Xavier Omär: 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.
Bobby Carter | March 15, 2021
Xavier Omär decided to turn his Tiny Desk home concert into a whole Texas affair. Initially, Omär wanted to recreate the look of the Desk: "I wanted to kind of bring the feeling of Tiny Desk back, so I had booked a library," he said. Ultimately the library didn't work out, but Rosella Coffee and Wine in his home base of San Antonio proved to be a great match for his sound--spacious and airy.
Omär's career began in Christian music under the moniker SPZRKT, before he moved into secular R&B and hip-hop. Through his first couple of projects and work with Seattle DJ and producer, Sango, the 27-year-old singer's heart-on-sleeve approach quickly created a buzz. His latest album, if You Feel, was high on my favorite albums list of 2020.
The Alamo City resident and his cohorts orchestrated a charismatic and vocally rich show. The set list perfectly depicts the emotional arch of if You Feel. For good measure, he plays the song that put him on the map, 2016's "Blind Man." This is undoubtedly Xavier Omär's best live performance on record. He's on a clear path to greatness in R&B music.
SET LIST
"Like I Feel"
"Blind Man"
"SURF"
"So Much More"
MUSICIANS
Xavier Omär: vocals
Talyce Hays: vocals
Jay Wile: vocals
Alana Holmes: vocals
Billy Ray Blunt Jr.: guitar
Justin Crawford: keys
Korey Davison: bass
Josh Greene: drums
Kevin Davison: saxophone
CREDITS
Video: Screenville Films
Audio: David Gaumé, Alfredo De la Garza, Josef Rodriguez
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Kara Frame
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#xavieromar #tinydesk #nprmusic #rnb

[@KevOnStage]

What a great fantastic glorious day!!! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN XAVIER ÖMAR!!!

[@dadedon305]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@jimmyneutron4632]

RIGHT?!

[@annekibble5819]

Could you be a little more excited @KevOnStage?? 😆😆 just kidding, I’m super excited too!!! He’s dope 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@layfam21]

Super dope soul brother

[@superduperjoi6800]

haha you always in these comments

[@joshuagreene801]

Thats me on drums!! 🥺

[@tabithadeocas3101]

You did great.....

[@kscott_official]

So proud of you Cuzzo!!👏🏾👏🏾🥺

[@FlapperMissyPoohPooh]

Whoop whoop 👌🏽🤞🏽

[@fungirl1978]

Yes indeed!!!!! 🔥

[@dck257]

Sounds great man!

[@sunasiahawkins2226]

WHO ELSE HAS BEEN HERE SINCE BLIND MAN & NEVER LEFT??

[@theoriginalghost]

Been here since movement of truth and spzrkt days

[@kitakhat]

How about In the Middle of Things off Sango 2013 album... that long ago.

[@superduperjoi6800]

@@kitakhat yesss me too ola muito bom

[@ChrisBurnette68]

Been here since SPZRKT Lucid Dreams Mixtape!

[@TheloniousMcCoy]

Been here since I Hope This Is Love and his Rapzilla days

[@cudizzle147]

My boy finally got a tiny desk. Been rockin with him since the SPZRKT days. His Sango collabs always are fire

[@naomib3804]

Yes!!

[@bagofnickels7225]

Got into him when he featured on a Bobby Feno Track

[@philipaitken6680]

Yes indeed Sango is fire too

[@jalishagreen2552]

Would’ve loved to hear some of them 🥰 but I’m happy just to see him on the platform!

[@smokesteamcandlelightpodcast]

FACTS!! Me too!!

[@imlegit1162]

“Who’s Been A TRUE FAN FOR OVER A YEAR !

[@rashadray409]

me!!

[@rashaddow]

Mood playlists littered with his songs

[@bobbydunston7340]

Spzrkt!

[@saxyman11]

@@thatsblnkfce same!!!! Sound Cload put me on!!!

[@luckykubheka]

🙋 the joy of seeing him here 🙃😌😌

[@delilahwilliams2170]

he singing like rent is due!! I KNOW THAT’S RIGHTTTTT

[@sweettalker210]

🤣🤣🤣 facts!

[@lscott9550]

Yasssss!!!!

