Have you heard of the NPR Tiny Desk Contest?
NPR Tiny Desk winners get to have a Tiny Desk concert in Washington D.C.
The idea began as a simple intention to discover new talents, and make them known in the world of music.
It grew big from there, and more than 30,000 musicians submitted their original songs over the past six years. You film a song at your desk—any desk—and make it your stage. Submit it, and check out your colleagues as well. Support them. Get to know them. That’s the Tiny Desk concept.
Judges then choose a winner who gets to perform at Bob Boilen’s desk at NPR.
Five winners have already made a lot of success: Fantastic Negrito won two Grammy Awards, Gaelynn Lea released three solo albums, Tank and the Bangas recorded two solo albums, Naia Izumi is signed to Sony Masterworks, and 2019 winner Quinn Christopherson is on the rise too.
Elizabeth Moen’s story is another contestant with her own amazing story.
We’ve checked out most of the contestants, and one thing delighted us.
All of them support each other actively via YouTube comments. They’re in touch, and all of them are talented people who spread their horizons. What a nice way to use this possibility to make yourself known and connected! The Tiny Desk Contest is doing a lot for artists who are yet to emerge.
For those who don’t know, Moen is a young folk artist.
She first entered the competition in 2019 with a song called “Headgear.” It’s a lovely song that speaks about vulnerability and coping with depression. Moen revealed that the song simply came to her mind after a morning of a very bad headache. In the video, a drummer, bassist and guitarist are there to make it all sound complete. She even called her friend Gemma in for some beautiful harmonies!
Moen has an incredible, soulful and powerful voice—and she has great control over it as well.
The thing we liked most is her innovative way of painting the experience of everyday depression for us, using colors to portray her changing emotions. The song is warm and the lyrics reflect her perfectly. We could feel that she was singing about her own personal experience. Her voice says it all!
Though she didn’t get selected in 2019, she also sent “Where’s My Bike” as a 2020 submission.
Another year, another chance, another great song.
After a positive experience in 2019, Elizabeth wrote another song for 2020. Since we were all at our homes following strict rules of social distancing due to Covid-19, Moen filmed the song in her bedroom. It’s just her and the guitar—but what a combination!
Casually dressed and lit by candlelight, Moen sings about a breakup, pointing out that her bike is still at her ex’s garage.
Haven’t we all experienced similar things and emotions? We love how Moen’s music focuses on daily struggles, basic human feelings, and the need to grow emotionally.
This song stayed in our heads for days—it’s catchy and simply marvelous.
The powerhouse voice will, once again, surprise you. With about 1000 subscribers on her personal YouTube account, Moen is slowly gaining a loyal fanbase. It was nice to read supportive comments where followers promised to be at her next gig.
Still, Moen has already done a lot of touring.
She’s been on a tour across the Midwest and Western United States, though also in Europe supporting many of her colleagues such as Lissie, Houndmouth, and Lake Street Dive.
We wish her the best of luck with this year’s contest, and may the best one win!
There are certainly many excellent musicians in the run for a big prize.
Be sure to check out both of Moen’s submissions and spread the word!
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