A Look Back at 2024’s Tiny Desk Stars

I absolutely love watching Tiny Desk performances, whether it’s one of my favorite artists or someone I’ve never heard of before. There’s something magical about seeing an artist stripped down to their essence, performing in such an intimate setting. Let’s take a look back at some of last year’s most unforgettable performances.

Doechii: The Swamp Princess Reigns Supreme

Doechii’s 2024 Tiny Desk set was nothing short of a revelation. She stepped into NPR rocking a sleek academia-inspired look with cornrows and beads, effortlessly blending modern and classic flair. The wide-leg pants with bold cuffs added a touch of androgyny, complementing the preppy yet relaxed sophistication of her outfit. Her all-female band, sporting similar aesthetics, was locked in tight, creating an unforgettable sonic tapestry.

She opened with “Boom Bap,” giving it a brassy, late-night jazz makeover that felt like someone poured a smoky bourbon into your headphones. Then came “Catfish,” where she growled over heavy, rock-influenced guitar riffs like she was leading a mosh pit in a haunted bayou. The highlight? A praise break explosion during “Nissan Altima,” where she brought gospel energy straight from the pews to the NPR office. She had everyone clapping like they’d caught the Holy Ghost – or maybe just a really good vibe.

Her closer, “Black Girl Memoir,” was deeply personal and powerful. Before launching into the song, she shared, “This is for all the beautiful Black women in the room.” Doechii peeled back every layer, her voice cracking with raw emotion as she sang about Black womanhood with the tenderness of a poet and the power of a preacher. 

Doechii’s effortless fusion of jazz, gospel, rock and hip-hop solidified her place as one of the most versatile rappers of our generation. Tiny Desk felt like a victory lap – a well-deserved moment where she finally started getting her flowers. After years of grinding, she stood in the spotlight, unapologetically herself, reminding everyone why she’s rap’s next big thing.

Sabrina Carpenter: The People’s Pop Princess Charms Us All

Sabrina Carpenter’s Tiny Desk set was a masterclass in taking pop hits and stripping them down to reveal their core: honest, heartfelt storytelling. Dressed in a vintage-inspired baby-blue nightgown and stockings, her aesthetic was doll-like but not overly polished, perfectly balancing charm with authenticity.

She opened with “Taste,” where playful pizzicato strings set the mood, ushering the audience into her dreamy pop world. The set clicked during “Bed Chem,” where her voice melted over a soulful arrangement, infusing the song with a warm intimacy. By the time she moved to the acoustic renditions of “Please Please Please” and “Slim Pickins,” her vocal range was front and center. She effortlessly hit the low, honeyed notes before soaring into airy falsettos, leaving no doubt about her vocal chops.

The set’s comedic highlight came with “Juno,” a viral fan favorite, where Carpenter turned the stage into a whimsical playground. She teased the audience: “Have you ever tried this one?” before literally brushing wind chimes with her butt (yes, you read that right) and laughing as the sound filled the room. Her playful energy throughout the set was infectious, and you could tell she was in her element.

Sabrina Carpenter is truly talented and listening to her hits reimagined in this intimate setting offered a fresh perspective on her artistry.

Chappell Roan: Prom Queen of Chaos

Chappell Roan’s Tiny Desk was like crashing a queer prom where the confetti never stops falling, the heartbreak is theatrical and the glamour is unapologetically messy. With a massive orange wig, a bubblegum-pink prom dress and lipstick-stained teeth, she looked like Merida from Brave stumbled into a Pride parade and decided to stay forever.

She opened with “Casual,” an anthem for tangled-up lesbian situationships that you shouldn’t text back but do anyway. Stripped down to its acoustic bones, the song was still brimming with the bold, emotional punch that defines Roan’s artistry. Her voice, equal parts wistful and powerful, filled the space with a raw energy that was impossible to ignore.

Then came “Pink Pony Club,” an exuberant love letter to queer joy that galloped through the room with glittering vocals and Roan’s signature flair for the dramatic. The band, dressed to the nines in pink shirts, bold blue eyeshadow and smeared red lipstick, matched her chaotic energy, creating a visual spectacle as electric as her voice.

But it wasn’t all camp and confetti. With “California,” she pulled back the curtain to reveal a haunting vulnerability, her voice aching with longing as she sang of sunsets and alienation. It was the kind of performance that made you feel like you were watching the credits roll on a film you weren’t ready to end.

By the time she finished, there was no doubt that Chappell Roan’s not just the prom queen of chaos – she’s here to rule the whole damn dance floor.

Chaka Khan: The Queen of Funk Shows Us How It’s Done

Chaka Khan’s Tiny Desk was a lesson in funk, soul and being the coolest person alive. At 71, she strutted in like the fairy godmother of funk, ready to bless us with vocals that could shake the heavens.

