PUP: Intimate Performance at the Desk

Existential dread finds an unexpected sense of joy and upliftment in the hands of PUP. Through their albums, such as the aptly named Morbid Stuff and The Dream is Over, this Canadian pop-punk group explores the world’s weighty discontent with gentle humor, profound insights, and an abundance of heart.

In their much-anticipated Tiny Desk performance, PUP (which stands for Pathetic Use of Potential) gracefully navigates through five songs. They begin with the lively and engaging “Morbid Stuff,” followed by “Robot Writes a Love Song” from their 2022 album, The Unraveling of PUPTheBand. They also present “Hallways,” a spirited anthem that encourages resilience, reminding us to embrace each moment, even as we care for those we love, like our furry companions.

Throughout the set, frontman Stefan Babcock shares a playful spirit, radiating warmth even when he sings heartfelt lines like, “I’ve been navigating my way through the mind-numbing reality of a godless existence” from the touching track “Kids,” released in 2019. The performance culminates with the pop-infused “Hunger for Death,” from PUP’s latest work, Who Will Look After the Dogs? Maintaining his character, Babcock leans in with a lighthearted jest, creating a moment of levity amid the introspection.

SET LIST
“Morbid Stuff”
“Robot Writes a Love Song”
“Hallways”
“Kids”
“Hunger for Death”

MUSICIANS
Stefan Babcock: vocals, guitar, keys
Steve Sladkowski: guitar, background vocals
Nestor Chumak: bass, background vocals
Zack Mykula: drums, background vocals

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Robin Hilton
Director/Editor: Maia Stern
Audio Technical Director: Josh Newell
Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame
Audio Engineer: Josephine Nyounai
Production Assistants: Ashley Pointer, Dhanika Pineda
Photographer: Grace Raver
Series Editor: Lars Gotrich
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson, Robin Hilton
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins