NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series has racked up millions of views on Youtube. Featuring a wide range of artists from indie favorites to pop megastars, all playing behind a literal desk at the NPR headquarters.
Twelve years ago NPR started the Tiny Desk Contest where unsigned artists across the country enter a video of their original music for a chance to play a Tiny Desk Concert of their own in Washington D.C.
Two years ago Sacramento’s The Philharmonik won the top prize and this year close to a thousand Northern California artists threw their hat into the ring.
NPR is expected to announce their 2026 winner soon but while we wait for the results, CapRadio wanted to highlight some of our favorite local entries!
“questions” (feat. Jayda Irene & WIDDA K) by Jakhari Smith - Sacramento
This one tells a story not only through the lyrics, but through the video. That’s what I love about hip-hop is the storytelling, lyrics and emotions it conveys and Jakhari Smith did an excellent job of conveying that.
The song features Jayda Irene and WIDDA K who did an excellent job of adding to those emotions. The song and video to me is a therapy session of Smith laying out all of his pain through rap. I love it.
Also the poem at the end. I love the creative choice of having a poem that speaks about not being comfortable in your own skin and questioning if you're even good enough, but in the same breath realizing that you need to love yourself. I think it makes the song that much more emotional.
You can listen to Jahkari Smith on Apple, Spotify and Youtube.
“Sister” by The Willow Snags - Sacramento
“Sister” is raw and sounds like it could be on the soundtrack of an old Western film. I can’t stop listening to this song because of the sound, the presentation and the lyrics are catchy.
I love live instruments, especially the harmonica. I also enjoyed hearing all of the instruments solo towards the end of the song. That was a nice touch.
You can listen to The Willow Snags on Apple, Spotify and Youtube.
“IWTS” by KIO DALY - Elk Grove
Ok, first off the presentation is really good. I love the lighting, flowers, guitars and the tiny desk figure at the beginning of the song. If there was one word to describe this submission, it would be “smooth.”
This is a lovely song with a lovely voice to go with it. One thing that I love about this submission is that it looks like a couple of guys got together and performed in someone's living room for the love of the game.
You can tell it’s a guy’s day by the Modelo’s by some of the musicians' feet. I also love the message behind the song saying “I want you to stay,” which hits home for me.
You can listen to Kio Daly on Apple, Spotify and Youtube.
“DEAD OF NIGHT!” by Sahed. - Redding
Love everything about this submission! First, the song is called “DEAD OF NIGHT!” and in the video you can clearly see that it was shot at night.
Second, I love the presentation and the camera work showcasing everyone in the room. And finally, I really enjoy the song. It’s really catchy and shahed. does a wonderful job showcasing her vocals.
This is the type of song I could listen to everyday. This is my introduction to the artist and I can confidently say that the song made me a fan.
You can listen to sahed. on Apple, Spotify and Youtube.
Communities Reporter Ruth Finch’s Picks
“Red Tail” by Turtle Pheasant - West Sacramento
Closing my eyes, I wouldn’t think that the video accompanying this music is of a trio of strings surrounding a duck statue.
The lead singer, Jeremy Decarvalho, has a voice so tender it could break, but it never does.
It feels like I'm laying in a field, wind in my hair. It feels quiet and levitating at the same time, like a dandelion floating and twirling in the wind. Or maybe blades of grass swaying as a bird flies by. Or maybe something else we don’t have words for yet in the English language.
I try not to get sappy about this kind of thing, but this one got me.
I truly feel like I’ve discovered something that no one else has — so much so that I can’t even find any recording of their music anywhere else, or even social media, just this lonely Youtube video. Turtle Pheasant, please put more stuff out!
“HOMETOWN” by sol caracol - Sacramento
Lush instrumentals and lusher lyrics welcome you into sol caracol’s HOMETOWN. It builds tension the way a new relationship does, butterflies building as the song explores the singer’s hometown as something new with a new, tender love.
The mix of strings, swirling synths and guitars, even a crooning trumpet make you feel transported to a world of romantic nostalgia in a way that will accompany my drives all summer.
You can find them on Instagram, TikTok, Apple Music and Spotify.
“Friends” by Odilon - Lodi - Rock
WARNING! After you listen to this submission by Lodi band Odilon, you’re going to be their friend — and that’s not a bad thing. I think the lead singers' friends are cooler than whoever the song is addressed to.
This song deals with frustration in a way that pays off for what feels to me like a soaring acceptance on the bridge as the song winds down to a close. See you for soft tacos later!
You can find them on Instagram, Spotify and Soundcloud.
“Return to Sender” by KC Shane & The Belonging - Sacramento
This retro psychedelic rock track from KC Shane & the Belonging absolutely rips. Complete with synths and even a saxophone, the band teleports you to a plane of acceptance and understanding.
The lyrics urge you to let go of people who don’t accept you, and remind you that there are people who will accept you all around. There’s also absolutely shredding guitar solos all around, so that’s pretty sweet too.
You can find KC Shane & The Belonging on Instagram, TikTok, Apple Music, Soundcloud and Bandcamp.
Insight Senior Producer Andrew Garcia’s Picks
“Anytime Soon” by Dawnfarer - Dixon
When this video opens, a reverb-laden guitar jangles out a melody from just off screen. We’re in a living room at night, with ethereal blue light pouring in through the window.
The very next thing we’re treated to is the voice of Althea D'Souza herself, subdued to match the vibe but strong and resonant to convey the pain at the heart of the song. The camera pans revealing the full band behind her, bass, brushed drums and a mournful trumpet melody all spring forth at once as the chorus hits.
From that moment, until the last note plays, you’ll be transported to the liminal space Dawnfarer and her band create for you. Rich with emotion and loss lyrically amid a beautifully textured soundscape. An intimate and moving song, one worth listening to on repeat like I’ve been doing since I first heard it.
Blame it on the Water by Nightbrain - Quincy
Quick get your dancing boots on, because within seconds this song’s four-on-the-floor bass drum gets your body moving and ready for the funky, 4-minute journey you are about to go on.
“Blame it on the Water” feels like Nightbrain is ripping sonic portals in time, grabbing reference material from cabaret, funk, indie dance rock, all while sounding entirely new and fresh.
They even find the time for an honest to god halftime breakdown and keyboard solo that will have you anxiously waiting for the bridge the next time you listen.
This track is a rollicking good time, equal parts moody and dancey with absolutely airtight musicianship from all five members.
“Borrowing Particles” by Squid Saves the Planet - Placerville
This video immediately puts a smile on my face. From the song title and band name simply scrawled out on a note pad, the blanket-covered studio undoubtedly providing both sound proofing and aesthetic, to the bluesy opening riff delivered with a guitar tone crunchier than a kettle chip.
Squid Saves the Planet delivers a grungey, post-punk waltz that dances hand-in-hand with the genre stylings of shoegaze, math rock and the indie rock forerunners of the 90s.
Throw in a shredding guitar solo, some three-part harmonies, a projector and you have yourself an amazing Tiny Desk entry.
“Never Again” by Cameron Love - Sacramento
Content Warning: This song contains explicit language
Cameron dedicates this song to their late father, Ronald Eric Longmire, who told them heartbreak would make them a better songwriter. And Mr. Longmire was correct.
While Love’s heartbreak (and anger) shine through, so does the indefatigable spirit they have and their refusal to let the betrayal get the better of them.
Love holds it down on acoustic guitar, trading vocal melodies with the saxophone over top of a rock-steady groove thanks to the rhythm section. It all culminates in a song that is equally as powerful as it is danceable. Cameron is having a good time and so will you.
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