NPR Tiny Desk Concerts: Season 2019
Season 12 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of NPR Tiny Desk Concerts Season 11.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 12 Progress Shield
Miguel Zenón feat. Spektral Quartet
Jan 4, 2019
The saxophonist is a big thinker whose mesmerizing compositions chronicle the music of his native Puerto Rico with the help of an adventurous jazz quartet.
Buddy
Jan 9, 2019
The preacher's son from Compton brought his flair for the dramatic, and an air of rebellion, to the Tiny Desk.
Carolina Eyck and Clarice Jensen
Jan 11, 2019
Carolina Eyck, the first artist to bring a theremin to the Tiny Desk, plays the air with the kind of lyrical phrasing and "fingered" articulation that takes a special kind of virtu
Aaron Lee Tasjan
Jan 15, 2019
Aaron Lee Tasjan arrived in an ascot and mustard-colored shirt, sporting red, round sunglasses and mutton chops. It was a fashionable nod to the psych-pop and rock sound he brought
Nate Wood - fOUR
Jan 16, 2019
The multi-instrumentalist says he only wishes he had more limbs; but Wood still manages to simultaneously play a bass guitar, keys and drums, all while singing into a wearable micr
Stella Donnelly
Jan 22, 2019
Watch the Australian singer-songwriter perform three new songs from her upcoming full-length debut, Beware of the Dogs.
Blood Orange
Jan 29, 2019
This Blood Orange Tiny Desk is a beautifully conceived concert showing off the craft and care that has made Devonté Hynes a groundbreaking producer and songwriter.
Cat Power
Feb 4, 2019
Chan Marshall and her band perform a brisk and beautifully orchestrated medley of Cat Power songs: "Wanderer," "Woman" and 2006's "The Moon."
Kurt Vile
Feb 6, 2019
Kurt Vile and his musical mate, Rob Laakso casually lose themselves in complex guitar lines that are effortlessly beautiful and lyrical.
Lau Noah
Feb 11, 2019
There's a magical aura that surrounds Lau Noah as she sits behind the Tiny Desk and unspools thought-provoking story-songs.
Mountain Man
Feb 13, 2019
The voices of Amelia Meath, Molly Erin Sarlé and Alexandra Sauser-Monnig come together behind the Tiny Desk, with songs that conjure a simpler life: dogs, friends, moonlight or ski
Scott Mulvahill
Feb 18, 2019
Scott Mulvahill has been trying to win the Tiny Desk Contest for each of its four years. And while he's never won, we all loved him so much we had to invite him to play.
The Pedrito Martinez Group
Feb 20, 2019
The Afro-Cuban percussionist mesmerizes with his almost otherworldly talent on congas.
Natalie Prass
Feb 25, 2019
Decked out in matching, cobalt blue outfits, the singer and her band had a clear vision: If you want to overcome the times, find strength in numbers.
Zaytoven
Feb 28, 2019
The Atlanta trap super-producer and son of a preacher man saved the day with a soulful Tiny Desk.
Phony Ppl
Mar 4, 2019
The Brooklynites stand out for their inventive and seamless blend of jazz, R&B and hip-hop.
Meg Myers
Mar 6, 2019
Myers replaces her album's roaring electric guitars and electronics with a pulsing string quartet, piano and brushed drums — and uncorks a cover of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hil
Leikeli47
Mar 11, 2019
The artist came to the Tiny Desk masked up, as always, the better to catch a glimpse of her soul.
Kaia Kater
Mar 13, 2019
Multi-hyphenate artist Kaia Kater uses the architecture of roots music, which she studied in West Virginia, to establish a simultaneous dialogue with both the present moment and he
Nao
Mar 18, 2019
The U.K.-based singer-songwriter takes the Tiny Desk on a cosmic journey through her Saturn return.
Alejandro Escovedo
Mar 20, 2019
The veteran rocker and a backup band from Italy play songs from their album The Crossing, chronicling an American Dream of rock and roll and Beat poetry.
