Capturing Intimacy: NPR Photographers Showcase their Best Tiny Desk Concert Moments of 2024

Everyone has a favorite Tiny Desk concert. We requested NPR photographers to share their preferred images (once more!) along with their reflections on capturing Tiny Desk concerts in 2024.

Infusing joyous energy

I recall viewing Dua Lipa‘s at-home Tiny Desk in 2020, when Future Nostalgia was the sole album I listened to during the pandemic, and I have been eagerly anticipating her arrival to perform at the desk.

Dua Lipa is accustomed to showcasing her talents in grand arenas, so witnessing an artist I deeply admire reinterpret her songs for such an intimate atmosphere was utterly enchanting. She and her crew infused the moment with such a joyous energy, and we were enthusiastically ready to embrace it.

— Grace Widyatmadja, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer

 Alanté Serene / NPR

/

NPR

Envisioning the experience

An incredibly beautiful aspect of a photograph is its power to capture a single moment in time, which can convey an entire narrative.

For me, this picture of rapper and singer-songwriter Doechii symbolizes a tale of manifestation, inspiration, and steadfastness.

It feels as though the artist, who has received four Grammy nominations, anticipates her own prosperous future. I can visualize that aspiration as well.

— Alanté Serene, NPR Music Visuals Editor and Producer

My inaugural Tiny Desk Concert

“It was remarkable that Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso was both the very first Tiny Desk I filmed and the first one I was able to enjoy at the office!”

— Courtney Theophin, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer

A nervous beginning

Country music performer Wyatt Flores mesmerized the Tiny Desk audience with his heartfelt presentation.

Despite a slightly apprehensive start, Flores swiftly found his rhythm and delivered his authentic, emotional lyrics with charm, leaving a lasting impression on every audience member.

— Sofia Seidel, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer

Virginia Lozano / NPR

/

NPR

Reunion of family and friends

Juanes is a renowned name in music, and the excitement in the audience was tangible. However, when he entered the space, it created an atmosphere akin to a gathering of friends, eager to enjoy not just his music, but also the personal anecdotes behind the songs.

Capturing this Tiny Desk was a genuine honor. Like his musical offerings, the visual moments were rich and inviting.

What made it even more memorable for me was that, like many others in the audience, I had brought family members to witness this extraordinary performance. My aunt, in particular, who had attended one of his large concerts nearly two decades ago, was able to experience this close-knit version.

It served as a powerful reminder of the timeless nature of his music and its ability to unite individuals.

— Virginia Lozano, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer

Not possible to capture a poor image

Many artists express their honor in performing at Tiny Desk concerts, yet this sentiment rings truest when we observe the Tiny Desk contest champion.

Each year, an unsigned musician is selected from thousands of submissions nationwide for the opportunity to perform behind the iconic desk. You can witness the genuine joy radiating from each artist, often with family members present in the crowd, as they take selfies with beaming smiles.

However, what truly distinguished this experience was The Philharmonik himself, Christian Gates, whose enthusiasm and fervor made it impossible for me to take a bad photograph. I doubt anyone had a better experience behind the Tiny Desk than he did this past year.

Nelly Furtado and I share a lengthy, unreciprocated relationship. Back in the day, I recall a friend walking in on me as I enthusiastically belted out the lyrics to “I’m Like A Bird.” I won’t apologize for that. And in November, when I included “Maneater” in our bocce team’s regular playlist, another player approached me, asserting her status as a musical genius.

“She’s our generation’s Beethoven.” I was honestly uncertain if he was joking, but how could I not concur? Therefore, witnessing her perform behind the Tiny Desk, looking stunning in a sculpted faux-wet tank top, was undoubtedly a highlight for me this year. Beethoven could never.

Fun fact: Norah Jones and I both attended the same university, The University of North Texas (Go Mean Green)! While her stay was brief and she went on to win Grammys, I completed my degree in four and a half years with a music minor, which my first journalism advisor labeled as “a waste of time.”

Documenting a musician who plays the piano can sometimes present a challenge. It often results in side profiles or the back of an upright piano. It necessitates a bit of patience and foresight to anticipate the moments when the performer looks up or beams at the audience while their fingers remain poised on the keys.

Add in the NPR logo, and I believed I had captured what I considered an ideal image. My journalism professor recently passed away, yet something tells me he would appreciate the work I’ve.doing presently and informing me that my music minor was surely a futile endeavor.

Perhaps it was the tequila shots we all enjoyed during her set, yet there was an extraordinary vibe and enthusiasm when Sheila E. took the stage at the Tiny Desk. The sincere gratitude she showed was uplifting.

She held her hands across her heart as the audience honored her with applause for a career that spans decades and numerous musical styles. It felt appropriate. The warmth I experienced within was fueled by more than just the tequila, although that contributed.

