The Philharmonik, 2024 Tiny Desk Contest Winner: Tiny Desk Concert
Музыка
Elle Mannion | May 29, 2024
While each Tiny Desk concert is special in its own way, we only publish one annually from a Tiny Desk Contest winner. This year, that winner is The Philharmonik - an up-and-coming multi-genre artist from Sacramento, Calif. - whose entry rose to the top of nearly 7,000 entries submitted by independent artists.
In that entry, singer Christian Gates and his band proved they knew how to make a song shine behind a desk, performing in an office setting in business casual attire. They keep up the act at the Tiny Desk, with Gates cosplaying as the team’s boss; he showcases his expressive stage presence and expansive musical range all while sitting in a swiveling office chair.
The group kicks off its celebratory set with its winning song, “What’s It All Mean?” Then, Gates shifts to the upright piano to perform “Drugs,” a theatrical song he says “is for all of those who have thought about doing alternative things because the paycheck was not enough.” He returns to the keyboard for “Chasing…” before flexing his rap abilities on “Colors.” The Philharmonik closes with the catchy “Pay Me,” a song I’m sure plenty of disgruntled workers will want to sing to their bosses after watching this concert.
Although Gates’ life has changed overnight since winning the Contest, he stays humble throughout his set, continually crediting his team’s hard work. “This office is a group effort, and this is just another day at the office,” he says.
SET LIST
“What’s It All Mean?”
“Drugs”
“Chasing…”
“Colors”
“Pay Me”
MUSICIANS
Christian Gates: keys, lead vocals
Courtney Miller: drums
Connor Chavez: electric guitar, vocals
Jimmy Toor: flute
Sam Phelps: bass
Moriah Wenzel: vocals
Alicia Huff: vocals
Darius Upshaw: electric guitar
Jeffery Archie: keys, synth
TINY DESK TEAM
Producers: Elle Mannion, Bobby Carter
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Technical Director: Neil Tevault
Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Alanté Serene
Audio Engineer: Carleigh Strange
Photographer: Michael Zamora
Tiny Desk Team: Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#tinydesk #nprmusic #thephilharmonik
Пікірлер: 1 500
Proud of my brother♥️ i used to get so annoyed growing up because all you did was music 24/7. But as we’ve both grown and matured, i am so proud of how far you’ve come dude. Love you and the band. So happy you have good people in your life that support you♥️you made it
@HannahGatez
Ай бұрын
😂😂😂
@ContentlyChase01
Ай бұрын
@@HannahGatez hey cuzzo♥️
@TheShauNanigans
Ай бұрын
This is the beauty I needed in my life today.
@gr8cornet
29 күн бұрын
Beautiful!!
@caseywhite8969
29 күн бұрын
I seem him in dallas a few years ago. And he was out there selling his merch after the show And he is to this day the coolest musician I've ever met Me and my wife listen to him daily. So excited hes getting some recognition
There was a comment on a Tiny Desk Concert video about 8 years ago that read, "Whenever you see an artist you've never heard of or given a chance to before on Tiny Desk Concert, watch it." And these guys are a prime example of why I follow that.
@johnnytmcq
Ай бұрын
💯💯💯💯💯
@TrundleMacDennis
29 күн бұрын
I saw that same comment and I've lived by it and I'm never disappointed
@MegaBlackadam
28 күн бұрын
Love this
@j3arnold
28 күн бұрын
I'm beginning to notice this lol
@TiredLessGary
28 күн бұрын
Here for this exact reason! Check the willow smith tiny desk! 😮
I've never been happier to lose a contest.
@toddballard-zw5fg
Ай бұрын
Same
@BmoreLioness
21 күн бұрын
This is the most amazing comment. Blessings on your musical journey!!! May you advance and evolve!! We'll see you next year.
Congratulations to the Philharmonik band and a special shout out to my Son, Connor Chavez on guitar/back up vocals! It was so incredible watching this live Tiny Desk recording at NPR last week in DC! Wow! Just Wow! 🤩
@YvonneChavez
29 күн бұрын
Yay Janey, proud Mom
@bijanghods8037
26 күн бұрын
FOLSOM STAND UPPPP
@brianvigneau2074
26 күн бұрын
I'm proud enough for you....just sit back and relax
@brianvigneau2074
25 күн бұрын
I'm a lifetime warriors fan!!! I swear to God I would become a Sacramento Kings fan if I could just get one audition with this band? I would move to Lodi?
@sighheinrich
19 күн бұрын
You can easily be proud of your son! He's great, and he's really feeling it.
This is EXACTLY what Tiny Desk and the Tiny Desk Contest is about. Bringing incredibly talented, underappreciated artists to the forefront. Loved every minute!
