Chapter 1
The accidental origin
Chapter 2
Redefining live performance
Chapter 3
Iconic and unexpected moments
Chapter 4
The pandemic shift and global legacy
YOUR GOAL
Master of How Tiny Desk changed music
Ch 3 · Iconic and unexpected moments
choko Natalia Lafourcade’s traditional Mexican jarana brings an unexpected folk heartbeat to Tiny Desk.
choko Unexpected Tiny Desk Moments
No autotune, no autotune! Just a real voice in the room!
choko Mac Miller's intimate 2018 performance remains one of the most beloved sets in history.
BETA
choko Match iconic artists to their unexpected instruments to discover how tiny gigs redefined live music.
Fun Fact
T-Pain's viral set: T-Pain's 2014 acoustic performance shocked viewers because he sang entirely without Auto-Tune, revealing his incredible natural voice.
Glossary
autotune (noun)
A computer software program used to correct or manipulate vocal pitch in recording and live performances. In 2014, T-Pain shocked audiences by performing live at NPR entirely without using the pitch correction software.
A computer software program used to correct or manipulate vocal pitch in recording and live performances. In 2014, T-Pain shocked audiences by performing live at NPR entirely without using the pitch correction software.
Quiz
Mexican singer-songwriter Natalia Lafourcade used which traditional acoustic guitar-like instrument during her set?
Quiz
What instrument did Anderson .Paak play while singing during his legendary 2016 Tiny Desk concert?
Quiz
What unique backing ensemble did Mac Miller bring to perform '2009' during his 2018 set?
Quiz
Which legendary hip-hop group brought a 10-piece backing band to perform their classic rap tracks in 2018?
Quiz
Which Belgian pop star used a small, portable electronic synthesizer to perform his hit 'Sante' in 2022?
Quiz
Which artist famously shocked viewers in 2014 by performing without his signature Auto-Tune?