&More (Chill Moody & Donn T)
Mar 25, 2019
Philadelphia Rapper Chill Moody and singer Donn T, along with their crew known as &More, were one of the standout entrants in last year's Tiny Desk Contest. They bring a message of
Andrea Cruz
Mar 27, 2019
The singer from Puerto Rico is part of a movement on the island that emphasizes largely acoustic instruments and a folk-based approach to interpreting life before and after the hur
Weezer
Apr 1, 2019
Performing unplugged, the band forgoes its usual meticulousness in favor of a shaggy, entirely acoustic mix of new songs and '90s-era deep cuts.
Courtney Marie Andrews
Apr 3, 2019
It was a day when sunlight drenched the office and the songs of heart from Courtney Marie Andrews felt right at home.
Georgia Anne Muldrow
Apr 8, 2019
The R&B singer from Los Angeles is all about showing and spreading love.
Karine Polwart Trio
Apr 10, 2019
Scottish singer, songwriter and essayist Karine Polwart seldom comes stateside, eschewing air travel to reduce her carbon footprint. But on a rare, recent visit, she stopped in D.C
Gary Clark Jr.
Apr 16, 2019
These three songs, from Clark's incendiary new album This Land, roar with the assurance and force of a showman at the top of his game.
Theodore
Apr 17, 2019
The music of Theodore is dark and transformative, with the kind of spare elegance you can hear in Sigur Rós or Pink Floyd.
The Calidore String Quartet
Apr 22, 2019
The Calidore String Quartet confirms that the centuries-old formula — two violins, a viola and a cello — is still very much alive and evolving.
Better Oblivion Community Center
Apr 24, 2019
Tiny Desk alums Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers surprised us all with their stunning collaboration this year as Better Oblivion Community Center. Together they radiate joy at the
Toro Y Moi
Apr 29, 2019
Toro y Moi loses the voice processing, synths and other heavy effects for a stripped-down acoustic set at the Tiny Desk.
Laraaji
May 2, 2019
Laraaji is best known to some for his ambient work with Brian Eno in the late '70s. He brings his meditative calm to the Tiny Desk in this hypnotic performance.
Thou
May 6, 2019
This is probably the quietest you'll ever hear the first metal band to play the Tiny Desk.
Ohmme
May 9, 2019
These classically trained artists fill the NPR Music offices with shrieking, rhythmic noise that redefines what an electric guitar can do.
Magos Herrera and Brooklyn Rider
May 15, 2019
Watch what happens when the smoky-voiced jazz singer from Mexico conspires with an adventuresome string quartet for songs steeped in Latin American traditions.
Ensemble Signal Plays Jonny Greenwood
May 20, 2019
Watch members of the New York-based group give the world premiere video performances of two recent pieces by Radiohead guitarist and composer Jonny Greenwood.
Jeremy Dutcher
May 22, 2019
There is no one making music like this 27-year-old, classically trained opera tenor and pianist. Watch and see why.
Lucky Daye
May 28, 2019
Hailing from New Orleans with a love of sticky, bass-bumping funk, Lucky brought along a 10-person band, including a quartet of horns, to capture the full flavor of his debut album
LADAMA
May 30, 2019
The group unites sounds from Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, with a dash of New York City thrown in.
Quinn Christopherson
Jun 3, 2019
Quinn and his musical partner, guitarist and singer Nick Carpenter, arrived from the cool of Anchorage to the swelter of D.C. and performed with remarkable confidence and grace.
Tomberlin
Jun 6, 2019
Tomberlin is the daughter of a Baptist pastor, grew up singing in the church and, since her teens, has questioned her own beliefs in God and faith. Her songs are delicate and vulne
Sesame Street
Jun 10, 2019
Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, Elmo, Grover, Rosita, Count von Count, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and other surprise guests gather at NPR's headquarters to celebrate 50 years of love,
Foxing
Jun 12, 2019
Foxing is at the forefront of an emo revival, heavily influenced by late-'90s and early 2000s groups like Sunny Day Real Estate and American Football.
