From Folk to Hip-Hop: Exploring the Eclectic Talents of Tiny Desk Concerts

The Origin of Tiny Desk Concerts

It all started in 2008 when Bob Boilen, the host of NPR Music's All Songs Considered, and NPR's music editor Stephen Thompson left a South by Southwest concert frustrated that they couldn't hear the music over the roar of the crowd. Laura Gibson was one of the artists who'd performed at the concert that day. Due to this experience, Thompson jokingly said, "Laura Gibson should just perform at Boilen's desk (KTOO, 2016) "

After that remark, Boilen set about to bring concert experiences to the intimacy of his small desk at the NRP office. About a month later, he arranged for Laura Gibson to perform at his desk. With a small budget and a passion for showcasing artists up close and personal, Tiny Desk Concerts was born.

What began as a humble experiment quickly gained popularity, captivating audiences around the world with its unique charm and heartfelt performances. Since that day, Tiny Desk Concerts has become a beloved series that offers a refreshingly different perspective on music.

Memorable Performances

With countless exceptional performances throughout the years, it's impossible to highlight them all, but a few have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on both the artists and the audience.

One such memorable, but surprising performance was by the Sesame Street muppets and Big Bird, on 10 June 2019, to celebrate their 50th anniversary in television and education (Boilen,Bob, 2019)  . This time it wasn't just adults in the audience, but children as well.  Another standout moment was when Juvenile performed at the Tiny Desk on 30 June 2023. Initially, when he was asked to perform for Tiny Desk, Juvenile said, "WTF is a Tiny Desk and no!" His response went viral and many on social media began to implore Juvenile to perform at the Tiny Desk. During an interview with CBS Mornings' Skyler Henry, Juvenile explained that he'd never heard of Tiny Desk Concerts, but amid the social media backlash regarding his comment, he relented and agreed to perform for Tiny Desk. He appeared in full flair, accompanied by Jon Batiste, Mannie Fresh, violins, and horns. He did not disappoint! (CBS Mornings, 3 July 2023) (Carter, Bobby, 2023) 

It's not just big names that have left their mark. Emerging artists have also had their shining moments on the Tiny Desk stage. Since December 2014, Tiny Desk host a contest where they invite the winners to perform. In 2015, DeQn Sue was invited to perform at Tiny Desk after receiving close to 7,000 concert entries (Boilen, Bob, 2015). Tank and the Bangas were invited to perform after receiving over 6,000 entries and unanimously winning the Tiny Desk contest in 2017 (Boilen, Bob,2017). In addition to these talented artists, other emerging artists have graced the Tiny Desk stage, such as Phoebe Bridgers, Chloe Flowers, and Chloe x Halle.

Popularity and Recognition

Tiny Desk had a huge following since its existence in 2008. Its YouTube channel has amassed over 8 million subscribers, and each performance is met with eager anticipation and worldwide acclaim. Once the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns were in place, the Tiny Desk Concerts' audience grew exponentially. During the pandemic, instead of artists giving performances from Bob Boilen's office, they performed from their homes or other places where people didn't gather.

Another reason why Tiny Desks Concerts are so popular is because musicians and fans alike appreciate the intimate setting that Tiny Desk Concerts provides. It allows the artists to connect with their audience on a more personal level, fostering a sense of authenticity and vulnerability that often shines through in their performances. It's no wonder that Tiny Desk Concerts has been recognized and celebrated within the music industry. The series has received numerous accolades, including a Webby Award, recognition from the Grammy Awards, and even a Peabody Award, solidifying its impact on the music community.

Conclusion

Tiny Desk Concerts is a testament to the power of music and the beauty of shared experiences. Through this intimate platform, artists have a chance to shine and showcase their talent, while listeners are treated to extraordinary performances that touch their souls.

Whether you're a fan of folk, hip-hop, jazz, or any other genre, Tiny Desk Concerts invites you to explore the vast world of music in all its magnificence. So grab a snack and drink, pull up a chair, and let the melodies take you on a journey you won't soon forget!