Alex G: Tiny Desk Concert
Музыка
Marissa Lorusso | December 7, 2022
"I don't have a lot to say," Alex Giannascoli, who performs as Alex G, says with a laugh after his first song behind the Tiny Desk. Judging from his discography alone, that's not something you might ordinarily accuse the Philly singer-songwriter of: nine full-length albums in the last dozen years, in addition to a couple EPs and a film soundtrack. His prodigious output of melodic, peculiar indie rock has earned him a cult-beloved status. True, he got to play guitar on a couple Frank Ocean tracks - but for a more accurate indication of the fervor of his fanbase, turn your attention to the internet: the hours-long playlists of unreleased Alex G demos painstakingly assembled by fans on KZread, for example, or the raucous chatter among his fans on message boards.
At the Tiny Desk, Alex G and his band dialed down the volume for a handful of songs from across his vast discography. They started with a couple songs from his stellar new album, God Save The Animals, and also played some deeper cuts: "Gretel," a wonderfully creepy track from 2019's House of Sugar, and "Snot," the closer from 2015's Beach Music. Under the layers of electronics, experimentation and vocal effects on Alex G's studio records, you might lose sight of Giannascoli's primary strength as a songwriter and the emotional core of his music. But at the Tiny Desk, the stripped-down sound only underscored the sturdiness of his craft - no explanation required.
SET LIST
"Runner"
"Miracles"
"Gretel"
"Snot"
MUSICIANS
Alex Giannascoli: vocals, guitar
Samuel Acchione: guitar, vocals
John Heywood: bass, vocals
Thomas Kelly: drums
Molly Germer: violin, piano
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Marissa Lorusso
Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Pierre Kattar, Sofia Seidel, Alanté Serene
Audio Assistant: Natasha Branch
Production Assistant: Jill Britton
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Hazel Cills, Kara Frame, Ashley Pointer
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #nprmusic #alexg
Пікірлер: 1 200
Want to play your own Tiny Desk concert? Unsigned musicians, enter the 2024 Tiny Desk Contest between Jan. 23 and Feb. 21. Learn more: npr.org/tinydeskcontest.
I saw Alex live and I yelled for him to play Snot. He looked at me and asked what I said. I said play Snot. He said ok, this ones called Snot and then proceeded to play a different song and everybody laughed at me.
@ryanschaepkens3889
5 ай бұрын
W Alex
@julyboy66
4 ай бұрын
F
@Wvymoo
4 ай бұрын
I’ve seen him do that on multiple occasions 😭
@senylalala
3 ай бұрын
that is such an alex thing to do
@sluggibammy
2 ай бұрын
This comment sounds like an Alex G song
Must have been so hard to choose four songs for this set, so many gems in his discography.
@sharkskeepmoving495
Жыл бұрын
I know and he picked these..... blah
@runeschoenberg
Жыл бұрын
@@sharkskeepmoving495 to be fair these are some phenomenal songs and he is still off of his new album craze so
@masonchase4599
Жыл бұрын
@@sharkskeepmoving495 bad take. these songs rock
@RobertSlover
Жыл бұрын
zzzzzz....
@hristoad7443
Жыл бұрын
@@sharkskeepmoving495 Gretel, snot > runner, miracles
this is the highest quality of alex g we will probably ever get
@joshuadewe1116
Жыл бұрын
i definitely enjoyed this, but that is a bold statement
@drewhurley5822
Жыл бұрын
The set he did for The Current is also a really high quality recording. Would recommend checking that out for some nice live versions of the god save the animals songs
@thomdotexe
Жыл бұрын
@@joshuadewe1116 think he might mean in a hi-fidelity recording way
@blackroses6315
Жыл бұрын
same thing with car seat headrest
@andreastherapper
Жыл бұрын
he literally has hi-res music available
He's really on the professional grind for this album
@laurensevigh
Жыл бұрын
So true bae
@syl5047
Жыл бұрын
fr
@dilute734
Жыл бұрын
i grind for this album
@rakimhinds6388
Жыл бұрын
Saw him live recently. Really solid live show, and the band seems really tight and in tune, which probably makes things smoother as an indie artist.
@smellsfishi
Жыл бұрын
genius lyric video next
this snot performance is heavenly
@crimpingenthusiast
Жыл бұрын
honestly i prefer it to the album version
@bennett3432
Жыл бұрын
@@crimpingenthusiast slow your roll bucko
@evolution0fself
Жыл бұрын
Snot easy to pick between them
@endikarizutama5163
Жыл бұрын
indeed!
