LOS ANGELES, CA — Some voices don’t just sing—they seep into your bones. Alex Isley’s recent Tiny Desk Concertisn’t just a performance—it’s a declaration, a gentle-yet-powerful affirmation of her rightful place in contemporary soul’s upper echelon.
From the moment she opened her set with the hypnotic tones of “Mic On,” it was clear this wasn’t going to be your average Tiny Desk. The Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer transformed the intimate space into a lush oasis of emotion and groove, guided by a band so tight and tasteful it felt almost telepathic. Then came the crown jewel: a surprise appearance by Masego to perform their certified Gold single “Good & Plenty,” sending longtime fans—and likely a few new converts—into soulful bliss.
For me, the performance hit even deeper. Back in April, I had the chance to attend the private release party for Alex’s latest EP, When. I never got around to posting the photos I took that night, but watching this Tiny Desk performance brought it all flooding back—the warmth in her voice, the elegance in her delivery, the effortless command she holds over a room. The musical legacy is undeniable—she’s the daughter of Ernie Isley, after all—but that night, and again during her Tiny Desk, she made it clear that this artistry is fully her own. If musicality is genetic, then Alex is walking proof (tongue-in-cheek, of course).
Released via Free Lunch Records / Warner Records, When finds Isley at her most emotionally vulnerable. With production assists from Grammy-winning maestro Kaytranada (“Mic On”) and Camper (Brandy, H.E.R., Coco Jones), the EP glides between intimacy and intention. Tracks like “Hands” and “Ms. Goody Two Shoes” reflect a newfound confidence, both romantic and artistic, that bleeds through every note.
Each performance was a masterclass in restraint—never over-sung, never under-felt. Just pure, uncut soul.
Alex Isley may be one of music’s best-kept secrets, but with a Tiny Desk performance this potent, that secret’s not going to stay hidden for long. She’s no longer standing in the shadows of her lineage—she’s carving out her own path with velvet vocals, poetic songwriting, and a quietly commanding presence. And if this is what she’s offering at the start of her reign, we’re in for something truly timeless.
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