gabriella Garcia-Pardo, Olivia Merrion; photo by Jim Tuttle/NPR

[@zaidghazi3856]

He is from my country (Pakistan) .. Proud to have this young master...

[@kyanhowland5569]

utterly beautiful and heartfelt those below who are quick to speak you haven't gone deep enough into your own hearts? did you not see his composition descent to the ocean floor which is the most tender incredible pull your heart out of your chest?

[@iTalha]

The best version of Descent to the ocean floor can be found on the platform of Coke Studio Pakistan. He nailed it

[@happyc00kie]

The final note of the piano piece he wrote has the randomness and impatience of a 16yr old. So cool...

[@GabbyCrump]

This is so inspiring, yet also so depressing. This guy is incredible

[@GabbyCrump]

I'll never be as incredible as him ahaha :')

[@GraphicBOMB]

never give up, just try it out and see for yourself. i think it's not the that he wanted to be the best it's just because playing all these instruments in different styles made him so much fun that's why he got so good and that's what we should also "focus" in life not wanting to get really good, we should do it for havingi fun and enjoying life or here playing instruments for fun. so i'm sure you can do it just believe in yourself and do whatever feels good to do and gives you positive energy and then you will also get on a point where others will woaaah :)

[@geanjenet]

I feel like I understand his attitude, it's how I feel when I'm playing, searching the soul for something that is almost impossible to express and finding frustration in the permanent regress

[@illgilligan]

a very humble musical genius

[@FunkAndFluff]

I'm not calling this the world's greatest & most innovative guitar playing, but dang, this guy gets impressive projection with hammer-ons & pull-offs on an acoustic.

[@josejavieravilagonzalez753]

This is so underrated! Amazing misician!

[@Jaden48108]

Consider me astonished! I watched his other videos and Blue Moon Waltz is a standout . . . just as incredible.

[@ChristopherHowat]

"i actually don't play guitar"

[@JoshChallenges]

Iv watched 3 versions of 'The Waves' and for some reason this latest video displays a different composition from the rest, its longer so I'm thinking that possibly on the later ones that he was more constrained to time, or that his simply reconstructed the piece as artists do always want to change their work (an artist is never satisfied, really) however I cant stop listening to this version. The section where he continuously plays out a similar line and then repeats with only a faint difference just adds to the effect of the piece, absolutely superb, got to meet this guy one day, and someone mentioned in the comments that he reminds them of Beethoven, now that's insane right, a chance now to meet a guy who even in the slightest reminds you of Beethoven"now that's a miracle", we have the opportunity to recognise brilliance when its present not when it too late and there dead as soo many have done on Beethoven behalf, and meet them, well im all aboard. Oh and if anyone wants to criticize my view on the piece crack on, just know that i have know idea how to write a review in correct terminology when it comes to piano pieces, no clue what soo ever no, leave off. if you thought it was great and i did then lets leave it at that =)

[@taciaamostis6473]

(8:01pm EST, September 13th, 2021) I enjoyed the percussive guitar and harmonica a lot, but it wasn't until his long and graceful fingers struck the opening first few notes of the piano that I was finally hooked in, proper. I particularly love the brilliantly stunning original piano composition most of all. "The Waves" captures the complex essence, movement, transformation and transition of water (/waves) so fully, so completely, so perfectly! Quite astonishing indeed. Can't believe young Riaz composed the intricate and beautiful piece at just 16 years of age --- lol, not what most 16 year-old boys (or girls for that matter) are doing with their free time these days, that's for sure! Thank you KZbin algorithm. Thank you NPR and especially Usman Riaz. Very much looking forward to more wonders from you Usman, for everything you touch seems to turn to diamonds.💎💎💎 Bravo!! Bravo!!

[@LynnColorado]

I swear, people like this are aliens among us from another universe offering a bright spot in our world.

[@muhammadchaudhry4457]

What u trying to say ?

[@LynnColorado]

Muhammad Chaudhry Simply that I admire what he does.

[@sheheryaramer3566]

Was listening to him on a podcast the other day...and tbh he really felt like that Very different attitude

[@SimonDECREUZE]

Worth the watch...Thank You NPR !

[@keanuoliva3404]

the 25 people that disliked this video felt that his talent shamed them because of their inadequacies lol

[@adamwilliams7241]

27

[@mdarbor]

Keanu Oliva Haters just have to hate!

[@vishaltaneja2976]

40

[@vishaltaneja2976]

40

[@Daniel-lu9xc]

43 :)

[@folkelk]

That was a very smooth percussive guitar! I enjoyed every bit of this.

