Tash Sultana: Tiny Desk Concert

Watch Tash Sultana play at the Tiny Desk.

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Bob Boilen | April 7, 2017 - Last May, Tash Sultana posted a self-made video, just her in her living room with guitar, laptop and a great song called "Jungle." Within five days it had drawn a million views.

This 21-year-old Maltese-Australian got a guitar from her grandfather when she was three, she says, and has played it every day since. It's astonishing to watch Sultana's fluidity on her instrument, like a natural extension of her body. (She also plays bass, saxophone, trumpet, flute and more, but kept it "simple" at the Tiny Desk.) I thought I had a lot of energy — watching her bounce from guitar to drum machine to two separate microphones — and then hopping barefoot from looping pedal to effect pedal as she builds her songs was exhilarating and exhausting. There's more here than an exercise in virtuosity, her music is filled with adventure and ambition. These songs are rapturous and resonant.

Tash has just finished a month-long, sold-out U.S. tour.

The EP Notion is available now.

Set List

"Jungle
"Notion"
"Blackbird"

Musicians

Tash Sultana (vocals, guitar)

Credits

Producers: Bob Boilen, Bronson Arcuri; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Morgan Noelle Smith; Production Assistant: A Noah Harrison; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR.

[nprmusic]

WIN A TRIP TO SEE A TINY DESK CONCERT!
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No purchase or donation required for entry. Void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law. Must be 18 years or older and a resident of the 50 us states, D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec) to enter. Entry deadline is March 28, 2024 at 11:59:59pm pt. Odds depend on the number of entries received. ARV of total prize: $2, 300. Max. 10, 000 entries per person. Official rules, including an alternative free method of entry, can be found at

[HavokTheAnarchist]

It's like her body can barely contain the joy of her soul, it's raw and damn near otherworldly

[nickdusi]

She used to play on the streets of Melbourne a few years ago when only a handful of people knew about her. The first time i have heard her play "Notion" and i literally saw crowds of people getting around and staring in silence, crossing the streets and getting off trams to stop and listen. People looking at each other in disbelief. i got to work late to stop and listen. I can only describe the experience of stumbling across such an amazing experience as meeting God's particles floating through space. Unreal

[Mathstrade]

She could power a whole city with that Energy what an astounding display of Talent and Passion

[pjo]

This is 5 years old and NEVER gets old. Always get the chills from Tash

[t.mckinney]

Its like when a song ends, you stop and look around, and feel slightly embarrassed because where you are, isn't where you just were. I want to live and stay in her music. That's the highest compliment.

[yungvikkhalifa]

Tash at 17:47 : "I wrote this when I got stuck in a cave in New Zealand"
Me, after knowing she existed for 17 minutes: "aahaha on brand, classic Tash!!"

[kabobgatzen]

I know I am late to the party finding your genius…73 years old and just found you, Tasha. To say your music is transcending is inadequate. To watch you perform, to see your unadulterated pure joy, it must be what heaven is like. Thank you for opening a small window into your world. Please don’t change.

[DaftJames]

I can’t lie, despite “the best” being entirely subjective, I will say this is my personal favourite Tiny Desk ever; even to this day after 5 years. This introduction to Tash changed my life so many years ago, and after experiencing them three times in three different countries, I can’t deny, they are the best live act I have ever seen. They have done so much for me which they will never know but I felt compelled to put it into words and share it in the hopes there may be others who feel similar. We are utterly blessed to have lived in the same time as Tash Sultana. As they have said; “If I'm in a good headspace, then it doesn't matter which direction things go.”

[charliewonders]

Can we all please take a moment to appreciate the supernaturally skilled, beautiful, humble, mystical and overly badass legend that is Tash Sultana!?

[buttercup]

Her music is literally a drug for her. Look how much euphoria and bliss it gives her. Astounding. To create something that brings you so much joy and happiness…

[SamwiseKimchee]

Watching her performance is like taking a psychedelic to be honest! You can just close your eyes and let the music take you on a ride!

[kerrymdare]

That riff for "Notion" gets me in the feels every time. Tash is incredible!

[stevebeisel]

There’s something so inspiring about seeing someone do something you know they were destined for. Not enough people seek out their passions and engage in what moves them down to their soul

[kylieadams]

Her passion and authenticity is intoxicating. I saw someone’s comment below about how her expression makes them uncomfortable but they recognise that it’s probably because it is what most of us never allow ourselves to do. I’ve never heard truer words. You don’t just listen to tash, you experience her. Just divine.

[Goblin_Girl]

Its like a lesbian awakening watching this. Shes so sexy. And not just physically, but spiritually.... The joy in her smile, the skill in her mind and body. She has SOUL

[robertaespree]

I just got back from her concert in Atlanta. She had me in tears. Such passion and so amazing to watch her. I'm a forever fan.

[bethanyferris]

This chick enters a whole other universe when she starts singing.. it’s like she slips out of her body and her soul takes over. She performs and performs hard! She’s awesome

[atfgarage]

There is something so honest about her. She doesn’t care how her movements may make her look, she is unapologetically her. And that’s beautiful, just like her music.

[jbeam]

Just saw her live and I’ve seen hundreds of shows and I am at a loss for words. Out of body experience wth just happened. Thanks for taking me so fast through the universe of emotion I’m not even sure I exist right now