The experience of listening to music differs from person to person but it’s undeniable that good music makes you connect with the rhythm, the lyrics, the vibe and it just feels right. Sometimes, with good music comes noise that causes a kind of disconnect from the true beauty of a song. In recent years as my music taste has evolved, I’ve made sure to listen to music up close and personal and really connect with the song and what it means to me. True artists and lyricists love to present their art in the most authentic form as they can and I very much appreciate that.
One way I’ve figured out how to listen to music up close and personal without the noise and the gimmicks is through the NPR Tiny Desk Concerts. It’s one of the coolest things I’ve seen in the music industry. At the tiny desk concerts, artists perform in an intimate setting sometimes accompanied by one or two instruments or even hand clapping. Adele, Chance The Rapper, John Legend etc. All the big names that you’ll usually only see or hear through edited records, music videos or loud concerts literally just sit or stand behind a tiny desk and sing their hearts out. Here’s a selection of some really amazing tiny desk performances. I hope you enjoy them and keep watching because good music should be, whenever possible, up close and personal.
Adele
Adele is a master in her art and her sweet out-of-this-world voice sometimes makes us all secretly cry. She’s one artist that usually just focuses on the music and wouldn’t care for much else. In this performance, she performs an acoustic version of some of her top hits. As expected she sounds divine.
Chance The Rapper
Chance The Rapper is a pioneer who has challenged norms in the industry and continues to wow with his amazing songs, charisma and pure talent. He even performed a poem written for this Tiny Desk performance.
John Legend
John Legend has a permanent space in our hearts. His signature sitting by the piano and singing his out heart never gets old and the closer we can get the better.
Benjamine Clementine
Benjamine Clementine music and performance is so powerful, soulfula nd authentic it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. His music puts you in a magical, trippy trance that you never want to end. I listen to him over and over againa and each time my heart beats along to every tone in wholesome appreciation.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Macklemore is a rapper and thoughtful lyricist and to hear him rap acapella style was a new experience for him. This performance is awesome in more ways than one.
Leon Bridges
If you don’t already know Leon Bridges then take this as a life changing introduction. He is a beautiful singer with a voice that resonates deep. His top hit “River” starts 12:48
Jessie Ware
One of the best thing that came out of the 50 Shades of Gray movie was its soundtrack. Thanks to them I became a fan of Jessie Ware. She’s a charming and gracious singer and her song “Say you love me” is my favorite and was performed first.
Feature Image Source: NPR Tiny Desk Concerts
