Audrey Hobert Shows The Songs Are The Real Bit On ‘Tiny Desk’

Audrey Hobert has built a reputation for making a spectacle onstage, whether she’s bouncing on a mini trampoline or dribbling basketball while performing her infectious pop songs. Yet, without any of the props, the rising pop artist’s songs become the star. Hobert proved as much with her Tiny Desk Concert at NPR Music’s Washington D.C. headquarters.

Hobert performed five standout tracks from her debut album, Who’s The Clown?, while showing off the wit and personality that have become hallmarks of her live performances. The set arrived just two days before the album’s first anniversary on August 15.

“This is the only thing I wanted for this album, this is it,” Hobert said after opening with “Shooting star.” The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter was joined by guitarist Ricky Gourmet, who played a major role in the making of Who’s The Clown?, along with keyboardist Lana Drincic, Hayley Briasco on guitar and banjo, bassist Andrew Pham, drummer Cameron Allen and multi-instrumentalist Steven Brickman.

Following “Thirst Trap,” Hobert revealed that she isn’t terribly familiar with Friends despite writing “Phoebe” about the character played by Lisa Kudrow on the long-running NBC sitcom.

“The truth is I’ve seen all but one and a half seasons,” she explained. “I saw what I needed to see, got what I needed, and I wrote this song.”

Hobert’s background in screenwriting is apparent in both “Phoebe” and “Sex and the city,” which were performed back to back before “Sue me” closed the set. Her songs frequently turn awkward thoughts and everyday situations into sharply observed, often hilarious pop songs, with the humor giving way to something more vulnerable underneath.

“Sometimes when you’re a burgeoning artist, you have one hit,” Hobert said while introducing “Sue me.” “I would classify this as a hit.” She then added that “it’s only a hit with time.”

Time, it turns out, is on Hobert’s side. “Sue me” recently entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 90, marking her first appearance on the chart.

Watch Audrey Hobert’s Tiny Desk Concert below: