Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf 2023: Episode 1

NPR Music received nearly 6,000 submissions to this year's Tiny Desk Contest, our annual search for the next great undiscovered artist to play a Tiny Desk concert. Before we reveal this year's winner, our Contest judges are sharing their favorite entries as part of our annual Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf livestream series.

Entries featured by Tiny Desk series creator Bob Boilen and Tiny Desk series producer Bobby Carter:

[MaurizioMusic]

Buggy Jive is a tremendous artist - soul - creativity to the heavens - incredible live performer - nicest - humblest guy. He's been the Capital District's Treasure and inspiration for many years -glad to see some national love :-)

[TheApxMusic]

All these artists are so dope. 2023 is a great year for music. ⚡️

[janetmargaret]

Thank you NPR for showcasing Buggy Jive! Fantastic performance!

[silasthegreat]

Thanks for featuring Young Original! And congratulations to everyone else who entered, it's a great community!

[carlskydog]

Tiny Desk is awesome. Buggy Jive is awesomer. Thank you for featuring this tremendously creative artist and super nice guy.

[jasonmcgloin]

So much great talent in here. I loved the way Brianna Tam incorporated percussion by slapping near the pickups. Really creative!

[diannelake]

Forager sounded absolutely heavenly 😍✨

[jilladams]

Love seeing the range of musicians here. If I get a vote, it's Buggy Jive all the way.

[phylissward]

Thanks for your consideration of Buggy Jive! He is a one of a kind talent!

[michaelsongs]

Buggy Jive! Has certainly earned his spot here. He writes great songs & makes amazing videos!❤ I’m so glad to be a part of this great community. Thank you Tiny Desk for establishing this contest, it has sparked wonderful supportive interaction amongst so many talented artists! 🥰

[EileenMusic]

For the love of Music all around. I thank you so much for all that yall do to inspire us all to play and perform and share are souls. Much Love!

[EileenMusic]

Wow! Young Original song Doubt my Love is absolutely amazing . Must have a record.

[NicolleHorbath]

Thank you so much for featuring me and my friends! This really means A LOT to me :')

[patrickfitzgerald]

Buggy! That's exactly what a friend of mine texted me after she watched my TD submission! 😢 Great job on yours! 👍

[EverythingRashmi]

This was so much fun! Thank you, @tinydesk, and kudos to all the artists!

[christinagurchinoff]

NPR🎉 It's so good to see you back in my YouTube feed 🎉

[robertargento]

That Buggy jive is...really good jive.

[susancameron]

Buggy Jive for the win. What a great tune to cap off the entries. My vote is for Buggy to quit that day job and create his magic full time.

[mezadeal]

I dig that you get a slice of a bunch of fantastic artists!

[WEXTRadio]

Hey, NPR. Welcome to the Buggy Jive Craze! We have been fans for forever. Glad you're in! Let's make him a big star!