She kicked off the set with “Tell Me Something Good,” her voice gliding through the room like velvet wrapped in gold. Every note carried the weight of lived experience, each one delivered with a sly grin that said, “I’ve still got it – and then some.” By the time she launched into the disco anthem “I’m Every Woman,” it felt like the NPR office had been transformed into Studio 54, complete with imaginary glitter and a whole lot of funk-fueled joy.

The setlist was a treasure trove of iconic hits. “Sweet Thing” dripped with sultry elegance, while “Through the Fire” brought the kind of raw emotion that stopped time. Chaka Khan didn’t just sing – she channeled decades of passion, love and power into every note, reminding everyone why her voice remains unparalleled.

And then came the grand finale: “Ain’t Nobody.” The moment those iconic opening chords hit, the room held its breath. Khan poured her soul into the performance, her vocals soaring with a richness and depth that only comes from a lifetime of mastering her craft. It wasn’t just nostalgia – it was transcendence.

Once again, Chaka Khan proved that she is the one and only Queen of Funk, and we were all lucky to witness it.

LaRussell: The Life of the Party

LaRussell’s Tiny Desk set was like catching up with your funniest, most talented cousin at a cookout – if that cousin also happened to be a rap genius. The entire performance was electric, with LaRussell’s unfiltered joy radiating off the stage, making it clear that he wasn’t just performing; he was living in the moment, enjoying every second.

He kicked things off with “Glory,” a mellow, reflective track that felt like a chill breeze, giving you a glimpse of LaRussell’s soulful side. But that didn’t last long. As soon as “GIVE ME A BEAT!” hit, the vibe completely shifted. The room turned into a full-blown party – saxophones wailed, violins soared, and LaRussell rapped with such infectious energy that you couldn’t help but smile. He wasn’t just spitting bars; he was having a blast, cracking jokes and hitting the smeeze through every verse. His energy was magnetic, pulling everyone into his world where the music was always a celebration.

The highlight came with “10s, 20s, 50s, 100s,” a track so catchy it felt like it could boost your bank account just by listening to it. LaRussell’s carefree swagger and joy were contagious, and it wasn’t just the performance; it was the atmosphere he created. By the song’s end, it felt like a party you didn’t want to leave, and you weren’t just an observer – you were a part of something bigger.

LaRussell effortlessly moved through moods, mixing messages of self-reflection with songs that made you want to hit the dance floor. Tiny Desk is at its best when artists embrace who they are, and LaRussell did just that. His authenticity shone through every song, and his whole set felt like an invitation to join him in a joyous celebration of music, community and being unapologetically yourself.

Remi Wolf: Unpredictable, Unapologetic, Unforgettable

Remi Wolf returned to Tiny Desk in 2024, this time as the star of the show, and she did not disappoint. Stepping into the spotlight with a burst of energy, she immediately set the tone with “Toro,” her Big Ideas single, throwing us headfirst into her wild, kaleidoscopic world. If there’s one thing Remi knows how to do, it’s blur the lines between unpredictability and artistry in a way that is brilliant and effortless.

She switched things up with “Alone in Miami,” and her vocals were insane. The track gave her a chance to show off her range, moving effortlessly between soft, vulnerable moments and powerful, emotive bursts. The way she controlled her voice, hitting each note with precision, made the performance feel intimate and intense. She made it look easy, but it was clear that every line was delivered with purpose, pulling you deeper into the song’s emotional vibe. 

One of my favorite moments was her reimagined version of “Sexy Villain.” Taking the swagger of the original track and flipping it into a bossa nova groove, she proved once again that she doesn’t follow anyone’s rules – not even her own.

Every track felt like a new experiment. She was playing a game of musical Tetris, fitting together harmonies, rhythms and emotions in unconventional ways. From the soaring vocals on “Motorcycle,” which built a dreamy, almost cinematic atmosphere, to the raw vulnerability of “Pitiful,” where she laid her soul bare, the set ranged from intense highs to intimate lows, with each moment pulling the audience further into her creative orbit.

But perhaps the most magnetic thing about Remi Wolf’s Tiny Desk was the sheer joy she radiated. She wasn’t just performing for us; she was living her art, and it was infectious. She danced like no one was watching, cracked jokes between songs and made the whole set feel like a spontaneous celebration. Remi transformed her songs into a whirlwind of chaotic beauty, making “imperfection” look like the most captivating art form.

These Tiny Desk performances from 2024 have reminded me why I love this series so much. Whether it's the fierce energy of Chappell Roan or the soulful vulnerability of Sabrina Carpenter, each artist always brings something personal and unique to the stage. Whether the artists are already on my radar or completely new to me, watching these performances never fails to be a deeply satisfying experience. Tiny Desk Performances are a reminder of the power music has to connect, inspire and show us sides of artists we might never have expected.