Waxahatchee: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

This might be as intimate as hearing Katie Crutchfield sing in her basement. That's where she and her sister would play guitar, write and sing songs 10 years ago, when she was 14. Katie and Allison Crutchfield had a band back in Birmingham together, The Ackleys; these days, Katie performs as Waxahatchee, while Allison's band is called Swearin'.

The songs Waxahatchee brought to the NPR Music offices aren't just stripped down for this Tiny Desk Concert, this is Katie Crutchfield as Waxahatchee, spare and exposed; this is what she does. Sometimes there's a drummer (her sister's boyfriend Kyle Gilbride) and at other times another guitarist, her boyfriend Keith Spencer (both play in Swearin'), but even on Waxahatchee's second album, Cerulean Salt, there are plenty of bare-boned songs. This is intimate music for an intimate setting, as we got to stand in careful silence, listening intently and capturing this frail and powerful performance. --BOB BOILEN

Set List
"I Think I Love You"
"Bathtub"
"Tangled Envisioning"

Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Gabriella Garcia-Pardo, Abbey Oldham

[BILLYTALENTisamazing]

I don’t know how such a sweet simple sound can keep a burning urge in my belly to cry or scream. She’s wonderful and I’m incredibly excited to see finally see her live.

[marcosgarcia-]

Still here! Still listening! She’s been my go to for years now!

[The_Soulful_Ginger]

I miss this style of Katie‘s music, but VERY happy for her success

[badolos]

REALLY???people are complaining about her haircut..get a grip people...close your eyes and listen if you don't like the haircut...or better yet don't do is amazingly talented

[youwerewild]

Watching this almost 11 years later is so inspiring. Saw her and her band live two days ago- how far she's come! But still the same excellent, sensitive songwriter.

[MarinaAvros]

Such a solid songwriter! With a wonderful sense of time and space.

[Jokai.Drawss]

i wish i could've been here, she's one of the most original and unique singer songwriters i've heard in a long time

[BreakAwayQuiet]

So beautiful in it's simplicity. She's so shy, captivating and natural. Lovely performance and great lyrics. 

[thebandwatkins]

truly a legend, and finally getting the awareness she deserves. listen to her album 'Saint Cloud" if you haven't yet. backed by detroit band Bonny Doon, she takes on a new alternative folk americana sound and blessed our ears with the best album of 2020. (right next to Delta Spirit's "What Is There" album)

[CapoeiraPiper]

fantastic! I wish tiny desk had more of these raw lesser known goodies. What a gateway to discovering great music!

[DeadWhiteButterflies]

My heart is swelling so much with feels I can't can't even begin to describe it's intensity. So beautiful.

[WGBHMusic]

Interesting decision keeping the guitar so decidedly non-amplified. Enhances her voice/lyrics. Nice.

[DannyMars]

The Internet: A place where songwriters can bare their souls in front of strangers and be rewarded by comments about their haircut

[LAG]

Hands down, this is my absolute favorite version of this song. I love it, even if it is sad.

[AAARONSD]

To the people who keep complaining about the amp not being on or the amp being too low, you should look into Waxahatchee before you judge her. Her first album American Weekend is supposed to have a low fi sound hence her choosing to not turn on the amp. 

[johnnyappleseed]

..perfect and beautiful. thank you katie crutchfield.
(santa crz, ca)

[superorangeish]

Her band is awesome and fantastic to see and hear her process in this artistic endeavor❤ (latest tiny desk)

[queenofkool]

It was as if she were playing alone in her room. I loved this. Katie is my favorite! Ever since king everything

[ChadEichhorn]

Here from the segment that ran this morning with Katie and her sister Allison. I heard some samples of her stuff and had to come here. Glad I did.

[Orangetension]

The first album will always be my favorite.