Oregon-based singer-songwriter Anna Tivel recently delivered a haunting and poignant performance at the Tiny Desk, offering a glimpse into her exceptional storytelling abilities and folk-based, jazz-touched compositions. At the concert, Tivel's powerful ballad "Black Umbrella" stood out, portraying a heartbreaking narrative of police violence in an American convenience store. Her unmatched empathy and knack for capturing the lives of the overlooked and vulnerable shine through her music, elevating it to a form of secular prayer. Additionally, Tivel's vulnerability was on display in the heartfelt song "Royal Blue," showing her depth as a songwriter.

With a background rooted in folk music, Tivel has released four studio albums and received acclaim for her work, including her well-received album "Small Believer" in 2017 and "The Question" in 2019, which was lauded as one of the most ambitious folk records of the year. Her musical style seamlessly weaves together intricate storytelling with gentle arrangements, creating hypnotic and captivating experiences for her listeners.

Tivel's performance at the Tiny Desk, accompanied by keyboardist Galen Clark and drummer Micah Hummel, showcased her ability to craft deeply emotional narratives that resonate with authenticity and rawness. Her unreleased song "Fluorescence in the Future" further exemplified her profound storytelling prowess, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Anna Tivel's music continues to serve as a heartfelt exploration of human experiences, shedding light on the complexities of pain, resilience, and the beauty found within vulnerability.