[@MyMARI3]

😂😂🤣

[@NN-nj8jr]

Im dead.....ur killin me

[@missfancy8365]

😅😅😅😅

[@Nursecuff]

Only the cultured know about this mans greatness 😭

[@philipaitken6680]

Facts and I feel honored to be among us feel that give other artists a chance. Man is so gifted and underrated

[@missfancy8365]

Facts

[@Godizmycoach]

Sis I fully CONCURRRRR

[@misstocoa2766]

Flips hair !!! Yes ma'am 👍🏾👍🏾

[@tanyabrown2732]

This here. Hi VIBES

[@jalisarae5881]

Y’all that’s my sis in the red shirt and blonde hair ☺️🥳 And she put me on to Xavier Omar😊 when we got in the car it was a must that Blind man was played multiple times🤣💜

[@mariekanu3203]

Awww, she’s incredible 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@mystros6966]

Jalisa are u a singer also?

[@teresam5199]

Awesome

[@syckindahead]

Did her thang🙌🏿

[@jalisarae5881]

Thank y’all 😭 I’m so proud and happy for her.

[@NatashaOSR]

FINALLYYYYY. Sir take your place.. all the way from SPZRKT - take your placeeee

[@indiaadams5262]

SPZRKT days.... a vibe. I want to hear Serotonin Remastered

[@sumayzebecreating]

🙋🏾🙋🏾🙋🏾

[@astoldbychichi]

Only true fans know about SPZRKT and how to properly pronounce it!

[@kizzy7562]

Was waiting for Universe or The Feel to drop low key

[@thesoulfulscorp]

Right!!

[@masondewolfe9097]

I've known X since we worked together serving BBQ in San Antonio, so happy to see how far he's come. He's always been the nicest guy with a crazy amount of energy, and an amazing performer.

[@sweettalker210]

Good ol Bill Miller's!

[@VioletteAdeline]

Wow this Is amazing

[@Godizmycoach]

That’s so dope. 💕❤️

[@CHRISTChrysalisInManhaim]

I was surprised to find out he's from my hometown, I was already a fan, Now he's Fam.😁💕

[@layalopez5390]

"It's a panini outside, a pepperoni pizza, a panoramic" 😂😂😂

[@DaniaJWright]

@@beautybea101 same! Lol.

[@alyssamorris1692]

He has the loveliest voice and such a comforting presence!!!

[@Drebaby0707]

When artists actually sound like their records. I’m here for it. You definitely deserved a tiny desk. True talent.

[@positiveenergy4131]

Sister in the red sweater will do great solo.

[@shannondeniesha]

I did a double take when she started singing at 1:40

[@jtkendrick3]

All of ‘em cold to me!

[@purplerain1848]

I wanna thank Tiny Desk for introducing me to sooooooooo many talented & unique artists. Tank and the Bangas, SIR, Moonchild, Anderson Paak etc... Now this young man!!!! 🙏🏽

[@PacificMoceans]

❤❤❤❤🔥❤🔥💯🙌

[@m.stewart5338]

This comment deserves a plaque on tiny desk!

[@TalksWithTrilla]

Same for me

[@anubianqueen79]

And masego

[@clh816]

Tank and the bangas npr!! .. idk how many times I skipped the video not know it was exactly what i needed.. smh lucky daye too. New orleans got some artists🥴🥴🥴 pandora put me on to her ella mai xavier omar(I listened to blind man so much my kids hit the woo yeah) masego daniel ceasar

[@ajakennedy6072]

I appreciate the background vocalist in the red. Your contributions are noted, sis. Thank you for sharing your music with us.

[@douglasarnoldda33]

I totally agree

[@JESUSISLORDforever888]

All 3 backup vocals are EXCELLENT!!!

[@bignah139]

Pitch perfect. And blends are magical. (And she’s fine!!) ☺️

[@MangoDaP]

Here you go :) "Like I Feel" 0:00 "Blind Man" 5:10 "SURF" 8:50 "So Much More" 11:45

[@cdoj_productionzz5850]

Keyboard and aux: Justin Crawford Drums: Josh Greene Bass: Corey Davis Sax: Kenny Davis Guitar play: idk

[@okaygee4132]

@@cdoj_productionzz5850 lol @ "idk"

[@bapbirb]

Im so sad 'Afraid' isnt in there😭

[@jsrmyfavorite4930]

Okay background singers giving us harmonies on “Blind Man” 🤗🤗🤗

[@buffyshillings3138]

They melted my soul

[@LolaLadae]

Who has been here since his name was SPZRKT???!

[@zmoore1103]

When I tell you that used to be the hardest thing to remember the letters of when I would listen to em on SoundCloud!!!

[@PacificMoceans]

I thank my now 21-year-old son for introducing me to Xavier back in 2015, dedicating "Blind Man" to me in our living room. He's an incredible artist and sounds just as great live as he does in his studio releases. Incredible!

[@ayomiku22]

You have a 21 year old son OMG! i thought you was my age around 26-28

[@jbill7808]

This my first time hearing him

[@PacificMoceans]

@@ayomiku22 Aww thank you. I turn 40 years old this December. :)

[@PacificMoceans]

@@jbill7808 You're in for a treat. :) He's so soulful.

[@jbill7808]

I'm already on it

[@rjmonteagudo3990]

FINALLY GETTING THE RECOGNITION HE DESERVES

[@jasaraponton6168]

Now as a blind woman! I thought blind man was a beautiful description of someone’s love energy!!! Thank you for that beautiful song!!! 😘😊🦋💋🥰💜💜

[@GoblinedNghouled]

Man, I can’t get over how smooth this dudes voice is, it’s like he’s spitting “I can’t believe it’s not butter” spray into the mic

[@dannye5758]

Nah I deadass bout started crying when he performed “So much more “

[@KJTB]

Str8 took us to ChurcH

[@skooosan]

we don’t talk about this guy enough

[@danielle2642]

The background vocals are 🔥

[@aubreymartin9134]

I swear so much more is a praise and worship song man 😄

[@nicolen3988]

Right!!!

[@TheeShelt]

Agreed!!!

[@amandar8699]

Was literally just saying this! He has the perfect voice for gospel music lol

[@vanceroday]

right!???? 😭

[@Shevland]

Absolutely!

[@djqueessence9253]

You know what speaks volumes? An artist that lets the other artists shine. Thats what's up

[@kemuntomaranga9576]

"Well kids, because she got that SPLAH" GROUNDBREAKING

[@martygreen3145]

His Band is SICK!! Singing is very good from Omar and his backing vocals. Music is very unique sophisticated indeed.

[@tabbiejohnson7198]

2 years later and I’m still in love with that backup singer in the first 2 minutes 🫶🏼

[@serg6264]

My guy needs more recognition like this✨ We need that Xavier Omar, Smino, and Sango tape💽

[@NonchalantDebutante]

Went to see Thundercat and Miguel at a music festival in Long Beach 3yrs ago... this guy was the opener. I’m so grateful I caught his set

[@yessarah]

All 3 are legends

[@blessingscomewithpatience]

I bet that concert was 🔥 Xavier sounds similar to Miguel. They should do a song together.

[@ososandi]

Xavier can literally do NO wrong!!!! God bless this young man!!!!!

[@taydoo_chix8026]

Now these background singers are doing the things that make the pots to be done😅👌

[@dekaylaoneil886]

"So much more" sounds like a worship song!

[@rakeishamonet3851]

It really does

[@britt8637]

In a way it is. He's giving praise to his beautiful wife.

[@chealseatanis4197]

Bro this song is definitely on the wedding playlist cuz the tears that I shed listeninnng✨😭✨🤍✨😭✨

[@nadeegaither2257]

Am I the only this concert would have gone longer? Lol. He's such a great vocalist and his band and singers sound Amazing!!!

[@jimmakesbeats6927]

For sure one of the best R&B Tiny Desk Concert I ever see. Congrats Xavier Omar and the whole band. Simply amazing!!

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Like I Feel* (4:31) 5:12 - *Blind Man* (8:12) 8:52 - *SURF* [11:33 / 11:48] - *So Much More* [16:56 - Tiny Desk team]

[@missraeray]

Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@dywanacunningham1960]

I just listened to So more much and I felt every word in his song in my soul. It’s definitely going to be my wedding song 🎵 Thank Xavier 🙏❤️‍🔥

[@penelopebowman159]

First time hearing this artist. Thank you for bringing songs with beautiful lyrics and music!!!❤

[@ishenarobinson9616]

They are all making such beautiful music together. It's almost magical.

[@ishenarobinson9616]

The background singers sound like angels.

[@annettebryant7145]

My husband and I are so happy that we came across your music. Your music has blessed our ears. Keep it going!!!

[@sunnytaproom]

Love this smooth r&b sound, can't wait for the pandemic to end so that we can all return going to concerts!😎

[@BETHJUAN86]

Ok. When I get married, SO MUCH MORE, is definitely getting airtime!

[@MsDEV89]

Xavier Omar’s was my last in-person live music experience since January 2020. 😩It’s one of my favorite memories of last year.Tiny Desk well deserved!

