Quinn Christopherson: NPR Music Tiny Desk Contest Winner 2019
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- Опубліковано 17 лип 2024
- Watch the 2019 Tiny Desk Contest Winner play at the Tiny Desk.
June 3, 2019 | Bob Boilen -- A moment after our 2019 Tiny Desk Contest winner, Quinn Christopherson, finished his first song at the NPR offices, he made a confession. He looked at me, while tuning his "vintage white" Fender Telecaster, and said, "I don't know if you know this, but when you called me and you told me, 'You won!' I got off the phone and I thought, 'Dang, I should buy a guitar.' Legit, did not have one. But that's Anchorage; that's the music community there. Everyone just borrowed me their stuff long term."
Quinn and his musical partner, guitarist and singer Nick Carpenter, arrived from the cool of Anchorage to the swelter of D.C. They both donned shorts at the desk; Quinn's were newly cut off to conform to the weather.
What was most striking about their performance was their unfettered confidence. Watching them play together and hearing their songs, with their interweaving guitar lines and vocal harmonies, feels like seeing two brothers performing old favorites. The concert was fun and, at moments, reverent.
After opening with his brand-new tune, "You Told Me," Quinn sang "Glenn," a moving song about his father and their beautiful two-peas-in-a pod relationship. There's a line in that song that goes to the heart of Quinn's songwriting talents: "My dad, he plays guitar, says he knows more than he can do. He tells me that I do more than I know." Quinn writes story-songs about what he knows best, his mom and sister, about their addictions and his love for them. But on his contest-winning song, the one that closes this Tiny Desk performance, he took a close look at himself. "Erase Me" is about his recent transition, what it now means to be a man and how he sees the way the world treats him differently after so many years of being "used to pulling the short stick" as a woman. It's a revealing look at the roles of men and women in our culture at a pivotal time from a songwriter who, I believe, will be a defining voice in the future of music.
SET LIST
"You Told Me"
"Glenn"
"Erase Me"
MUSICIANS
Quinn Christopherson: lead vocals, guitar; Nick Carpenter: vocals, guitar
CREDITS
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Jeremiah Rhodes, Bronson Arcuri; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Production Assistant: Paul Georgoulis; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR
#tinydesk #tinydeskcontest #quinnchristopherson
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.
Nick is such a talented guitarist and singer. His project, Medium Build, is amazing. Check it out if you haven’t already. I had the chance to see him live and it was one of the best shows I’ve seen!
Medium build - solo act - npr. Let it happen
agreed.
when someone just leaves it all on the stage so to speak and just gives raw emotion and feeling and show their true self - it's just an amazing thing to witness. great work. truly.
Sometimes bravery is just being yourself in front of others. Bravo, man.
Will never stop watching this.
si quand même
Just want to shout out
NICK CARPENTER, guitar & vocals & vibes!, for bringing some stellar Soul to all of these songs & shows & videos ... so much great energy flowing from these performances (from both these two musicians).
I started listening to this thinking ‘not my genre’, but what I learned if nothing else is that I’m drawn to music when I hear a musician’s ability to tell their truth through music and a connection to their fellow collaborators. All boxes checked off... I loved it - gorgeous, memorizing and raw!
Great description!!
I would like that comment twice if I could - exactly!
Most of these tiny desk shows are like that for me. I aways give them a chance and end up liking a lot of them.
Marjorie Vandyke ❤️ agreed
A kin to my own perspective 🤗
Quinn is fantastic! I went to elementary school with this dude and always knew they were gonna be a world class performer. Keep it up boss!
I'm from Belgium, Europe. my name is Glenn, i have a five year old son Ellis. If he grows up to be like you, i'll be a proud dad. Great performance.
Something about watching people do something that they genuinely love, you can see it in every bit of this performance. Incredible.
I keep coming back to this video. Multiple times a day in fact. Nick Carpenter has always been one of my favorite local artists. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing Quinn perform live and this is actually the first time I've heard his music although I'm a local Alaskan. It is so pure and honest. It cuts right into me. I love it so much. I hope they come perform in Fairbanks sometime soon after all the touring! Congratulations guys. You're both incredible musicians.
Have you been able to see Quinn perform live yet? I hope you have!
