Few performances capture the raw, unfiltered spirit of acoustic music like an NPR Tiny Desk Concert. And in his latest appearance, Billy Strings stripped things down even further—literally asking the crew for fewer microphones to let his band’s instruments “sound the way they’re meant to sound.”
The result? A soul-stirring, deeply intimate performance that feels like a time capsule from the earliest, most organic Tiny Desk sessions—made even more extraordinary by the presence of ArtistWorks fiddle master Alex Hargreaves, whose musicality and tone helped elevate the entire set.
In this article, we break down the magic of this performance, why Billy Strings continues to redefine modern bluegrass, and how Alex Hargreaves’ playing embodies the artistry our students know so well.
Billy Strings Returns to the Roots of Tiny Desk
NPR producer Kara Frame summed it up perfectly: it’s rare these days for an artist to ask for fewer microphones. But Billy Strings wanted authenticity, not amplification. After warming up in NPR’s iconic space, he asked the team to simplify the setup so the instruments could breathe—capturing what he called:
“The way these instruments are meant to sound.”
Standing around the Tiny Desk with his band, Billy paused to reflect on the moment:
“We’ve been lucky to play a lot of cool venues… but this one feels different. I’ve seen so many amazing performances that happened right here, and I kind of believe that love and spirit soaks into this environment.”
That reverence is palpable. From the first downbeat, you feel the room itself become part of the band.
The Soul of the Session: A Band Built on Mastery
Billy’s band is known for its almost telepathic cohesion, and the Tiny Desk environment made that chemistry shine.
The lineup includes:
- Billy Strings – vocals, guitar
- Alex Hargreaves – fiddle
- Billy Failing – banjo, background vocals
- Royal Masat – bass, background vocals
- Jarrod Walker – mandolin, background vocals
Each musician brings both finesse and fire, creating a sound that is unmistakably bluegrass yet full of modern nuance. Billy may be the focal point, but this performance is truly a band effort—and that’s exactly the point.
Spotlight on ArtistWorks’ Alex Hargreaves
One of the standout elements of this Tiny Desk performance is the presence of fiddle virtuoso and ArtistWorks instructor Alex Hargreaves.
For ArtistWorks students, this appearance is no surprise. Alex has long been celebrated as:
- A master of tone and phrasing
- A fearless improviser
- One of the most respected young fiddlers in acoustic music
In Tiny Desk’s intimate format, his playing takes center stage—fluid, expressive, and deeply musical. Whether weaving harmonies behind Billy’s vocals or taking a soaring lead, Alex displays the exact mastery he teaches students inside his ArtistWorks Bluegrass Fiddle School.
Seeing him perform at one of music’s most iconic stages is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with dedicated practice, expert guidance, and a deep love for the craft.
A Set List That Honors Tradition — and Pushes It Forward
Billy Strings’ four-song set is a concise but powerful journey through Americana, bluegrass, and progressive acoustic textures.
Tiny Desk Set List:
- “Red Daisy” – A driving opener that sets the tone with high-energy pickin’.
- “My Alice” – A tender, melodic tune showcasing the band’s vocal blend.
- “Malfunction Junction” – A rhythmic, playful tune rooted in pure bluegrass vocabulary.
- “Gild the Lily” – A beautiful closer that lets each musician shine.
Each song highlights the band’s collective virtuosity, balanced with Billy’s emotional storytelling and signature humility.
Why This Tiny Desk Resonates with Bluegrass Fans
Billy Strings has a rare ability: he expands the reach of bluegrass without ever abandoning its heart.
Part of that comes from his roots—he often credits his father for introducing him to the genre. Since then, he’s amassed a devoted following of “billy goats,” fans who have been known to schedule entire vacations around his tour dates.
But what draws people in isn’t just technical brilliance—it’s sincerity.
This Tiny Desk performance radiates that sincerity. No big stages, no walls of sound, no elaborate effects. Just:
- Authentic acoustic tone
- Honest musicianship
- A deep respect for tradition
- A band playing as one
It’s a reminder of what makes bluegrass timeless.
Learn Bluegrass Fiddle from Alex Hargreaves at ArtistWorks
Watching Alex Hargreaves at Tiny Desk is inspiring—but learning directly from him is transformative.
At ArtistWorks, Alex teaches students around the world through:
🎻 Step-by-step video lessons for all levels
🎻 Genre-specific instruction: bluegrass, improvisation, backup, tune learning
🎻 Personalized Video Exchange® feedback
🎻 A supportive community of learners and musicians
Whether you’re just picking up the bow or ready to expand your improvisational vocabulary, Alex’s school gives you a clear, guided path to becoming the fiddler you want to be.
👉 Start your free trial of Alex Hargreaves’ Bluegrass Fiddle School today and experience master-level instruction you won’t find anywhere else.