William Prince: 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.
Bob Boilen | November 8, 2021
Seated in the comfort of his home in Winnipeg, singing his song "Lighthouse," William Prince emanates thoughtful messages of redemption and love. "I greet you today from Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg, Manitoba," he says. "What a time it's been, I've been at home writing songs this past little while, and it really gave me some perspective on something ... confirmed something for me. You don't want to let a day go wasted." And with that, William Prince's baritone lulls us into his song "Wasted," a song he wrote to his son but is full of advice for us all.
"What puts a shuffle in your shoes, babe?
That's the thing worth chasing.
Gotta love what you do, babe
So not a day goes wasted."
William Prince grew up the son of a preacher and a musician on Peguis First Nation. With two albums released in 2020, including a gospel album inspired by the grief caused by the pandemic, he's been quite prolific. This summer saw the release of a single, "Run."
William Prince ends his Tiny Desk (home) concert with "Breathless," the song that introduced him to the world in 2018; initially released in 2015, the later version we've come to know was produced by Nashville's famed producer Dave Cobb. "Great songs will find a way; it ain't the singer; it's the song I was told." There's truth there, but for me, seeing him in Nashville in 2018, it was undoubtedly his voice that got me listening.
SET LIST
"Lighthouse"
"Wasted"
"Breathless"
MUSICIANS
William Prince: vocals, guitar
CREDITS
Video: Martin LaFrenière, Brad Crawford, Philippe Bellefeuille
Audio: Jamie Sitar
Production by: Six Shooter Records
Production Assistant: Alyshia-Grace Hobday
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Sam Yellowhorse Kesler
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Bobby Carter, Kara Frame, Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #williamprince

[@Mysterialic]

Man's got a voice that heals.

[@radicalbooksandactivists]

Totally. I feel my sore throat going away. Music and poetry have power.

[@gernblansdon6519]

Hypnotic...

[@georgestokes1570]

One of Canada's best cultural exports, this man deserves to be known by more of the public. Thanks NPR for presenting William Prince !!

[@toddmontondo8364]

I saw him perform at the Grand ole Opery a month ago and he blew me away with his talent ...just awesome

[@josephsantiago1406]

I’m so grateful for Tiny Desk. I probably would have never heard these songs if it wasn’t for y’all. The lyrics in these songs cater to the soul.

[@robertnewell4054]

Yes Sir & amen 🙏🏽

[@gabrieladler3789]

I just want to sit by a campfire somewhere quiet with a few friends and listen to him sing for the rest of my life. Seems like a fantastic guy.

[@cdnharmstrong]

So glad that even more of the world is getting to listen to our Manitoba treasure that is William Prince.

[@peez1212]

I just saw him in Lunenburg/Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is so incredible.

[@maryedwards8307]

🇨🇦❤️

[@maryedwards8307]

🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

[@GoodnWise]

This man’s speaking voice is a marvel. His singing is next level.

[@leahthomas5859]

So happy to see William Prince on Tiny Desk - we have the best singer/songwriters😁🇨🇦

[@sgtj0311]

Once again. Tiny Desk, putting a musician in our radar, that should have been in everyone's list all along. What.a.TALENT.

[@dingdong6069]

This is why I love Tiny Desk. Ok, its good to see the big stars in a stripped back setting and all that... but... when you get introduced to a colossal new talent for the very first time - like here - it makes it all the more sweeter.

[@MrGuitarbike]

What I love about William Prince is that he is using an authentic voice in his singing. So many folk/bluegrass/country, or whatever genre you might call this, use an exaggerated almost southern accent and twang in their voice, and it detracts in a huge way. He does this in a small way to make his lyrics smooth and flow, but not in a way that ruins it.

[@FriendlyManitoban]

Totally agree. 🎙 👍

[@joelpound5010]

So awesome seeing a Manitoban on Tiny Desk. Definitely not the last!!

[@owenkjartanson7476]

Begonia would be great on Tiny Desk.

[@nikkidee6602]

A William Prince acoustic Christmas album would be aaaaamazing.