@alistairsedgwick8295
Жыл бұрын
I am wetting myself for this
I graduated high school with Alex and Sam. Knew both of them since 6th Grade. It's surreal to see how far they've come but I'm so incredibly happy for them and all their success. Two of the nicest, chillest guys you could ever meet. Much love.
@beckyc1904
Жыл бұрын
Aw that’s lovely to know he’s kind! Thanks for sharing
@davidcryptt
Жыл бұрын
thats so awrsome
@Spacegeezer
Жыл бұрын
Nice man
@opath6699
10 ай бұрын
This is so awesome to hear!
@maxwellvasquez21
8 ай бұрын
have they both been so passionate for guitar as long as you've known them? I tried speaking with sam briefly after a concert but couldn't get much QnA LOL
alex not knowing what to say the whole time is so funny
Such an authentic artist/person. Pure 21st century Americana. We love and respect him a lot here in Japan.
@stevenmanley7157
Жыл бұрын
Cheers from New York! That is a good description... pure 21st century Americana. Have you listened to the latest Big Thief album? I would use the same term to describe that album
@Milk-jy1kn
Жыл бұрын
Alex is loved and respected in every corner of the world
@calmao666
Жыл бұрын
the g man got its fair following here at Chile too! music full of honest raw lyrics and soul moving tunes, impossible not to love
@Kcasadont
Жыл бұрын
@@stevenmanley7157 agreed!
@fabriciofigueroa4431
Жыл бұрын
much loved and respected in Brasil :)
I can't get enough of Molly on violin & keys. Quintessential to the band's sound
@gracethewriter7977
Жыл бұрын
Agreed. Violin is my favorite component of his songs
@calvinnigh5489
Жыл бұрын
Heavily agreed
@jackdandy
Жыл бұрын
For sureeeee
@jstn9914
Жыл бұрын
Love her fills in Runner. They really elevate the track.
@jstn9914
Жыл бұрын
Check out their live performance of Poison Root. It's incredible what Molly's playing adds to it.
The chemistry between them is so strong! The way they look at each other and nod being like “everything is good, keep up” is so cute
@samzuckowich1588
Жыл бұрын
they’re so good together. sam and john have been by his side since day 1 and i absolutely couldn’t love it any more 💕
@safisafiasafia
Жыл бұрын
@@samzuckowich1588 saameee
@suburbansymbolism9382
Жыл бұрын
Helps when you're friends and not just business partners.
@infatuaa
9 ай бұрын
@@samzuckowich1588and tom is the perfect drummer for them he fits so well it’s so cute i love them so much
NO FKIN WAY!!! TINY DESK HAS BEEN POPPING OFF WITH THE ARTIST CHOICES THIS MONTH 🔥🔥🔥😤😤
@vVincent.
Жыл бұрын
ikr also beabadoobee
@imariot6112
Жыл бұрын
no they are all so boring zzzzzz
@vVincent.
Жыл бұрын
@@imariot6112 ok
@IamSillyPilled
Жыл бұрын
@@imariot6112 then why are u watching it
@ebbtide4233
Жыл бұрын
And now the smile too
0:00 - Runner 3:30 - Miracles 7:25 - Gretel 10:32 - Snot
@nikobussell
Жыл бұрын
you’re a true hero
@RobertSlover
Жыл бұрын
zzzzzz....
@Anthony-ed6ed
Жыл бұрын
Real one
@codyavilez9518
Жыл бұрын
Love the version of miracles
@sleepy9082
10 ай бұрын
Thanks for the time stamps ❤❤❤
This guy is so incredible as an artist. He has gotten better with every album. Some albums might have higher highs than god save the animals but as a consistent piece of work I think its unmatched in his discography. House of sugar was close but in a world of one album wonders and sophomore slumps thank god for Alex G
@cmgordon12345
Жыл бұрын
He's alright, but he is no Coldplay
@stuck5091
Жыл бұрын
@@cmgordon12345 so true
@rainor771
Жыл бұрын
@@cmgordon12345 yeah and tbh Alex has yet to write a song that even holds a torch to Rascal Flatts' 2006 hit single "Life is A Highway"
@runeschoenberg
Жыл бұрын
@@rainor771 even alex knows he doesnt hold up to it
@RaZvanRZ
Жыл бұрын
@@cmgordon12345 i prefer alex g's latest album than any coldplay album haha
I love Alex. Not hearing him do the scream in Runner did break my heart a little, but this is still a gem
@lakeroswell
Жыл бұрын
it's probably hard to do it properly while sitting down. he did it on his late night appearances
@jackdandy
Жыл бұрын
I love any change tbh. But I do love that scream. I think it's partly why I like him since much, random extra Lil things like that.
