NPR Tiny Desk performances have become an iconic cultural phenomenon.
Everyone from Lizzo to Anderson .Paak and BTS have put together a short set and performed in the tiny (as the name suggests) space at the back of a library in Washington, D.C.
The performances rack up millions of views on YouTube and always feature a few songs with a unique twist.
Usually, the songs are a stripped-down version of the artists’ top tracks. The show’s host, Bob Boilen, chooses both established and lesser-known artists. So subscribing to their channel on YouTube is an amazing way to find new artists to fall in love with! And a great way for the artists to get some serious exposure.
Superorganism is one of the up-and-coming bands that delivered an incredible performance when they were invited to the Tiny Desk studio.
And it’s safe to say it was one of the most creative sets the show has ever seen.
I went from really loving the music of Superorganism to being a transformed super-fan the moment they sent me an email ahead of their Tiny Desk performance asking, “is it okay if we [bring] inflatable whales when we play?” – Bob Boilen
They’ve mastered the art of hipster-ism.
Like removing all the non-essential vowels from their band name for their Instagram and Twitter handles. Or posing for group photos in cool retro attire with a vintage Instagram filter.
They’re like something out of an Urban Outfitters or American Apparel Catalogue. (Do stores that cool have catalogues?)
The eight band members (Orono Noguchi, Emily, Harry, Tucan, Robert Strange, Ruby, B, and Seoul) come from all over the world.
But found each other by fate while living in New Zealand, and have since moved to London, UK to pursue their musical career.
It all started as a fun way to make music together, with no expectations of making it big.
But they now have 125,000 YouTube subscribers—people who can’t get enough of their wacky music videos.
And it’s not just the music videos that are wacky.
The first song of their Tiny Desk set, called “The Prawn Song” is like something out of a fever dream:
“Oh, have you ever seen the prawn cause a world war?
Have you ever kissed a prawn; got a cold sore?
Have you ever seen a prawn kick off?
Have you ever seen a prawn in a pair of handcuffs, oh.”
And they’ve brought the most eclectic mix of instruments with them. A guitar and drum set? That’s not enough.
It’s truly a sight to behold!
They also have a keyboard, maracas, shoes, straws, cups and buckets of water, two-liter bottles of orange soda and peaches.
And of course, about a dozen of the inflatable whales they asked Bob Boilen about before getting there.
I’ll never understand the creative process behind figuring out how to use bubbles of water as an instrument, but I’m for it!
Their ultra-cool lead vocalist, Orono Noguchi, remains aloof through every song.
She even reads a book of essays sometimes while maintaining her tune. But her statuesque persona breaks when she goes in for a big hug during each break.
Each and every band member brings their own personality to the group and it’s amazing how they work so well together.
Most of us could only ever dream of being this cool!
The comments section of the video blew up, with fans nailing some quippy descriptions of the eccentric troop.
I mean… couldn’t they be both?
Some got a little political – but were still spot on.
And some drew hilarious comparisons to other celebrities.
Click below to watch their amazing Tiny Desk set, featuring three of their songs: “The Prawn Song,” “Night Time,” and “Something for Your M.I.N.D.”
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