[@georgemelvin588]

Smiles, absolutely amazing Nikki, feels really great listening, how are you doing? 🌺😊

[@jghulzenga]

The world could use more of this man. Absolutely stunning

[@thesuperstarjoeymack]

William Prince is *probably* the greatest songwriter to come out of Manitoba in the last 50 years. And he is the best singer from the province of all time. For my money, there's nobody like this man. What a treasure. Would love to hear him do something with Joey Landreth.

[@tomaltermusic]

I love this man’s voice and songs. Reliever was one of my top albums of 2020 and it helped calm my mind. Thank you Tiny Desk for sharing his talent.

[@JacobOldenkamp]

The facebook lives he did at the start of the pandemic were amazing, not sure if you've watched those, or if they are still on Facebook, but if you can find them, they are amazing.

[@BaronVonRolo]

There's something truly special about an artist you feel blessed for getting to hear, talk about how blessed they feel for being able to play for you.

[@sugarcoat4]

this is the first time i've heard of him. incredible voice!!

[@Phatxual]

Omg I'm soo happy NPR got William Prince on here! He's such a wicked artist!🧡

[@jenhansonsings]

He’s a national treasure.

[@Ben786]

I got immediate CHILLS when I heard him start singing

[@jujuskfacct]

I love listening to William singing his songs. He has a few-Breathless, That's All I'll Ever Become, Earthly Days-that I must stop what I am doing to sit and listen. I hope everyone gets the opportunity to listen to more of his songs, he's brilliant and lovely.

[@helennelson5845]

William Prince is proof that goodness exists; what a privilege to hear him.

[@eddiedontess8585]

I’ve been going thru a lot recently and this honestly brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your songs 🙏

[@Permaculture1957]

Keep on goin’ Eddie. You got this.

[@eddiedontess8585]

@@Permaculture1957 thank you Andrew and I definitely will. I appreciate you taking the time to reply. You’re a good man.

[@chiefsallday842]

You're welcome Eddie

[@LauSaili]

Yes. How could it be otherwise. Hope you’re ok friend

[@owenminerson1522]

So glad NPR is showing the world this man. First saw him at Folk on the Rocks in NWT and was brought to tears he is a fantastic talent

[@lindsaypratt3200]

me too!

[@trisnawulandari6988]

thank you for the William Prince's tiny desk home concert, NPR. The songs and the show ease my physical heart that has been aching since last weekend.

[@GardenerPhyl]

Lovely. Absolutely lovely. I feel William Prince’s music in my soul. His voice is so soothing.

[@Bimbeam1]

His voice takes me home😌

[@jummi2404]

Listening to this on the train looking out the window onto snowy fields. Perfect 🤍 ty tiny desk

[@stringhucker]

this guy's voice sounds like a hug

[@ericgaldamez]

Feels like one too

[@brandonburton5928]

Oof. I don't think I've ever cried at an expression of gratitude. And here we are. Wow.

[@MrMedlicott]

Woah ... this just stopped me in my tracks, amazing voice, beautiful songs and soooo much soul in his voice. Thanks William and thanks Tiny Desk, the gems just keep coming.

[@diananeuman6222]

I first heard him at a small folk festival near by...I was a vendor in the craft tent...and when his set began, my customer and I stopped talking and just listened, spellbound. It was silent! I'm so happy to see his exposure grow!

[@mamclean100]

Love love William Prince. He is an amazing person and singer. ❤️ One of my first (and not last) indigenous musicians that I have had the privilege to listen to and enjoy.

[@stevehughes975]

Another absolute gem from Tiny Desk that I otherwise probably never would have heard. What a voice and what a story teller. Thank you!

[@bucketofbarnacles]

A beautiful voice, indeed.

[@sarahashley861]

Beautiful. I've always regretted not seeing you live in the Yukon. Keep on making this world a better place with your music.

[@georgemelvin588]

Smiles, absolutely beautiful Sarah, feels really great listening, how are you doing? 🌺😊

[@kirkmcinerney8757]

Love this guy. William is a musical treasure!