He’s expecting a baby with Molly (on violin)! Makes for a really special performance, especially of Miracles!
@glc0stanza
11 ай бұрын
Wait. I thought he was in a relationship with Emily Yacina?
@brimerwelpippy4972
Ай бұрын
@@glc0stanza Negative
Alex is such a gem. Reminds me so much of Elliott Smith. The band was absolutely amazing too. 💜
@iamcyber
4 күн бұрын
i love elliott smith
can’t believe he played snot, such an amazing choice oh my god
The violinst is amazing, every track she plays on in Alex G's discography is brought to another dimension.
@joshmaggooo7140
Жыл бұрын
Very true
@lovinlikealovesong
Жыл бұрын
That’s Molly germer. Alex g and Molly are together :)
@dimetrodonz
Жыл бұрын
she's also alex g's partner !!
@lurho1367
Жыл бұрын
and she’s pregnant!
@Arkisis
Жыл бұрын
Her 2nd npr appearance I believe. She's on Frances Quinlan's as well!
The meaning of Gretel hit me during this performance when you finally are on a good path in life the temptations seem like a house of sugar but you’ve come so far you know u have to fight to stay away and it’s almost melancholic leaving your old destructive tendencies behind because you are parting from a past self but you know they don’t belong with you any longer
@allyson--
8 ай бұрын
🥰 awesome interpretation
the electric guitar tone in this performance hits so good
One of the greatest gifts to indie music is this guy.
@spencerkochel2483
Жыл бұрын
Yoda?
Alex G and band have never sounded better! so cleanly mixed on tiny desk
I'm 40 yo Brazilian guy, living far far away from American ordinary culture, BUT - I don't know how and why - Alex G works catches me so deeply. A piece of my soul lives in his songs, his lyrics, his album covers and videos. I'm very happy of seeing him on Tiny Desk, as well as some other few Brazilian artists.
@dollyarone6007
10 ай бұрын
he’s truly an american gem
@JujubaApplesauce
6 ай бұрын
tmb vivo no Brasil e sou viciado nas musicas desse cara, parece droga mano, coisa de você deitar pra escutar e parar em outra dimensão
@gwendeseminat8r
3 ай бұрын
idk theres nothng really american about hte song gretel
@its_Sam19
2 ай бұрын
@@gwendeseminat8r indie folk culture is something very American, and we Latin Americans love your musical style
Top notch recording quality as always. Kudos to sound engineer behind this recording :)
@sarova2000
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, but why can’t we hear the hi hat and cymbal??
@globalsoundconcerts
Жыл бұрын
@@sarova2000 playing with broom brushes not sticks :-)
@bigfootFRG
Жыл бұрын
@@sarova2000 I think they forgot to turn on the mic for the ride cymbal. Couldn’t hear it at all whereas the hihat can at least be barely heard
@glxss3
Жыл бұрын
@@globalsoundconcertsit’s the mixing, but it’s probably purposeful unless they actually just messed up
Can’t believe he cloned himself to play the electric guitar too, massive dedication
@annarobertson4596
Жыл бұрын
genuinely thought it was him when I saw them all live ngl
@dipski6321
Жыл бұрын
I saw him live in November and when the guitarist walked out everybody started cheering cause they thought it was Alex
@sansisntness
Жыл бұрын
sam looks more like alex than his own brother
@chumplunge4628
Жыл бұрын
sandy clone jutsu
@Spacegeezer
Жыл бұрын
@@dipski6321 they were cheering for Sam.
my absolute favorite artist of all time, seeing this so soon after it was posted was such a treat. love him 4ever
@nathanmayer8320
Жыл бұрын
He is my favorite as well, I remember seeing him when Beach Music came out
@mariah5561
Жыл бұрын
@@nathanmayer8320 beach music is one of my favorite albums of his, even though its so hard to pick
Can''t be believe he ended on Snot, my all time favorite
@liamnicol9390
Жыл бұрын
me too bro
so awesome to hear molly on miracles live. she was the one thing missing from an otherwise perfect concert when we saw them in toronto a few weeks back.
@kayleighmiller3351
Жыл бұрын
she was at the show i saw in ny and she was WONDERFUL
Dude the guitar tone and quality of the mix is insane... Way to go 🙌
i feel like a proud dad watching this. i don’t care that he’s older than me
Been following him since he released Trick on bandcamp for free. So proud of him and the band.
