One minute, Lucius sounds like a '60s girl group; the next might conjure images of Emmylou Harris.

With members of The Decemberists, the band lends a snappy, lilting quality to songs of alienation.

Frontman Kevin Barnes uses the intimacy of the NPR Music offices to try out some quiet new material.

The a cappella ensemble sings widely divergent songs from American, European and Sufi traditions.

In The xx's songs, all the calm chilliness in the world can't quite contain an exposed heart.

Winston Yellen's arresting voice propels a lighthearted but deeply affecting set at the NPR office.

The guitarist brings a decidedly non-standard approach to jazz's standard practices.

The fast-rising Brooklyn trio sings beautiful, heartfelt, impeccably harmonized folk-pop songs.

Watch one of the best fiddlers on the planet and a subtle guitar master work their magic.

The Danish band ransacks the NPR Music offices looking for sound-making material and new ideas.

To coincide with the release of the band's 13th album, Fade, Yo La Tengo performs an acoustic set.

The duo's quietly energetic performance hangs over the the NPR Music offices like a soft mist.

Zany, brainy and danceable, these guys' music mixes rock and jazz like King Crimson at its fiercest.

Watch the violinist spin out music by John Williams and Bach in sweet, soulful tendrils of sound.

The veteran country players mix corny humor, musical merrymaking and timeless vocal harmonies.

The 73-year-old Iranian icon unleashes torrents of swooping, soaring sound that elicit goosebumps.

Imani Winds' members shrink Igor Stravinsky down to size in a quintet take on The Rite of Spring.

OK Go helps us transport the Tiny Desk from NPR Music's old headquarters to our new facility.

Watch the band perform acoustic arrangements of four songs from its new album, Trouble Will Find Me.

An 11-piece brass band turns up the funk and flies the flag high for its native Richmond, Va.

One of the world's finest folksingers channels the spirit of Woody Guthrie at the NPR Music offices.

Watch the singer-songwriter and her band perform three songs from her fine new album, American Kid.

A brilliant cellist with a stunning command of her instrument, Beiser performs at the NPR offices.

The U.K. singer performs some of her most intimate material in a short set at the NPR Music offices.

The Malian musician and his band craft melodies and rhythms that cut across age and ethnicity.