IDLES
Jun 18, 2019 · 13 min
The British madmen brought fury, cathartic rage and deep thoughts to the Tiny Desk for one of the loudest, most raucous performances in memory.
Imogen Heap
Jun 20, 2019
Imogen Heap takes us through her many musical talents, from her Frou Frou musical partner, Guy Sigsworth — and their first new song in 17 years — to an extraordinary performance wi
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Jun 24, 2019
Tasha Cobbs Leonard is widely regarded as one of the best gospel singers performing today. Her set at the Tiny Desk moved many at the NPR offices to tears.
Betty Who
Jun 26, 2019
Betty Who brings Roséwave, sun's-out pop to the Tiny Desk with all the usual studio production stripped away.
Be More Chill
Jul 1, 2019
On Broadway, Be More Chill is a playful burst of frenetic energy and silly, stealthy sweetness. At the Tiny Desk, it holds onto that rowdy, generous spirit while stripping down the
Saint Sister
Jul 3, 2019
The group from Ireland makes music that mixes the organic with the electronic, starting with a large, 34-string lever harp.
Miya Folick
Jul 5, 2019
Miya Folick was raised a Buddhist in Santa Ana, Calif., and is of Ukrainian and Japanese descent. She sings of conviction, not fiction.
American Football
Jul 8, 2019
Who would've thought that American Football's fruitful reunion would not only include some of the emo band's best songs, but also a children's choir at the Tiny Desk?
Sting And Shaggy
Jul 10, 2019
The two musical legends brought plenty of joy to the Tiny Desk, with an unexpected collaboration that works surprisingly well.
Erin Rae
Jul 12, 2019
Every time she performs live, Erin Rae transforms her quiet storms into different hues of squalling introspection.
Priests
Jul 19, 2019
The punk-infused art band from Washington, D.C. brings a kinder, gentler and sparer version of the group's music to the Tiny Desk.
Jacob Collier
Jul 22, 2019
As the NPR staff gathered to watch his performance, Jacob Collier sprinted full bore down the hallway for his set, hardly able to contain his creative energy or enthusiasm.
Masego
Jul 24, 2019
The spirit of Cab Calloway lives on in Masego, the singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist who surprised NPR's Tiny Desk audience with a zany sense of showmanship.
Tamino
Jul 26, 2019
Tamino possesses one of the most remarkable and memorable voices to ever grace the Tiny Desk.
Lizzo
Jul 29, 2019
Backed by a band assembled just for this occasion, the breakthrough pop icon performs three joyfully showy songs from Cuz I Love You.
Calexico And Iron & Wine
Aug 1, 2019
The two bands just released Years to Burn, their first album together since 2005. Now, they've performed three songs — two new, one old — for Calexico's Tiny Desk debut.
iLe
Aug 3, 2019
The Calle 13 veteran, fresh off her appearance at demonstrations in Puerto Rico, performs three songs that rage with revolutionary intensity.
Bas
Aug 5, 2019
Bas came to the Tiny Desk to get it, and — in a breathless four-song set — he did exactly that.
David Crosby & The Lighthouse Band
Aug 7, 2019
David Crosby, Becca Stevens, Michelle Willis and Michael League are The Lighthouse Band, and together they harmonized the heck out of the Tiny Desk.
Among Authors
Aug 9, 2019
Among Authors' music isn't casual; there are songs within these songs, and they're not always catchy. They'll take you on a journey worth following.
half•alive
Aug 12, 2019
How does half•alive, known for funky earworms and synchronized dancing, translate to such a cozy space? Have the dancers sit.
Kian Soltani
Aug 16, 2019
Watch a young cellist on the rise, offering music of virtuosity, sweet lyricism and a little fire from his Persian roots.
