Tiny Desk – 15 Bands We Want to See Perform

Each Year we watch our favorite musicians give an intimate, stripped-down live performance at NPR’s Tiny Desk. Dozens of musicians grace the desk of “All Songs Considered” host Bob Boilen with a short performance. Since 2014, NPR has been hosting the annual Tiny Desk Contest. With thousands of hopeful applicants entering each year the contest has become extremely popular and subsequently highly competitive.

At first Tiny Desk began as a joke. Bob and a friend were seeing a show in which they could not hear folk artist Laura Gibson. The pair joked about how they should just invite her to play Boilen’s desk. A few months later, Gibson gave a performance at NPR studios in Washington D.C. which was released on their website. And thus Tiny Desk was born!

In addition to performing at NPR’s tiny desk The winner of this year’s contest will also embark on a national tour with NPR Music. After Subsequently being popularized by many widely known national and up and coming acts, the series is available on youtube. Since its inception, the winners of NPR’s Tiny Desk contest include Fantastic Negrito (2015), Gaelynn Lea (2016), Tank and the Bangas (2017), Naia Izumi (2018) and Quinn Christopherson (2019). In no particular order, here is a list of artists we would like to see perform at NPR’s Tiny Desk.

Skylar Pocket

Starting off the list is one of our favorite entries; Skylar Pocket. This band has taken their local music scene by storm.; frequenting the fabled New Brunswick NJ basement scene playing crowd-pleasing danceable queer punk songs. Skylar pocket is a 5 piece band known to play in various configurations live. The group recently released a 7 track album available on Bandcamp. Skylar Pocket also advocates for trans and non-binary rights and equality. The band definitely earns some bonus points for all the bells whistles and also…dogs that appear in this video.

The Japonize Elephants

Honestly, we will be upset if we don’t see The Japonize Elephants at the Tiny Desk. The 12 piece orchestral symphonic band gives a beautiful socially distant performance for their submission. At first, we see some members appear on the screen and soon enough the screen is bursting with talent. The Japonize Elephants are masters at blending sounds from different genres and cultures creating intricate cinematic melodies with unique phrasing and fearless delivery. As a result of nearly 20 years of collaboration the band has been developed its unmistakable sound.

Victoria Canal

Victoria Canal is an expert songwriter, winning many awards and achieving high accolades throughout her career. Likewise, her musical achievements are extremely impressive and all the more awe-inspiring as she does this all with one hand. Victoria was born without her hand as a result of Amniotic Band Syndrome. Born in Munich Germany and living in various contries throughout her life Victoria cites her international upbringing, cultural background, and family as motivation and consequently inspiration. The LGBTQ Spanish-American differently-abled musician regularly gives back by volunteering for humanitarian organizations in her free time. Specifically thankful.org, Operation Smile, and Garden of Dreams Foundation.

Racoma

In short, Racoma is simply beautiful. The Seattle based 4 piece indie rock band has gained notoriety in their local scene with their unique blend of sentimental alternative rock. Racoma regularly plays some popular Seattle venues such as Tractor Tavern, Conor Byrne Pub, as well as some Olympia venues. “They love pizza, their parents, and a good time. These boys know how to caress your ears with simple yet honest tunes that make you want to cry and laugh all at the same time.”

Clown, Baby

Clown, Baby is an electronic synth-wave band from New Brunswick, NJ. The band released their debut EP “In My Car” in February 2020 which quickly gained the band a positive reputation in their local scene. Clown, Baby is comprised of Sam Heidenberg, Ailed Hernandez (of Junkanoo), Patrick Karol & Michael Cozine. Consequently as part of their DIY style their debut EP was self-engineered by Cozine the band’s percussionist. The band’s unique synth-pop style is a refreshing addition to this list.

Coral Moons

A little wind never bothered anyone, Right? Coral moons is a Retro-Rock from Boston founded by singer Carly Kraft and bassist Manuel Camacho and later joined by guitarist Justin Bartlett. The band gives a lively performance from a rooftop in their submission video. Their Debut Ep released in September 2019 “Quarter-life Crisis” was recorded at the Great North Sound Society in Parsonsfield, Maine. Produced by Sam Kassirer, known best for producing and recording artists such as Lake Street Dive, David Ramirez, and Josh Ritter the EP has gained the band popularity in their scene. Coral Moons is also working on a second EP due out late 2020, keep your eyes peeled!

