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Thao Nguyen: 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 | July 28, 2020
For her Tiny Desk (home) concert, Thao Nguyen opens with a somber version of "Temple," the dance-oriented title track from Thao & The Get Down Stay Down's new album. The song is an homage to her parents, who were refugees of the Vietnam War. Thao sings from the perspective of her mother, honoring their hard-fought freedom and their hopes that their daughter is blessed with the ability to pursue her own happiness. She recorded it as a trio with cellists (and neighbors) Elisabeth Reed and Andy Luchansky. It's a powerful rendition that celebrates, in Thao's words, "being queer and being out in my career, something that being out publicly has caused a lot of turmoil and unrest in my own life." Please give a listen to what she has to say in this remarkable video. We also hear "Pure Cinema" from Temple and a mandolin version of "Departure" from her 2016 album, A Man Alive.
SET LIST
"Temple"
"Pure Cinema"
"Departure"
MUSICIANS
Thao Nguyen: vocals, guitar, mandolin; Elisabeth Reed: cello; Andy Luchansky: cello
CREDITS
Video by: Molly Skonieczny; Audio by: Thao Nguyen; Producer: Bob Boilen; Audio Mastering Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Video Producer: Maia Stern; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

Пікірлер: 146

  • @puddingp0pz0rz
    @puddingp0pz0rz4 жыл бұрын

    Omg I'm crying hearing Temple for the first time ever.

  • @TheLandscaper0115

    @TheLandscaper0115

    3 жыл бұрын

    Same.

  • @keanureeves6333

    @keanureeves6333

    3 жыл бұрын

    This is Keanu Reeves On Here Reaching Out To My Fans Worldwide..Thanking them for the Love and Support And how You Are Coping With The Pandemic And Disasters ...Hope You're staying safe?

  • @MRKim-kz8ds

    @MRKim-kz8ds

    3 жыл бұрын

    I had the same reaction when she sang that first chord

  • @valrichardson49
    @valrichardson493 жыл бұрын

    I've always cried hearing Temple, but this version had me weeping. I do radio at a community station, and I've read the chorus lyrics before playing the song on the air because they go so quickly in the rock version. It is an amazing story of an entire life told in one chorus.

  • @aucolai7539
    @aucolai75394 жыл бұрын

    Deeply grateful for the words and thoughts that Thao is sharing and aiming toward our community. It's extremely difficult to have those conversations and to place yourself in a a vulnerable position and risk losing the community. I'm proud to be able to have figures like her to represent our generation.

  • @keanureeves6333

    @keanureeves6333

    3 жыл бұрын

    This is Keanu Reeves On Here Reaching Out To My Fans Worldwide..Thanking them for the Love and Support And how You Are Coping With The Pandemic And Disasters ...Hope You're staying safe?

  • @simplyhuyen
    @simplyhuyen4 жыл бұрын

    Literally shed a few tears every time I hear either version of Temple. Masterful.

  • @keanureeves6333

    @keanureeves6333

    3 жыл бұрын

    This is Keanu Reeves On Here Reaching Out To My Fans Worldwide..Thanking them for the Love and Support And how You Are Coping With The Pandemic And Disasters ...Hope You're staying safe?

  • @mdharrisuiuc
    @mdharrisuiuc3 жыл бұрын

    Hello, I would like to thank Thao for that version of Temple. I realize that this song is about the Vietnam war, however my neighbor is a Korean war refugee and both my wife and I are a veterans of the current war the US is in. Hearing this song was profoundly emotional. The parallels of the terrible effects of all three wars are too much for words to express.

  • @comment4703

    @comment4703

    Жыл бұрын

    Sure this song is about the Vietnam war but music is an art form translated by all who hear. “I lost my city in the light of day” My father raping me as a newborn “Thick smoke helicopter blades” My parents physically fighting in front me as a baby and destroying the house. My mom wants me to get over it but I just can’t. If they hate each other how could they love me since I look like the person they hate. To my mom I have my dads eyes to my dad I have my moms beauty. “Heaven on earth I’ve never moved so fast” When I got revenge for the person that took away my innocence of what is was to have a home forever making me feel homeless. This includes my feet and my car. Something out of a movie I promise you. “I know your father can’t call anymore” Ever since I found out what he did, he’s cut off forever. He assaulted my baby and I wasn’t grown to defend her. If this comment is too real for you. Jill yourself you don’t belong in the future I’m about to unleash

  • @thanhhoangnguyenngoc9610
    @thanhhoangnguyenngoc96103 жыл бұрын

    I immediately click the video as soon as I see the name of the singer. Finally a Việt represent.

