Why spend hundreds on concert tickets when you can simply watch NPR Tiny Desk Concerts [1] for free on YouTube? For those who might be unfamiliar with these hidden gems scattered all over the internet, these mini concerts invite the most talented, well-known musicians to perform in a little room in front of a small crowd. The idea of Tiny Desk Concerts [2] actually started out as a joke back in 2008, when NPR's Bob Boilen and Stephen Thompson were disappointed over the fact that they couldn't hear a concert over crowd noise while at a bar show. Thompson had suggested as a joke that the musician playing the concert should just perform at his tiny desk. It was then that the idea came into fruition and thus became a smash hit. Including artists and bands such as Wilco, Taylor Swift [3], Lizzo [4], and Chance the Rapper, this series has seen it all. No artist is too big or small to perform these shows, which is what makes the NPR series so unique. Check out our list of the most unforgettable NPR Tiny Desk Concerts ahead.
Anderson .Paak and The Free Nationals
Those unfamiliar with Anderson .Paak and The Free Nationals will become instant fans after watching this epic performance. Everything about this show bursts with energy and excitement that is so intense, it'll make you want to download every song they have ever put out in their lives. Not only will the music take you to a whole other planet, but the performance itself is also bound to put a smile on your face considering that these guys look as though they're having the time of their lives. I personally opened up a new tab just a few minutes into the video in order to look up tour dates so I could score tickets for their next live concert. It's seriously that good. The set list in this mini concert includes "Come Down," "Heart Don't Stand a Chance," "Put Me Thru," and "Suede."
Mac Miller
Mac Miller's Tiny Desk Concert is bound to make your heart ache, and not just because the talented young rapper tragically passed away a month after this performance was put out. Miller puts his everything into this show and so do the backup artists, who include Miller's long-time collaborator and dear friend Thundercat on the bass. There is something rather haunting about this Tiny Desk Concert; fans of Miller keep coming back to this one because it is just that incredible. The lyrics he spills out are so personal and imaginative that fans feel as though they know the artist on a personal level, as though they grew up with him. His true talent shines here, and it's clear Miller feels most natural and comfortable when he's absorbed in the music.
Lizzo
The "tiny-ass desk," as Lizzo [6] hilariously puts it, is absolutely on fire with this unforgettable performance [7]. Everything about this mini concert is radiating with positive energy and charisma all because of this brilliant artist. The crowd seems as though they are at home with Lizzo [8], who makes a point to create a sincere connection with the people who came out to see her. Not only are her vocals passionate as well as mesmerising, but her flute-playing skills? Now that's just a game changer that we are not worthy of. Her set list includes smash hits such as "Cuz I Love You," "Truth Hurts," and "Juice."
Tash Sultana
Tash Sultana's performance is like a gift from the heavens that we as mortal humans might not deserve. Their talent is hypnotizing, and it is a genuine head scratcher as to how one person alone can be so insanely gifted when it comes to their musicianship. Sultana's animation and spirit ooze out of the screen and ensure goosebumps to spread all over the place. There are no words in the dictionary that can accurately sum up the brilliance of their guitar-playing skills. What adds to the insanity is the fact that Sultana was only 21 years old during the filming of this show! Magic.
Dave Matthews
Dave Matthews is used to filling out stadiums with ease, but that doesn't stop him from performing in a tiny room with a small and intimate audience. Unlike the others on this list, Matthews has been huge in the music scene since 1992. Decades later, the legendary musician is still coming out with heartwarming hits, and he continues to put on performances that are just as brilliant and lively as they were in the '90s. The singer brings something truly unique to the music scene with his voice and unbelievable guitar-playing skills. His songs will make you feel every emotion there is, from ecstatic and romantic to melancholic. The comment section of the video is filled with newfound fans of Matthews who say they now "get" what everyone loves about him.
The 1975
Matty Healy kills it during this intimate performance filled with an abundance of passion and heartache. The talented lead vocalist from The 1975 [9] goes solo here without his usual bandmates, and it's nothing short of incredible. Healy sings slower and arguably more meaningful versions of his big hit songs such as "Sex," "Chocolate," and "Woman." There is a whole lot of emotion going on here, and Healy tells a story with his lyrics rather than simply singing the words.
Cigarettes After Sex
Cigarettes After Sex are one of the most romantically fuelled bands out there, and they are never afraid to get vulnerable and raw when it comes to their lyrics. Greg Gonzalez becomes one with his music as he sings, vividly picturing the scene he's describing as he performs with closed eyes. Everything about this performance has a dreamy quality that will surely tug at your heartstrings and make you feel the need to try to book them for your future wedding. Their sleepy aesthetic only adds to the charm, and each song they play promises chills along with the feeling as though you're being wrapped up in the world's coziest blanket.
Esperanza Spalding
Esperanza Spalding illuminates with warmth during this lovely Tiny Desk performance. Although this concert is much quieter than most, it is an impossible show to forget. Spalding doesn't need flashy dancers or costumes to put on a show. All she has to bring to fill a crowd is her talent, which not only comes from her amazing vocals but from her effortless ease as a bassist as well. You don't have to be a fan of jazz music to fully appreciate this woman and her heartwarming musicianship.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift [10] is one of the most mainstream artists of today's age, but that doesn't mean she isn't humble enough to do a performance in front of a small crowd at a tiny little desk. While we adore her smash hits on the radio, this Tiny Desk session [11] connects us to Swift in a way that is truly special. Despite the fact that Swift is one of the top celebrities in the industry, she comes across as so down to earth during this performance that it feels as though she is simply jamming out with her closest pals. Her performance is filled with raw emotions, and it makes us beam with joy at how far she has come since her first album was released. Her set list includes "The Man," "Lover," [12] "Death by a Thousand Cuts," and "All Too Well."
T-Pain
And last but most certainly not least, one of the best performances from NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts is from T-Pain. Most people associate T-Pain's artistry with Auto-Tune [13], and the singer even jokes about this, claiming, "I know everyone is wondering where the Auto-Tune is gonna come from; it's OK, I've got it in my pocket." He stuns the nation when he belts out the most gorgeous vocals that are far from Auto-Tuned [14].
It feels as though T-Pain is not singing through his mouth but rather singing through his soul. The passion here is tear-inducing, and I am unashamed to say I had to bring out the tissue box for this performance. This video deserves all the praise it can get, and although it has over 16 million views, it still feels as though this show deserves more attention. This is true talent right here, and I hope T-Pain continues to release more of this awe-inspiring music. His set list includes his hits "Buy U a Drink (Shawty Snappin')," "Up Down (Do This All Day)," and "Drankin' Patna."
