Benny Sings: 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.

July 14, 2020 | Bobby Carter -- I've never come across a moderate Benny Sings fan. The Dutch singer-songwriter and producer has maintained a cult following for over 15 years and performed in the United States for the very first time at the Tiny Desk back in 2016. He's released a couple of singles since we've transitioned to Tiny Desk (home) concerts and I felt it was the opportune moment to ask him to take part. Recorded at his studio in Amsterdam, the set list reads like an inventory of quarantine essentials, opening with "Apartment" from last year's Free Nationals LP and closing with "Music." The hook reminds me that I'm not the only one who continues to seek refuge in song. He sings, "Music help me through this / I can't do this on my own / But music help me through this / Whenever I'm down."

SET LIST
"Apartment"
"Sunny Afternoon"
"Music"

MUSICIANS
Benny Sings: vocals, keys; Adam Bar Pereg: keys, vocals; June Fermie: vocals; Bram Wassink: bass; Colin Lee: drums

CREDITS
Video By: Benny Sings; Audio By: Benny Sings; Producer: Bobby Carter; Audio Mastering Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[danielboulton]

So good seeing Benny on tiny desk, I think he's criminally underrated.

[Vulf]

oof getting funky on that prepared piano

[GIRLINA]

If The Bee Gees and Steely Dan had a baby...

[FF-bshy]

So that's where we are now: sitting in Amsterdam, watching the American national public radio only to discover a fantastic artist who sort of works next door... Excellent!

[GeeLove]

His voice is unique with that Bee Gees and Michael Franks flow. Excellent!!!

[PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Apartment* (2:42)
3:38 - *Sunny Afternoon* (6:33)
7:18 - *Music* (10:33)

[Vousdoyou]

Is no one going to talk about June’s beautiful harmonies??? I’m obsessed 😍

[jacknunn]

Who else was pleasantly surprised to find out that Benny Sings looks exactly how I expected him to look :)

[ohdatsBD]

I accidentally clicked on this & realized this was The Universe's way to tell me "YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS"...

[spurts]

Love how much the girl is so loving this.

[mrpetersen]

The most humble platinum record ever leaned against a wall.

[lynxox]

i think its a crime that benny sings is so slept on. my man deserves so much more

[cotinaspann]

Wow😲 His voice is so smooth and soothing. He's like an entire easy listening radio station rolled into one person😁

[artbyvince]

Why isn't Benny at the very top of the charts? Phenomenal artist.

[shonylclaudia]

discovering benny sings is the best thing that has happened to me today

[kitakhat]

I love Apartments. This might be my favorite song on Free Nationals album. I Left my City Pop vinyl at my moms and she was listening to it while reading. I became a fan. I'm an Anderson Paak fan - Free Nationals - Benny Sings that's how I got here, lol.

[natmank]

NPR Tiny Desk killing it lately with these artists. Keep it up!

[BrydenVasquez]

Tom Misch and Benny Sings within 24 hours?? Stop it NPR. You treat me too well

[nioc]

This is, indeed criminally underrated music. Love the understated backing singer. Drummer is not playing with ego. Bass is perfect. Keyboard is just so calm. Exquisite just about says it!

[cakredi]

Thanks for Benny Sings
*we're all diggin' to the mighty Michael Franks once again.*