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The Mod Eclectic blog

A running review of local artists, modern pop music and culture from Capital Public Radio.

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  • Eclectic
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The Not-So-Tiny List Of Our Favorite Tiny Desk Contestants

  •  Nick Brunner 
Friday, April 13, 2018
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A "Hobo," a human disco ball and a woman in a cat mask enter a contest ...

Later this month NPR Music will announce the winner of the Tiny Desk Contest, its annual celebration of unsigned musicians.

There have been a lot of fun and diverse surprises out of Northern California this year, so check out this (not at all comprehensive) list of artists to watch well after this year's winner is announced.


Lillian Frances | Davis

From the jump, this entry is nothing but energy. Poppy and lush textures take center stage and are well balanced with her vocals. What really gives me a smile while listening is how Frances' electronic sequences playfully bounce between the ears. Turn this one up loud on your speakers or (carefully) on a nice set of headphones.


Hobo Johnson & The LoveMakers | Sacramento (North Oak Park)

Frank Lopes (aka Hobo Johnson) hides personal fears and desires out in the open on this track, but he's so affable it come across more like a wink to the audience. For me, this is less of a song as it is musical prestidigitation. Between Facebook and YouTube our "stunt puller from birth" is poised to hit over 13 million views before the Tiny Desk Contest winner announcement on April 24.


Makebelief | Sacramento (South Natomas)

Hypnotic loops, warped vocals and irregular time signatures. What draws me to "For Keeps Sake" is the same thing that draws me to music from Dan Deacon, tUnE-yArDs and Animal Collective. I'm holding out hope that Schuyler Petersen's stuffed animal collection is in attendance for all his performances.


limbo | Napa

It's cutesy catchy and on the nose. "sounds" by limbo is a bite-size pop music track that sticks with me. The Napa Valley musician sings about her lack of music theory and songwriting prowess, but it beams through (even if her identity remains a secret).


Chris Cotta | Galt

The setting of this one makes me think Chris Cotta's in a rush to crank the song out before a meeting with his lawyer. "Mine" comes off like early-career Bob Dylan in double time, but it's the command of his voice, guitar and harmonica (plus the speed) that makes this entry stand out.


Brian Maxwell | Sacramento (Midtown)

EDM (like "Electronica" in the 90s) is a divisive term but I'm always impressed with the juggling act a composer/DJ has to do on a track like this. Though one does give the impression Maxwell is curring favor with a certain brew-y sponsor of the competition...


Pat Hull | Chico

It's pretty easy to get lost in a sea of lo-fi, modestly produced acoustic guitar sessions during this contest, making this entry from Chico's Pat Hull all the more notable. There's a haunting warmth in the vocals and instrumentation here I just love.


Hashstronaut | Yuba City

This gives me vibes like artists you'd hear from hip-hop labels like Rhymesayers and DOOMTREE. "To The Top" sounds like a motivational speech to Hashstonaut's neighborhood — a personal guide to life based on his experiences that features tight production and more than a few brags.


Separate Spines | Sacramento (South Sac)

The drawing of a desk under a magnifying glass is a fitting interpretation given the group. Separate Spines crafts soundscapes more than pop music. Comparative pop archetypes are groups like Sigur Ros, Kevin Shields and Mazzy Star. I like that the band eschews easily defined genre (both here and in general).


Cloud Hats | Sacramento (Midtown)

Here we have breezy instrumentation and solid harmonies all wrapped up in feel-good pop. There's joy naturally shining through in this performance. Just watch the band's reaction to the wind picking up at the 2:03 mark and try not to smile, you monster. I only wish is that the vocals were turned up a touch more in the mix.


The Fontaine Classic | Sacramento

While I can't always make out the lyrics, the music stirs imagery of regret and lost opportunity. "Real Success" doesn't stop for a catchy breakdown. It marches like doomed Union infantry into Fredericksburg. There's plenty here if you're a fan of bands like The National or Built To Spill.

    More about Tiny Desk

  • Capital Public Radio

    Tiny Desk

    Every year CapRadio highlights the best Northern California entrants to the NPR Tiny Desk Contest. This year we will, unfortunately, be unable to hold our annual Tiny Desk Sacramento, a CapRadio showcase of outstanding local musicians.

    Related Content

  • Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

    Lillian Frances Headlines Tiny Desk Sacramento Show At CapRadio

    Wednesday, June 13, 2018
    Lillian Frances is one of three local artists performing at the first Tiny Desk Sacramento concert in the CapRadio Garden.
  • Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

    Lillian Frances Crafts Synth Pop Collages On 'Timeism' EP

    Friday, April 27, 2018
    Lillian Frances burst onto Hey, Listen! host Nick Brunner's radar with her Tiny Desk Contest entry this year and he had to learn more. Get to know the woman behind the synthesizer and how root vegetables robbed her of the ability to play guitar.
  • Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

    Tiny Desk Contest Winner Announced; Davis Musician Lillian Frances Performs

    Tuesday, April 24, 2018
    There were more than 700 entries from California alone in this year's popular NPR music video contest. We'll hear music from the winner, Naia Izumi, and Davis-based entrant Lillian Frances.

 Tiny Desk ContestTiny Desk

Andrew Nixon

Nick Brunner

Modern Music Director

Nick oversees the sound of Saturday music programs, hosts Hey Listen!, produces music discovery content for the web and helps wrangle cats during CapRadio fund drives.  Read Full Bio 

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