Katie Gavin: Intimate Performance at the Tiny Desk
Katie Gavin is a performer whose dynamism gracefully embraces every moment. Whether she’s enchanting audiences with her pop band MUNA or in a solo setting, Gavin’s presence is truly captivating.
As she presents four songs from her heartfelt album, What a Relief, each piece resonates with ambitious and honest lyrics, yet they are all uniquely distinct. “Aftertaste” beautifully connects MUNA’s sound with the essence of her solo work. “The Baton” unfolds as a poignant, violin-forward meditation on intergenerational trauma, while “Sanitized” offers a groovy and introspective vibe. In her rendition of “Sketches,” she channels the spirit of the Lilith Fair artists who have inspired her journey.
“This whole solo record was very experimental and playful,” says Gavin, transitioning between the violin, piano, and guitar. “I’m exploring instruments that are new to me,” she shares, though it’s hard to believe as she effortlessly navigates a violin solo or plays the piano with her eyes closed.
Before sharing “Sketches,” a song that contemplates love versus fear, Gavin imparts a heartfelt message about living in today’s overwhelming world. She recalls a conversation with a young girl from Gaza, who expressed her desire to share a message with the audience. “She told me that, despite everything, she still believes in life and knows that there are people in this world whose hearts are full of compassion,” says Gavin. “If she can hold onto that belief, then I know that I can too.”
SET LIST
- “The Baton”
- “Sanitized”
- “Sketches”
- “Aftertaste”
MUSICIANS
Katie Gavin: vocals, guitar, violin
Eric Radloff: guitar, percussion, background vocals
Nana Adjoa: bass, shruti box, piano, background vocals
Sarab Singh: drums
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Elle Mannion
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Technical Director: Josephine Nyounai
Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant
Audio Engineer: Hannah Gluvna
Production Assistant: Dora Levite
Photographer: Mhari Shaw
Tiny Desk Team: Lars Gotrich, Ashley Pointer, Josh Newell
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