[@ashleydula7839]

Same here ! I saw him in November 2019

[@92093mary]

Mine too! Such a talented artist.

[@MissJoi305]

Mine too! Feb 2020. Can't wait to see him again live one day soon.

[@evodz09]

Mine too Houston Mar. '20

[@emmadmd5332]

Xavier is so talented ! I felt “so much more” so muuuuch in this Tiny Desk 😍

[@jdotbunni]

I came here as fast as I could! Yesssss give this man his shine. He makes the most beautiful music! Blind man made me clearly see his music is what I needed years ago!

[@michaelfoxbrass]

Shouts to the whole group - especially Josh and Kevin for their intimate understanding of neo soul harmonies and grooves!

[@sweettalker210]

Can't forget Justin on keys!

[@buhlebenkosimungwe]

I’m so sad he didn’t perform deep end but this was wholesome regardless 😭😭😭🥺❤️🔥🤲🏽

[@dashia05]

Okayyy. He got hits! Afraid, Hearts in Fear, Insecure ...

[@dineoleshaba2556]

i was so looking forward to deep enddddd😭

[@ronuhh]

This makes me so happy!!! I’m so glad he’s finally getting bigger! Been a fan since his SoundCloud days almost 6 years ago!!!! SO PROUD OF YOUUUUU!!!!!

[@cals48]

FAn since the SPZRKT days. Still don't think "Laminin" gets the proper respect it's due but happy to see he's finally getting the notoriety he deserves.

[@sirmike14]

Laminin goes crazy

[@DLloyd-bb4wk]

Whew! That song was golden! That and "Hearts In Fear"

[@jokerman19]

This is so cool to see. I remember when he was spzrkt from those “while we’re young” days.

[@mbalenhleprettyndhlozi4320]

NPR can officially close😭😂❤ Been waiting for this performance 😍🔥

[@lscott9550]

🤣🤣🤣

[@GPrice-mg8mi]

This is a top tier Tiny Desk. Deserves so many more views!

[@alexlester5752]

I have been a fan since Blind Man 🥰 Xavier is amazing. His voice takes me to another place 🙌🏾 I could watch this over an over again. I need to see him in concert one day ✊🏽

[@Brazilxraina]

Watching him cheesing watching my toes curl this man omg his voice is from another dimension ❤❤❤

[@MurphAve]

One of my absolute favorite artists!!

[@briannahoward8367]

Xavier is obviously amazing, but I can’t get over how incredible the background vocals are. Like wow. All 3 of them…just perfection.

[@thayungflorist]

The girls vocals in that first track😍 like wow!! The first song in general 🔥🔥 Xavier’s vocals are just 🔥 ❤️

[@taychae]

this man is underrated. has amazing music, I can listen to his music every single day

[@dreababbie]

I can’t wait until we can go to concerts again because I need to see and hear this beautiful voice in person!!!

[@ososandi]

he puts on a fantastic performance!!!

[@shaybar93]

I heard on the news that concerts may come back at 50% capacity

[@lscott9550]

I was just thinking the same thing!

[@samanthawilliams3357]

😊👍🏾

[@nicolen3988]

“So Much More” was incredible, wow

[@laiahlivin]

F I N A L L Y!!!!!! Xavier you deserved this. dude. Yeaaaaaa. My freaking best friend is on tiny desk with one of my favorite artists. I can’t.

[@terrencegolding1494]

Easily one of the best tiny desk vocal performances ever! Thank you Xavier!

[@gamell06]

I’m glad his getting his recognition finally. He produces great music. Super chill 🔥

[@89cjenk]

He’s the truth this is beautiful the band is fire

[@sweettalker210]

Let's go, reppin San Antonio! This performance was incredible, both the singers and the band were KILLING! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@liane.nicole]

Been a fan since he was SPZRKT. So happy he is on NPR! What a perfect set.

[@DatgirlChelle1978]

Xavier Omar is such a wonderful singer. Sounds great live too!! 😍😍

[@tiarabrooks5379]

From 15:15 to the end took me back to singing in my praise and worship group 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾. I've replayed this video so many times already.

[@We_About_That_Life]

Texas made baby, it runs deep I remember seeing him perform for the first time nothing too major I was visiting friends in San Antonio I'm from the DFW this was when he went by SPZRKT enjoyed it right off the rip and monitored him because he also did work with Sango another artist I enjoy very much.

[@rubygold2007]

😩😌🥰this man’s voice is a piece of heaven

[@scythe_5205]

jay wile backup singer should also do his own tiny desk

[@sportsguyjose3325]

Xavier is such an incredible artist and his band always delivers. Super proud of y'all for putting on for the 210.