Tobe Nwigwe
Aug 19, 2019
The Houston-based rapper's mindful words are like a life hack for anyone seeking guidance, with pleas to look past inherent hardships and evil and to stay focused on life's ultimat
Nicole Bus
Aug 21, 2019
Nicole Bus' sound is reminiscent of vintage R&B, yet still feels current and capable of transcending age and demographics.
Mandolin Orange
Aug 23, 2019
Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz made everything seem so easy, with just a few acoustic instruments and a single microphone behind the Tiny Desk, performing songs full of joy and tho
47SOUL
Aug 26, 2019
47SOUL's message of equality is meant for the world. It's music without borders, mixing old and new, acoustic and electronic from a band formed in Amman Jordan, singing in Arabic a
Dan Tepfer
Aug 29, 2019
The pianist and programmer has transformed the acoustic piano into his duet partner.
The-Dream
Aug 30, 2019
The singer and mega-hit songwriter showcases three of his own tracks, including "I Luv Your Girl" and two songs from Ménage à Trois: Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3.
A-WA
Sep 3, 2019
The three Israeli sisters in A-WA mix Yemenite and Arabic traditions with splashes of reggae and hip-hop.
The Tallest Man On Earth (2019)
Sep 6, 2019
The Tallest Man On Earth's second appearance at the Tiny Desk comes almost 10 years to the day after his first. He returns with a touch of grey and a beard, but no less intense or
Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley
Sep 9, 2019
With eyes shut, Marley dug deep into the healing power of music with songs from his 2017 album Stony Hill.
Come From Away
Sep 11, 2019
Sixteen performers from the Broadway cast crammed behind the Tiny Desk to sing songs and share stories about thousands of airline passengers who were stranded in Newfoundland after
Rhiannon Giddens
Sep 16, 2019
Giddens shares songs from her latest album, There is No Other, in an emotional and transfixing performance at the Tiny Desk.
Nilüfer Yanya
Sep 18, 2019
There's a hush to the music of Nilüfer Yanya that made the Tiny Desk the perfect stage for her sound.
Y La Bamba
Sep 20, 2019
Y La Bamba returns for its second Tiny Desk performance with a revised musical vision.
Rosanne Cash
Sep 23, 2019
Roseanne Cash has been making great records for forty years, but she's never played or written better music than she's doing right now.
Ari Lennox
Sep 25, 2019
The R&B singer performed songs from her debut full-length, Shea Butter Baby.
Josh Ritter With Amanda Shires And Jason Isbell
Sep 27, 2019
In his second visit to the Tiny Desk, Josh Ritter had America on his mind. "We all have to fight against this notion that we're not all human beings."
Jonas Brothers
Sep 30, 2019
The brothers and their backing band gave a playful performance of three tracks from their latest album, Happiness Begins.
Molly Sarlé
Oct 4, 2019
After performing at the Tiny Desk as one third of the group Mountain Man, Molly Sarlé returns for a soul-stirring solo performance.
Sharon Van Etten
Oct 7, 2019
Nearly a decade after her first appearance at the Tiny Desk, Sharon Van Etten returns with a full band and a bigger, bolder sound.
Charly Bliss
Oct 9, 2019
The vibrancy of the band can feel childlike and candy-coated. But the group's songs are more about the pain of entering adulthood and leaving some of that sweetness behind.
Brittany Howard
Oct 15, 2019
The Alabama Shakes singer and guitarist brought an eight-piece backing band to the Tiny Desk for a set of deeply personal and affecting songs.
Taylor Swift
Oct 16, 2019 · 29 min
As she settled in for this stripped-down set, Taylor Swift looked out over the office. "I just decided to take this as an opportunity to show you guys how the songs sounded when I
Summer Walker
Oct 18, 2019
One week after releasing a record-shattering studio debut, the Atlanta native brings a glowing R&B set to the Tiny Desk.
