Top 5 Tiny Desk Concerts of 2022

Written by Vocalo Radio on January 4, 2023

From the Tiny Desk and beyond, NPR Music brought listeners so many incredible performances in 2022…

We’ve loved seeing so many artists whose tracks spin on Vocalo perform with our friends at NPR Music — whether it’s behind the literal Tiny Desk or at their chosen venue for a (Home) concert. Here are a couple of our favorites from 2022!

Amber Mark – Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

Jan. 31, 2022

If you know me you know I’m a big Amber Mark fan! Three Dimensions Deep was my pick for our Top 10 Albums of 2022, and I was so happy to watch her Tiny Desk (home) concert just three days after the album’s release. She performed new tracks off TDD from inside the restaurant Palma, owned by close family friends in New York City. This Tiny Desk was a great way to start off 2022, and worth the watch to start 2023.

– Morgan Ciocca

Patti LaBelle – Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

Feb. 23, 2022

Nothing short of incredible. Ms. Patti is breathtaking. Surrounded by a throne-like chair, red and white florals, Louis Vuitton trunks overflowing with shoes and a bedazzled microphone, she feels at home in the Austin, Texas concert hall where she performs the Tiny Desk, she’s the perfect centerpiece to a 12-piece ensemble backing her up. NPR’s Bobby Carter perhaps best described the concert: “The first song in Patti LaBelle’s Tiny Desk (home) concert [“Something Special (Is Gonna Happen Tonight)”] sets the tone and quickly sums up the entire 15-minute performance.”

– Morgan Ciocca

KAINA – Tiny Desk Meets SXSW

March 22, 2022

So wholesome, as to be expected from KAINA — and I mean that as the most heartfelt compliment. KAINA’s performances always bring with them a feeling of kinship, community and positivity, and this Tiny Desk concert is no exception. With one of the biggest bands I’ve seen for a Tiny Desk, she shouts out her friends, family and collaborators with genuine smiles as she performs songs new and old for this Tiny Desk on location at SXSW. Definitely worth the watch, I know it’ll put you in a better mood!

– Morgan Ciocca

FKA Twigs – Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

June 10, 2022

Absolutely mesmerizing. Which seems redundant to say, considering it’s FKA Twigs. But I’m always amazed every time I see any visuals from her. Her voice is absolutely ethereal, paired perfectly with the church she used as her Tiny Desk concert setting.

– Morgan Ciocca

Omar Apollo

Sep. 15, 2022

I did watch this as it premiered on YouTube, and I was not disappointed. I love Omar Apollo and caught his live performance at the Metro a little while back, and his stripped down set behind the literal Tiny Desk was just as compelling as his on-stage presence. If anyone is seeing him open for SZA this year… you’re lucky and I’m jealous.

– Morgan Ciocca