[@MrJFRaider]

This guy could be both the host and singer of a radio show

[@fbike4539]

Great job William, impossible not to shed a tear listening to you. Manitoba Proud!!

[@philbrake7525]

Winnipeg boy here. Its so cool to see people i would normally see at a local bar like Ariel Posen, Sweet Alibi, Red Moon Road, Curtis Nowosad, and now William Prince all showing up in BIG places, doing amazing things. I feel so fortunate to live in a place where music is KING.

[@chloeayers4087]

Breathless gives me chills. Thank you so much for being you.

[@kamikazitsunami]

Canadian folk. The wrong people are on the radio. ♥️ to the First Nations and you.

[@joelatkin1214]

This is my introduction to him and I absolutely love it, downloading his albums right now

[@jodysmoke6317]

Truly amazing, and with a big gift. 🙏🏽 definitely a great songs we has put out. Really enjoy hearing William prince’s songs. Breathless brings tears to my eyes, reminds me of my mom who I’ve lost cancer too. You’re whole album is amazing. My mom was big huge Elvis Presley fan and breathless could’ve been the most perfect song for her. Thanks for sharing this concert with all of us. Always be a song that means something to each and everyone of us in different ways. So thanks🙏🏽

[@storydoc2115]

The song "Lighthouse" just stopped me in my tracks, held me and gave me the chills.

[@MultiLovejack]

Your songs are great stories and your voice is the perfect storyteller!

[@halenvision]

Having breakfast and whatching this tiny made my day, thanks

[@katerog3640]

Unreal just so beautiful THANK YOU WILLIAM PRINCE

[@jeffdixon847]

His voice has been a solace through the darkness of the pandemic.

[@claudettebosch9229]

What a kind voice--so grateful and tender. Love this!

[@georgemelvin588]

Smiles, same here Claudette, feels really great listening, how are you doing? 🌺 😊

[@msjanjanp28]

My mouth dropped when he started singing!!! I love his voice.

[@adrienneleitch861]

Best concert I ever attended was seeing William Prince, this man sings his soul

[@nickatkins2101]

Fingers crossed for next week in London, can't wait to see him.

[@michaelmackenzie2569]

One of 🇨🇦 greatest!!!

[@BoeRossMusic]

Breathless is low key one of the greatest songs I've ever heard.

[@vitomirpasalic9436]

What a soothing voice, thank you sir 🙏🔥

[@JacobOldenkamp]

So absolutely excited to see you on Tiny Desk Will, your music is an absolute blessing.

[@milkconcertspoets2219]

your music is the prince in our heart.hello from greece.keep making magic music william.we need you now!!

[@maitemardomingo272]

You have a great talent and your gratitude and message are great ! Thank you William Prince ! You made my day!!

[@georgemelvin588]

Smiles, hi there 🌺😊

[@mariansmith7694]

Beautiful

[@georgemelvin588]

Smiles, absolutely beautiful Marian, feels really great listening, how are you doing? 🌺😊

[@pauld2917]

Thank you, William Prince and Tiny Desk… I didn’t realize it, but I really needed that!

[@TheKathrynpowell]

YES! yessssssssss so glad you got william prince on tiny desk!!!!

[@gcorriveau6864]

Great songs from a great artist. Those lyrics and melody really strike a note inside me ... Thanks William for sharing yourself with us and NPR Tiny Desk for presenting William Prince.

[@izziOnBass]

This is one of the honest, down to earth, simple yet best - Tiny desk I've seen! maan that is a voice!!

[@RandyMatthewsMusic]

Wonderful. My favourite Tiny Desk so far.

[@deannadutton4400]

As soon as I heard the first words of that first song I was hooked. Simply amazing!

[@jimmywhite5209]

Wow. What a remarkably soothing voice. And what well-written songs. Thank you NPR for turning me on to this jewel of an artist.

[@craeearc]

William Prince is like a breath of fresh air for the soul. Much love from Montreal

[@artquarry3831]

I have lost count of how many times I have discovered an incredible artist from their Tiny Desk Concert. This guy is definitely going on the list.

