FKJ: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

Nisha Venkat | July 7, 2022
Watching FKJ build a song is like watching him play a game of musical tetris. One second he's coaxing a rasping rhythm out of a drum set — the next, he's clambering over instruments to get to the mic before the beat kicks in.

The process might make you want to tape your eyes open. This is not Live Production 101, and FKJ (short for French Kiwi Juice, the stage name of Vincent Fenton) is not here to explain his genius. The French producer and multi-instrumentalist is perhaps best known for his assist on Masego's sultry, rollicking "Tadow," but there's only remnants of that energy here. This is new jazz: a synthy spectacle that's a treat for the ears and the eyes.

You get the sense – and Fenton confirms it – that he could spend all day tinkering in his studio. There's an ease to his motions when he grabs his guitar adding wah-wah sounds to his bassline on "IHM," and something very relatable about how even the cameraman struggles to keep up with his motions, sending Fenton in and out of focus.

Sometimes, he grimaces (with effort or with ecstasy, who knows) when he plucks a string just right. And you might be similarly moved. This has all the shivers of ASMR with all the emotive joy of a warehouse electronic fête. Maybe you'll even feel what I did when the music ended — a silence so large, so full, you'll want to tear down the screen and dance in the jungle with him.

SET LIST
"New Life"
"TUI"
"Improvised Jam Sesh"
"IHM"
"Ylang Ylang"

MUSICIANS
FKJ: vocals, electronics, guitar, keyboards

CREDITS
Video: Terence Ver Angsioco
Audio: FKJ

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Abby O'Neill
Video Editor: Joshua Bryant
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Bobby Carter, Kara Frame, Michael Zamora, Maia Stern, Ashley Pointer
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#tinydesk #FKJ #nprmusic

[nprmusic]

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[samora]

Streets need a FKJ, Masego, Lianne la havas, Tom Misch, Anderson Paak, Thundercat, Yussef Dayes, nick Hakim combined album. Or even just a jam session.

[GeiaCarterPR]

Seeing FKJ’s wife and baby twirling on the balcony in the background while he serenaded with Ylang Ylang is the most beautiful imagery I’ve ever seen. To live in a beautiful home surrounded by lush nature and beauty and to be able to create wonderful music is such a Love FKJ soooo much!!!

[averypeck]

I'm so happy for all the new people discovering FKJ for the first time.

[amberbonner]

I feel like whoever listens to this man’s
Masterpieces on consistent basis are my people. I wish I knew you all personally, 🥰

[Mindofkyestudio]

Anything Fkj drops is naturally a tiny desk atmosphere

[Dre]

Everyone who read this, we don’t know each other and probably never will but I wish you all the best in life and all the luck in the world stay safe!

[lebrunnicolas]

Must see for those who didnt know FKJ so far : his live performance on the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia filmed by Cercle, available on YouTube. Absolutely breathtaking

[hauteswan]

When the only thing that matters is music. You get this kind of beauty! Thank you for sharing!

[tsuriranpu]

Has to be one of the best home setups that has been on this channel imo

[nichollasmat]

someone: which instruments do you play?
fkj: yes

[romecensullo]

This man is the Beethoven of our time. I’ve seen him twice live and it’s an incredible experience. He’s truly the Goat!

[Cosmik]

✨✨I was on tears watching this...A profound feeling of awe arouse in every fleeting sound creating a magical moment, this is true magic ✨✨✨✨✨✨

[bebeface]

Anyone else feel like nothing else matters when listening to this? I feel calm and have the biggest smile on my face 🥹🥹🥹

[dumas]

I'll never get tired of seeing FKJ home concerts over and again. Simply amazing 🤯

[isaacblack]

I introduced him to my autistic nephew at just 2 years old he was a instant fan by his clapping of his hands and twirling in circles is always a good sign of a good time. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS! Hope to see you here in the states sometime soon.

[ianbacellar]

Couldn't handle shy tears when his wife and baby appeared. What a beautiful image to fulfill the heart

[PentameronSV]

0:00 - *New Life* (5:00)
5:28 - *TUI*
[6:38] - *Improvised Jam Sesh*
9:51 - *IHM*
14:34 - *Ylang Ylang*
[17:20 - Tiny Desk team]

[vanessaseymour]

I suggest that NPR triple the salary of the booking agent, because I have not recovered from Usher, and then you put this guy on! My music tastes have expanded greatly due to Tiny Desk.

[Velvett]

FKJ's live versions are always the best version, an elevation of already amazingly crafted music pieces