It's 2079 and I am feeling all sorts of ways about this nostalgic storytelling epic. I want to cry and i want to get a tattoo and i want to get a friend and a pet all together. Such a refreshing sound.
Timestamps
0:10 You Told Me
5:01 Glenn
11:31 Erase Me
Meg Alyssa papa bless👏🏽
Their smiles are so infectious, but then again so is the anguish. Rarely do you find a group that can express emotion this raw, and I am just soaking it up. Beautiful performance, well worth the win this year.
Quinn is clearly amazing but damn. Nick is not to be overlooked. He also has a very interesting and beautiful voice
very visible despite a medium build ayyeee
Nick is now the legend of medium build
Oh yes, Nick is amazing in his own right
Just a random day with a random Tiny Desk selection to watch while doing my hair. Standing in my tiny bathroom sobbing. This was an unexpected gift just now... pure and vulnerable. I think I just experienced a new level of genius. Thank you ❤️
Sobbing is right. So Beautiful. Swept over me like a wave…
Very powerful concert but what hit me the most was how they looked at each other after the last song. Where most musicians look at the crowd and give thanks (nothing wrong with that) they look at each other with a look of disbelief and pride in their faces. I can imagine winning and being able to perform at npr must be an incredible experience when you’re working hard with your music. Loved it!
thanks for noting this - didn't notice and find it super moving
Oh Wow. When they looked at each other, and you see them communicating and smiling because they know where they're going, just beautiful to witness. I feel it from here.
These are two artists wise beyond their years - what a powerful performance. Bravo. One of (if not) the best Tiny Desk performances. Wow. I am blown away.
This performance only gets better with time.... Wonderful decision NPR.... a constant reminder of the magic of music....💙
You Told Me and Glenn are such great songs that I could listen to daily. But Erase Me, Erase Me hit me like no song has in quite a long time. His delivery sold it even more. So raw and genuine. I am sure we've all been to that point of being misunderstood and not taken serious for the way we feel. I wish great things for you Quinn. Please keep gracing us with your gift.
This totally caught me off guard - two dudes with guitars, no rhythm section, from Alaska - how is this the winner? It became totally clear to me after Quinn started singing. Holy shit. What kind of greatness am I witnessing here? Their body movements and intensity WERE the rhythm section! The brutal honestly in Quinn’s voice and the captivating songwriting would have led me to pick them as the winner, too. So freaking unique.
I never comment. This pulled me from my voyeurs’ perch. Well deserved win. Amazing.
hope u get 2 interact more soon makes sense this blasted u here 2 the comment section of lyfe
The guitarist is Nick Carpenter from a band Medium Build. I highly recommend you give him a listen too.
i’ve been obsessed with medium build all month, they’re so great
isn't quinn the singer of medium build as well?
Thank you for sharing x x
Samuel Stöcher No, Nick writes and sings all the songs for medium build!
Thanks for letting us know. He's a great guitarist.
It is incredible to listen to them on NPR Tiny Desk after hearing them alive at local venues around ANC Way to go Quinn Christopherson!
First I'm like...nah. Then I'm like...wait a second. Then I'm like....holy crap. This is clear, honest, raw, beautiful, talent. But the best thing is the really likeable personality and a really great performer. Quinn!
Well put!
agreed amigo super agreed
Holy mother of god, the emotion in this is breathtaking
Y'all won me over halfway through with that song about your pops. Well done gentlemen.
Makes me cry every time I listen to it - Nothing else hits me likes this does.
So honest, so raw, so real.
Still come back here all the time, still want more new stuff from you guys!!!
So I'm currently on day 5 of listening to this straight. Good choice on winners NPR. Get more of them on here!
Two voices, two guitars = amazing
Just saw them live 5/21/2022...I am now a FAN!!! Incredible Native Storyteller, keeping the tradition alive. We adapt, WE ARE STILL HERE.
I was born and raised in Anchorage. My brother was shot and killed in Spenard 2014. Hearing this guy sing about these parts of my hometown has me all kinds of emotional. The last song pulled all of the tears out of my eyes. :'( Just beautiful
Melia Strickler rest in power to your brother. glad you got feelings of nostalgia through this amazing set !
love to you ❤️
🙌🏾🙏🏾
I'm really sorry to hear of your loss I couldn't imagine losing a brother if I had one
BIG hug from Switzerland to you
Please get "Glenn" and "you told me" on spotify homies
erase me is on spotify
@@ellijahneely1713 I think that's why they only asked for Glenn and you told me
We are still waiting two years later. So moving.
