Elmiene is undoubtedly one of our favorite British imports. In just a few short years, the singer-songwriter has managed to impress us at every turn with his heartfelt take on modern soul. And, while he’s been bubbling under for a while, it seems that the mainstream is finally starting to take notice. So much so, in fact, that he now has an appearance on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert Series under his belt.
Elmiene pulls from his two EPs, last year’s Marking My Time and his recent release Anyway I Can, for the performance’s setlist. He begins with “Marking My Time,” which highlights the song’s ’90s throwback sensibilities while also giving his backing singers a chance to shine thanks to the stacked harmonies of the chorus.
After that moving performance and a bit of banter with the audience, he delves into Anyway I Can with a trio of tracks — “Light Work,” “Crystal Tears” and “Anyways” — that show the contrast between the two projects. Where “Marking My Time” was heavy with longing for purpose and inspiration, the songs on his latest EP brim with the hopeless romanticism of someone who will always choose love. This feeling is conveyed throughout the performance, as there’s a joy and tenderness that is felt as he and his band sing and play with smiles on their faces.
He brings things back full circle with “Someday.” The song, taken from Marking My Time, has both the more somber feel of that EP and the romantic feel of his newer material. While the raw emotion of the song is definitely on display, the performance also gives Elmiene a chance to show off his goofier, fun-loving side as he adds in nods to his surroundings and playfully shouts out Tiny Desk in the process.
If you love yourself some Elmiene or you’re just discovering his talent, this performance is sure to please. Watch him in action when you press play below. Add his latest EP Anyway I Can to your music collections on digital streaming services.
