The 2019 Winner: Quinn Christopherson

Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Quinn Christopherson is an Athabaskan and Inupiaq songwriter who combines thoughtful songwriting with a powerful sense of perspective. His music is warm and vulnerable; in it, he reflects on his childhood, honors the relationships in his life and addresses his role as a transgender individual navigating Alaska's social landscape.

The Winning Video

what the judges said

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Bob Boilen

Quinn Christopherson is a vulnerable performer with a powerful voice and a mighty message. His song “Erase Me” comes from his unique perspective. It is thoughtful and heartfelt. Quinn is truly a one-of-a-kind talent and I can’t wait to hear more from him.

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Rodney Carmichael

Some artists have something unique to say. Others have a unique way to say something. Rarely do you come across both: a singular message delivered by a singular voice. Quinn blew me away on both fronts.

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Abbie Gobeli

Quinn Christopherson is an astounding artist who uses his artistry to connect to others on a very vulnerable level. I'm so grateful to Quinn for sharing his journey, and I can't wait for others to find their own voice in his work as well. 

LucyDacus credit Elizabeth Weinberg
Lucy Dacus

Among many wonderful entries, Quinn's performance stood out for its honesty, vulnerability and originality. ... The song itself is so simple that you could be tricked into thinking it would have been easy to write, but sometimes the most difficult songs to share are the ones that communicate a complex feeling concisely and poetically.

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Jason Isbell

Quinn has a unique perspective that needs to be heard, and he’s a gifted writer and captivating performer. I admire the honesty in his song and his identity.

Raul Campos credit Marc Goldstein
Raul Campos

Quinn has a very emotional and fresh style that made his performance in his entry video extremely engaging and captivating.

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Ledisi

NPR’s Tiny Desk is known for creativity with edge; for music art that oozes originality, risk and heart. Quinn Christopherson represents that kind of versatility. Congratulations to him on a beautiful display of authenticity.

hear more about Quinn Christopherson

NPR Music's Bob Boilen and Lucy Dacus announced the winner on Morning Edition.  

Later that day, Quinn spoke with NPR's Audie Cornish on All Things Considered.

Watch the entries

Here's where you can watch videos from the musicians who've entered the 2019 Tiny Desk Contest. Find your band's entry, or just have a look around at what everyone's been creating. 

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