@@ryanhutchinson5487 true, But the album sounds like it’s going to be amazing. Though really different from this
THis is the most fresh sound I have heard in a long while. Incredible
I feel like I remember the 90s in a new way. I was floating 💖
That "you told me" song is SO heartfelt! It needs to be in a movie of tb show. 💓
Your songs are sweet, painful, vivid, and courageous stories.
A music mentor of mine once said as singer-songwriters you've done a good job if the crowd does one of three things:
1. Smile.
2. Cry.
3. Sing your lyrics.
Well done guys. Your performance moved me to do all 3.
Two young cats, with no fashion statement or need to impress, but just play some dang good music. Congratulations!
i think their fashion is gr8 maybe it's just me tho
@@sensiboyz7892 nope me too lol
Will be spreading Quinn’s (& Nick’s!) name around to anyone who will listen. I was blown away by his contest entry and again by this...you can feel every single emotion. The sparse instruments are somehow perfect. The harmonies. The lyricism and storytelling! I bought tickets to their Austin show and can’t wait to witness their art in person.
I am in my mid fifties and I don't understand tran this or tran that or trans fat for that matter but my son sent me here and I am so thankful he did. Amazing talent, amazing voice, and it is a great world where all voices can be heard and appreciated. I didn't read all this until after I listened and until after I was blown away by the beauty of these songs. Keep on keepin on, I am less judgmental today than yesterday, I can't wait to see where I will be tomorrow..
Learning is a lifelong process. We grow up until the day we die, until the next generations grow on top of how far we sought the light.
Mory Amen. I'm not far behind you in age, keep that mind open and growing 👍🏻
🧡🧡🧡
Okay boomer
Nah Just kidding, if I learned anything in my short Life it's to Love as much as you can and Always stay open minded. Great to see that people from other Generations are Open minded too :)
God bless you!
Mory, you are awesome
An artist commits! These 2 are artists!! Glad to watch be back again
Wow! Wow! Wow! Fantastic! Love Quinn and Nick, what a duo!
I've shared and replayed this clip many a times! His sound is amazing! I look forward to hearing more! Good Job NPR
I am always seeking new music and love tiny desk concerts as a god way to get introduced to new artists
This has blown me away - it’s just honest and true and both of their charm come across
Can’t wait to see them in the UK
I'm not afraid to say this may have just changed my life
Me too
Your not the only one my roommate and I were floored by this performance
I think I’m half their listens on Spotify
This comment just changed mine 😭 and the song🥰
16:36 awesome set and they seem so genuine and happy at the end! Brings a smile to my face to see 2 true musicians convey so much with so little in the way of instruments. Incredible!
This really shows that you don't need alot to make beautiful music. His lyrics and the passion and dynamics of these two are amazing. Super glad to have randomly clicked and found it! Thanks
all these hit home, especially the last two, ESPECIALLY THE LAST ONE. just wow. such talent. i could barely hold these tears back. so glad i stumbled upon this. that was raw... emotional... beauty. i just... what. hello. omg. that gave me a melancholy nostalgia and it
wasn‘t even about me.
I get that this isn't everyone's type of music, but this gets them out there so they can find the people who do like this music
Quinn you're amazing!! I heard your story on NPR while driving a few days back, and I'll be seeing you perform in LA tonight!! So excited and happy for you!
Absolutely pure music!
I felt the performance for what it is and not what I wanted it to be. I love NPR for revealing artists that are giving tangible, magical, moments in a journey through lifes heartbeat of sound!!
This is the first time I've immediately rewatched a tiny desk concert without waiting. What amazingly inspiring and insightful content. Thank you!
And, of course, a great performance
Every little detail of this is just perfect.
Listening to this on my computer in my bedroom... and I am doing a standing ovation.
Amazing find, this is why I love this series. In some odd way reminds me of Hobo Johnson, both the rawness and the conversational aspect. Really nailed something human that, when I listen and watch, I remember that I forgot is still out there in music today.