@daianaflorentin1936
Ай бұрын
Yeah I hate when they call a superstar. Unkown people should be on this!
@Andrew-cs1td
Ай бұрын
Yup I agree we should update the name to Tiny Desi.
@ZippyLeroux
Ай бұрын
@@daianaflorentin1936 I think the format makes it a tinydesk regardless of the artist's experience, caliber, exposure, fame or stardom.... I just love it!!
@seanmobley2610
Ай бұрын
@@daianaflorentin1936 Why can't it be both? I love hearing concerts from artists that I've never listened to before. In fact just last night I went to a concert for a band I learned about here in Tiny Desk. But I also love hearing famous songs I know and love performed in the Tiny Desk format. Lizzo and Taylor Swift are among the many popular artists who put on a great, stripped-down show on here. It's not a zero sum game. Let's not make it one.
@loveisthekey7
Ай бұрын
@@seanmobley2610exactly. Both!!
Seeing family members of the band showing up in the comments just make this Tiny Desk Concert that much more awesome!
Tinydesk audio engineers are wizards.
@bernadetteharris3399
28 күн бұрын
Yass, I'm still stuck on Jasmine Sullivan's tiny desk concert!!!!!!❤❤😂🎉😂😂🎉🎉🎉❤❤🎉🎉 BUT this is genus!!!!!
@TeeTafoya87
22 күн бұрын
For real!
@andrewkeating4801
14 күн бұрын
This comment pops up on almost every tiny desk for the last 10+ years. That sound crew really is incredible. It doesn’t matter what genre or the size of the group. The sound is always 💯
@bmot23
5 күн бұрын
The use of shotgun Mics, for this particular performance is really doing the heavy lifting. But you’re right. In an office environment filled with so many atmospheric sounds to be able to isolate each instrument and balance. The mix together is amazing.
“Drugs” is a postmodern masterpiece
@radiotrin37
22 күн бұрын
💯💯💯
@meowmalade1519
18 күн бұрын
Those crossroads, if anyone finds themselves in the position between those choices: atsatoughcision
@Karpou008
10 күн бұрын
It is 😭😭
I worked at a tshirt shop when Christian started and I made what is most likely the first piece of Philharmonik merch in existence for myself to promote him. I knew he’d get here one day!
@brianbonifacio7536
Ай бұрын
It's people like you that prop up artists and give them the boost they need in a very turbulent industry. Good on ya!👍
@TheTransitmtl
Ай бұрын
You rock
@henrymattei4886
Ай бұрын
He’s doing it, this is a big step for him and the musicians with him :)
@MusicMoneyMakeover
28 күн бұрын
We need the original piece 🫴🤏
That’s my cousin Jeffery on the Keys 👌🏿💯🙏🏿 Keep it going fam
@karijayent
Ай бұрын
Right look at JJ!
@__J_____
Ай бұрын
🔥🔥🔥
@liamckeon491
Ай бұрын
You have every reason to be soooooo proud!
@mercyprestige1961
Ай бұрын
thats awsome ..he is awsome
@robsonclark9678
28 күн бұрын
Hes jammin'!
Everyone in Sacramento knew this day was coming 🚀🚀🚀 congrats Phil, sky's the limit!!
@RapShack
Ай бұрын
Frfr💯💯💯
@solafide.studio
29 күн бұрын
So true!
@bijanghods8037
26 күн бұрын
916 world wide
@rashidahwiley2095
26 күн бұрын
He's from Sac....yay!!!
Anxiously waiting for "Drugs: The Broadway Musical" now
F*ck you pay me is a JAM and a VIBE
@aylbdrmadison1051
Ай бұрын
A song a bout classism. I love it!
@camillecotton7283
Ай бұрын
Literally was typing about that song too!! One of my all time favs of his. So much FUN…& truth lol
@loveisthekey7
Ай бұрын
Yes
@nisa76
Ай бұрын
☭
Sacramento's own! Got to see him perform live locally this past weekend. Such a humble guy and great ambassador for local music! We love you brother.
@RapShack
Ай бұрын
Facts💯💯💯
@RealAadip
Ай бұрын
Sactown in the house!!!!
@rome8180
Ай бұрын
I lived out in Sacramento for a couple years recently. Not sure if they were active in 2018-2020. Well, I guess no one was active in 2020. But you get my point. If they were around, I would have loved to have seen them.
Took a shot in the dark and clicked on an unknown band on tiny desk… safe to say philharmonik has a new lifelong fan.
