Season 16

2023 · 128 episodes

Episodes

1The SmileThe band creates a surreal atmosphere at the Tiny Desk, reimagining the sonically adventurous sounds of A Light for Attracting Attention.
2Jake BlountThe young proponent of traditional music brought a talented band, his astonishing imagination and a selection of what he calls "Black folk music from the future" to the Tiny Desk.
3dodieThe English singer-songwriter and her band give a cathartic, playful performance at the Tiny Desk.
4Marc-André HamelinWatch the pianist, who's been called "a performer of near-superhuman prowess," play a smart set that spans six centuries.
5Soccer MommySophie Allison and crew finally, after a three-year delay, make their Tiny Desk debut in a lovingly performed set.
6Dakh Daughters: Tiny Desk Meets globalFEST 2023For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
7Khadija El Warzazia's Bnat el Houariyat & Esraa Warda: Tiny Desk Meets globalFEST 2023For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
8Cui Jian: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
9Septeto Santiaguero: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
10Bia Ferreira: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
11Moonlight Benjamin: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
12Taraf de Caliu: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
13Noura Mint Seymali: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
14Justin Adams & Mauro Durante: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
15Hermanos GutiérrezThe brothers' Tiny Desk performance is the perfect, slow-burning introduction to their music.
16Lady WrayNPR Music's Tiny Desk series kicks off a celebration of Black History Month with this stunning performance from Lady Wray.
17Indigo GirlsAmy Ray and Emily Saliers have been offering life lessons to their fervent fans for nearly four decades; here, they play a set of stone-cold classics, including "Closer to Fine."
18Lee FieldsNPR Music's Tiny Desk series continues a celebration of Black History Month with this set from Lee Fields.
19Kenny BeatsOne of the most sought after producers in music brings a trio of familiar voices to the Tiny Desk.
20FousheéBritanny Fousheé is not an artist who can be boxed in. In her Tiny Desk set, she flexes her eclectic artistry and vocal — and emotional — range.
21Theo CrokerThe trumpeter brings his unmistakably chill attitude and determination to expand the sound of jazz to this stripped-down Tiny Desk set.
22Tamela MannIt's impossible to tell the history of Black people in America without the gospel, and Tamela Mann represented at NPR headquarters.
23Ab-SoulAb-Soul's career is a prime example of how rap has grown over the past 50 years. For his Tiny Desk set, he hand-picked a live band and gave a display of raw honesty and next-level lyricism.
24Charley CrockettIn his vintage Stetson, the Texas troubadour performed a set of songs that find new meaning in familiar country, folk and blues forms.
25Omah LayThe singer and songwriter made a special trip from Nigeria to the Tiny Desk for a performance of his Afro-fusion hits.
26Antonio Sánchez & Bad HombreSánchez observes the world with a drummer's sensibilities. Here, he and his pals in Bad Hombre explore the rhythm of language in a set of tracks from Sánchez's latest album.
27Jorge Glem and Sam ReiderTwo musical cultures come together to create something that didn't exist before in this Tiny Desk performance.
28Mama's BrokeThe duo performs a set of dark yet hopeful songs filled with haunting harmonies and unique rhythms.
29Selina MoonThe singer-songwriter has impressed us with her Tiny Desk Contest entries over the last few years; at the Desk, she brought confidence, a sense of belonging and a brilliant set of songs.
30Andrew CombsWatch the restless singer-songwriter in a set of penetrating new tunes, capped with a breathtaking love song.
31Bono and The EdgeIt's hard to overstate the kindness and good-natured humor the U2 singer and guitarist brought to this set, where they performed reimagined songs from All That You Can't Leave Behind.
32Tye TribbettTye Tribbett brings his high energy praise music to the Tiny Desk in a set of six inspiring songs.
33Ingrid AndressAndress writes songs that have a way of digging up clear-headed truths; here, she performs three tracks from across her catalog.
34The Bad Ends (Home) ConcertThis magical, four-song set is an Athens, Ga., insider's dream.
35The BethsThe New Zealand band writes sparkling indie pop underpinned by empathy. At the Tiny Desk, you can hear that support and camaraderie in the band's stripped-down arrangements and dry banter.
36Durand BernarrBefore his eclectic, high-energy performance, the singer and showman told the Tiny Desk team: "I'm not meant to be understood; I'm meant to be experienced."
37Kassa OverallThe drummer, singer and producer gives a virtuosic display of musicianship, lyricism and artistic innovation at the Tiny Desk.
38TrinaThe rap icon treated fans to an epic set featuring the best of her sprawling discography.
39Fred again..The electronic producer and songwriter moves seamlessly in this jam-packed Tiny Desk.
40RAYEA long time coming, the South London-bred singer-songwriter performs at the Desk with the confidence of a veteran vocal powerhouse.
41Claudia AcuñaThe Chilean jazz vocalist makes a lasting impression at the Tiny Desk.
42Lara DownesWith a piano draped in spring flowers, Lara Downes plays a smart set of music, new and old, that offers the power of renewal.
43Bill Orcutt Guitar QuartetWith a who's who of forward-thinking guitarists, Bill Orcutt brings his ecstatic minimalism to the Tiny Desk.
