NPR Tiny Desk Submissions – Tuned Up favorites (second entry)

By Ryan G

The window for submitting to NPR’s Tiny Desk contest has closed, but there are over 5000 entrants to sift through. These are a few of our favorites. Maybe someone on NPR’s staff will take heed to this post! You never know…

Domes – “You Can’t Hear Me”: Psychedelic effects in a song with pop undertones. What’s not to like? Especially when you factor in Ben Ahlteen’s extended intro which incorporates a recorder. This ethereal intro is quickly overshadowed by bass line and guitar riff which will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. See what we did there? The rock itself is fuzzy!

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySA-2Xq4Gyg[/youtube]

The Saturday Giant – “Postpartum”: What can I say? This guy ought to be defining live looping in America, but few people yet know of this project from Phil Cogley. He tours more than most known bands, and came up with one of the most groovy beats I’ve heard in a long while. I honestly wasn’t really paying attention to the lyrics because of how big of a sound he was able to create on his own.  This song is a perfect storm and I love it. Hopefully someone at NPR will too.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUo-Gt5ByGA[/youtube]

Monkh – “I Swear (loop)”: The second of three looping artists in this entry might be the stiffest competition I’ve encountered to The Saturday Giant thus far. While on the surface, Monkh still is a looping art pop artist, the vocals and beats are much more R&B than they are rock. “I Swear” prefers to remain within certain parameters, whereas “Postpartum” above is a bit more exploratory. These parameters work very, very well though. And you have a long time to enjoy the tune.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLSHTIwqWTs[/youtube]

Ertel – “So It Goes”: Indie pop with vocals that are a throwback to the jazzy days of old.  A synth-like effect that actually seems to originate from an electric guitar creates a glossy coating to the assertive beat section and all over the place singing. We think you’ll like this.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLyj8gSGQTM[/youtube]

Leoncarlo – “Colossus”: This artist utilizes a live looping technique – a trend gradually getting more popular within the indie music realm. He succeeds at creating some interesting textures, working in some cool fade out effects and even some hints at reverb. Is that a mandolin underneath it all? Nope, it is a violin. And Leoncarlos has the video to back it up. He even uses the violin as a percussion instrument – a technique that reminds me of Phil Keaggy or Andy McKee. Except this is a violin. Watch.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNnk1XY0PEI[/youtube]

Confetti Club – “You’re Not Alone”: As if the band name alone isn’t enough to get behind this music, this group of seven gets in your face with their unique brand of positivity. This Tiny Desk contest entry features them wielding an electric harp, one a ukelele, and forming a choir of indie pop goodness. While some may find it cheesy, this will make a lot of people smile.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE2zcGla3Vs[/youtube]

 

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