With the office currently out of order due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Phoebe Bridgers took working from home to a presidential level for her latest Tiny Desk set.
Dropping her iconic skeleton suit for a power blazer Hilary Clinton would be proud of, she was flanked by her band mates. Drummer Marshall Vore and guitarist Harrison Whitford donned dark aviators and black suits to assist as her secret service agents.
Recording from the site of many a historic broadcast, ‘President’ Bridgers’ briefing was just the antidote needed in such chaotic times. She spoke once to wish her audience well saying “I hope everyone is enjoying their apocalypse”.
In the hauntingly beautiful, stripped-back set, Bridgers delivered 3 tracks from her acclaimed sophomore album Punisher . Beginning with ‘Kyoto’, the artist immediately followed with ‘Moon Song’. Bridgers’ delicate and breathy tracks, sung in such serenity, gave fans a welcomed pause from the stresses of life.
As the façade dropped to reveal the green screen, Bridgers other band members entered for a rousing rendition of ‘I Know The End’. As unconventional gigs become the new norm, Bridgers has found a new way to keep things exciting. Fans joined her via video from their cars, living rooms and graveyards to sing along in the final chorus.
A joint cathartic scream (from fans and band alike) ended the session, as Bridgers smiled and faded away. In such strange times it was comforting to view other fans engaging with live music, creating a more moving and enjoyable set.
Bridgers has come a long way since her first NPR Tiny Desk in a 2017 solo set. Although sadly not able to tour the new album, this latest performance was part of a string of treats. She delighted fans in a live streamed gig from Colorado’s stunning Red Rocks amphitheater. Not stopping there, she recently teamed up with Arlo Parks in an unmissable performance for Phil Taggart’s Chillest Show on Radio 1.
As a visual virtuoso who is utilising a plethora of streaming opportunities, we should all keep our eyes peeled for Phoebe Bridgers and her next online performance.
Words by Katie Manning.