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Find out what our judges are looking for [View this email online]( [NPR Tiny Desk Contest]( It’s hard to believe, but this year’s Tiny Desk Contest closes next week! If you haven’t submitted yet, now is the time to muster the courage, record your final take and [hit submit](. We recently asked our Contest judges what they’re looking for and if they have any words of encouragement for entrants in these final days of the Contest — and they had a lot to say. “If I was a musician entering this Contest, the first thing I would do is go back and [watch every single Contest winner]( says Bobby Carter. (Ahem, that’s [Fantastic Negrito]( [Gaelynn Lea]( [Tank and the Bangas,]( [Naia Izumi]( [Quinn Christopherson]( [Linda Diaz]( [NEFFY]( and [Alisa Amador]( “The common denominator with those is that they pull some type of emotion out of you regardless of what kind of music you’re into,” he explains. “You’re gonna feel something when you watch those eight videos.” [Meet the 2023 Contest judges]( “I’m looking for someone who’s got a gift beyond comparison, that gives you chills when you hear them. The genre and format doesn’t matter, it’s a feeling I wanna find," says Tiny Desk alum [Baby Rose](. Singer-songwriter [Sharon Van Etten]( says she’s “looking for an original voice, whether it be in their sense of melody or timbre,” and adds that she’s “looking for a deep connection, whether it be through story or emotion.” Bob’s “hoping to be thrilled/surprised by something/someone [he’s] never heard before,” and singer-violinist [Sudan Archives]( is also looking for something new. “I’m looking for a vulnerable moment, I want to feel the artist's perspective. I’m looking for an artist with a unique sound whose references are fused in a fresh way,” she explains. [Albina Cabrera]( agrees, and says there’s “nothing better than hearing a new song that changes your day — or maybe your life.” She adds: “I await the surprise, the emotion and that unforgettable melody.” Bobby perhaps sums it up best: “We want to change someone’s life,” he says. “We want to shift the trajectory of their career. …Give it your absolute best because we are watching. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what type of music you play. We’re looking for the best." The 2023 Tiny Desk Contest is presented by Capital One and supported by Guayakí Yerba Mate. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Remember, the Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 13 (that’s 8:59 p.m. for you West Coasters). Visit the Contest website to make sure your entry is [eligible to win]( read our [FAQs]( and [submit](. Good luck! From the Desk, 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]