  • @AFrownAndAFatMan
    @AFrownAndAFatMan4 жыл бұрын

    Wow. Just started watching. Got blown away by "Temple". Woooah!

  • @chelsealee7667
    @chelsealee7667 Жыл бұрын

    Thao: a living legend of songwriting. I am sooo grateful for the power and catharsis of her words and emotion. Temple is a phenomenal dissertation on intergenerational trauma that I wish was required reading/listening. Healing us all note by note. Thank you Thao!

  • @sarahjeff1346
    @sarahjeff13464 жыл бұрын

    Love being invited to everyone’s home and creative space for some sweet jams

  • @MakeUpIsArtOriGinaL

    @MakeUpIsArtOriGinaL

    4 жыл бұрын

    The tone of her voice-Along with those strings.. 😊

  • @andromedaimani133
    @andromedaimani1334 жыл бұрын

    I found Thao through her first Tiny Desk concert in 2009, she still sounds just as amazing! ❤️❤️

  • @zvengally3502
    @zvengally35024 жыл бұрын

    I've known about you for less than a week. Temple has changed my life. the words strike me and slice right through me with no resistance. Your words in this video also are very soothing. I believe you, and i believe IN you.

  • @jamfabulous
    @jamfabulous4 жыл бұрын

    I was moved beyond words by Temple. Watched three times in a row after the first time. Beautiful seems too mild a word to describe it.

  • @PentameronSV
    @PentameronSV4 жыл бұрын

    0:00 - *Temple* (5:59) 12:11 - *Pure Cinema* (16:31 / 16:39) 16:58 - *Departure* (20:30)

  • @chooseitwisely98
    @chooseitwisely984 жыл бұрын

    Thao's tiny desk from like 2009(?) was the first tiny desk concert i ever saw. I was like 11 y/o at the time and bag of hammers changed my life.

  • @andromedaimani133

    @andromedaimani133

    4 жыл бұрын

    I was a freshman in college and bag of hammers changed mine too lol

  • @neccowaif9

    @neccowaif9

    3 жыл бұрын

    I was somewhere in my 50s and she struck me right down the center with bag of hammers. Something deep & honest in Thao just jumps out. She's just gotten better over time. So, there's always good new music coming out, no matter how old you're lucky enough to get.

  • @chevypham400
    @chevypham4003 жыл бұрын

    i cry every time i listen to this performance. Temple's words articulate both the juxtaposition of sadness and hope.if there is one song that expresses the Vietnamese's exodus refugee experience, this encapsulates the range of emotions. thank you for this.

  • @parashiro
    @parashiro3 жыл бұрын

    "You deserve nice things." Thank you for your gift. Thank you for your blessing.

  • @keanureeves6333

    @keanureeves6333

    3 жыл бұрын

    This is Keanu Reeves On Here Reaching Out To My Fans Worldwide..Thanking them for the Love and Support And how You Are Coping With The Pandemic And Disasters ...Hope You're staying safe?

  • @TzadikTheManic
    @TzadikTheManic3 жыл бұрын

    Just discovered Thao Nguyen tonight (yes, I’m very late to the musical party) by way of “Nobody Dies”, which was one of the most touching docs I’ve seen in a while. Thank you NPR/Tiny Desk 🖤

  • @staffanolofsson8201
    @staffanolofsson82014 жыл бұрын

    Thank you NRP Tiny Desk. I am full of love of your will always trying o show the best of alternative music. If I want to be surpriced, I go to Tiny Desk. This time Vietnam. And find myself sitting with tears in my eyes.

  • @grege.831
    @grege.8314 жыл бұрын

    Been listening to Thao since the beginning. So great to see her here. Such a great performer.

  • @johntuan
    @johntuan3 жыл бұрын

    Temple is very powerful! I wept for my parents

  • @slcoldstone
    @slcoldstone3 жыл бұрын

    I'm crying for some reason, and then you explained everything I felt from the first song. Just found you so going to look up more of your stuff. Thank you!

  • @DigitCookieVirus
    @DigitCookieVirus4 жыл бұрын

    I first heard her from Emancipator’s song “When I go.” I’m glad she is getting the recognition she deserves.