This version of gretel, I’m in love
I could listen to Alex G play on Tiny Desk all day. In fact, I think I will.
I swear “runner” has the ability to make this stone-hearted gentleman cry. Based and awesome-pilled.
Can't believe we had to wait this long for an Alex g tiny desk, it seems like the perfect fit for this format.
That version of Gretel is sick. The violin+electric guitar combo is so subtle, so good!
The mouth percussion on runner is such a spark of genius.
the bassist john invited to sit down and eat dinner with them at the earl in 2015 after i complemented the set and they are some funny, goofy, talented and humble guys. truly my greatest experience with meeting someone i look up to. they deserve all the success in the world and im so happy to see alex's writing reach so many people like it did me in my early 20s.
His songs saved me from suicidal and depression. Bless you Alex G, his growth as an artist is impressive and this is the time when he is going get what he's always deserved.
@lolatybg
Жыл бұрын
me too , he is just the best.
alex g’s songwriting is spectacular and so is his performing ♡
@stevenmanley7157
Жыл бұрын
I find every single note and every word on this album is just perfectly placed
so proud of him it’s so great seeing him on a larger scale
In case anyone was wondering, this was the man that played guitar on Frank Ocean - Self Control
@kiikiihere
Жыл бұрын
And White Ferrari too, right?
@xannie7511
Жыл бұрын
Yesss :)) my favorite before I knew he was even on the track!!
when the first chord of Snot played I audibly gasped. one of his best ending songs.
Alex bring the simplicity to music again, and is so fresh, so conforting. Reminds me of my fathers songs. Love it
I didn't know about Alex G until this year. God Save the Animals is an incredible album and I'm super happy to have this performance
@rchenson9110
Жыл бұрын
Welcome to the fandom! If you like the new album you should check out House of Sugar. And if you want to take a deep dive, Trick and Race are excellent intro albums.
@_sessu
Жыл бұрын
Definitely will! I listened to Trick a couple of weeks ago, but I still need to listen to House of Sugar
@stevenmanley7157
Жыл бұрын
I have tried listening to him for many years, even saw him live and it never fulllly clicked until this album. And now that it clicked theres a whole discography to go back through! I love it when that happens
@FriendlyAura
Жыл бұрын
Rules is a great album, too
@InsulindianPhasmid2214
Жыл бұрын
a big alex g thing is his comically large amount of unreleased songs. you can find most of them on youtube and people have made playlists of unreleased tracks. helped me get into his music
I thought “Snot” was my own little hidden gem of a favorite song by him but the fact that he played it last here out of all of his other great music… I somehow feel seen I can’t explain it lol. Also this live version of it is sublime.
@AwesomeGenius96
Жыл бұрын
Its the song I show friends to get then into him. Very easy listening
@ididgt4259
Жыл бұрын
Snot is my favorite too I love the lyrics
@Bailmom
Жыл бұрын
Love how they all come in on the first beat perfectly here
@ddebberrs
Жыл бұрын
This!!!!!
@franhilpert
Жыл бұрын
Es una locura total
First time ever hearing him and I’m hooked! Led me on a rabbit hole the past couple days and got me to discover Elliot Smith. This type of music touches my soul during these winter days
@harrytalay301
Жыл бұрын
wish I could listen to Elliott Smith for the first time again
My friend recommended Alex G to me literally 2 days ago. I'm obsessed now and this video came at the perfect time. Insane coincidence
Philly is so proud of you Alex G and band
So so happy Alex G finally has a lovely NPR ! I’ve been waiting for this for years 💛🥹
Eyes widened, mouth opened, a pause of peace my senses weren't deceiving me, and an utterance of no wwaay! Thank you NPR as always, and Alex G.
Not seen much of him live, but it’s neat how he can Incapsulate the bedroom feel in more open environments.
@rchenson9110
Жыл бұрын
I have seen him live twice, he is amazing! I always notice he sounds different in recorded videos; I think he gets nervous in front of camera and it strains his voice
@kingcouth8888
Жыл бұрын
Live Alex is amazing. Got into him years ago through a video of Animals
Gretel is so riveting. I am lost in it everytime I listen to it. That riff, the lyrics, the song progression. Stunning!
Bill Hader was sick on bass!
@boysinthewoods4189
Жыл бұрын
Hahaha
Alex G, you and your band deserve all the attention you're getting and more. Your artistry has never ceased this past decade, and I am excited to see what new directions you continue to take your music in!
