Category: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concerts

Bobby Carter | February 3, 2026 So much has happened in Miguel’s world since we last saw him at NPR headquarters. Back in 2012, he was one of the very few R&B acts — including Raphael Saadiq, Bettye LaVette and Booker T. Jones — to play a Tiny Desk concert. And, much like the trajectory of this series, Miguel’s music has taken some explosive twists and turns. After performing “Sure Thing,” his first song back at the Desk, Miguel says, “That one’s come a long way.” He reflects on that time in his life and what he’s been able to [See More…]

This week, we celebrate the Tiny Desk Contest community with concerts by some of our favorite entrants over the years. Bobby Carter | January 28, 2026 FORAGER’s music takes the scenic route; it’s witty and unpredictable, yet deceptively powerful and unable to fit into any specific genre. Wide-eyed and enamoured with the space, the Brooklyn-based band invited a host of friends and family to watch what feels like a homecoming show. When I’m asked about what I look for in an entry to the Tiny Desk Contest, FORAGER is the band that I think about. All three of its Contest [See More…]

Anamaria Sayre | January 20, 2026 Guitarricadelafuente’s melodies are seismic. Etched together with electronic beats, ethereal guitar, symphonic accents and sometimes zanfona — the hurdy-gurdy native to Spain — the heart-thumping effect is distinct and unavoidable: You are transported to a club in Barcelona or a beach on Costa Brava. This unique sound is both captivating and easy to lose yourself in. It booms with energy, but Álvaro Lafuente’s calming voice and steady rhythms feel like a lullaby with a fiesta tilt. At the Tiny Desk, both things remain true, as piano softens and guitars strum with insistence. As a [See More…]

Bobby Carter | January 16, 2026 For his Tiny Desk, John Fogerty brought what means the most to him. Family was accounted for: his sons, Tyler and Shane, played in the band, while his wife, Julie, was in the audience. There, too, was Fogerty’s distinct brand of patriotism. We filmed this concert on Nov. 11, 2025, which happened to be Veterans Day. Fogerty tells the crowd that he was inspired to write “Proud Mary” on the day he received his honorable discharge from the Army Reserve in 1968. “I opened my discharge [papers] up, and I was really, really, really [See More…]

Alanté Serene | January 12, 2026 Confident. Creative. Cool. Those are three words that describe Destin Conrad as he makes his Tiny Desk debut, transforming our office into his own version of a jazz club. Fresh off his first Grammy nomination, the singer-songwriter arrived ready to prove exactly why it was earned. Conrad weaves songs from his alt-R&B album, LOVE ON DIGITAL, with tracks from his alt-jazz project, wHIMSY, to build an alternative universe rooted entirely in intention. The set takes off with the controlled tension of “wHIP,” giving space for a trumpet solo from Keyon Harrold before effortlessly easing [See More…]

Alanté Serene | January 9, 2026 As soon as Coco Jones stepped behind the Desk, donning a beautiful silver dress and a bright, warm smile, it was apparent that we were about to witness a star shine. The singer-songwriter has received flowers from the likes of Beyoncé, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Babyface. So expectations were high for Jones to display exactly why she is a standout amongst a new generation of R&B artists — and she does not disappoint. Jones wields her voice to reveal her power, range and control. She sets the tone with the beautiful ballad “You,” [See More…]

Dhanika Pineda | December 19, 2025 From the moment GIVĒON arrived at the Tiny Desk, there was much to celebrate: Beloved had just received a Grammy nomination for best R&B album, and Leon Thomas’ performance of “Mutt” at the Tiny Desk was nominated for best R&B performance. Spirits were high, and GIVĒON brought all of that energy to this concert. GIVĒON treats performance as therapy, pouring out his heart like a bottle of wine. “As much as I love having you guys here, these next couple songs are for me,” he says. Even in his Tiny Desk (home) concert from [See More…]

Lars Gotrich | December 17, 2025 The Tiny Desk hasn’t seen string lights, paper snowflakes and garlands in a while. The holiday show is a tradition we love — and have missed — at NPR Music, so when considering an artist to deck the halls of the office, I kept coming back to Sixpence None the Richer. So much of the holiday season, especially as we grow older, is about finding a balance between bright lights and dark nights. Sixpence None the Richer’s music finds depth in the in-between, with buoyant melodies that twist and twirl, and lyrics underpinned by [See More…]

Alanté Serene | December 15, 2025 The first thing you might notice about Odeal’s Tiny Desk: He’s holding a phone in his hands. “Someone really special couldn’t make it today and it’s my mom,” he explains. “I’ve got her on the phone right now.” The British Nigerian singer and songwriter then props the FaceTime call right in front of him to give his mother a front row seat. Right from the first note, we are instantly transported to the warm, soulful pocket that we never leave. Ever since his debut EP in 2017, Odeal has built a deep catalog of [See More…]