The Best Tiny Desks by Berklee Artists (an Incomplete List)

The Best Tiny Desks by Berklee Artists (an Incomplete List) From Big Thief and Lizzy McAlpine to DOMi & JD Beck, Kenny Beats, Arooj Aftab, and more, Berklee acts have always owned the Tiny Desk stage.

By

Keerthana Sudarshan

November 14, 2024

Lizzy McAlpine '20 performs with Tiny Habits at NPRs Tiny Desk. Left to right: Judah Mayowa, Maya Rae, Lizzy McAlpine, Cinya Khan.

Image by Bob Boilen/NPR

Since its debut in 2008, many emerging and established talents have graced the Tiny Desk stage, sharing their artistry in an unexpectedly intimate office setting. Vulture, the purveyors of all things music culture, recently dropped their compilation of the 50 Best NPR Tiny Desks, featuring several Berklee alumni, including Kenny Beats BM '13 and Jo Palmer '10 (performing with Yaya Bey). The mentions were another nod to Berklee's contributions to contemporary culture, but these Tiny Desk moments only scratch the surface. For instance, what about those unforgettable performances by Lalah Hathaway BM '90 '22H, esperanza spalding BM '05, and Arooj Aftab BM '10?

Or, how about this round-up of Berklee students and alumni who have been rocking the desk recently-whether supporting their own projects or accompanying other artists:

Noname (feat. Cisco Swank BM '22)Noname is a Chicago-based rapper, poet, and activist known for her distinctive blend of lyrical prowess and social consciousness. She often reflects on her activism, addressing topics such as police brutality and mental health, while emphasizing the importance of community and self-love. Berklee alum Cisco Swank, whose debut solo album More Better, released in May 2023, revolves around similar themes, accompanies Noname on keys and vocals in her standout Tiny Desk concert.

Big Thief (feat. Adrianne Lenker BM '12, Buck Meek BM '10, James Krivchenia BM '14)Adrianne Lenker, the raw and unapologetic songwriter and vocalist, makes her glorious third appearance on the Tiny Desk series with her indie-folk band, Big Thief. The band formed when Lenker and her Berklee alumni bandmates-Buck Meek, Max Oleartchik (who parted ways with the band in 2024), and James Krivchenia-reconnected in New York City. Theyve earned critical acclaim for their heartfelt music and rich soundscapes over the years, releasing five albums in the span of just seven years. Check out their 2022 Tiny Desk at Home video for tender tales and playful lyrics.

Big Thief Return to Its Roots

The indie-folk superstars share practical songwriting tips and rare wisdom on pursuing sustainable success and maintaining artistic integrity.

DOMi & JD Beck (Domi Louna BM '20)Virtuosic duo DOMi & JD Beck deliver a master class in musicianship during their Tiny Desk concert, leaving both seasoned and casual listeners reeling. Domi Louna, originally from France and a Berklee Presidential Scholar, met JD Beck at a trade show, sparking their dynamic partnership. Their debut album, Not Tight, earned them two Grammy nominations: Best New Artist and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. The duo has collaborated with iconic artists including Thundercat, Anderson Paak, Herbie Hancock, and Bruno Mars.

Lizzy McAlpine '20Lizzy McAlpine, who has risen to stardom recently, invited the compelling trio Tiny Habits to create a stripped-down version of her music featuring just an acoustic guitar and their four voices. The trio-which features current student Judah Mayowa, Cinya Khan BM '23, and Maya Rae BM '24-first met in their Berklee dorms and have since become inseparable, both in friendship and in harmony. Theyve toured the US, UK, and Europe, supporting artists such as Ingrid Michaelson, Clairo, and Gracie Abrams, while receiving accolades from industry legends like Elton John. Here, Tiny Habits adds a lush backdrop that beautifully complements McAlpine's seasoned storytelling .

RijahOne standout from the recent wave of talent is Berklee student Rijah, an up-and-coming R&B artist hailing from Jersey City, New Jersey. She made waves in 2023 with her appearance in NPR's Tiny Desk Top Shelf series-not technically a Tiny Desk concert, but a showcase of the best submissions from that year's Tiny Desk Contest. Her 2023 Tiny Desk submission which includes other Berklee students Zeke Sacaridiz on drums, Owen Reinders on bass, Lex Kolody on guitar and Ian Michael on keys, caught the eye of R&B sensation Baby Rose and received high praise from Sudan Archives for her amazing and unique voice. It was also featured on WBUR.org as a favorite Massachusetts Tiny Desk entry. Rijahs 2022 EP, the only one I know, showcases her distinctive blend of jazz and R&B, diving into themes of growth and human experience. Her latest project, Motion Pictures, promises to take listeners on a journey of self-discovery and musical innovation.

Even More Berklee Tiny Desk ConcertsSome other notable alumni performances that we've been loving include Little Moon (feat. Chris Shemwell BM 20), Nick Hakim BM '13, Usman Riaz '17, Aimee Mann '80, Hiromi Uehara '03, and Fabiola M ndez BM '18. Happy listening!

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