Top 10 Best Tiny Desk Home Concerts

Since her debut album in 2017, Dua Lipa has been making big waves in the music scene. Known for her signature brand of high octane pop, it’s no surprise that Lipa got her own Tiny Desk Concert in December of 2020. During the set, the former model turned pop-star performs paired down versions of her chart-topping hits like “Levitating” and “Don’t Start Now”. Featuring a vibrant and colorful set, the concert is the perfect solution for viewers seeking a midday pick-me-up. But be warned, you might find yourself humming and dancing along to Lipa’s infectious music long after the video ends.

Known for his featured credits on songs with artists such as Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and Megan Thee Stallion, Ty Dolla $ign has a massive catalog of smash hits. In his second Tiny Desk performance, he is front and centre and uses the opportunity to show off his impressive vocals and instrumental skills. The set also includes an appearance from his drum machine, which adds an electric jolt to the already energy fuelled performance. The concert ends leaving fans excited about what the talented artist has planned for his future collaborations and solo endeavors.

Hailing from London, England, Kiwanuka’s debut Tiny Desk gig offers a glimpse into his already prolific career, which began in 2012 when his first album, Home Again, premiered to critical acclaim in the UK. From the serene instrumentals to the dimly lit set, his viral concert packs an emotional punch and one can’t help but be captivated by his haunting vocals. In late 2020, it was announced that the solo artist has received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album for his self-titled record, Kiwanuka. And it’s no wonder considering how much the artist has achieved during his career.

No stranger to the Tiny Desk series, Jacob Collier brings his penchant of genre bending style back to the series with a bang. His set list includes an array of songs that are a rich fusion of pop, jazz and funk. Thanks to some clever editing, the video features four clones of Jacob, each playing a different instrument. The visual gag pays off and what results is a harmonious and joy-filled performance that you can’t help but smile through. Collier’s concert is straight up pure fun and brings a brand new meaning to the expression “one-man band”.

Since emerging on the music scene in the early 1980s, The Flaming Lips have amassed a dedicated following and cemented their status among rock royalty. The Oklahoma band is led by frontman, Wayne Coyne. In the Fall of 2020, the band performed and filmed a pandemic-era gig in their hometown using isolated bubbles, and employed the same precautions for this digital concert. Between the songs, Coyne takes a moment to bring attention to some serious matters like mental health. While the set is a mix of fun psychedelic fuelled rock, it also manages to provide a sense of optimism and bring the concept of social distancing to a whole new level.

For her Tiny Desk (Home) Concert, rising star Phoebe Bridgers and her band performed in front of a green screen set of the Oval Office ahead of the 2020 Presidential election. Known for infusing her songs with subtle odes to popular culture, Bridger’s performance cleverly makes a political statement while also humoring the audience. She concludes her set with her most well-known tune, “I Know The End” which features poignantly detailed lyrics about the weight of existence and universal anxieties. She’s later joined by a digital choir of fans jamming along to the heartfelt tune. Nominated for Best New Artist at the upcoming 2021 Grammy Awards, one can’t help but notice that they’re watching a superstar in the making.

As an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner, John Legend certainly lives up to his last name. Seven years after his TD debut, Legend returned with songs from his album Bigger Love. He went the extra mile to make this occasion extra personal by filming in his office. The set begins by transporting listeners to a bygone era of music by paying homage to Doo-Wop with “Ooh Laa” and ends with a modern dance track that shares the same name as the album. John also speaks about the Black Lives Matter movement and the power of love. In under 20 minutes, Legend proves once again that he is one of the most versatile and influential musical artists of our time.

In a time of uncertainty, the healing power of music is proving to be a great method of relaxation - and no one does that better than Jhené Aiko. In her first Tiny Desk, Aiko sets the tone by creating a tranquil sound bath using singing bowls. Throughout the lineup, her band also employs the soothing strums of a harp and chimes to ease the tension of 2020. Many viewers left comments extending their gratitude for providing some serenity amidst the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak. We can thank her for bringing a sense of calm in the middle of a storm, and performing what just might be the most immersive Tiny Desk Concert to date.

Still in her teens, Billie Eilish is already on her way to becoming an established artist. Between her Grammy wins in 2020 and her collaborations with the music industry's most famous names, she’s remained grounded despite her success. Her TD concert is truly a family affair with Eilish accompanied by her brother, Finneas. In the middle of the jam session, she takes a break to discuss her hopes for the future and reveals that the backdrop is not the actual Tiny Desk set but a cardboard replica. Although the concert is short and sweet with only two songs, the depth of Eilish’s words and lyrics proves that she is wise beyond her years with a long career ahead of her.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Shirley Collins
Performing Again After a Long Hiatus

Madame Gandhi
Speaking About Cultural Shifts & Showcasing Her Percussion Skills

Jazmine Sullivan
A Concert Filled with Passionate, Outstanding Vocals

Linda Diaz
Tiny Desk Concert Winner for Her Song “Green Tea Ice Cream”

Rodrigo y Gabriela
Featuring a Powerful Instrumental Duet

In September 2020, world-wide sensation BTS finally received their own Tiny Desk and it’s no surprise that thanks to their massive fan base, the video instantly went viral. The Bangtan Boys burst onto the scene in 2013. With nine studio albums, a handful of world tours and four concert films under their belts, the band shows no signs of slowing down. Within 25 minutes of their TD premiere, the boy band surpassed the record for a video’s debut on YouTube. As of February 2021, the set has amassed an astonishing 30 millions views. Not only is their performance record-breaking, it proves that Tiny Desk Concerts aren’t so tiny after all.