44CucoSlow-rolling through four tracks, Cuco seamlessly blends the soul of chicano ballads and the smooth energy of soft rock.
45Kenny Garrett and Sounds From The AncestorsThe distinguished saxophonist pushes the boundaries of modern jazz in his expressive Tiny Desk performance.
46carolineThe minimalist English octet stresses a communal spirit in its Tiny Desk performance.
47Sid SiriamThe India-born, California-raised musician melds Carnatic music, R&B and soul in his Tiny Desk set.
48Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad IsmailyIn its Tiny Desk performance, the trio makes music strictly for the moment — creating a shared language in real time.
49Karol GThe Colombian singer and global superstar shines brighter than ever in this surprising Tiny Desk performance from last May.
50Lewis CapaldiIf you didn't know anything about Capaldi before this Tiny Desk, the self-deprecating humor mixed in between gut-wrenching ballads will quickly catch you up to speed.
51Kimberley AkimboThe Broadway cast, band and composer assemble behind the Tiny Desk to share four songs from the touching new musical, which is nominated for eight Tony Awards.
52Anna TivelIn her Tiny Desk, Tivel's empathy elevates her folk-based, jazz-touched compositions from mere stories to secular prayers.
53Jay Park (Home) ConcertThe singer and rapper displays the subtle breadth of his music in this Tiny Desk (home) concert.
54Little Moon: 2023 Tiny Desk Contest Winner2023's Tiny Desk Contest unique, winning band performs a range of emotional and creative songs.
55NIKIThe Indonesian artist Nicole Zefanya brings a tiny toy piano and sleek songs to this Tiny Desk debut.
56Unknown Mortal OrchestraThe band's Tiny Desk performance featured songs that leaned right into its incalculability.
57Charlie WilsonThe old-school funk and R&B artist tells a tale of "two Charlies" in his Tiny Desk performance.
58BabyfaceThe singer, songwriter and producer brought his timeless love songs to the Tiny Desk.
59TankThe veteran R&B scholar turns NPR's modest venue into "the big, nasty Desk" in his performance.
60Adam BlackstoneThe producer, songwriter and musical director to the stars performed a multi-genre celebration of Black music.
61AmbréEverything in this Tiny Desk performance is unapologetically New Orleans.
62AmaaraeThe artist's Tiny Desk proves how far the sounds of West Africa have influenced the U.S. and, more implicitly, just how much the music defies catch-all labels like 'Afrobeats.'
63MUNAAt the Tiny Desk, the pop trio preached the importance of joyful revolution.
64Wild UpThe 14-piece Los Angeles-based ensemble's performance of music by Julius Eastman is nothing less than an exuberant house party unto itself.
65Brandee YoungerIn her stunning Tiny Desk, the artist demonstrates her ability to showcase all sides of the harp, from an instrument in classical music to contemporary pop.
66JuvenileThe viral tweets were real — it's finally here: one of the most rambunctious experiences at the Tiny Desk.
67Omar Sosa & Seckou Keita, SUBA TrioWith members hailing from Cuba, Senegal and Venezuela, this Tiny Desk is a truly international musical experience.
68Meridian BrothersThe eccentric, fictional salsa band pulls the Tiny Desk audience into the realm of the imaginary.
69Lisa O'NeillThe Irish singer brings a plaintive, pensive atmosphere to the Tiny Desk.
70MAROThe Portuguese guitarist brings listeners into her journey of heartbreak.
71Alice Sara OttThe widely acclaimed pianist serves up nearly 200-year-old music by Chopin mixed with a contemporary work that looks back in time.
72GWARFor nearly four decades, the band has terrorized planet Earth with its raucous stage shows, raunchy metal songs and grotesque satire. GWAR finally came to destroy the Tiny Desk, once and for all.
73SparksThe duo bring their twisted musical sense of humor, honed for over 50 years, to the Tiny Desk.
74Cypress HillThe pioneering hip-hop group rolled into NPR headquarters with a horn section to play five funky tracks.
75Kany GarciaThe Puerto Rican vocalist brings her distinctive songs of desire and longing to the Tiny Desk.
76Peter OneShifting from English to French to Guro, Peter One brings his passion-filled songs about his storied past to the Tiny Desk.
77ObongjayarThe Nigerian-born, London-based artist gave us everything at his Tiny Desk.
78Gregorio UribeIn the hands of Colombian musician, the accordion is both a melodic and rhythmic wonder.
79Action BronsonThe artist, whose world encompasses rap, clothing, fitness, food and more, performs funky, reinterpreted highlights from his discography in his Tiny Desk.
80Little DragonThe boundary-pushing dance pop group delivers a performance awash in upbeat and optimistic melody.
81Post MaloneOne of the world's biggest stars performs a few of the world's biggest songs at the Tiny Desk.
82Omar MontesThe Spanish artist dances along the border of tradition and modernity in his Tiny Desk performance.
83Sarah CahillThe intrepid champion of new music turns her attention to female composers, offering a sampler of works by women across four centuries, including a favorite of Louis XIV and an Ethiopian nun.