[@WGBHMusic]

Fun stuff! Impressive percussive guitar technique.

[@valeriejhowes72]

Instantly I'm a fan! Amazing.

[@toddallen7862]

Bar-Raising...Absolutely stellar. At points, he appeared to be in fast forward...

[@futuropasado]

that piano piece is beautiful

[@aaronbecker3523]

This man is a true prodigy, amazing talent! Hard not to be envious ;) never stop creating please, your talent is inspirational!

[@itsmeElsaB]

I am just completely blown away! This is amazing!!

[@friendlyletters]

Yes! that was awesome. So innovative. Love that the body percussion was on there too. Spiritual child.

[@Chascoso]

not sure why he's getting hate - personally. i think hes good and motivated me to do percussive guitar. :D

[@kamrynroper5904]

Chuntarita it's because he's hot and talented. KZbin is rife with insecurity.

[@im650]

10:30 waiting for class to end like

[@RolandMaerkeLeuenberger]

Excellent !!!!

[@umairtariq1555]

He is the pride of Pakistan 😍

[@VulnerabilityVault1]

Who cares enjoy his lovely music and stop racism.

[@RachelMer]

I am extremely IMPRESSED :) Very nice work!

[@shrutimadan7301]

Love your skills man! You're doing an amazing job!

[@nevenamartinez]

what a beautiful guitar he has! i love this guy, watched him on TED.

[@iannolan5022]

This was absolutely mesmerizing.

[@deenkwaan9968]

Awesome

[@saadatali7487]

He is the genious ... Pride of Pakistan

[@DarkIris007]

Remarkable talent. love it.

[@vinyasshreedhar9833]

Very Inspiring !!! and ofcourse he is a genius !!!

[@deputyseal409]

I've seen some heavy stuff on Tiny Desk, but this tops it all! Ten seconds in and I thought my eyes would pop out of my head!

[@Blinkstash]

The shine of Pakistan!

[@michaellobo9749]

This guys a genius

[@clockguy2]

I used to play guitar like this until my mother told me to stop because I was giving her a headache.

[@bhaktalex]

I thank your mom…we certainly don't need TWO PEOPLE just slamming the shit out of instruments.

[@nkululekomsiza6459]

Super! Plainly SUPER!

[@CNder77]

Very nice, loved how he played guitar.

[@Narikeljinjira]

great work brother, great talent, humble too.

[@somdattramessar]

Excellent stuff Usman...

[@yaycocoyay123]

it's all stunning, je penser.

[@ChristopheVincentfineart]

Amazing artist

[@Orsola389]

Awesome!!!!!

[@geanjenet]

I also can't stop picking up new instruments

[@ToshiroHoshi]

+Mazze LeCzzare Just make sure to maintain good form because some instruments are heavy and you could strain your back picking them up. ;P

[@taciaamostis6473]

@@ToshiroHoshi heheheh...lol, that was really cute! Thank you for the chuckle.😁

[@hichamhadjerioua4494]

Waw!You are a magician

[@mikemikes8730]

very talented human

[@makaveli3595]

August Russh anyone?? or is it just me? Incredibly talented! Respect.

[@TheCulturalCompass]

Oh, what a joy !

[@MeanOldLady]

Shame I just heard about him last night! I love his style.

[@sheheryaramer3566]

Greater shame for me. I heard about him last night 😅

[@imnotatlibertyto]

"This is a piece I wrote..." ...wait for the humblebrag... "...when I was 16."

[@MrDOOlevrai]

Yup. Annoying.

[@piercest.claire194]

Who cares? I didn't get that at all when he said it.

[@NICOPSG5]

oulala an alien thank you Usman

[@moking-co3sz]

My man's making an animated film the glass worker I hope his tracks are in them to

[@IrfanAliTaj]

The world don't Wanna show the masses how beautiful and talented Pakistani are and pakistan is, from diverse cultures to rich literature to to talented peoples. who have the soul to win a soft corner for Pakistan and rather love for 🇵🇰 . This is the imagery we Pakistan people wanna show but unfortunately in the race of global politics we are only shown to the world as terrorists.

[@nathonski]

I DON'T ACTUALLY PLAY THE GUITAR hahahaha

[@OracleAnne]

If you enjoy this percussive guitar, check out Kaki King. She did the percussive arrangements for August Rush, and she is amazing on her own.