  • @benedettaoliovecchio4177
    @benedettaoliovecchio41774 жыл бұрын

    She's one of the most beautiful people and artists I love

  • @EVMacD
    @EVMacD4 жыл бұрын

    That first song, the strings killed it and stole the show. Love her music but they were fantastic!!

  • @redneckxx
    @redneckxx3 жыл бұрын

    That was Felt!!!.. I just watched a PBS documentary tonight. Actually I was only listening as I was editing photos. I heard the music...... and that Voice. I quit what I was doing to check it out. When I saw Thao, it just didnt ........fit?.. What an amazing, unique, and deep artist. As soon as the doc ended, I googled the doc title and ..... here I am. Downloading the tunes now.

  • @hodg
    @hodg4 жыл бұрын

    Wow, that first song just ripped my heart out!

  • @shockingguy
    @shockingguy4 жыл бұрын

    Love your story, I have a good friend JASON who got out of Saigon two weeks before the fall ❤️ much love thank you for your music and of course your story

  • @ParallaxPete
    @ParallaxPete2 жыл бұрын

    Thao is awesome! hearing it stripped down really made the lyrics come through and its clear how much of her and her families experiences are in her music

  • @tigerchantic
    @tigerchantic4 жыл бұрын

    VIETS REPRESENT

  • @marin1699
    @marin16994 жыл бұрын

    Gotta love Tiny Desk and NPR for bringing together artists, musicians and the public, and spreading good vibes in these challenging times. And what a beautiful and powerful message by Thao Nguyen! TY

  • @adamdavenport6421
    @adamdavenport64214 жыл бұрын

    thank you NPR's Tony desk for providing such a very beautiful gift to everyone to our community country and to the world and also thank you for your parents bringing your family to the USA and especially John Lewis and mlk

  • @AlonzoWhite
    @AlonzoWhite4 жыл бұрын

    Your monologue was deep. Thank you Sister!

  • @ashdb9295
    @ashdb92954 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for introducing me to Thao Nguyen 🙏🏾❤️

  • @rosemary-y4733
    @rosemary-y47334 жыл бұрын

    She has such a beautiful soul! 💜✨

  • @neccowaif9
    @neccowaif93 жыл бұрын

    I love her more as she grows into herself. And then Departure on mandolin.... Just sweeeet. Departure is one of my favorites, but it needs to bust raucously into Nobody Dies.

  • @Projacked1
    @Projacked14 жыл бұрын

    Wow, talk about finding your own voice.... Thx NPR for delivering such a wide range of excellent music

  • @sylvielopez2686
    @sylvielopez26864 жыл бұрын

    Tank you very much tiny Desk , she's great en tank you for is story hope poetry don't have the borders , merci beaucoup

  • @keanureeves6333

    @keanureeves6333

    3 жыл бұрын

    This is Keanu Reeves On Here Reaching Out To My Fans Worldwide..Thanking them for the Love and Support And how You Are Coping With The Pandemic And Disasters ...Hope You're staying safe?

  • @samarzaga2984
    @samarzaga29844 жыл бұрын

    I never heard that song Temple. It was truly amazing. Thank you.

  • @captnodge
    @captnodge4 жыл бұрын

    First note I was hooked Last note I smiled In appreciation. Just to add.

  • @csjbackups
    @csjbackups4 жыл бұрын

    😀😀 Such a pleasant surprise to say the least 🙏🏽 We've needed you this year. Thank you so much! 🌊🌊

  • @phobowl
    @phobowl2 жыл бұрын

    I remember vividly going to the Buddhist Temple in Galang refugee camp to give thanks after arriving safely after escaping communist VN as a “boat people”. This song speaks to me very closely. We also went to the Catholic Church there to give thanks also. The vietnamese are practical people, we don’t let religion get in the way of survival. 😂😂 Thao, as a 1st generation US Vietnamese I fully support whatever orientation you have. Yes there are old outdated people in our community but they are in the minority. Many of us support you as an artist and human being.

  • @creativechristinaa

    @creativechristinaa

    Жыл бұрын

  • @letaek
    @letaek3 жыл бұрын

    So happy to find this amazing artist!!!

  • @angelamolina1277
    @angelamolina12774 жыл бұрын

    so beautiful Thao! A very moving performance. You did great, as always!!

  • @tomas5376
    @tomas53764 жыл бұрын

    Yet another isolation discovery, Gracias NPR👍✌️😊🙏🏼🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶🎵🎶🎶

  • @jennyblairmcd
    @jennyblairmcd3 жыл бұрын

    brave soul, gifted talent....you take care too.