[@dejacordero7016]

Who’s been a fan since he toured with Andy Mineo?👀 THE BEST TINY DESK EVERRRR

[@samuraiblack6499]

lol I was at the Miami show. Glad to see how far he’s come since then.

[@YoungAlmighty]

Yee! Lol

[@dejacordero7016]

@@samuraiblack6499 I was at the Tampa show!!

[@johndelaney1787]

Def saw him in philly on that tour! And was dope then and better now!

[@aaliyahlashaun5773]

I was at the Pittsburgh show!!

[@spazgrafficz6113]

The second song still slaps hard to this day. Thanks Xavier for the song.

[@monicarenee7949]

I’m ashamed to say I just discovered that song and him late last year and have been addicted to that song. I didn’t realize it wasn’t a recent song. I play it almost every day

[@swaveken8187]

I’m going to always sing the ending of Blind Man as loud as possible WOOOOOAHHHHHHHH YEAH!!!!!!!

[@msmarsaya]

❤❤❤ shouts to the BVs and musicians too. So buttery beautiful expect nothing less, I missed my fave song Protect and some of the other amazing classics but I get he has to do his current project mainly.

[@attatamoun]

His voice is like butter!!!! I just recently discovered Xavier... thank you Spotify.... I am a fan!!!

[@domhur]

This is most likely the best tiny desk I've ever seen and heard!!!

[@MellyHhhhh]

That feeling when you stumble across an artist that you know is gonna be rocking in your playlists for a loonnng time... the artistry of it all!! 🎵😎👌🎵💜💯

[@faithsibelo5076]

I loved the whole performance but SO MUCH MORE!?! Wow...that's a special one

[@naomiej1031]

This should've been at least 30 minutes long! I wish he sung protect, afraid, change on me, and of course deep end 😩

[@lottaleggsbeauty7279]

I discovered this artist while working at a temp job and his music definitely got me through the day. Great performance 🔥🔥

[@jsmn5059]

one of the mot underrated artists out there periodt.

[@chizer198]

Such a dope performance. One of my favorite artists!!!! So underrated

[@moderndiamond78]

I'm Speechless. The talent, the musicianship & musicality, the artistry, the lyrics, the feels, everything about this is incredible

[@jasaraponton6168]

I tell you! I keep coming back to this tiny desk I have been listening to him for about a year now!! God has truly blessed his voice!! Much love to the entire band, the background singers, and of course the phenomenal Mr. Xavier Omar and his beloved wife!! Once again loving on y’all from Philly!!! 😊😘😘😘💃🏽💜💜

[@shai7595]

Watched this months ago and I knew like 1 song. I know every single one now and this was such a different experience. He deserves his flowers NOW 🌹 I’m a huge fan 💯

[@jessicaalyce]

I didn’t know his voice could be more beautiful live! Okay!! 🖤🖤

[@MorocDivine]

Finallllyyyyyyy!!!!!! Too happy this finally dropped awesome job Xavier! Along with your band and lovely background singers!!!! You all did that!!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰 S/O to my sister the one in the red sweater and to the Davison's so happy for y'all 😍😍😍🙌🙌🙌

[@supportchange]

WOW!! What an awesome performance, it caught me at the first few notes! I am loving the jazzy vibes he's giving and he would have been a lovely addition to the jazz festival I attended a couple of weeks ago. I definitely will be getting to know him through his music! ❤❤❤

[@nataushaj1]

Wow. The whole performance was beautiful. So Much More...took me out!! It felt like I was in a worship service and the anointing filled the room. Job well done!!

[@sushinoodles732]

Blind Man and LIke I feel are so good, Xavier is so underrated its crazy. I want to see him became extremely successfull

[@-Bloomingtales]

I liked this before I even watched it bc I just knew I would love this.... and I DID!

[@justpeachy24_7]

Bruh who gave this a thumbs down??? Yall tripping. He's such a vibe. BLIND Man will forever be my jam

[@jessicacrabbe5886]

What a talent! Vocals, the band, the vibe, everything on 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@steadyrokk7]

Been waiting for this one man, shoutout to TinyDesk for always delivering despite these extreme circumstances. Music is love, music is life 🤲🏽🤞🏽

[@patricksansone7639]

blind man gave me goosebumps omg

[@mhlomhleduku1308]

‘So Much More’ is one of the best songs I’ve heard in my life.