National Public Radio is now accepting entries for its fifth Tiny Desk Contest, which gives undiscovered, unsigned artists an opportunity to play in its Tiny Desk concert series.
The contest, which began taking applications March 12, is open to any artist 18 or older. Previously, NPR has only accepted submissions from artists 21 years or older but has lowered the age limit in hopes more college students may participate, NPR Tiny Desk intern Clara Maurer said in a press release.
"We're really excited about having younger musicians involved in the contest this year," Maurer said in the press release.
Artists may submit a video of themselves performing their music to NPR, which will then determine which artist it wants to perform behind the desk of Bob Boilen, host of NPR’s podcast “All Songs Considered.”
The contest will be judged by Boilen, NPR Music writer Rodney Carmichael, Los Angeles-based KCRW host Raul Campos and Seattle-based KEXP host Abbie Gobeli. Joining them as judges are Tiny Desk alumni Lucy Dacus, Jason Isbell and Ledisi.
The only guidelines for the video are the song performed must be an original, the video must be less than 10 minutes and there must be a desk in the video.
The Tiny Desk video concert series has been an NPR staple since 2008, inviting artists such as Chance the Rapper, Yo-Yo Ma and Adele to perform a filmed live concert at Boilen’s small desk in NPR’s Washington, D.C. headquarters.
The contest will also take the winner on tour with NPR Music in addition to performing in a Tiny Desk show. Videos must be uploaded to YouTube and then submitted online. NPR will be accepting submissions until April 14.
