Tiny Desk Contest

Thanks to everyone who entered the 2024 Tiny Desk Contest!

Nearly 7,000 entries. One winner. NPR selected The Philharmonik as the 2024 Tiny Desk Contest winner. Learn more about this producer, singer, rapper and multi-instrumentalist HERE, plus get details on dates and artists featured in the 2024 Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour.

Since its inception in 2014, the Tiny Desk Contest has brought together thousands of artists and groups across music genres and hometowns. The concept is simple: unsigned bands and musicians are invited to film themselves performing an original song at a desk of their choice. NPR assembles a panel of judges to choose one grand prize winner. In addition to playing an NPR Tiny Desk concert, the winner headlines a U.S. tour featuring other standout musicians from the Contest community. Contest winners have gone on to sign with major labels, open for legendary performers, and even receive Grammy awards.

KSMU's Jessica Balisle spoke with NPR's Bobby Carter about the 2024 Contest. You can listen to their conversation HERE.

KSMU to Celebrate Local Tiny Desk Contest Participants

Check out select local entries on KSMU's Facebook and Instagram accounts, and join us for KSMU’s Tiny Desk Contest Showcase at Mother's Brewing Company on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 3-6 pm. The showcase will feature three local entrants: Mr. Orange, Jenna English and Michael Stanton Armstrong. We'll also have cupcakes and KSMU swag up for grabs!

“KSMU is committed to sharing local music with our community,” said Jessica Balisle, host of KSMU’s live music show Studio Live. “We are lucky to have a rich music scene in the Ozarks and we’re excited to showcase local talent in the Tiny Desk Contest. It’s a great opportunity for musicians to be recognized locally and nationally.”

About Tiny Desk Concerts

Since the launch of the Tiny Desk concert series in 2008, more than 900 performances have been recorded at the Tiny Desk which is adorned with years of music mementos and memorabilia. Tiny Desk concerts attract more than 7.5 million online viewers each month and continue to unify a passionate community around the love of music discovery.

About NPR Music

For more than a decade, NPR Music's robust music journalism and award-winning original video programming has delighted millions of music fans from all genres. NPR Music collaborates with NPR's news magazines, public radio Member stations and the passionate listener community to celebrate exceptional music and discover emerging artists. Visit NPRMusic.org to find the complete Tiny Desk concert series, music feature stories, extensive archives of performances, interviews and music reviews.