2024 NPR Tiny Desk Submissions That Deserve Your Attention

All of these submissions deserve the chance to be highlighted.

One of Mustard’s favorite things on the internet is NPR’s Tiny Desk series. The Tiny Desk series features musicians across all genres. The winner of the 2024 Tiny Desk concert will play at NPR in Washington D.C., being interviewed on All Things Considered, and will go on tour with NPR Music. Those are some incredible rewards.

Mustard really admires and loves these performances are they feel more laid-back. Even though this condiment has a background in theatre they appreciate how these submissions focus and emphasize on the music without relying on the dramatics. These performances help elevate the lyrics and stories being told. You could say these submissions are unplugged.

Mustard has compiled a collection of 2024 Tiny Desk submissions from independent musicians that really captured their attention.

Kate Heron - “Are You Opening Yourself to Love?”

Mustard believes that Kate Heron’s “Are You Opening Yourself to Love” is the most beautiful song of 2024. As a condiment who is frequently still this song absolutely moved them as they believe it will you to. Heron is an independent artist based in Austin, Texas with a background with opera and film sound design.

Pacing - “Bite Me”

Last October Pacing released their sophomore album Real poetry is always about plants and birds and trees and the animals and milk and honey breathing in the pink but real life is behind a screen. If the album name does not have you intrigued Pacing’s sardonic and clever songwriting will. This year they are submitting the opening track from the album to NPR.

Pacing is a revelation that has captured the internet and independent music scene. Their use of memes to promote their work is brilliant. While Mustard does not advise being on social media for hours on end, it is worth it to check out Pacing’s digitial footprint.

From Flowers to Flies - “I Am The Narrows”

Earlier this year, Progressive rock band, From Flowers to Flies released their debut album “We Built This Machine.” Much like the album itself their video submission to NPR’s Tiny Desk is capitvating. They were introduced to this band by

Ciara Rhiannon

and have been listening to them consistently since.

Lyla DiPaul - “Something to Lose”

Lyla DiPaul is a singer-songwriter from New Orleans that Mustard’s human intern found while scrolling on TikTok. They are pleased to have found them. The song they submitted is a reflection of past relationships and “all the things that led me in life to be the person I am today.”

Daphne Eckman - Acupuncture

Earlier this year Daphne Eckman released their debut album “Where You Left Me.” It is a beautiful and vulnerable record inspired by a human who left Daphne. Mustard is elated that Eckman and her band decided to submit “acupuncture” to NPR’s Tiny Desk. This is Mustard’s favorite track from the album. To see it performed with the lyrics on the screen is a real treat.

SARIKA - Something Blue

SARIKA is an engima who has the best Spotify biography of all time. Please do yourself a favor and give it a read when you get a chance. “Something Blue” is currently unreleased and is a great introduction to the Boston singer-songwriter. SARIKA’s performance in this submission is high energy and fun. You don’t need that caffeinated coffee from Dunkin Donuts. Watch this video instead for fuel.

Kate White - “Blue Bedroom Walls”

Kate White is a singer-songwriter based in Boston. They have a knack not only for storytelling but writing sad songs that will pierce through your human heart that are not covered by your health insurance. White’s performance will capitivate you and make you feel things. If you are feeling sad or unsure about things Mustard recommends you listen to Kate White. You may find some comfort in their lyrics.

YEV - “Love Blooms”

YEV is a Ukranian American Singer-Songwriter. Their song was inspired by the marriages happening on the front lines in Ukraine. As mentioned in the video “even in the most difficult times, love blooms and it finds a way.” This video was Mustard’s introduction to YEV and they are so intrigued by their story. “Love Blooms” not only has a great story behind it but is a song that will stick with you.

Maria Lane - “Nashville”

One of the things that Mustard loves about humans is their appreciation for one another. When a human does something that is kind or thoughtful it warms this condiment’s ingridents. New York singer-songwriter Maria Lane was inspired by their sister who moved to Nashville. Being vulernable is no easy task for a human. Lane’s songwriting, like Kate White mentioned above, will hit you in the feels.

Pepper Kit - “Wonder”

Pepper Kit makes sad girl pop rock. Mustard loves and appreciates musicians who know how to define the art they make but are willing to not pigeonhold themselves to it. Because to grow you may need to break down that box you have put yourself in and find new materials. With that all said, “Wonder” may be Mustard’s favorite Pepper Kit song yet. It is a song about humans going back home and realizing they still have a place there.

This video was planned in four hours and shot in a thirft store. To see it all come together like this in such a short amount of time is incredible.

The Citrosonics - “Echo-1”

Chicago’s The Citrosonics create music that is otherwordly. If an Alien were to land on Planet Earth it is most likely because they heard the music of The Citrosonics. It reminds them of home while they get to explore new terrain. Their submission for NPR Tiny’s Desk will have you on the galatic dance floor. There is a chance a black hole will open while you bust a move but it is worth the risk.

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