One week left!

Get to know the judges, plus watch the best entries we’ve seen so far [View this email online]( [NPR Tiny Desk Contest]( The Tiny Desk Contest closes one week from today. Maybe you’re putting the final touches on your entry video -- or you might still be working up the courage to submit. Wherever you are, our judges have some advice. Last week, Contest judge and [2020 winner]( [Linda Diaz]( shared her suggestions for artists entering the Contest: Be yourself and show your personality. Today, get to know our other judges and hear what some of them are looking for in your entries. Tiny Desk Contest judges: top (left to right): Linda Diaz, Tobe Nwigwe, Bobby Carter; bottom (left to right): Phoebe Bridgers, Jewly Hight, John Morrison, Bob Boilen [Bob Boilen]( creator of the Tiny Desk series and host of All Songs Considered, is looking for what he calls “singularity” — in other words, something that stands out from the hundreds of artists who have performed behind his Tiny Desk over the years. Bob told us he recommends “doing something that represents who you are and the unique thing that you bring to the table (or desk).” He also reminded us that entering the Contest isn’t all about winning — our past winners didn’t even think they were going to win when they submitted. Bob hopes you’ll view the Contest as a creative opportunity to work on your music and share something you’re proud of. [Bobby Carter]( has produced tons of our favorite Tiny Desk concerts for artists including [Noname]( [Mac Miller]( [Jazmine Sullivan]( and more. He’s also a DJ and has impeccable taste. He’s looking for a Contest winner who shows emotion — whether it’s pain and sadness or belly-laugh-inducing euphoria, he’s looking for something that will grab him. [Phoebe Bridgers]( is sure to have some tips for our winner — she’s in the running for most Tiny Desk concerts performed by one artist. Phoebe played her [first Tiny Desk concert]( in 2017, performing seductive and sad songs from her stunning debut album, Stranger In The Alps. Phoebe returned to the Desk to perform with beloved supergroup [boygenius]( in 2018; with [Better Oblivion Community Center]( bandmate Conor Oberst in 2019; and then, just last year, had one of the most memorable [Tiny Desk (home) concerts](. [Tobe Nwigwe]( blew us away at his 2019 [Tiny Desk concert]( (where he even wore a custom "My First Tiny Desk" shirt — we respect the sartorial dedication). When asked what he’s looking for in your Contest entries, Tobe said: “talent, authenticity and uniqueness.” He also echoed Linda’s advice, encouraging artists to “do your best and be yourself.” Philadelphia’s [John Morrison]( host of the Serious Rap Shit podcast and WXPN’s Culture Cypher Radio, says he’s “looking for performances that have spirit and soul.” He wants “something with power that will make [him] feel. [Jewly Hight]( editorial director at WNXP and frequent NPR Music contributor, has been covering new music inside and outside Nashville for the better part of two decades. Based on her years of experience, wide-ranging taste and ear for the best up-and-coming artists, we're excited to hear which of your entries stand out to her this year. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Our judges can’t wait to see what you’ve got. Here a few reminders of how to enter: - Record a video of you playing one original song behind a desk. (You may think we’re kidding, but per the [official rules]( you must include a desk in your entry.) - Upload your video to YouTube. - Submit your video at [npr.org/tinydeskcontest]( by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, June 7. And a final reminder from Bob: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit. From our own tiny desks, NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest team P.S. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite entries on the All Songs Considered blog. We kicked off our [Best Entries series last week with Vol. 1]( including folk from California, hip-hop from Maryland and more. --------------------------------------------------------------- Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [tinydeskcontest@npr.org](mailto:tinydeskcontest@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Interested in connecting with music-lovers and music-makers across the Contest community? Join our Tiny Desk Contest Community [Facebook Group]( Need a new playlist? Follow NPR Music on [Spotify]( and [Apple Music]( Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Music, Books, Pop Culture and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Tiny Desk Contest emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]