Although this was the band’s first visit to Tiny Desk, Hot Chip’s performance felt like a homecoming – a sweet return to some of the instruments the band originally used to create its signature, playful sound. Frontman Alexis Taylor says Hot Chip’s “tiny instruments” fit the space perfectly.
The members of Hot Chip arrived at NPR headquarters, each wearing a different colored top, their bright and brilliant looks matching the music’s classic electro-pop vibe. The band, joined by pedal steel guitarist Jonny Lam (who previously played Tiny Desk in Sinkane), opened the show with two tracks from their 2006 album The Warning, including “Over and Over” ” and “Boy From School.” The latter, Taylor explained, was written on a Casio keyboard, which both Taylor and guitarist Rob Smolton played on. The band then slowed things down with “Look At Where We Are” and ended with the classic “Ready For The Floor.”
Speaking of perfecting the look, after the show, Taylor pulled out a themed top: an NPR-branded sweatshirt that he asked us all to sign. It’s a rare, tender, and possibly once-in-a-lifetime moment when one of your favorite bands asks you to sign merchandise.
settings list
“Over and Over” “Boys Out of School” “Look Where We Are” “Ready to Play”
musician
Alexis Taylor: Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards Joe Goddard: Vocals, Keyboards Owen Clarke: Keyboards Rob Smoughton: Backing Vocals, Guitar Leo Taylor: Drums Jonny Lam: Pedal Steel Guitar
Small desk team
Producer/Director: Maia Stern Audio Technical Director: Josephine Nyounai Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter Photographers: Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Pierre Kattar Audio Engineer: Neil Tevault Production Assistant: Elle Mannion Cinematographer: Elizabeth Gillis Tiny Desk Team: Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson VP of Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
