Performing at NPR’s Tiny Desk is a milestone for many artists, and for Rusowsky, it was no different. On Tuesday, the Spanish musician fulfilled this “real dream” by gracing the intimate stage, captivating the audience with selections from his latest album, “Daisy.” This performance showcased his unique sound and the emotional depth of his music.
The Dream Performance: Opening with “Johnny Glamour”
Rusowsky began his Tiny Desk debut with the ethereal sounds of a flute, launching into “Johnny Glamour.” The atmosphere was enriched by a quartet of singers harmonizing behind him. As they echoed the refrain, “Con esa carita,” Rusowsky swayed gently, shaking a banana-shaped maraca, setting a playful yet emotive tone.
“What’s up? Thank you for inviting us today. It’s like a real dream for us,” Rusowsky expressed to the audience, embracing the moment. “We came from Madrid. And, I just released an album called Daisy, and we are going to play a couple of songs from it. Hope you like it.”
Exploring “Daisy”: A Journey Through Sound
The concert seamlessly transitioned into “Sophia,” maintaining an acoustic and orchestral energy. Rusowsky’s whisper-soft vocals floated over guitar plucks, showcasing his ability to evoke emotion with subtlety. This was followed by “Malibu,” where Rusowsky switched to an electric bass, underpinning a gentle, piano-driven melody.
For the heartfelt “(ecco),” Rusowsky moved to the piano, blending his voice with the harmonies of his backup vocalists. Singing evocative lines, “I forgot the pictures on my mind” in English, he seamlessly incorporated Spanish, adding depth and emotion: “We’ve never had a time, just you and me.”
An Energetic Finale: Closing with “Dolores“
Reflecting on recent challenges, Rusowsky shared, “The past days, we got sick with the AC… But now, we party,” before ramping up the energy for his closing number, “Dolores.” This lively conclusion left the audience energized and underscored his dynamic range as a performer.
Insight into “Daisy”: Collaborations and Influences
Rusowsky’s debut album, “Daisy,” released in late May, is rich with collaborations. Featuring artists like Kevin Abstract on “Liar?,” Jean Dawson on “Kinki Fíaro,” Ravyn Lenae on “Pink + Pink,” and Ralphie CHoo on “Bby Romeo,” the album captures a spectrum of styles and influences. Discussing “Sophia” with Rolling Stone, he revealed: “It was also one of the most fun to make, because I’ve been finding myself with music from the 2000s. I’ve been listening to a lot of Timbaland, a lot of Mya. I wanted to do something like that, but I wasn’t thinking about it too much.”