[@lendi90]

I would be like you usman riaz :). Aminnn. Cool bro.. A musical genius

[@JessanDunnOtis]

Are those fingers insured?!

[@eojinjennayoo1459]

Impressive!

[@the061PUNK]

Good man ! to me, I think he is in a stage of exploration and will soon find his sound ! Extremely talented nonetheless.

[@eonhand8]

it's even more impressive if you put the speed on 1.5

[@chip_let]

OH MY GOD THIS KID IS AMAZING

[@mabdullahkhan4795]

Here after Usman's story ❤️❤️❤️

[@chip_let]

HE IS SO CUTE

[@juanmanuelsoteras5532]

Anyboady knwos what módel of epiphone is it? Sorry my englesh im from Argentina

[@usuario1234]

I can do that! Here, hold my beer.

[@treblec4me710]

Classically trained pianist 😉

[@oasis12334]

fuckin quality. well done

[@Will-xf3qe]

anybody have any idea what tuning his guitar is in?

[@hopo2hopo]

first track was killer

[@96Piuma]

Aww he's so cute

[@TheCulturalCompass]

The Waves ! #MniWiconi #WaterIsLIFE

[@FeRmBot0118]

cool intro. sooo when does the song come in?

[@b.6.7.f.h.]

It doesn't change my perception of how a guitar can sound or be played. Good though.

[@heavymetalnhardrock]

For all you purists that say only amateurs look at their guitar...

[@dancingcheeseproductions4127]

He plays the guitar like a piano

[@WilcoVerhoef]

what is this style called? He said it at 4:44 but I can't hear it good enough

[@nathanshen7116]

+Wilco Verhoef percussive guitar

[@user-gw5uz4ed4s]

He should play with Tash Sultana

[@NarvasolQuirupira]

siempre chorea con lo.mismo. en cada presencia

[@teriscallon]

Did he watch Rob Scallon's videos on KZbin?

[@silverchar]

I agree with the "I don't actually play the guitar" because actually he uses it in a very different way. If I use a guitar to play as a drum, i can be the best in the world and sound amazing, but still, i'm not playing the guitar. Anyway, love how he makes sound easy to see something online and learning it.. What an amazing guy.

[@bartolocasanova]

Thats was ecstasy to me

[@jordanfelix9452]

crazy

[@TheReverb1]

...he has the music, let him grow a bit his ideas etc and you ll have fine compositions. He s a real musician, has the technique, compose, plays very well, in search of his own voice; the real deal. I can understand his work etc due to Im a musician too but seems that real music is difficult to understand for the big public, that are too much accustomed to expose only to the same old harmonies and popular XX song structures

[@MrDOOlevrai]

It's nice but nothing new, nothing original, and cliché stuff.

[@razaba3172]

Your comment is quite old but I'll respond anyway. I think you're right. Some people have musicality only, some people have technique only. This guy has both. To the untrained ear it may be difficult to pick up everything he does in its nuances, but his rhythmic capabilities are extraordinary and his entire sound with it's harmonies sounds very unorthodox especially considering he comes from a classical background. The last guy who completely stunned me like him is Jason Becker. Go check out his songs "Altitudes" or "Serrana". I'm dead sure Usman Riaz has been influenced by him.

[@TheReverb1]

...hello, I do not know the other guy; I will check out. Thanks

[@ThisSentenceIsFalse]

I hate my life! He's so good and inspirational! Love it!

[@SteveHaske]

Ala Michael Hedges. Nice,

[@atifali-ot4jc]

usman raiz from karachi pakistan

[@kindnessfirst9670]

Do they sell these Pakistani guitars in the USA?

[@ssandipsubba4056]

Master teach me.... Please

[@kevinbender6153]

I prefer his piano playing.

[@sharp6193]

Kevin Bender same he can even conduct orchestra

[@user-lx7qr6jo6e]

すげー

[@DianaGamerosMusic]

5:27 The Waves

[@annikab2713]

When he said he doesn't play guitar...

[@puinhoop88]

the guitarplaying looks and sounds like Kaki King

[@khattakzindabad]

He mentioned him as one of his inspiration in ted talk

[@AePhotography100]

Whhhhhat kind of guitar is he playing on? Ibanez... or Taylor?...

[@DhaneshMahtani]

Epiphone EJ-200CE.

[@jafferakhlaq]

Why is he famous for his guitar playing only

[@strati5phere]

i can do that too

[@alexturner6390]

but you're not featured on tiny desk, are you? :p

[@fridgemagnet]

alex Turner so?

[@taciaamostis6473]

👍10:49