I recently sat down with Robin Hilton, one of the driving forces behind NPR’s Tiny Desk, for an insightful conversation about music, meaning and the responsibility that comes with producing one of the most influential platforms in modern culture.
We explored what it truly takes to fill the space of that massive Tiny Desk stage (FYI: It’s not just with talent). Robin shared the legacy he hopes Tiny Desk will leave behind and what he wants audiences to remember long after the performances fade from the screen.
For artists dreaming of submitting to Tiny Desk, he also offered invaluable insight, what the platform is really looking for, what separates a good submission from a great one and how authenticity remains the most powerful currency.
The Tiny Desk Contest for 2026 is now open and accepting entries through Feb. 9. Learn more about the criteria and how to enter.