84Yahritza y Su EsenciaThe family trio belt out songs of lost love and longing in their Tiny Desk performance.
85Christian McBride's New JawnThis unpredictable, funky set showcases the distinctive creative interplay between each player's personality.
86Speedy OrtizThe clever rock band delivers a performance 10 years in the making.
87ChlöeIn her Tiny Desk performance, the singer filled the room with a stunning vocal performance, her positive spirit and light radiating throughout the entire room.
88Anne Akiko MeyersThe thoughtful violinist makes a set of contemplative music, including a piece by Philip Glass, sing sweetly on her $16 million instrument.
89HiromiThe Japanese composer delivers a highly energetic and joyful Tiny Desk set.
90Indigo De SouzaThe singer-songwriter's vocals soar in this beautifully simple Tiny Desk performance.
91Tiny Desk Korea: V of BTSThe K-pop superstar and BTS member performs three love songs from his new album.
92RawayanaThe Venezuelan group brings its infectious energy and beach-infused sound to the Tiny Desk.
93WickedBroadway stars Alyssa Fox and McKenzie Kurtz defy gravity, accompanied by composer Stephen Schwartz to celebrate 20 years of Wicked.
94J NoaJ Noa came to the Tiny Desk to show the world what a girl from her barrio is capable of.
95DannyLuxThe Chicano singer brings a grounded sense of reflection to the Tiny Desk.
96Sam SmithThe singer's Tiny Desk performance is a joy to behold.
97Alex CubaAlex Cuba weaves evocative imagery into musical arrangements that conjure his native country.
98Villano AntillanoAntillano shows why she's one of the most exciting voices in Latin trap and reggaeton right now.
99Caroline PolachekHaters may say it's AutoTune, but when Caroline Polachek sings live, it's clear that the impressive range and control you're hearing is all her.
100Ivy Queen"La Caballota" herself gives a performance for the girls.
101Becky GThe stripped down sound of some of Becky G's biggest hits offered a rare view of her artistry.
102Smokey RobinsonIf there was ever an artist the word "legend" applies to, it would be Smokey Robinson.
103MalumaThe Colombian superestrella brought his mesmerizing vocals and a few proud tears to the Tiny Desk.
104Jordan WardThe R&B singer performs a set of his most beloved musical moments.
105Nora Brown and Stephanie ColemanThe two artists perform a set of music full of yearning, joy and history.
106Nile Rodgers & CHICAs the ringleader of the CHIC experience, Rodgers crams a lifetime's worth of nightlife into every strum of his guitar.
107ShaktiThe Indian jazz fusion band stops by the Tiny Desk for a historical performance.
108Arlo ParksThe British singer-songwriter articulates relatable emotions in ways a mere layman couldn't imagine.
109Conrad Tao and Caleb TeicherIn our very first tap dancing Tiny Desk, the artists created an experience so unexpectedly fresh and suffused with joy, it moved some to tears and others to cheer for more.
110Emerson String QuartetIn one of its very final performances ever, the durable and beloved string quartet says farewell with music by Beethoven, Walker and Ravel.
111SamiaSamia's set provides a stunning showcase for her charisma, vocal talent and deftly detailed lyricism.
112NonameThe Chicago-bred emcee-activist performs some revolutionary raps from her third album Sundial.
113Hayden PedigoAt the Tiny Desk, the guitarist plays quiet, gentle melodies inspired by his Texas panhandle home.
114Marta Pereira da CostaThe renowned Portuguese guitarist bridges centuries of history with immaculate playing.
115PJ HarveyIn her Tiny Desk performance, the artist lives on her own artistic plane — inviting listeners to take their time to fully join her.
116ShuckedSongwriting team Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally take us on a musical journey from Nashville to Broadway with their musical, Shucked.
117William PrinceThe singer-songwriter performs songs that swoon at the wonders of love, but also deep partnership.
118Tiny Desk Korea: Tomorrow X TogetherThe standout group of K-pop's fourth generation is in their element in this Tiny Desk Korea performance.
119SamphaThe artist returns to the Tiny Desk for a full circle moment of a performance.
120Aja MonetThe Tiny Desk blooms with the stanzas, sounds and legacy of jazz poetry.
121Philip SelwayThe Radiohead drummer performs three songs with a mix of deep warmth and wry, self-effacing modesty.
122The LeeVeesBob Boilen's favorite Hanukkah tradition graces the Tiny Desk for fun-filled songs about latkes and gelt.
123Olivia RodrigoThe singer-songwriter brings a handful of searing cuts from her sophomore album, GUTS, to the Tiny Desk.
124LaufeyThe Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter brings her modern jazz-pop love songs to the Tiny Desk.
125AlvvaysThe band's recreation of its billowy, shoegaze-y sound lights up the Tiny Desk.
126ScarfaceThe rapper's performance radiates with his decadeslong passion as an emcee and producer.
127Louis CatoThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert bandleader believes that live music builds community. At the Tiny Desk, Cato captivates.
128Sweeney ToddJosh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford lead the Broadway cast, complete with Tiny Desk-sized orchestrations by Stephen Sondhiem's longtime collaborator, Jonathan Tunick.