Behind the Tiny Desk Contest Trend: What it Tells Us about Music Discovery Today The Tiny Desk Concert series has become a staple of modern music, providing an intimate platform for artists to share their craft with a global audience.
Born out of necessity and ingenuity in 2008, the format was created by Bob Boilen, NPR's first full time musician, as a makeshift recording studio on his desk to capture performances from up and coming artists.
The series initially broadcast on NPR's All Songs Considered podcast, featuring unassuming, stripped down presentations that put the focus squarely on the music.