@jaredjones5307
Күн бұрын
Thats the whole point of tiny desk ❤
Stevie Wonder meets School of Rock
@jenniferspring8741
23 күн бұрын
The ties😉
@skunky12345
21 күн бұрын
I’m getting Reggie Watts vibes too! 🙌
@guisteh11
20 күн бұрын
School of Rock was also my association 😂
@nehemiahbarnes8689
16 күн бұрын
I hear John Legend as well
@TutaenuiRd
13 күн бұрын
Yes !! I was just starting to write a comment on how he brings back memories of Stevie. Educating Rita too somewhere in there.( Can't throw out School of Rock DVD) Writing from New Zealand, Jermaine Clemence and Brett McKenzie's Flight of the Concords resonates in this work as well
It's the musical version of Office Space I never knew that I needed.
@RobertSlover
Ай бұрын
20+ years later and its still tragically relevant! workers unite!
@xiongfa2152
Ай бұрын
I was about to post something about the subtle reference to Office Space but you beat me to it. The white shirts, cheap ties and clip on name tags!
This group should be on rotation in every Radio station.
@PutItAway101
Ай бұрын
Why did you put a capital letter on "radio", do you think it's a brand name or something?
@Yebelaybay
Ай бұрын
@@PutItAway101 "Get out of your head"
@elaine21bok
Ай бұрын
I concurrrrrr😍😍😍😍
@loveisthekey7
Ай бұрын
Yesss
@angeliamullins372
Ай бұрын
Agreed.
This came out...what...yesterday? I've listened to every single song on his Spotify twice now...and I'm a middle aged man with kids dude. Thanks, NPR! Best new artist I've heard this year, hands down.
I went from having no idea what I was in for, to a fan in 20 minutes. This was up there with the great TDC's - Anderson Paak, Mac Miller, Tyler The Creator, Tank and the bangers and now The Philharmonik.
@extratenshi
15 күн бұрын
Check out Natalia Lafourcade. Went from never hearing about her to love at first concert
@djjeffro5081
5 күн бұрын
@@extratenshiyes, she’s a beast and her tiny desk deserves hall of fame status aswell
@djjeffro5081
5 күн бұрын
All hall of fame performances
Setlist: 0:01 What’s It All Mean? 3:41 Drugs 8:30 Band introduction 10:00 Chasing… 14:40 Colors 16:17 Pay Me
This is awesome congratulations to the band and my nephew Courtney Fuego on the drums!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
@DocXango
Ай бұрын
I love everyone's family showing up in the comments.
The fact that he mentions FAFSA at 5:08 made me giggle. I'm sold on Philharmonik.
The comments have me crying because they’re all so supportive and stories of them witnessing y’all’s big moment. You took it and ran with it!
...aaand here is your new fan! 🙋♀️
@beachcomber4141
Ай бұрын
LOL! Ditto!
@corn2cobb
Ай бұрын
and another one!!
@GizzyDillespee
Ай бұрын
This is the first day in a week that hasn't been scorching hot. So, of course my new fan shows up today.
Ай бұрын
I want to be a new one too!
@tc2009bc
Ай бұрын
Same
you could cut that and market it as a studio album. perfection. Big chef's kiss from the UK
@alistairdunnington
Ай бұрын
my thoughts exactly. Almost prefer these versions to the studio
@thnkgod
28 күн бұрын
You misspelled should lol
I keep coming back to this.. Will end up being one of the best tiny desk concerts ever.. 62 and still looking for the great groove.. It's right here.
Absolutely genius. One of the best of all time on Tiny Desk.
From the bars of Sacramento, to Tiny Desk! So proud of you Christian ❤
Wow wow wow. Amazing. Never heard of this band but I just sent this to 10 people at 6 AM. I hope they love it too!
This is why Tiny Desk is the best, finding talent and music that deserves the world's stage... or at least just on KZread.
This could be a Tony Award winning score to a Broadway show! The lyrics, story, and cadence is fantastic!
Jimmy on that mf FLUTE 💖
@mustafa1name
Ай бұрын
absoF-ingFlutely!
@adamschwartzberg5238
Ай бұрын
Very rare that a flute sticks out over the mix AND sounds amazing. So dope.
@phatchick820
Ай бұрын
❤
@JimmyToor
Ай бұрын
I appreciate you guys! 🪈🙏🏽
@theworldonfruit
Ай бұрын
@@JimmyToor u r the best, good job Jimmy!!!
The Philharmonik!! Just what I needed to hear before heading into work this morning! FU Pay Me might be the catchiest hook I have heard all year!! And I Might Sell Drugs had me cracking up and cryin' as these are the times we are living in. The rich turn into Gods and the workers are paid just enough to be behind in our bills until we die. And shout out to that rhythm section. The bass and drums were locked in just killing it. The whole band really, just great. Enjoyed very much. New fan for sure.
