NPR Music holds these concerts in an actual office for artists to perform at. By the looks of some of the videos, the audience is small which leaves room for a lot of intimacy. Many artists perform their acoustic versions or different renditions of their own songs. Watching these concerts at home have always given me so much joy and they have been a major source of entertainment during my time in quarantine from this awful virus. Since I have not left my house in three weeks, music is what keeps me sane and above ground. Upon discovering Tiny Desk Concerts, I have discovered who my favorite musicians are. This list is nowhere near complete, but make sure to check out their Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/nprmusic
Let’s Begin (in no particular order):
1. Phony Ppl
“We can curse? What the f!@# is up y’all!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gP0-sDkFS8
2. Tash Sultana
Crazy. Guitar. Loops. That’s all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVDJ8O3lPBA&t=108s
3. Benjamin Clementine
This gave me dancing under the moonlight with a long lost lover type of vibe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00yQGeJ6AOM
4. Chance the Rapper
He recited a poem, “I still have all the keys that are of no use to me. They used to work though.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kWbZvVU-e0
5. Ibeyi
A sister duo, “This moment is deathless.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeApLkyH8jg
6. Mumu Fresh Feat. Black Thought & DJ Dummy
“I am the daughter of freedom fighters and farmers…”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivR988qCPik&t=170s
7. Mereba
“…just keep a vest over your chest meaning don’t be taking bullet wounds that keep you in your room feeling less than impressed just keep it cool…”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8An3Mr3Sdzo
8. Taimane
A true cultural experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXUCJKto68Q&t=325s
9. Tyler, The Creator
“…but it feels good, like a warm shower… I think.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1w-hDiJ4dM&t=519s
10. Tank And The Bangas
My first ever Tiny Desk and that’s why I fell in love with this platform. They showcasted a group that is beyond talented and so unique. I think everyone should watch this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKzobTCIRDw&t=213s
11. Tobe Nwigwe
From the background singers to the fire spitting bars to his wife and baby vibing right next to him, the south held it down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V71cl130ARg&t=190s
12. Chika
I had noticed her a couple years back when she posted her rap video addressing Kanye and his drama at the time. She’s hard and fearless. “No shade to anyone because it is a shady song. It’s not about y’all, it’s just about you.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vLoM-EqWq8
13. Harry Styles
Former member of One Direction has found his own voice. “I just had this fish and I really liked it and that’s kind of the whole story behind this song.”