[@blinkbeatbox4582]

this guy's voice is umbelivable

[@bhstor0]

Found this artist few years ago and felt like he was under appreciated. Super stoked to see him on tiny desk.

[@Kodiaks402]

One of my favorite voices on the planet! Thanks NPR

[@richarddixon5690]

I found your music last year and have become an instant fan. As a songwriter myself, I love not only the depth of your songs but the flow of the lyrics.. One of the best I've heard in many years.

[@musictothesoul4life]

WOW!! Just found a new favorite. That voice...smooth like butter.

[@radicalbooksandactivists]

William Prince, I'm totally adding your music to my playlists.

[@rogberube6422]

Many thanks, William.

[@paulaplatner5943]

Beyond fabulous! Thank you, William Prince!

[@georgemelvin588]

Smiles, hi Paula 🌺😊

[@BrandyLuscalzo]

Osiyo! Don't let a day go wasted!!! True Native Spirit!

[@dustrhinos]

William you are sounding beautiful as always. Hope to see you soon buddy.

[@rw9854]

Breathless is an all time great song. And this version is insane

[@kmarchery]

Fantastic About time. Should be longer though . It's just enough to Tease the ears .

[@garybirdinground7939]

It is awesome to see William on Tiny Desk, some well deserved recognition he has such an amazing voice!

[@yesnolinsi]

Thanks for sharing this and warming my cold heart. ❤️

[@2hesss]

What a voice! Thank you for sharing your gift with the world!

[@tjross1313]

We got our tickets for March /23. Can't wait!! 💜 from not that far away just up the street here in blustery Winnipeg, Manitoba!

[@christineheynen517]

I first saw William Prince in Toronto (Secret Path Live, 2019). He covered “Son” (from Gord Downie’s Secret Path album) and he hit a grand slam home run. His voice is very calming. I could listen to him all day. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@leybald60]

Never has the saying “Less is more” with the simple beauty of William, his guitar and his songs. Thank you sir.

[@FatherSpencer]

I get really overwhelmed with emotion when I listen to music, and whooo boy

[@handrea9785]

I listen this song in France and its Amazing

[@DS-mh5hb]

You're the best Mr Prince❤️

[@DS-mh5hb]

Hey there ! Reliever and particularly the song, 'The Spark' . Hugs and thank you for asking !🙏🏻✌🏻❤️

[@DS-mh5hb]

I'm in Memphis area and been a fan for about 2 years from the minute I happened upon one of his studio sessions on KZbin and was blown away by his voice, writing skills and his authenticity and personality as well .

[@ricardotrejoruiz5776]

so clear, so calm, so perfect for studying and learn fine :) obvious a like and recomendation like a mountain

[@v.p.person6266]

OMG, He brings me to tears. I had to stop listening to it. It's beautiful.

[@toddskaggs7365]

In Tennessee right now on my way back from Las Vegas will be in Kentucky at home soon ty William for singing I enjoy your songs

[@julianwilliams7364]

Wow. You've got a new fan.

[@leslieedelman7468]

Wow, I just went to a new planet. His voice is so dreamy and rich. He's really something special.

[@ellierowe8163]

Its not just the writer, its the singer who puts heart and love into it. I love your music

[@user-is3xq1ws5w]

Awesome voice. Thanks William.

[@sarahthompson900]

Loved the lyrics for wasted. All young people should hear them

[@georgemelvin588]

Smiles, hello Sarah 🌺😊

[@TheBham54]

First heard William on the Buddy & Jim show on Outlaw Country (Sirius XM), his voice is so warm, comfortable. I'm so thankful for avenues like that and Tiny Desk to introduce an Ol' Boomer to all the wonderful new artists that keep music alive and interesting. Thanks

[@user-nz5de4ld2n]

Thank you for the beautiful Artisty you put forth in all your music 🎶 🎵 🎶🎵🎶

[@thomasroussin]

one of the most authentic performers alive today.