This gave me goose bumps! So happy for you both! Amazing work
congrats quinn so well deserved. i rmb how much i loved your 2018 tiny desk submission and how i couldnt wait to hear more
I love his voice so much and the guitarist is perfect. What an exceptional duo. There’s so much emotion that seems sometimes effortless like it’s so naturally occurring and normal. I’ll be keeping my eye on these guys ♥️ love it
Brings tears to my eyes hearing these stories... thank you Quinn and NPR ❣️
So blown away. Really needed this artistic boost to lift my dull day.
Best 17 minutes of the month!!! Thanks ..... Talent still alive!!
This is one made me cry, so authentic, passionate and deep. Thank you for choosing them.
I started listening and could not stop. This is pure talent and his ability to connect is epic. Congratulations- well deserved.
keep coming back to this. very special
So proud to know these amazing fellas. Wonderful, can’t get enough. I listen to this performance often :) as does Anchorage ✊🏽
Thank you Quinn for allowing us to hear your beautiful songs. And thank you NPR for enriching our lives. Peace.
This is amazing. I was a little thrown off by his movements at first but seeing the pure passion he displays and the raw emotions that are projected through his music are just unbelievable. What an amazing musician.
This performance gave me actual goose bumps.
So großartig... so gefühlvoll... so viel Power ... unfassbar gut ... ich bin berührt ...Grüße an Glenn ...
Wow ....the story telling here is amazingly well written and played and performed. Bravo!!!
LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS. Thank you!!
So happy to see you guys explode. So proud of you both.
Incredible performance, so much energy and rawness. Love "Erase Me", powerful. Excellent choice, Tiny Desk!
Gobsmackingly amazing. NPR always, always lifts me, today though more than usual.
These guys and these songs have helped me big time, thanks so much 🙏🏻
Someone broke his dam heart big time .. he was like but... “you told me”
Definitely not my thing, at first, but maybe the most authentic-feeling performance I've ever seen. It's like two friends goofing around in a living room, having a great time, doing what they love, giving zero fucks what anyone thinks.
And suddenly, it is my thing.
Beautiful. Thanks guys.
Marcoantoniodolis
Magical. Beautiful. Could listen to these rhythmic melodies and lyrics all day.
This reminds me of the first time I heard the Cat Power album Myra Lee. So heart felt, and ripped every emotion out of me and now I want to hear this on repeat.
This is so beautiful! Thank you guys.
So wonderful. So powerful & timeless. So well deserved - congratulations on winning while thank you for Be-ing you. Legit goosebumps & all the vibes off that first track. Enjoy greatly the story telling form of it. Peace
I’m late to the party but glad to have stumbled upon Nick’s music a few weeks ago. Amazing Tiny Desk performance by both! Going to see Medium Build in November this year in Amsterdam 🙌🏻
Wow! I am totally blown away! 🤯💔
First time I've heard of you guys, I love the sound! Today is the second Fathers Day with just my mom and me and the song Glenn was a beautiful thing to hear, it meant a lot, thank you
The most different and the very best TD I've ever heard. Absolutely awesome. What an insane par of voices.
That first song will catch you up in the heart
Always coming back to this one! ❤❤❤
thank you quinn. you are amazing. thank you npr for introducing me to an amazing local artist and many amazing not-so-local artists over the years.
WOW! I'AM LOST FOR WORDS, THERE ARE SO MANY SONGS AND AMAZING ARTISTS THAT I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF. I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU NPR & ALL THE BANDS/ARTISTS. AWESOME JOB
I love the last song sooo much! ❤
Love those guys, this performance and these songs!💚💙💚
good performance , fine songwriting, honest and true - I like it !
He sounds just like the lead singer of Live in the first song during the “you told me part”. That really resonated with me for some reason. Hurts good.
Commenting after watching like 6 times. Pure, honest, 🙏🏾
15:43 Man, I just now caught what was so funny here. I’ve watched the original video where this happened SOOOO many times but I never caught the reference to it in this set until just now. Hahaha. Love it so much!
Wow, 2 years later and this set still brings a smile to my face every time.
I hope you guys record a full raw acoustic album some day.
Recreated their tech glitch on Erase Me! It fits and I hope they never change it
Thank you tiny desk again . I usually listen to you guys because you put on some of my favorite artist. I wouldn’t normally listen to this genre but that this was intense . especially that last song. Deep