The Impact of Tiny Desk Concerts
- Alexandria Herndon
- Dec 21, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2024
NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts: A Unique Music Experience
Whenever I used to hear NPR, it reminded me of the talk radio my father would play on the way to school. It wasn’t until 2014, during my time at CSU, that I discovered something entirely different. A friend and I were having a great conversation about music when he introduced me to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts. That same day, I looked them up on YouTube and was amazed to find a treasure trove of performances by some of my favorite artists. These stripped-down, intimate mini-concerts offer a unique experience—simple yet powerful.
What Are Tiny Desk Concerts?
Tiny Desk Concerts is a popular live music video series produced by NPR Music. The series features artists performing intimate, stripped-down sets behind a desk in the NPR offices. These performances typically showcase musicians in a raw, acoustic format, focusing on their artistry rather than elaborate production.
Since its debut in 2008, the series has featured a wide range of artists across various genres, including indie, hip-hop, jazz, folk, and world music. It’s celebrated for its relaxed vibe and the unique opportunity it gives fans to experience live music in a more personal and authentic way. Watching their growth in popularity over the years has been incredible, and there truly is a Tiny Desk Concert for everyone, no matter their age or taste in music.
Must-Watch Tiny Desk Performances
I wanted to create a list of my favorite performances, but that would be simply impossible. Instead, I decided to make a short list of five performances to watch, highlighting artists you may not know yet:
1. Turnstile
I stumbled across their Tiny Desk performance randomly at work one day and was completely surprised. The instrumentation felt so refreshing, and their performance was captivating. It truly highlights the versatility of Tiny Desk—proving that any artist, regardless of genre, can shine in this intimate format. In this case, even hard rock found its place.
2. Kelela
An artist I’ve admired for years, her Tiny Desk performance was both well-deserved and long overdue. Her stripped-down acoustic vocals, paired with the ethereal sound of a harp in the background, were as majestic as you’d imagine. She’s crafted a unique style, blending alternative R&B with an electronic twist, creating a genre all her own.
3. Hiatus Kaiyote
This Australian band has been making music for quite some time, effortlessly blending jazz, soul, and funk into an irresistible sound. Nai Palm, their phenomenal lead vocalist, is nothing short of a dream and remains one of my all-time favorite vocalists.
4. El DeBarge
A timeless artist and former lead vocalist of DeBarge in the early ’80s, he delivers the perfect soothing Tiny Desk performance, full of nostalgic R&B and soul. Remarkably, his vocals sound just as incredible as they did nearly 40 years ago.
5. Caroline Polachek
Caroline has been working behind the scenes for years, quietly building an incredible discography. Not only is she an amazing vocalist, but she’s also been producing tracks for herself and other artists for a long time. Her music leans toward alternative with a touch of indie pop, and her voice is one of the most distinct I’ve ever heard.
A Celebration of Musical Diversity
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering Tiny Desk Concerts, there’s something magical about seeing artists stripped of flashy production, letting their raw talent and artistry shine through. These performances remind us of the power of simplicity and the universal language of music.
Have a favorite Tiny Desk performance or one you’re excited to check out? Share your thoughts in the comments!
great piece - love khruangbin’s set, Robert clasper at the White House, both of no name’s! well done sisdren