  • @atlaswinter8134
    @atlaswinter81344 жыл бұрын

    i am so glad she is getting more recognition!

  • @Agrammatist
    @Agrammatist3 жыл бұрын

    Love this arrangement of Temple completely deepens the feel

  • @popmonkey
    @popmonkey4 жыл бұрын

    beautiful version of temple! and thank you for the honest words that followed.

  • @imjams_projects
    @imjams_projects4 жыл бұрын

    Some balm for my nerves. Thank you for sharing!

  • @TheLandscaper0115
    @TheLandscaper01153 жыл бұрын

    Tears. So beautiful.

  • @SmallMartingale
    @SmallMartingale4 жыл бұрын

    Oh this is cool, I haven't thought about these guys in a minute 👍

  • @stoneanimals
    @stoneanimals4 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely brilliant. Thank you.

  • @blcaplan
    @blcaplan2 жыл бұрын

    Enjoy it all but this version of Departure is phenomenal, and shows her amazing instrumental ability.

  • @carolyncorbin1825
    @carolyncorbin18254 жыл бұрын

    The sound is so good. beautiful

  • @obsesivefunatica
    @obsesivefunatica4 жыл бұрын

    Blown away ~ absolutely love the new album

  • @zephalt
    @zephalt2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for releasing the strings version to Spotify! I've been waiting for this version!

  • @VynxeVainglory
    @VynxeVainglory4 жыл бұрын

    That first song.....whoa.....

  • @chrismcrouch
    @chrismcrouch4 жыл бұрын

    Thao, you are amazing as always!

  • @TheMusicalEvents
    @TheMusicalEvents4 жыл бұрын

    It is not necessarily the music I enjoy most, but I enjoyed very much indeed your authenticity!

  • @yvonnemkmusic2658
    @yvonnemkmusic26584 жыл бұрын

    Love this so much!

  • @vilmapuentemolina9775
    @vilmapuentemolina97754 жыл бұрын

    wow.... It´ sounds incredibleeee.

  • @goodfish
    @goodfish4 жыл бұрын

    all the goosebumps.

  • @gabrieljimenez6964
    @gabrieljimenez69644 жыл бұрын

    *Al comienzo pensé: ¡PERO QUE BUEN CUMBION SE VIENE¡*

  • @josetemarti6628

    @josetemarti6628

    4 жыл бұрын

    jaja si parece !!

  • @aa-jl9fm
    @aa-jl9fm4 жыл бұрын

    this was a good tiny desk home podcast

  • @RandomDude647
    @RandomDude6474 жыл бұрын

    first heard her through stickpage's Doors series. cool yourself will always be one of my faves

  • @tenrocks9667
    @tenrocks96674 жыл бұрын

    Gracias!!.. 🤗

  • @CaravelClerihew
    @CaravelClerihew4 жыл бұрын

    Thao Nguyen? That's a name I haven't heard in a while.

  • @damianjimenez7190

    @damianjimenez7190

    4 жыл бұрын

    Then you also missed her last album, Man Alive, which is honestly kinda a masterpiece.

  • @neccowaif9

    @neccowaif9

    3 жыл бұрын

    You've got some catching up to do , my friend! She's come a long way since that bag of hammers. Just getting better.

  • @neccowaif9

    @neccowaif9

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@damianjimenez7190 It's been the only CD in my car for more than a year.

  • @skasoooretro
    @skasoooretro4 жыл бұрын

  • @timothygessing3381
    @timothygessing33813 жыл бұрын

    What a talent

  • @MrGreglarry
    @MrGreglarry Жыл бұрын

    Great performance.

  • @tuyetcong-ton-nu1388
    @tuyetcong-ton-nu13883 жыл бұрын

    Very moving!

  • @keanureeves6333

    @keanureeves6333

    3 жыл бұрын

    This is Keanu Reeves On Here Reaching Out To My Fans Worldwide..Thanking them for the Love and Support And how You Are Coping With The Pandemic And Disasters ...Hope You're staying safe?

  • @jhanau9
    @jhanau94 жыл бұрын

    Tiny Desk Concerts have brought so much good listening. Please start posting these on your "podcast" (or if I'm missing it, please tell me how to get it on Stitcher) so I can keep up?

  • @elijahnowell1315
    @elijahnowell13153 жыл бұрын

    She went crazy

  • @ChakFournier
    @ChakFournier4 жыл бұрын

    I think I would be a little sad to make a Tiny desk out of the tiny desk ! Amazing live nonetheless !