Jovino Santos Neto Trio
Oct 21, 2019
Along with his trio, the pianist, multi-instrumentalist and composer cast a spell over the NPR Music offices in this joyful turn behind the Tiny Desk.
CHAI
Oct 23, 2019
The group from Japan is on a mission to expand the conventional meaning of "cute." Their performance included synchronized dancing, pom-poms and matching pink uniforms, with a heav
Rio Mira
Oct 25, 2019
Rio Mira's music celebrates life along the river that separates Ecuador and Colombia: soft breezes, loving friends, the embrace of Africa and lots of festejando!
BJ The Chicago Kid
Nov 6, 2019
The 34-year old R&B mainstay used his moment at the desk to fit in as many of his most cherished songs as possible — Nine songs in 17 minutes to be exact.
Dave
Nov 8, 2019
The British rapper made a trip all the way from the UK just for this Tiny Desk performance and powered through a set that made the personal political.
Leslie Odom Jr.
Nov 12, 2019
The Tony- and Grammy-winning singer, actor, author and Hamilton star performs three songs from Mr, his genre-bending new solo album.
Sunny War
Nov 13, 2019
Sunny War has been homeless, busked on city streets and Venice Beach, left home feeling she was a burden to her mother, battled addiction and still found a way to bring joy to othe
KOKOKO!
Nov 15, 2019
KOKOKO! are sonic warriors. They seized control of the Tiny Desk, shouting their arrival through a megaphone, while electronic sirens begin to blare.
Burna Boy
Nov 18, 2019
The Nigerian singer and songwriter is one of the biggest African artists in the world and a pioneer of Afro-fusion, an inescapable sound this year.
Snarky Puppy
Nov 20, 2019
The jazz, funk and gospel improv group brought jams and joy to the Tiny Desk.
Igor Levit
Nov 22, 2019
The insightful pianist offers a Beethoven bonanza, ranging from the mesmerizing pulse of the popular "Moonlight" Sonata to flashes of wry humor and tender beauty.
Carly Rae Jepsen
Nov 25, 2019
The singer brought a sparkling pop-disco vibe and a lot of swagger to the sun-filled Tiny Desk.
Mereba
Nov 27, 2019
A nomadic storyteller with a cross-genre style ranging from folk to rap, Mereba slays the devil in her solo set behind the Desk.
Black Uhuru
Nov 29, 2019
The influential reggae group, whose name means "black freedom," brought songs of solidarity and love to the Tiny Desk.
Freddie Gibbs And Madlib
Dec 6, 2019
The enigmatic and reclusive producer Madlib joins hard-hitting emcee Freddie Gibbs for one of the most memorable Tiny Desks of the year.
Raveena
Dec 9, 2019
"I just want you to know," Raveena told the NPR office, "that in this space that we're in, you're extremely, extremely loved."
Weyes Blood
Dec 11, 2019
Watch the band perform a blissed-out, gently sweeping set featuring three songs from its latest album, Titanic Rising.
The Comet Is Coming
Dec 13, 2019
The Comet is Coming is a force of nature. The British trio makes the kind of instrumental jazz that takes music lovers out of their comfort zone and into a musical realm they may n
Moonchild
Dec 16, 2019
The LA-based trio makes an intricate blend of jazz, R&B and hip-hop. For their Tiny Desk set, they pulled out all the stops: flutes, flugelhorns, saxophones, keyboards, ukuleles an
Los Lobos
Dec 18, 2019
When Los Lobos gathered behind the Tiny Desk, it felt like they were cramped in the back room of a family Christmas party, calling up tunes from the Latin holiday song book.
Balún
Dec 20, 2019
It's impossible to not be drawn in by the visual specter of Balún as the band mixes traditional instruments and electronics, set against a rich tapestry of voices.
Spanglish Fly
Dec 31, 2019
Spanglish Fly is one of the pioneers of the boogaloo revival scene happening on the East Coast. For about sixteen minutes, they turned the NPR Music offices into the hottest Latin