This is our Tiny Desk 2024 Contest Winner! 🎉
Christian made it 😢😊🎉🎉☝️Bro stayed down with the music for years on years till they came around and felt it...... U deserve it bro ✌️
Can't wipe the smile off my face the whole time watching this glorious union of musicians!
The world is finding out about Sacramento artists 🔥💯
Love seeing our local Sacramento crew up there doing what they love! Congratulations to The Philharmonik & crew for the Tiny Desk contest and for continuing to spread that love far and wide!
This was exactly what I needed, when I needed it. I got laid off today, needed a bit of a positive boost and this provided. Now it's time to get back up and chase the dream!
You're going to save lives with your music.
@anthonyedds6129
26 күн бұрын
He helped save mine the first time I heard "Good Day"
Holy Cow!!! Tiny Desk concert of 2024? 🤯
@RowansReviews
28 күн бұрын
2024 has been a real treat so far, the Neyo and Chappell Roan were both stand outs to me as well
Saw these guys live in LA last week. Absolutely fantastic show with a ton of energy! Would strongly recommend watching them live if you get the chance. Hope to see much more of them in the future!
Its Nice to see a Sactown band get to this place. We should all continue to visit our parks where talent like this is cultivated. If you're familiar with Sacramento, you know exactly what I mean.
This is top 5 Tiny Desks. Wow just wow!
@gregc7699
27 күн бұрын
whos your other 4 faves?
@ilaundrydetergenti1581
27 күн бұрын
@@gregc7699Mac Miller, Tyler, Sting, Post Malone
@koryk9090
24 күн бұрын
No Anderson Paak
love to see sacramentans winning 🥲
SO SO SO SO SO SO SO deserving to be the winner!
This guy is on some savant level stuff, can’t believe it took the tiny desk contest to discover him but I’m so thankful for it! Thanks y’all!
That concert? More than music-it was a communion. Cheers to this frikken dope ensemble!!
Fantastic! I'm so proud of Christian and all of these wonderful musicians showing that SacTown talent. Well done.
@bijanghods8037
Ай бұрын
Sactown stand upppp
@Sok12111
Ай бұрын
@@bijanghods8037 Sacramento?
@LTBlightthebeam
Ай бұрын
Light the beam!
Top tier talent
I love a group that gives me every vibe I need. It's like musical jambalaya.
Found out about him about 5 years ago and I’m so happy to see him getting the recognition he deserves! Such a great songwriter and performer.
Ayyy backup singer Alicia played my wedding! The amount of praise showered on them by our guests... ❤
Watching all these folks coming up has been an honor. Every musician on this stage is on the grind every minute of every day. Congratulations you guys!!
Not a second was wasted. Really glad I randomly found this.
An incredible musician and an even more incredible person. Love to see Sacramento artist getting the recognition that they deserve. Keep crushing it Christian and the whole band!
Wow, wow,wow. Too many things to say, so I won't. That was just magical. Congratulations to the band firstly, just amazing. Secondly the sound engineers. How do you do it? In such a controlled low volume environment at a desk. The sound always blows my mind in these Tiny desk concerts. Well done to you all. I hope this great music gets spread around the world.
@halcyonacoustic7366
Ай бұрын
The room is full of audience members that are really good at absorbing sound, so it comes in really clean. There are videos where the head audio guy explains how he does it.
The flute is genius!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤
Came by curiosity and enjoyed a lot....
Shout out to Christian, Sacramento, represent! So deserved.
I remember seeing this man opening up for hobo Johnson a few years back so happy to see where he’s at now ❤️
@izzyhezz
Ай бұрын
He is better and way more deserving than Hobo.
@Not_impressed69
Ай бұрын
@@izzyhezzI was just about to say this lol
Wooooow from France!!! Coup de foudre!! ❤❤❤
Alicia Hall's voice is so soothing. When she said "That's how that works"... I could listen to an audio book with her voice all day.
LIGHT THE BEAM
Wow, at my lowest and needed this
@Shelleysnail
Ай бұрын
U got this uuuu, dude. 🤗
@venusbabe8409
Ай бұрын
Sending you love 💜
@anthonymcintosh7420
Ай бұрын
Hang in there dude. Darkest before the dawn.
@jessicakoiytgkutewynjtw
Ай бұрын
stay strong 💪🏻💖
@G.fairysk8
19 күн бұрын
“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you” - Ralph Waldo Emerson ❤❤❤ Keep your head up love I promise there is a light at the end of the tunnel ✨️
Sacramento Proud This is awesome
I searched Tiny Desk Concert to relisten to some of my favorites and decided to watch this one instead. SO GLAD I did, too!