  • @elephantdoodoo
    @elephantdoodoo10 ай бұрын

    💛💛💛

  • @sunshinedenney8695
    @sunshinedenney86953 жыл бұрын

    💛

  • @MsJocelynC
    @MsJocelynC4 жыл бұрын

    Yes, mama. Sing.

  • @keanureeves6333

    @keanureeves6333

    3 жыл бұрын

    This is Keanu Reeves On Here Reaching Out To My Fans Worldwide..Thanking them for the Love and Support And how You Are Coping With The Pandemic And Disasters ...Hope You're staying safe?

  • @yaxa0601
    @yaxa0601Ай бұрын

  • @brookelanziner
    @brookelanziner4 жыл бұрын

    Gave me goosebumps. So powerful.

  • @matthewsimmons2008
    @matthewsimmons20084 жыл бұрын

    Is she from the band "Thao and Mirah"?

  • @luuquangsang7497
    @luuquangsang74973 жыл бұрын

    Vietnames ♥️♥️♥️

  • @elijahnowell1315
    @elijahnowell13153 жыл бұрын

    They all did

  • @tumaicol7963
    @tumaicol79634 жыл бұрын

    Hermosa canción, pero falta ritmo de persecución!

  • @rubiks6
    @rubiks64 жыл бұрын

    I've always find it impressive when a musician can move their body to a different rhythm than the music they are playing. Seriously, Miss Thao - maybe give Cải Lương a try.

  • @shimiotano9860
    @shimiotano98604 жыл бұрын

    If anyone knows the name of the beautiful guitar she uses, please let me know

  • @keanureeves6333

    @keanureeves6333

    3 жыл бұрын

    This is Keanu Reeves On Here Reaching Out To My Fans Worldwide..Thanking them for the Love and Support And how You Are Coping With The Pandemic And Disasters ...Hope You're staying safe?

  • @lkadshglkhvani
    @lkadshglkhvani4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks to Bojack Horseman I know how to pronounce her name.

  • @hillview73

    @hillview73

    4 жыл бұрын

    how is it pronounced?

  • @Robin4

    @Robin4

    4 жыл бұрын

    Nwin

  • @jimmyle320

    @jimmyle320

    4 жыл бұрын

    Vietnamese here-Bojack Horseman got it completely wrong.

  • @pzilla3612
    @pzilla36124 жыл бұрын

    What is that guitar? Sounds killer.

  • @jimmyjimmy951

    @jimmyjimmy951

    4 жыл бұрын

    P Zilla Looks and sounds like a “Reverend, Charger 290” (P90’s with a Bolt on neck)..👍🇦🇺

  • @ismaelmanchego2722

    @ismaelmanchego2722

    4 жыл бұрын

    Musica de verónica. Leal

  • @eunicevale3881
    @eunicevale38814 жыл бұрын

    Menino ou menina ?

  • @JullyBrian
    @JullyBrian4 жыл бұрын

    Invite Sauti Sol from Kenya. Sawa

  • @thomastepfer9861
    @thomastepfer98614 жыл бұрын

    Is she Neil Youngs daughter? I like her. :-)

  • @guillermorafaelsanchez682
    @guillermorafaelsanchez6824 жыл бұрын

    *bojack voice* nagaguguyaguya

  • @mariam-uy7ym
    @mariam-uy7ym4 жыл бұрын

    2:25

  • @mariam-uy7ym
    @mariam-uy7ym4 жыл бұрын

    2:25 - 3:23

  • @sarabulic992
    @sarabulic9924 жыл бұрын

    Fkj, pretty please?🥰

  • @barrycohen311
    @barrycohen3113 жыл бұрын

    Bret Weinstein on Cello.

  • @mmaannuueell
    @mmaannuueell4 жыл бұрын

    first time being first!

  • @Infinitybein
    @Infinitybein3 жыл бұрын

    So glad she paid homage to Black Power movement and the changes it spawned and the benefits non-Blacks get directly from it. Period.

  • @olgamonge537
    @olgamonge5374 жыл бұрын

    Quien le abra dicho a esta mae q canta. 😜👎

  • @tiziescobar7217
    @tiziescobar72174 жыл бұрын

    XDXDXDXD

  • @kiereluurs1243
    @kiereluurs12434 жыл бұрын

    Reminded me too much of Kim Wilde's 'Cambodia' by the way. Come on.