— Michael Zamora, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer

Little details, mosh pits, trampolines, and blossoms

2024 was a significant year for Chappell Roan, and I’m among the many who finally began taking notice. The memory of witnessing this performance for the first time will likely remain with me forever — observing how much care was placed into even the minutest details, while realizing that this individual would soon become my new favorite artist.

Elizabeth Gillis / NPR

/

NPR

For Slo Glo, it is fitting that Tiny Desk’s debut performance by a hardcore punk group would also host the first (documented) NPR office mosh pit. This set appeared to evade documentation. The microphone was not always positioned correctly to catch the lyrics. The band came in and out of view. Right after the concert, I was uncertain about precisely what I had on my memory card. The performance compelled me to exist in the present, and, indeed, the experience was incredibly enjoyable.

Elizabeth Gillis / NPR

/

NPR

Phish is a legendary band, recognized for their live shows, improvisation, and loyal followers. I anticipate capturing moments in performances that encapsulate an artist’s heritage. This performance was brimming with those instances: small and somewhat larger trampolines, mingling with fans to distribute high-fives, and — remarkably infrequent at the Tiny Desk — an encore.

Sierra Ferrell adorned the desk with flowers, visually representing her album’s title. The resulting visuals encircle Ferrell in a vibrant explosion of colors that enhance her radiant vocals.

— Elizabeth Gillis, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer

Discovering inspiration and fresh significance

No matter how renowned an artist or band may be, the Tiny Desk poses a demanding environment. It is confined, they are at the same eye level as the audience, and they can evidently see all faces in attendance.

Both Billie Eilish and Sabrina Carpenter presented amazing albums, but witnessing their dedication to their craft was motivating and thrilling. I was particularly eager to document the bond and connection shared between Billie and her brother Finneas.

Zayrha Rodriguez / NPR

/

NPR

Elemine utilized the child’s xylophone that Dua Lipa had left mere days before, exemplifying the enchantment of the Tiny Desk.

In my youth, I endlessly played Ana Tijoux‘s song “1977.” While I probably didn’t grasp all its meanings back then, her performance at the desk reminded me of why I cherished her so deeply and imparted new significance to lyrics I had memorized.

With Chaka Khan, the audience’s enthusiasm was palpable. Yet, as soon as she began, she commanded the atmosphere at the desk whilst enjoying herself. It was genuinely a privilege to photograph this set from a living legend.

Zayrha Rodriguez / NPR

/

NPR

Occasionally, my favorite instances to photograph arise after the performance concludes. It has become customary for artists to leave a memento on the shelves behind the desk. Devo left one of their iconic red hats, or energy domes, atop Chappell Roan’s wig.

Zayrha Rodriguez / NPR

/

NPR

After his performance withYoGabba Gabba Land! Thundercat donned a brief Mac Miller’s cap. Thundercat has executed numerous performances at the tiny desk, including Mac Miller’s, which ranks as the second most viewed tiny desk ever.

Sabrina Carpenter was among the final tiny desks of the year. Carpenter was taking Polaroids intended to reveal the forthcoming tiny desks on NPR Music’s Instagram. I was snapping some quick shots behind the scenes when she suddenly glanced up and directed her gaze at the camera.

This is likely my most cherished photo from the desk this year due to its tranquil and unforeseen nature.

— Zayrha Rodriguez, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer

‘He left his heart at the desk’

Eladio Carrión’s Tiny Desk holds a unique significance for me. Not solely because we share a surname, or because we both hail from the same tiny island of Puerto Rico, but because he poured his heart into the desk, crafting an intimate and personal space to rap about affection, fame, achievement, and, above all, his love for his mother – who was seated front and center.

Carrión, the Puerto Rican rapper, also invited a special guest, Lia Kali, a Spanish singer whose voice instantly sent shivers through the room. This moment was fantastic to photograph – witnessing Eladio and his entire team jamming alongside her.

But the pinnacle had to be at the conclusion of his Tiny Desk performance – when he dedicated the final song, “Mama’s Boy,” to his mother.

“I’ve performed this song at large concerts, but never in an intimate setting with her,” Carrión shares. “So this is going to be an exceptionally special moment for me.”

He consistently made eye contact with his parents in what felt like an extremely personal experience we were all fortunate to witness, and I endeavored to capture that affection through my lens.

Another highlight for me was Kehlani’s Tiny Desk. I’ve been an admirer of hers since my college years, making it particularly special to see her in such a personal environment – appearing much shyer and more vulnerable than she often portrays.

She didn’t just come to perform, but to also convey a political message and express support and solidarity with Palestinians. From the keffiyeh draped around her waist, to the watermelon necklace and the Palestinian flag-themed nails, I aimed to capture all the intricate details she brought to the Tiny Desk.

— Keren Carrión, NPR Visuals Editor and Producer

Copyright 2025 NPR