Something different

Before the Contest closes, find out what the judges are looking for [View this email online]( [NPR Tiny Desk Contest]( Since the Contest opened a month ago, we’ve shared how to enter (record a video of you playing an original song behind a desk), tips for entering (have fun with it; you don’t need fancy production), reasons to enter (pursue a creative challenge, take your music career to the next level, join a supportive community) and more. Today we’re sharing some insight into the judging process. Our judges each have different genre expertise – any up-and-coming artist could learn a lot about rap from Big K.R.I.T., R&B from Raveena or indie rock from Japanese Breakfast’s Michelle Zauner – but they’ll all put their personal taste aside when judging your entries. (In fact, most of our past winners’ music doesn’t fall neatly into any one genre category.) There’s one thing that’ll shine through any type of song and stand out to our judges – and that’s that your song represents something different. When we opened this year’s Contest, Tiny Desk producer [Bobby Carter said]( he’ll be looking for something he’s never heard before – whether that’s a new musical tone or a story told from a new perspective. When we asked Michelle what she’ll be looking for, she said she’s looking for an artist with “an unapologetically unique sound and undeniable talent.” iLe mentioned that she wants you to be honest in your entries, and that she wants to feel inspired by your sound. So don’t be afraid to get personal with your entry. WBGO’s Nate Chinen says he’ll be asking himself: “Is there something distinctive and personal I can hear in the musical language, the compositions, the concept, the way they put it all together?” Our judges are excited to watch your entries very soon. We agree with Michelle, who says: “I can't wait to find my new favorite band!" --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Here are more entries we featured on the [Contest blog]( last week: - At Grimey's music shop in Nashville, Allison Mahal records a melancholy-yet-comforting song, “[Autopilot]( - New York artist florid showcases his stunning voice in “[mirror flower]( a song about unattainable beauty. - Also in New York, Mark Manning sings from the heart with gospel-infused vocal runs in “[History in the Making]( - And from Illinois, Grace Blackford shares a powerful reflection on grief and growth in “[After Every Dark Night]( Friendly reminder: [The Contest closes next Monday at 11:59 p.m. ET.]( From our own tiny desks, NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest team --------------------------------------------------------------- Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Find a Station]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [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]