Alvvays Overcome Nerves for Their First Tiny Desk Concert

The indie band Alvvays has finally made their much-anticipated debut on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series, conquering their long-standing fears to deliver an intimate and compelling performance. The group, composed of vocalist Molly Rankin, guitarist Alec O’Hanley, keyboardist Kerri MacLellan, bassist Abbey Blackwell, and drummer Sheridan Riley, graced the Tiny Desk with a selection of their music in a setting known for its close-knit and raw showcases of artist talent.

Confronting Stage Fright

Despite the success and recognition they've garnered over the years, Alvvays has been hesitant to join the ranks of artists featured on Tiny Desk due to stage fright. This hesitation was put to rest on December 15, when the band performed a series of tracks, initiating the set with 'Belinda Says.' Frontwoman Molly Rankin addressed the audience after the first song, acknowledging the band's anxiety with a candid announcement, 'Hi! Thanks for coming to this. It’s been a long time coming. We’ve not worked up the courage to do this… until today.'

A Warm Reception

With their initial jitters subsiding, the band continued with their next song 'Pressed,' where Rankin appeared to ease into the performance. She even shared a light-hearted conversation she had with NPR staff, humorously suggesting a future in radio hosting. The band concluded their set with the tracks 'Very Online Guy' and 'Tile By Tile,' wrapping up a landmark performance just before embarking on their North American tour in 2024.

For fans, the wait was indeed worth it, as Alvvays brought their distinct indie pop sound to the legendary Tiny Desk, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey. Their debut at the desk, albeit nerve-wracking, showcases the bands' authenticity and charm, and is a testament to their growth and confidence as performers.

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