Lianne La Havas: 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.

May 5, 2020 | Suraya Mohamed -- Something special happens when Lianne La Havas performs an acoustic set. Our audience agrees; her first appearance at the Tiny Desk in 2015 is one of the most popular Tiny Desk Concerts of all time. We are thrilled to have her back, this time performing from her home in London.

She looks quite comfortable in her cozy space. I love the effect of the close camera placement; her essence penetrates the fourth wall like she's singing just for me. Lianne performed the tender "Paper Thin" and "Bittersweet," two recent singles that will be included on her self-titled new album set to drop in July. The intimacy of the performance matches the lyrics of the new songs, personal vignettes about her life and growth over the last five years. Also included in the set is "Midnight," a wistful gem from her 2015 album, Blood.

SET LIST
"Paper Thin"
"Midnight"
"Bittersweet"

[christianklintholm]

During Covid-times, this was the realest "tiny desk concert" of them all. A lot of people rented studios, got camera people out. This was just recorded infront of a window with a Macbook webcam and is in the true spirit of Tiny Desk shows.

[siyethabamthembu]

Imagine being her neighbor and getting to hear that angelic voice everyday 💆🏾‍♀️✨

[brucekeen]

I prefer her tiny desk concerts to her albums. Without reverb and drums, her voice doesn’t need anything else

[xRedSmartiesx]

Though the audio quality is terrible, Lianne manages to pull off one of the most soulful performances in tiny desk history.

[michaeldillman]

I honestly can't decide if her vocals or guitar talent is more impressive. She is literally flawless.

[donnor_grieve]

Man, these minimalist performances are where Lianne shines. Her album stuff is good but seem a little over produced in my opinion, and they never capture her raw talent as a performer the way this video does. This was awesome, please do more.

[juliansthoughts]

She definitely knows how to make a guitar sing like a harp.

[tipb]

My dad introduced me to your music 7 years ago... he passed away this year. I’d like to think that he sent this from heaven as the perfect Mother’s Day gift. ✨

[andypiano]

The microphone didn´t do any justice to Lianne. Her voice is pure silk, like a feather floating in the air. I discovered her some years ago watching her first NPR Tiny Desk concert. I owe you big time, NPR!!

[RisingDead]

Incredible, a gift during quarantine. Couldn’t come at a better time.

[kennethmewis]

This grainy vibe of recording compliments her voice so well.

[enterthewildwood]

It's so rare for artists these days to be as unique as Lianne. This woman is an absolute treasure.

[PanArt_]

She makes this look way too effortless 😭 her performance is hypnotizing

[Giantist]

That first song 'Paper Thin' is about loving yourself, we must learn to love and accept ourselves. Had me in tears.

[thisiszaudi]

The fact that she is playing the guitar and singing with her eyes closed, just beautiful man ! This woman is phenomenal.

[FF-bshy]

Yes I'm too absolutely convinced she did this only for me

[jhaj]

Her voice: unique. Her guitar playing: unique. She's a (musical) breath of fresh air.

[j.j.j-xr]

The fact that it's her laptop mic is testament to her raw talent. Absolutely zero frills. No reverb, just voice and guitar.

[mmmwithlids]

Her vibrato is just mesmerizing. her vibrato & head voice combined???? *chef’s kiss*

[JohnAqua]

Welcome back to Tiny Desk, Lianne!!! She's one of those artists who can disappear off the radar whenever she wants and will be readily accepted whenever she decides to return! Don't you agree?