Dev Hynes, better known as Blood Orange, is one of kind. The progressive artist made a special appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series to promote his latest release, Negro Swan.
The 19-minute episode starts with “By Ourselves,” from Blood Orange’s 2016 work, Freetown Sound. Hynes mans the keys while his saxophonist and background vocalists warm the stage for Ashlee Haze, a spoken word poet. The performance captures Haze’s beautiful moment of self-discovery.
Hynes takes his turn at the mic to perform “Jewelry,” off his raw album as Blood Orange. He gets piano support from Mikey Freedom Hart as he breaks out the electric guitar and wintry cadences. The Tiny Desk segment becomes a place of worship as the group goes into “Holy Will.” Hynes closes the set with “Dagenham Dream,” a tale on being bullied as a child.
On February 16, Hynes will begin the third leg of his Negro Swan Tour in Mexico City. He will storm through other major cities, including Houston and Atlanta, before wrapping up in Richmond, Virginia, on March 2. Hynes will also perform at this year’s Coachella in April and the Governors Ball in May.
Prepare to be amazed below.
