While time may be running out on this year’s competition, you still have a chance to record a performance of your band and submit for a chance to participate in a 2018 Tiny Desk Concert. NPR is again in search of American talent to come perform at the desk of All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen. Last year, they received over 6,000 videos from all 50 states – more submissions than ever before. Given how wildly popular the Tiny Desk segments have become in recent years, the growth of the platform awarded to the winners parallels that of the level of competition.
Now a viral institution – hosting the likes of George Clinton, Gucci Mane and Anderson .Paak – this will be the fourth year that NPR has graciously bestowed Tiny Desk honors upon a special, unsigned act. Having enlisted the likes of Trey Anastasio of Phish and Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys in the past as judges, we can have faith the decision is in good hands.
While you assemble your band and videographer, here’s a look back at past winners:
2015 winner Fantastic Negrito recently won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2017 with The Last Days of Oakland.
American folk singer, violinist and public speaker Gaelynn Lea won in 2016 and was given the opportunity to embark on a world tour.
Tank and the Bangas, a charismatic group of musicians from New Orleans, Louisiana most recently invaded the Washington, D.C., NPR office to play their infectious brand of soul, spoken word and R&B music before going on a nationwide tour with support from various honorable-mentions from the 2017 Tiny Desk Contest.
History remains to be made with this year’s winners.
Those interested in entering can check out the Official Rules and take the Rules Quiz. Use the entry form to submit your Youtube-posted video!
Act fast – the submission period ends at 11:59 p.m. on March 25.