Waxahatchee: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

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Published 2013-12-02

This might be as intimate as hearing Katie Crutchfield sing in her basement. That's where she and her sister would play guitar, write and sing songs 10 years ago, when she was 14. Katie and Allison Crutchfield had a band back in Birmingham together, The Ackleys; these days, Katie performs as Waxahatchee, while Allison's band is called Swearin'.

The songs Waxahatchee brought to the NPR Music offices aren't just stripped down for this Tiny Desk Concert, this is Katie Crutchfield as Waxahatchee, spare and exposed; this is what she does. Sometimes there's a drummer (her sister's boyfriend Kyle Gilbride) and at other times another guitarist, her boyfriend Keith Spencer (both play in Swearin'), but even on Waxahatchee's second album, Cerulean Salt, there are plenty of bare-boned songs. This is intimate music for an intimate setting, as we got to stand in careful silence, listening intently and capturing this frail and powerful performance. --BOB BOILEN

Set List
"I Think I Love You"
"Bathtub"
"Tangled Envisioning"

Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Gabriella Garcia-Pardo, Abbey Oldham

All Comments (21)

@applea.m.h.3560 3 months ago

We need an updated version this year!
@BILLYTALENTisamazing 6 years ago

I don’t know how such a sweet simple sound can keep a burning urge in my belly to cry or scream. She’s wonderful and I’m incredibly excited to see finally see her live.
@WGBHMusic 10 years ago

Interesting decision keeping the guitar so decidedly non-amplified. Enhances her voice/lyrics. Nice.
@badolos 9 years ago

REALLY???people are complaining about her haircut..get a grip people...close your eyes and listen if you don't like the haircut...or better yet don't do either.....she is amazingly talented
@MrTimothyBlaine 10 years ago

Bathtub is way too good.
@DannyMars37 9 years ago

The Internet: A place where songwriters can bare their souls in front of strangers and be rewarded by comments about their haircut
@BreakAwayQuiet29 9 years ago

So beautiful in it's simplicity. She's so shy, captivating and natural. Lovely performance and great lyrics.
@AAARONSD 10 years ago

To the people who keep complaining about the amp not being on or the amp being too low, you should look into Waxahatchee before you judge her. Her first album American Weekend is supposed to have a low fi sound hence her choosing to not turn on the amp.
@Treesandink 10 years ago

i wish i could've been here, she's one of the most original and unique singer songwriters i've heard in a long time
@CapoeiraPiper 10 years ago

fantastic! I wish tiny desk had more of these raw lesser known goodies. What a gateway to discovering great music!
@DeadWhiteButterflies 9 years ago

My heart is swelling so much with feels I can't can't even begin to describe it's intensity. So beautiful.
@addy_hits 3 months ago

who still listening to this in 2057?
@LAG3 8 years ago

Hands down, this is my absolute favorite version of this song. I love it, even if it is sad.
@queenofkool 10 years ago

It was as if she were playing alone in her room. I loved this. Katie is my favorite! Ever since king everything
@lillyandruben 8 years ago

JUST LOVE HER HAIRCUT
@derekthemethod 9 years ago

this version of bathtub is ethereal
@johnnyappleseed3622 9 years ago

..perfect and beautiful. thank you katie crutchfield. (santa crz, ca)
@ryurei 10 years ago

This is raw as fuck and I'm uncomfortable but I love it.
@ChadEichhorn 6 years ago

Here from the segment that ran this morning with Katie and her sister Allison. I heard some samples of her stuff and had to come here. Glad I did.
@dutchnsuch5942 1 month ago

I saw this woman out in Sonoma last night, and she and the rest of the band were incredible.