Miracles is one of those beautiful songs that stops me in my tracks.
this one is among the tiny desk sets that isn't trying super hard to be stripped down and dramatic. love this
been hoping for this for a long time, such an incredible set
finally the recognition he deserves :-) amazing quality!
i cant believe alex g is playing both guitars at the same time!! he's so talented
my little sister put me onto alex g second-handedly 8 years ago. been such a treat keeping up with him since.
This version of Miracles means the world to me right now. Speechless
Does he know he delivered one of the best albums of the year? God Save the Animals is a masterpierce.
alex g really helped me when i was first starting my recovery journey from addiction
Runner sounds so good live 🔥
i watched this sick by the toilet and i think it cured my illness, thanks, alex g
I love how down to earth they all are. authentic and genuine.
the G in alex g stands for genius.
love how great they all play together
its been a long time coming… it feels like alex shouldve had a tiny desk years ago, but man its finally here and its glorious.
Have been waiting for this for years. Perfectly executed by all. Thank you so much!!!!!
the opening to Snot is so pure. Love this track. Great set!
Fell in love with this guy’s music recently. Can’t stop cycling through his albums, with God Save the Animals at the top of that list. First half of this concert sounds amazing as well!
Ok but imagine if he played Brick for his tiny desk
i’m so happy he did snot it’s my favorite song rn
Timestamps for the set list Runner - 0:00 Miracles - 3:31 Gretel - 7:28 Snot - 10:33
@_scabs6669
Жыл бұрын
Thank
So much of entertainment today oversaturates me- Its refreshing to hear Alex evolve but still stay true to what keeps him so appealing
we love you, alex. so proud to see everything happening for you after all these years of amazing music. thank you for all the hours ❤
The king, the god, the goat. I'm so happy Alex is finally getting the recognition he has always deserved. Sublime performance.
not only is their whole perfomance on tiny desk and alex's music in general wholesome, but can we just take a moment to say how wholesome the comment section on this video is? alex g's fanbase is really a reflection of their work - the best!
Beautiful! I enjoyed this so much. Thanks for the music. 🙏🏻
Alex is so fantastic, his music is so nostalgic thank you
This is literally everything and more to me.
my computer science teacher played this in class today. love it.
@allyson--
8 ай бұрын
Lol
Loved Alex since rocket and this is the closest I’ll get to see him in concert, love that he played snot!!!
"Gretel" makes me feel things. Great to see it presented in this format.
OH MY GOD DUDE. LETS GO MY BOY 🔥🙏
Only discovered Alex G this year, can't wait to dive more into this impressive sounding discography. Hearing Miracles for the first time felt like a song I had known for years. So happy for this tiny desk as always!
@jourdanbetsch5073
Жыл бұрын
i suggest DSU, Trick, and Beach Music. but really all of his albums are amazing.
i wish this was 2 hours long
OUR GENERATION'S BEST ARTIST
My biggest musical inspiration right now shout out to everybody named Alex
Molly has added so much to the music. I'm so happy for them, when i found out he was gonna be a dad, i felt so happy and proud of him. I've been listening since i was 16 in 2014 and i found crab on tumblr. He was pretty young at that time too, so it just feels so cool that hes doing so well.
I found out that Alex is going to be a dad through this album…. I feel like he was such a big part of me turning into an adult and still figuring it out….. I wish I could just tell him all. How the pain and confusion in his songs have always been so special to me. Thank youuuuu Alex
@allyson--
8 ай бұрын
This is so sweet & special 😭
Top one Spotify artist of 2022 - this gonna be good!
the squeal i let out when this was in my suggested videos today is unprecedented. alex g you are so wonderful and i’ve wanted this tiny desk for so long thank you
thank you tiny desk!🙏🏻 Alex G’s music is so special
The riff to gretel reminds me so much an alice in chain riff. Such a good set. So mad I was late to the alex g train.
@enzobonaparte6216
5 ай бұрын
Which one?
Audibly gasped when I saw this video on my subscription page. Thanks, NPR!
I just discovered this dude and I could kick myself for not finding him earlier. This is the kind of music my soul has been missing for a long time.
@ESTcor
2 ай бұрын
U check out Fay yet?
@666cowboy.
21 күн бұрын
I feel the same way. Makes you wonder what other artists out there could be listening to right now that you'll find way later
@FreakyJackson
5 сағат бұрын
I LOVE ALEX G