If Electric Mayhem was a real band, this would be them. Songs are amazing. They need to write a musical ASAP
@tomdchi12
Ай бұрын
Oh wow! You found the words for exactly the two things I was feeling! I’m not a big fan of musicals but I’d love a musical by these folks AND there’s something about this that feels like an inheritance of the best of the Muppets’ great music and songs.
@alisong826
Ай бұрын
Yes! I can totally see them writing something as impactful and innovative as Hamilton. Lin Manuel pls meet these ppl!
@picasorpoints
Ай бұрын
I wanna see a Philharmonik-Boots Riley musical collab!
@tM-dp1bj
25 күн бұрын
@@picasorpointsfucckkkk. ya that's a good idea
This is crazy good, fingers crossed this hits millions and exposure pops off, would be well deserved, this is fire
This band and this vibe should be prescribed morning, noon and night, without moderation 🫶🏼 You guys are AMAZING !
I was lost in an insipid & colourless euphonious wasteland, until now! Thank you "The Philharmonik" & NPR Music.
Philharmonic is the truth. Great artist and a good person. Big things are in store for you! We support you in Sacramento
I’m in love with EVERY 1 of you at first sight and sound !
Let’s go Sacramento!!! Much deserved for such a talented local artist.
Love seeing all the love in the comments from family and friends of the band ❤️
This is so nice it brings tears to my eyes. Gil Scott-Heron reincarnated
@BrandAutopsy
Ай бұрын
Okay... I feel ya ...GSH meets Donny Hathaway with some John Legend for sure\
@ltlgaming2669
21 күн бұрын
Maybe the revolution will be televised… from a tiny desk! Thought the same😊 such talent!
He actually made it, woohooooooo!!!!! ^_^
This is the most creative Tiny desk that I've ever seen.
This is the soundtrack of my current life experiences.
Sacramento represent!!! Philharmonik let’s go!!! 🎉
BREATHE OF FRESH AIR..AMAZING PERFORMANCE
I love seeing friends and family in comment sections. Sometimes it feels llike these big superstars dont have that. Very cool
That boy is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Way to make Sacramento proud dawg!!!!!! Putting on for our city
God I love musicians. This is SO good! As much as I love seeing the 'stripped down' performances from some old popular favorites, seeing (hearing!) such a special group of artists perform who are not super famous but 1000% hold their own and honestly flourish in this format is so wonderful. It gives me hope! Keep rockin' y'all, I hope to see you on stage one day!
This gentleman and crew rocked my world, in the most beautiful way. I hope you have all the benefits and progression you all deserve.. I can fathom you all playing with Khruangbin on tour. Apologies if I'm behind the curve.
So stoked for you! Shared the stage with this legend 🔥🔥🔥
@arenomusic
15 күн бұрын
Dream come true
F you Pay me!!! is my whole vibe for today
The first time I hear the philharmonic I knew he was special. His songs are so well crafted and really thought out.. they are laced with such beautiful and poignant social commentary. I sent him some demos years ago and he wrote me and gave me feedback. To see where he rightfully is today after knowing his struggle to get here, is such an inspiration. Keep it up, brother. Sky is the limit
You guys are phenomenal! You’ve got a new listener, and I will force your music into the ears of everyone I know
Can’t think of anyone who deserved this more. I’ve been a fan for a while and I’m so glad my guy finally got on Tiny Desk! GET IT THE PHILHARMONIK!!!!
YALL KILLED THIS!!!!!!
This is so beautiful - true dedication for long years and here we are listening to some fantastic tunes!
I love the flute!
Witty lyrics + talent + fun + ties = Philharmonik. Felicidades.
Anyone feeling a lil' Reggie Watts flavor here? Love it!
@phatchick820
Ай бұрын
YUP...EXACTLY
@javarod
Ай бұрын
Feel not as though it is a sphere we live on. Rather, an infinite plane which has the illusion of leading yourself back to the point of origin.
@curtisbme
Ай бұрын
Reggie and John Legend's kid.
@Jokewill
Ай бұрын
And the world could use so much more of it❤
@miggidyschmiggs
Ай бұрын
I was thinking Billy Preston
Oh... That feeling of pure joy when you find a new artist that will be part of your favorites list.
This is easily one of the most refreshing musical breaths of fresh air from NPR I've heard in a couple months.... This was like having all your desert first and not even caring of you lose your appetite.
Great performance. Loved the buy in to the bit.