Missing the magic of the holidays? NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concert series recently welcomed Sixpence None the Richer, bringing a dose of festive cheer back to the office! Published on December 17, 2025, this concert offered a delightful blend of familiar favorites and fresh perspectives on the season.
The beauty of the holiday season, especially as we mature, lies in navigating the contrasts between joy and introspection. Sixpence None the Richer's music perfectly captures this essence. Their music is known for its ability to find depth within these contrasts, with uplifting melodies intertwined with lyrics that evoke a sense of wonder.
The concert opened with a slow waltz through "The Last Christmas," exploring the themes of parenthood, inspired by guitarist Matt Slocum's personal experience. Leigh Nash then introduced "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," a holiday classic she enjoys year-round, highlighting the comforting imagery of angels, whom she playfully calls "alien-adjacent." She also performed "Eternal Gifts" from her solo work, her voice adding a touch of sweetness as pedal steel guitar gently played in the background.
But here's where it gets controversial... could a Tiny Desk Concert be complete without their most iconic songs? Of course not! "Melody of You" was performed, a song that feels like a modern psalm, beautifully aligned with the spirit of Christmas. And then, the song that continues to captivate audiences, "Kiss Me." Approaching its 30th anniversary, this song has taken the band around the globe and gained fans in unexpected places. Slocum humorously noted how it's earned him some cool points with his daughters. "Kiss Me" offers a simple sweetness, a much-needed respite. Before the final song, Nash sent a message of hope and love to the audience, wishing everyone happy holidays.
For those seeking more holiday music, the NPR App offers a 24/7 stream of festive tunes from NPR stations nationwide. Just navigate to the Music tab.
Set List:
- "The Last Christmas"
- "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"
- "Melody of You"
- "Eternal Gifts"
- "Kiss Me"
Musicians:
- Leigh Nash: Vocals
- Matt Slocum: Guitar
- Justin Cary: Bass
- Jon Radford: Drums
- Steve Hindalong: Percussion
- Phil Madeira: Accordion, Lap Steel
Tiny Desk Team:
- Producer: Lars Gotrich
- Director/Editor: Maia Stern
- Audio Technical Director: Neil Tevault
- Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
- Videographers: Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Mitra I. Arthur
- Audio Engineer: Josephine Nyounai
- Production Assistants: Dora Levite, Dhanika Pineda
- Photographer: Zayrha Rodriguez
- Tiny Desk Team: Kara Frame, Josh Newell
- Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
- Executive Director: Sonali Mehta
- Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson, Robin Hilton
(Copyright 2025 NPR)
What do you think? Does Sixpence None the Richer's music capture the spirit of the holidays for you? Which song is your favorite, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
