Portland, Oregon-based artist Anna Tivel recently captivated audiences with her mesmerizing performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk, where she showcased songs from her widely acclaimed album “Outsiders.” Accompanied by producer and multi-instrumentalist Shane Leonard, as well as engineer Brian Joseph, Tivel performed a selection of tracks, including “Black Umbrella,” “Heroes,” and “Royal Blue,” along with an unreleased song titled “Fluorescence In the Future.”
NPR described Tivel’s performance as “quiet and riveting,” praising her remarkable empathy and folk-based, jazz-infused compositions. Within the trio’s swirling arrangements, Tivel’s songs transform into secular prayers, transcending mere storytelling to become profound reflections on pain and resilience. Her music unfolds like dreams and mirrors the complexities of reality.
“Outsiders,” released in August and brought to life with Leonard and Joseph’s expertise, has garnered critical acclaim. Tivel’s focus on storytelling remains a hallmark of her work, and this album is no exception. Inspired by literary figures such as Steinbeck, Morrison, Didion, and Dubus, Tivel crafts songs that brim with attentive details and a dreamlike quality, rendering the ordinary palpable and poetic. No Depression hails Tivel as “one of the finest storytellers modern folk music has to offer,” praising her literary lyrics, guitar skills, and soulful vocals.
The 11-track album has found favor at NPR, where it was named Ann Powers’ #1 Album of the Year and featured on NPR’s Best Roots Music of 2022 list. Bob Boilen, host of NPR’s All Songs Considered, included the title track among his Favorite Music of 2022. Furthermore, NPR recognized “Black Umbrella” as one of their 100 Best Songs of 2022. KCRW, an NPR affiliate based in Los Angeles, selected “The Dial” as one of their favorite new songs, applauding its lo-fi instrumentation, turntable fuzz, and Tivel’s confident and cool delivery of poetic lyrics.
“Outsiders” has garnered additional accolades, securing a place among the “Best of 2022” lists from various music publications such as Aquarium Drunkard, Brooklyn Vegan, The Boot, Folk Alley, Post-Trash, and Folk Radio UK. Bandcamp Daily also lauded the album as one of the best new releases of its month, praising Tivel for pushing the boundaries of folk music with unconventional percussion, atmospheric production, and gentle ambient touches.
In addition to “Outsiders,” Tivel has shared two b-side singles from the same recording sessions: “American Novella” and “The Good Fight.” Folk Radio UK commended Tivel’s expressive vocals and beautiful, almost prose-like verses, highlighting her bewitching and poetic songwriting skills.
Following her Tiny Desk performance, Tivel recently appeared on NPR’s Mountain Stage alongside acclaimed artists Robbie Fulks, The Gibson Brothers, Jaimee Harris, and Nicholas Jamerson. She recently concluded a tour supporting Fenne Lily and Christian Lee Hutson and is scheduled to continue touring throughout the summer, including shows with Joe Pug and Jeffrey Martin.
Anna Tivel’s NPR Tiny Desk debut further solidified her status as an exceptional and introspective songwriter. With “Outsiders” resonating deeply among critics and listeners alike, her music continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, making her a standout artist in the folk music landscape.
Anna Tivel On Tour
| Date | Venue | Location | Supporting Act |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 22 | Eddie’s Attic | Decatur, GA | Joe Pug |
| June 23 | The Grey Eagle | Asheville, NC | Joe Pug |
| June 24 | The Evening Muse | Charlotte, NC | Joe Pug |
| June 25 | Cat’s Cradle | Carrboro, NC | Joe Pug |
| July 1 | New Prospect Theatre | Bellingham, WA | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 2 | The Cobalt Cabaret | Vancouver, BC | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 4 | Ironwood Stage and Grill | Calgary, AB | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 5 | The Aviary | Edmonton, AB | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 6 | Capitol Music Club | Saskatoon, SK | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 7 | Artesian | Regina, SK | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 11 | The Good Will | Winnipeg, MB | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 12 | 7th St Entry | Minneapolis, MN | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 13 | Lamplight Sessions | Mosinee, WI | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 14 | The Back Room @ Colectivo | Milwaukee, WI | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 15 | The Midtown GR | Grand Rapids, MI | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 17 | Babeville | Buffalo, NY | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 18 | The Drake Hotel | Toronto, ON | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 19 | Club Cafe | Pittsburgh, PA | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 20 | Natalie’s Grandview (Music Hall & Kitchen) | Columbus, OH | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 22 | Space | Evanston, IL | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 23 | High Noon Saloon | Madison, WI | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 25 | xBk Live | Des Moines, IA | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 26 | Trumpet Blossom Cafe | Iowa City, IA | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 27 | Reverb Lounge | Omaha, NE | Jeffrey Martin |
| July 29 | The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center | Spearfish, SD | Jeffrey Martin |
| December 1 | Turf Club | St Paul, MN | Joe Pug |
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