Ani DiFranco: 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.

Bob Boilen | May 10, 2021
Ani DiFranco has always done things her way, and for this Tiny Desk (home) concert, she’s a one-woman team, filming and recording herself in the front hall of her New Orleans home and studio, Big Blue. The not-so-tiny desk you see in the hallway was her great grandfather’s. Other personal items seen as we scan her home include a purple painting of a tree by her cousin Jim Mott and a portrait of a woman and ghostly girl by a painter named Renata. At the time of this recording, Ani was planning to move after more than 10 years at Big Blue, so this concert is likely one of the last performances to take place in that space.

Ani opened her set with “Everest” from the 1999 album, Up Up Up Up Up Up, a song that for me is about viewing life through different lenses and finding beauty. Next, she sings the title track to her 1995 album, Not a Pretty Girl, which shakes the shackles of stereotypes. Her final song for this (home) concert is from her 22nd album and her latest release, Revolutionary Love. The song brings compassion to troubled times by dismissing hatred -- or in her words, “To forgive but not forget.” It’s a message that shows the beauty and power of this artist, and her heart.

SET LIST
• "Everest"
• "Not a Pretty Girl"
• "Revolutionary Love"

MUSICIANS
• Ani DiFranco: vocals, guitar

CREDITS
• Video: Folkmonger Productions
• Audio: Mike Napolitano

TINY DESK TEAM
• Producer: Bob Boilen
• Video Producer: Maia Stern
• Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
• Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
• Tiny Production Team: Kara Frame
• Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
• Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#nprmusic #tinydesk #anidifranco

[thebetterway]

If you think about it, Ani was at the vanguard of where we are now culturally. She went her own way musically, did it herself with no corporate master despite large offers from record companies. She was openly sexually fluid before many of us knew how to talk about it, and she told all of us in words and deeds - “be whoever you are, you matter, there’s room for all of us.” She’s been a guiding light and I just love her so much.

[sophiasimmons]

As a member of the invisible audience, I owe a lot to you, Ani. Thank you for making my childhood make sense.

[KerriKleinfletcher]

This was like hanging out with an old friend after a long absence. Like so many, Ani helped me navigate my young adulthood and her music supported me through both dark and brighter times. SO many good memories, of moments as well as live concerts.

[endocry]

I'm a 41 year old white Christian Male who leans conservative (isn't that the devil now?) and I've loved her music since I was a teen in the 90's. I may not agree with all her views, but I can remember a time when views weren't so divisive and defining. She's still got it and I still think she's a songwriting genius.

[helenkeegan]

Saw Ani at New Haven's College St Music Hall last weekend and she sounds as good as when I first heard her in Lyons, Colorado back in 1994. Thank you, Ani DiFranco, for all your inspirational music

[anyasaunders]

My parents sang Anis songs to me as lullabies when I was a baby. 19 years on and I’m still finding so much comfort and strength in her music

[camillelively]

I trace my life in Ani Difranco songs and Ani Difranco shows and Ani Difranco hairstyles.

[Nearlynamaste]

Ani is still magical after all these years. Revolutionary Love is a true gem.

[morsecode]

Dang, "Not a Pretty Girl" hit me at a formative time as a teenage girl in the 90s and in the 25-ish years since it hasn't lost its power. Much thanks to Ani for helping me know myself as a kid <3

[tailtaptailtap]

The kids don't realise how important Ani is.. so many singers have tried to replicate her voice over the years, especially in Australia, and now she sounds nothing like what they all tried to imitate. .. Now they will all do this, watch this space!!!

[damonbourne]

Among other things, she is a killer guitar player. So solid.

[madeinkonada]

Ani has been my hero since I was 15. Now I am almost 40. She still shines so brightly. Actually I just realized she still appears in my dreams sometimes. I finally get to see her concert or tell her how thankful I am for her existence.

[hopem]

Sublime. I love this woman. A national treasure.

[dharmaofdog]

No one plays Guitar like Ani D. I have a major Crush on almost all of her Guitars.

[crodriguez]

Her album with Utah Phillips changed me! I was so upset I just missed her show in FL, but I’m hoping to catch her this year! Love love love ANI ❤❤❤

[catswann]

Not sure any other artist impacted me more in my teens. We are not very similar, but her talent and her boldness helped shape my heart and mind.

[quique]

Ani has that special ability to speak right to your soul. It's the music, it's the words, it's something special.

[SheearaAlaska]

THANK GOD!!! Ani I love you!!! I got to meet you at Merril Auditorium in 2001. “Not a pretty girl” gave me the opportunity to feel the strength inside of myself on the outside. I put my dark blue capped, light blue “Ani Tee” on and ended the concert at Voodoo Doughnuts. I was changed. After that I wore that tee until it was shreds and never apologized again for having strength, love and standards. I appreciate your art. I’m grateful you’re still moving the world with your soul. Thank you for braving the judgment and teaching a growing body of strong women and men. ~Sheeara, Alaska

[dynjarren]

Amazing! This is Artistry.

She always maintained her independence and never signed with a Record label because of the strings attached. She created her own label and released her music independently from the beginning. The result is she doesn’t owe any record company money or albums. She kept her artistic and financial freedom.

Good for her because now this is the norm for most independent bands or singers. She was one of the first to do this. Very smart.

[wiremonkeyshop]

Thanks for this Ani. I'm 56 and have been listening to your music long enough now for your soul to have merged with mine, a simmering joy deep within my tissue and synapses. Keep on pluckin' and truckin'! XO