Wetbrain

Wetbrain is a 3 piece band from Asbury Park, NJ but this submission is a solo performance given by band leader Rudy Meier. Since its inception in 2015 Wetbrain has played many exciting shows in the NJ shore & Philly scenes, playing venues such as The Saint, Wonder Bar, and also Asbury Park Brewery. We would not be surprised at all if we see Wetbrain in front of the tiny desk when the pandemic is behind us.

Elaine Rasnake

Elaine Rasnake is a Philly based indie-pop/ folk-rock musician whose songs are full of passionate, raw, and genuine vulnerability. Unyielding despite current events, Elaine recently played the Coping with Dystopia live stream. Elaine’s debut album “DEALS” dropped in 2014 and by 2016 Elaine was regularly playing shows at various clubs and venues in the Philadelphia music scene. Her self-produced sophomore album “Breathe Again” seamlessly blends traditional folk, conversely, with modern electronic samples. Whether Elaine is backed by a band or playing solo her performances are full of energy and radiance.

Gene Baker

* = Citation Needed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QNGJ49ZFPM&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0DtBle426q1_Bt392gwGAv-vXb6YjaKtWDwE6Wn_yDhDeiFviXlVGCopk

Gene baker is a mythical creature* based in Brooklyn, NY. Mr. Baker is a “Grammy award winner”* from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Like many rockstars life on the road has consequently led to Gene being divorced multiple times. As a result of his lifestyle, Baker has achieved internet stardom through his eccentric online persona and dramatic live performances. Gene baker has garnered an infamous reputation through ludicrous acts such as allegedly firing bandmates mid-show. Baker, an adjunct professor of Jazz at William Paterson University and former Madonna Guitarist* is also the host of internet series, “Band Nightmares”.

Engineers

Engineers are a 6 piece jazz-rock fusion band out of Northern NJ. They are known for their unconventional on stage humor, sax solos, jazz guitars, smooth drums, and also funky bass riffs that make you want to dance. They are regular musical guests at the Montclair Brewery and also frequent the NJ DIY circuit playing various basements, bars and clubs. The danceable jazzy riffs and grooves that perfectly compliment the soulful bluesy voice are a wonderful addition to this list. Nevertheless we are glad to see their entry includes a very tiny desk.

L. Marie Cook

Renaissance woman L. Marie Cook performs with her band from her dimly lit Greenpoint apartment. In addition to being a musician, L. Marie Cook is also an author and visual artist. Moreover, L. Marie Cook has released 9 studio albums with her first solo debut in 2019 with the WILDhearts EP. L. Marie Cook began her professional music career as the front-woman for reggae rocksteady band SheGo! From Hilo, Hawaii. Since then she has achieved many great feats such as a Beatport’s Hip-Hop charts climbing song, “badonk-a-donk” from her band Luv Machine.

Zach Matari

Zach Matari is an NJ based artist known for addressing themes of body positivity and also self-esteem. Zach Matari has had multiple iTunes chart-climbing songs and consequently is known for exciting live performances. As a result, Zach has shared the stage with renown acts the likes of Ellie Goulding, Fetty Wap, Ziggy Marley, and many other popular national acts. Zach is also an active member of Musicians On Call, a non-profit organization that brings the healing power of music to children’s hospitals across the country.

Kate Wakefield

Kate Wakefield is a cellist from Cincinnati Ohio. Wakefield performs solo with an original song “Unkind”. Kate released an EP in January 2019 entitled Stars and Delusions. Kate also plays in Lung, a band known for its extremely unique and powerful live performances. Similarly, playing operatic experimental cello-rock Lung has embarked on a several national tours.

MariGo

Mari Sullivan aka MariGo is a Seattle/LA-based musician known for creating intricate loops that blend various styles and genres of music. Consequently, MariGo is a master music producer and is among the elite group of Ableton Certified trainers. As a result of her aptitude in music Mari has earned a degree in Classical Voice from the University of Deleware. Mari has also gone on to achieve many other great musical feats. For example, Mari is a regular contributor to an all-female record label & collective, Unspeakable Records.

MarchFourth Marching Band

At first what begins as a simple guitar and percussion line slowly becomes more elaborate as the camera pans to reveal additional members. Then, what appears to be an oddly dressed small band, surprises the viewer as the song erupts into a full-blow goddamn explosion of sound. MarchFourth Marching Band from Portland, Oregon is a visceral kaleidoscope of sound and visual awesomeness. Hence the name, MarchFourth typically tours in a group of 20 members. However, of course In the video submission we see only 14 of them. Their music and theatrical stage presence have brought them all over the world on international tours, specifically Asia, South America & also Europe. “This genre-busting, in-your-face experience is not to be missed!”

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