NPR Tiny Desk Concerts: Season 2023
Season 16 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 15.
- 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 16 Progress Shield
The Smile
Jan 3, 2023 · 15 min
The band creates a surreal atmosphere at the Tiny Desk, reimagining the sonically adventurous sounds of A Light for Attracting Attention.
Jake Blount
Jan 6, 2023 · 20 min
The 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.
dodie
Jan 10, 2023 · 16 min
The English singer-songwriter and her band give a cathartic, playful performance at the Tiny Desk.
Marc-André Hamelin
Jan 12, 2023 · 19 min
Watch the pianist, who's been called "a performer of near-superhuman prowess," play a smart set that spans six centuries.
Soccer Mommy
Jan 18, 2023 · 20 min
Sophie Allison and crew finally, after a three-year delay, make their Tiny Desk debut in a lovingly performed set.
Dakh Daughters: Tiny Desk Meets globalFEST 2023
Jan 24, 2023 · 14 min
For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
Khadija El Warzazia's Bnat el Houariyat & Esraa Warda: Tiny Desk Meets globalFEST 2023
Jan 24, 2023 · 17 min
For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
Cui Jian: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023
Jan 24, 2023 · 19 min
For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
Septeto Santiaguero: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023
Jan 25, 2023 · 14 min
For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
Bia Ferreira: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023
Jan 25, 2023 · 19 min
For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
Moonlight Benjamin: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023
Jan 25, 2023 · 16 min
For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
Taraf de Caliu: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023
Jan 26, 2023 · 11 min
For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
Noura Mint Seymali: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023
Jan 26, 2023 · 17 min
For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
Justin Adams & Mauro Durante: Tiny Desk meets globalFEST 2023
Jan 26, 2023 · 15 min
For the third year, Tiny Desk concerts team up with globalFEST for a thrilling online music festival — Tiny Desk meets globalFEST.
Hermanos Gutiérrez
Jan 31, 2023 · 17 min
The brothers' Tiny Desk performance is the perfect, slow-burning introduction to their music.
Lady Wray
Feb 1, 2023 · 21 min
NPR Music's Tiny Desk series kicks off a celebration of Black History Month with this stunning performance from Lady Wray.
Indigo Girls
Feb 7, 2023 · 23 min
Amy 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."
Lee Fields
Feb 10, 2023 · 23 min
NPR Music's Tiny Desk series continues a celebration of Black History Month with this set from Lee Fields.
Kenny Beats
Feb 13, 2023 · 11 min
One of the most sought after producers in music brings a trio of familiar voices to the Tiny Desk.
Fousheé
Feb 15, 2023 · 17 min
Britanny 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.
Theo Croker
Feb 17, 2023 · 18 min
The trumpeter brings his unmistakably chill attitude and determination to expand the sound of jazz to this stripped-down Tiny Desk set.
Tamela Mann
Feb 20, 2023 · 21 min
It's impossible to tell the history of Black people in America without the gospel, and Tamela Mann represented at NPR headquarters.
Ab-Soul
Feb 23, 2023 · 20 min
Ab-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
Charley Crockett
Feb 24, 2023 · 17 min
In his vintage Stetson, the Texas troubadour performed a set of songs that find new meaning in familiar country, folk and blues forms.
Omah Lay
Feb 28, 2023 · 18 min
The singer and songwriter made a special trip from Nigeria to the Tiny Desk for a performance of his Afro-fusion hits.
Antonio Sánchez & Bad Hombre
Mar 2, 2023 · 26 min
Sánchez 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.
Jorge Glem and Sam Reider
Mar 6, 2023 · 19 min
Two musical cultures come together to create something that didn't exist before in this Tiny Desk performance.
Mama's Broke
Mar 8, 2023 · 17 min
The duo performs a set of dark yet hopeful songs filled with haunting harmonies and unique rhythms.
Selina Moon
Mar 9, 2023 · 16 min
The 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
Andrew Combs
Mar 15, 2023 · 16 min
Watch the restless singer-songwriter in a set of penetrating new tunes, capped with a breathtaking love song.
Bono and The Edge
Mar 17, 2023 · 21 min
It'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 Behi
Tye Tribbett
Mar 20, 2023 · 19 min
Tye Tribbett brings his high energy praise music to the Tiny Desk in a set of six inspiring songs.
Ingrid Andress
Mar 22, 2023 · 16 min
Andress writes songs that have a way of digging up clear-headed truths; here, she performs three tracks from across her catalog.
