Out of thousands of entries, one rose to the top.
We're proud to name New Orleans group Tank and the Bangas the winner of the 2017 Tiny Desk Contest!
Watch their Tiny Desk concert.
New Orleans’ Tank and the Bangas conveys its freewheeling spirit through a sound that combines pop, hip-hop, funk, spoken word and musical theater. The band’s entry video — set in an art classroom — won over our judges with its undeniable, joyful energy. Lead vocalist Tarriona “Tank” Ball has a playful way with words, thanks in part to her roots in New Orleans’ slam poetry scene. The band has played festivals all over the country, and has opened for artists like Big Freedia and Lianne La Havas.
We're excited to welcome Tank and the Bangas to the Tiny Desk at NPR in Washington, D.C., where the band will play its own Tiny Desk concert. The band will also appear at a taping of NPR's Ask Me Another and tour the United States with NPR and Lagunitas.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (SOLD OUT) • Monday, April 24
Tank and the Bangas appear on a live taping of NPR’s Ask Me Another with WNYC
NEW YORK, N.Y. •Wednesday, April 26
Tiny Desk Contest On The Road with WFUV
PHILADELPHIA, PA. • Tuesday, May 2
Tiny Desk Contest On The Road with WXPN
SEATTLE, WASH. • Monday, May 8
Tiny Desk Contest On The Road with KEXP
PETALUMA, CALIF. • Tuesday, May 9
Tiny Desk Contest On The Road with KQED and KRCB ft. Tank and the Bangas
PORTLAND, ORE. • Wednesday, May 10
Tiny Desk Contest On The Road with OPB ft. Tank and the Bangas
AZUSA, CALIF. • Thursday, May 11
Tiny Desk Contest On The Road with KVCR ft. Tank and the Bangas
CHICAGO, ILL. • Tuesday, May 16
Tiny Desk Contest On The Road with WBEZ ft. Tank and the Bangas
CHARLESTON, S.C. • Monday, May 22
Tiny Desk Contest On The Road with South Carolina Public Radio ft. Tank and the Bangas
NASHVILLE, TENN. • Tuesday, May 23
Tiny Desk Contest On The Road with WPLN and WMOT
AUSTIN, TEX. • Wednesday, May 24
Tiny Desk Contest On The Road with KUTX ft. Tank and the Bangas
NPR Music's Bob Boilen and Trey Anastasio announced the winner on Morning Edition.
All Things Considered's Ari Shapiro spoke with Tank later that day.
