Tiny Desk Radio Highlights Solo Acts from Former Band Leaders

NPR’s Tiny Desk Radio series recently presented three solo performances by artists who were previously central to well-known groups. The episodes feature Caroline Polachek, co-founder of the indie-pop band Chairlift; Flea, bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers; and Natalie Merchant, former vocalist of 10,000 Maniacs. Each artist recorded a Tiny Desk Concert that is now available for streaming.

NPR

The Tiny Desk Radio program is produced by Walter Ray Watson, Dhanika Pineda and Noah Caldwell. Technical direction is handled by Neil Tevault, while Lars Gotrich serves as series editor. Executive production is overseen by Suraya Mohamed, and Sonali Mehta holds the role of executive director of NPR Music. The series’ theme music was composed by Kaelin Ellis. These credits are listed in the program’s introductory material.

NPR

• Caroline Polachek – Singer-songwriter who helped launch Chairlift and now performs as a solo artist.

NPR

• Flea – Long-time bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, appearing with the Honora Band for his Tiny Desk set.

NPR

• Natalie Merchant – Former lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs, presenting a solo concert under the Tiny Desk banner.

NPR

Each performance showcases the artists’ individual musical styles while referencing the sounds that made their original bands notable.

NPR

The Tiny Desk Concert recordings are accessible through NPR’s website and can be streamed on local NPR stations that carry Tiny Desk Radio. Listeners can also find the videos on YouTube via the links provided in the series’ promotional material.

NPR