The Bad Ends (Home) Concert
Mar 24, 2023 · 18 min
This magical, four-song set is an Athens, Ga., insider's dream.
The Beths
Mar 28, 2023 · 22 min
The 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
Durand Bernarr
Mar 31, 2023 · 22 min
Before 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."
Kassa Overall
Apr 5, 2023 · 21 min
The drummer, singer and producer gives a virtuosic display of musicianship, lyricism and artistic innovation at the Tiny Desk.
Trina
Apr 7, 2023 · 15 min
The rap icon treated fans to an epic set featuring the best of her sprawling discography.
Fred again..
Apr 10, 2023 · 27 min
The electronic producer and songwriter moves seamlessly in this jam-packed Tiny Desk.
RAYE
Apr 12, 2023 · 21 min
A long time coming, the South London-bred singer-songwriter performs at the Desk with the confidence of a veteran vocal powerhouse.
Claudia Acuña
Apr 17, 2023 · 17 min
The Chilean jazz vocalist makes a lasting impression at the Tiny Desk.
Lara Downes
Apr 21, 2023 · 19 min
With a piano draped in spring flowers, Lara Downes plays a smart set of music, new and old, that offers the power of renewal.
Bill Orcutt Guitar Quartet
Apr 26, 2023 · 12 min
With a who's who of forward-thinking guitarists, Bill Orcutt brings his ecstatic minimalism to the Tiny Desk.
Cuco
Apr 28, 2023 · 16 min
Slow-rolling through four tracks, Cuco seamlessly blends the soul of chicano ballads and the smooth energy of soft rock.
Kenny Garrett and Sounds From The Ancestors
May 2, 2023 · 17 min
The distinguished saxophonist pushes the boundaries of modern jazz in his expressive Tiny Desk performance.
caroline
May 3, 2023 · 25 min
The minimalist English octet stresses a communal spirit in its Tiny Desk performance.
Sid Siriam
May 10, 2023 · 24 min
The India-born, California-raised musician melds Carnatic music, R&B and soul in his Tiny Desk set.
Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily
May 12, 2023 · 17 min
In its Tiny Desk performance, the trio makes music strictly for the moment — creating a shared language in real time.
Karol G
May 15, 2023 · 17 min
The Colombian singer and global superstar shines brighter than ever in this surprising Tiny Desk performance from last May.
Lewis Capaldi
May 17, 2023 · 19 min
If 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.
Kimberley Akimbo
May 19, 2023 · 21 min
The 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.
Anna Tivel
May 22, 2023 · 21 min
In her Tiny Desk, Tivel's empathy elevates her folk-based, jazz-touched compositions from mere stories to secular prayers.
Jay Park (Home) Concert
May 26, 2023 · 17 min
The singer and rapper displays the subtle breadth of his music in this Tiny Desk (home) concert.
Little Moon: 2023 Tiny Desk Contest Winner
May 30, 2023 · 18 min
2023's Tiny Desk Contest unique, winning band performs a range of emotional and creative songs.
NIKI
May 31, 2023 · 19 min
The Indonesian artist Nicole Zefanya brings a tiny toy piano and sleek songs to this Tiny Desk debut.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Jun 2, 2023 · 17 min
The band's Tiny Desk performance featured songs that leaned right into its incalculability.
Charlie Wilson
Jun 5, 2023 · 30 min
The old-school funk and R&B artist tells a tale of "two Charlies" in his Tiny Desk performance.
Babyface
Jun 9, 2023 · 30 min
The singer, songwriter and producer brought his timeless love songs to the Tiny Desk.
Tank
Jun 14, 2023 · 18 min
The veteran R&B scholar turns NPR's modest venue into "the big, nasty Desk" in his performance.
Adam Blackstone
Jun 16, 2023 · 25 min
The producer, songwriter and musical director to the stars performed a multi-genre celebration of Black music.
Ambré
Jun 20, 2023 · 18 min
Everything in this Tiny Desk performance is unapologetically New Orleans.
Amaarae
Jun 22, 2023 · 22 min
The 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.'
MUNA
Jun 23, 2023 · 16 min
At the Tiny Desk, the pop trio preached the importance of joyful revolution.
Wild Up
Jun 26, 2023 · 17 min
The 14-piece Los Angeles-based ensemble's performance of music by Julius Eastman is nothing less than an exuberant house party unto itself.
Brandee Younger
Jun 28, 2023 · 20 min
In 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.
Juvenile
Jun 30, 2023 · 28 min
The viral tweets were real — it's finally here: one of the most rambunctious experiences at the Tiny Desk.
