The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music’s Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It’s the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space.
Lyndsey McKenna | April 14, 2021
A few years ago, some of us on the NPR Music team stumbled upon a copy of Demi Lovato’s 2013 book, Staying Strong: 365 Days A Year. Reading Lovato’s heartfelt daily reflections became a workday habit; her transparency and vulnerability made us ardent admirers who wanted nothing but the very best for Demi.
We made it our mission to get Demi to the Tiny Desk, and though the pandemic had other plans, Lovato’s Tiny Desk (home) concert was worth the wait. Recorded on a sunny spring day in her Los Angeles backyard, Lovato begins with a moving rendition of “Tell Me You Love Me” from her 2017 record of the same name, accompanied by subtle, sparse keys. She continues her set with the title tracks from her recently-released studio album, Dancing With The Devil…The Art Of Starting Over. On both tracks, Lovato’s voice feels stabilizing and grounding; there’s a sense of clarity and purpose in its power.
When interviewed by NPR’s Ailsa Chang back in 2017, Demi Lovato said, “I think I’ve lived a lot of life.” Through both her struggles and successes, Lovato’s shown all sides of herself – the confident and unapologetic star, but also the complexities of recovery – inviting us on her journey in a deeply personal way. Her intimate (home) concert feels like a natural extension of that sincerity.
SET LIST
“Tell Me You Love Me”
“The Art Of Starting Over”
“Dancing With The Devil”
MUSICIANS
Demi Lovato: vocals
Steven “Styles” Rodriguez: keys
CREDITS
Director: Mike Drew
Editor: Aaron Kroger
Engineer/Shader: David Vega
Camera Operator: Austin Wavra
Camera Operator: Noel Galan
Camera Operator: Drew Welker
Assistant Camera: Lawrence Montemayor
Audio : Steven “Styles” Rodriguez
TINY DESK TEAM
Producers: Abby O’Neill
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Kara Frame, Bob Boilen
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
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