Source: Tim Mosenfelder / Getty
Earlier this year, NPR, and its music-focused extension NPR Music, invited amateur music artists to submit their works to a contest that would give winners the opportunity to perform on the highly popular “Tiny Desk Concert” series. Over 6,000 videos were submitted in the contest’s third year, and after going through a panel of ten judges, the New Orleans’ funk band Tank and the Bangas, was announced as the winner. The band’s unique style and musical ingenuity caused the group to grow an audience over the years. After touring in the U.S., as well as in Europe, the band sold out shows in venues across the globe.
Led by singer Tarriona “Tank” Ball, the six-piece group’s fun and funky submission,”Quick,” was selected and the group won a trip to perform at the site’s offices in Washington, D.C. They also were invited to headline a cross-country tour throughout the year.
The soulful and poetic energy from the band were fan favorites, with performances of their songs “Quick,” “Boxes And Squares,” and “Rollercoasters, a tribute to an amusement park that was destroyed in their New Orleans neighborhood.
As NPR Music celebrated its 10th year, there was no better choice to close out the anniversary party than Tank and the Bangas. The joyous energy from Tank and fellow vocalist Angelica “Jelly” Joseph, which seems to echo the vibrant instrumentation of their band, captivated attendees. During a particularly heart-warming moment, Tank called members of the NPR Music team to the stage to thank them for their support since the band’s initial contest win, which in many ways changed their lives.
Check out the performance from Tank and the Bangas above, and to see more NPR Tiny Desk performances, click here.