Omar Sosa & Seckou Keita, SUBA Trio
Jul 5, 2023 · 22 min
With members hailing from Cuba, Senegal and Venezuela, this Tiny Desk is a truly international musical experience.
Meridian Brothers
Jul 7, 2023 · 18 min
The eccentric, fictional salsa band pulls the Tiny Desk audience into the realm of the imaginary.
Lisa O'Neill
Jul 11, 2023 · 21 min
The Irish singer brings a plaintive, pensive atmosphere to the Tiny Desk.
MARO
Jul 13, 2023 · 19 min
The Portuguese guitarist brings listeners into her journey of heartbreak.
Alice Sara Ott
Jul 14, 2023 · 18 min
The widely acclaimed pianist serves up nearly 200-year-old music by Chopin mixed with a contemporary work that looks back in time.
GWAR
Jul 17, 2023 · 20 min
For 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, on
Sparks
Jul 18, 2023 · 17 min
The duo bring their twisted musical sense of humor, honed for over 50 years, to the Tiny Desk.
Cypress Hill
Jul 20, 2023 · 30 min
The pioneering hip-hop group rolled into NPR headquarters with a horn section to play five funky tracks.
Kany Garcia
Jul 24, 2023 · 17 min
The Puerto Rican vocalist brings her distinctive songs of desire and longing to the Tiny Desk.
Peter One
Jul 27, 2023 · 16 min
Shifting from English to French to Guro, Peter One brings his passion-filled songs about his storied past to the Tiny Desk.
Obongjayar
Aug 2, 2023 · 19 min
The Nigerian-born, London-based artist gave us everything at his Tiny Desk.
Gregorio Uribe
Aug 4, 2023 · 19 min
In the hands of Colombian musician, the accordion is both a melodic and rhythmic wonder.
Action Bronson
Aug 8, 2023 · 28 min
The artist, whose world encompasses rap, clothing, fitness, food and more, performs funky, reinterpreted highlights from his discography in his Tiny Desk.
Little Dragon
Aug 11, 2023 · 15 min
The boundary-pushing dance pop group delivers a performance awash in upbeat and optimistic melody.
Post Malone
Aug 15, 2023 · 18 min
One of the world's biggest stars performs a few of the world's biggest songs at the Tiny Desk.
Omar Montes
Aug 17, 2023 · 15 min
The Spanish artist dances along the border of tradition and modernity in his Tiny Desk performance.
Sarah Cahill
Aug 18, 2023 · 20 min
The 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 Eth
Yahritza y Su Esencia
Aug 24, 2023 · 18 min
The family trio belt out songs of lost love and longing in their Tiny Desk performance.
Christian McBride's New Jawn
Aug 30, 2023 · 20 min
This unpredictable, funky set showcases the distinctive creative interplay between each player's personality.
Speedy Ortiz
Aug 31, 2023 · 17 min
The clever rock band delivers a performance 10 years in the making.
Chlöe
Sep 5, 2023 · 19 min
In her Tiny Desk performance, the singer filled the room with a stunning vocal performance, her positive spirit and light radiating throughout the entire room.
Anne Akiko Meyers
Sep 7, 2023 · 19 min
The thoughtful violinist makes a set of contemplative music, including a piece by Philip Glass, sing sweetly on her $16 million instrument.
Hiromi
Sep 8, 2023 · 23 min
The Japanese composer delivers a highly energetic and joyful Tiny Desk set.
Indigo De Souza
Sep 13, 2023 · 23 min
The singer-songwriter's vocals soar in this beautifully simple Tiny Desk performance.
Tiny Desk Korea: V of BTS
Sep 14, 2023 · 11 min
The K-pop superstar and BTS member performs three love songs from his new album.
Rawayana
Sep 19, 2023 · 21 min
The Venezuelan group brings its infectious energy and beach-infused sound to the Tiny Desk.
Wicked
Sep 21, 2023 · 25 min
Broadway stars Alyssa Fox and McKenzie Kurtz defy gravity, accompanied by composer Stephen Schwartz to celebrate 20 years of Wicked.
J Noa
Sep 22, 2023 · 16 min
J Noa came to the Tiny Desk to show the world what a girl from her barrio is capable of.
DannyLux
Sep 27, 2023 · 22 min
The Chicano singer brings a grounded sense of reflection to the Tiny Desk.
Alex Cuba
Oct 4, 2023 · 18 min
Alex Cuba weaves evocative imagery into musical arrangements that conjure his native country.
Villano Antillano
Oct 6, 2023 · 15 min
Antillano shows why she's one of the most exciting voices in Latin trap and reggaeton right now.
Caroline Polachek
Oct 10, 2023 · 18 min
Haters 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.
Ivy Queen
Oct 11, 2023 · 25 min
"La Caballota" herself gives a performance for the girls.
Becky G
Oct 13, 2023 · 21 min
The stripped down sound of some of Becky G's biggest hits offered a rare view of her artistry.
Smokey Robinson
Oct 16, 2023 · 30 min
If there was ever an artist the word "legend" applies to, it would be Smokey Robinson.
Maluma
Oct 20, 2023 · 22 min
The Colombian superestrella brought his mesmerizing vocals and a few proud tears to the Tiny Desk.
Jordan Ward
Oct 23, 2023 · 17 min
The R&B singer performs a set of his most beloved musical moments.
Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman
Oct 24, 2023 · 18 min
The two artists perform a set of music full of yearning, joy and history.
Nile Rodgers & CHIC
Oct 26, 2023 · 30 min
As the ringleader of the CHIC experience, Rodgers crams a lifetime's worth of nightlife into every strum of his guitar.
Shakti
Oct 30, 2023 · 20 min
The Indian jazz fusion band stops by the Tiny Desk for a historical performance.
Arlo Parks
Nov 1, 2023 · 19 min
The British singer-songwriter articulates relatable emotions in ways a mere layman couldn't imagine.
Conrad Tao and Caleb Teicher
Nov 3, 2023 · 23 min
In 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.
Emerson String Quartet
Nov 6, 2023 · 24 min
In one of its very final performances ever, the durable and beloved string quartet says farewell with music by Beethoven, Walker and Ravel.
Samia
Nov 8, 2023 · 20 min
Samia's set provides a stunning showcase for her charisma, vocal talent and deftly detailed lyricism.
Noname
Nov 10, 2023 · 23 min
The Chicago-bred emcee-activist performs some revolutionary raps from her third album Sundial.
Hayden Pedigo
Nov 13, 2023 · 21 min
At the Tiny Desk, the guitarist plays quiet, gentle melodies inspired by his Texas panhandle home.
Marta Pereira da Costa
Nov 15, 2023 · 21 min
The renowned Portuguese guitarist bridges centuries of history with immaculate playing.
PJ Harvey
Nov 17, 2023 · 17 min
In her Tiny Desk performance, the artist lives on her own artistic plane — inviting listeners to take their time to fully join her.
Shucked
Nov 20, 2023 · 23 min
Songwriting team Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally take us on a musical journey from Nashville to Broadway with their musical, Shucked.
William Prince
Nov 22, 2023 · 17 min
The singer-songwriter performs songs that swoon at the wonders of love, but also deep partnership.
Tiny Desk Korea: Tomorrow X Together
Nov 27, 2023 · 12 min
The standout group of K-pop's fourth generation is in their element in this Tiny Desk Korea performance.
Sampha
Nov 29, 2023 · 23 min
The artist returns to the Tiny Desk for a full circle moment of a performance.
Aja Monet
Dec 1, 2023 · 28 min
The Tiny Desk blooms with the stanzas, sounds and legacy of jazz poetry.
Philip Selway
Dec 4, 2023 · 17 min
The Radiohead drummer performs three songs with a mix of deep warmth and wry, self-effacing modesty.
The LeeVees
Dec 7, 2023 · 18 min
Bob Boilen's favorite Hanukkah tradition graces the Tiny Desk for fun-filled songs about latkes and gelt.
Olivia Rodrigo
Dec 11, 2023 · 18 min
The singer-songwriter brings a handful of searing cuts from her sophomore album, GUTS, to the Tiny Desk.
Laufey
Dec 13, 2023 · 19 min
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter brings her modern jazz-pop love songs to the Tiny Desk.
Alvvays
Dec 15, 2023 · 13 min
The band's recreation of its billowy, shoegaze-y sound lights up the Tiny Desk.
Scarface
Dec 18, 2023 · 31 min
The rapper's performance radiates with his decadeslong passion as an emcee and producer.
Louis Cato
Dec 20, 2023 · 21 min
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert bandleader believes that live music builds community. At the Tiny Desk, Cato captivates.
Sweeney Todd
Dec 22, 2023 · 24 min
Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford lead the Broadway cast, complete with Tiny Desk-sized orchestrations by Stephen Sondhiem's longtime collaborator, Jonathan Tunick.