Inside SEVENTEEN’s ‘NPR Tiny Desk’ Taping: 3 Things You Didn’t See
In early November, a significant milestone was achieved in the world of K-pop as SEVENTEEN made their official debut on NPR’s iconic Tiny Desk concert series, becoming the first K-pop group to perform behind the famed desk in Washington, D.C. Their light stick now proudly adorns the set’s bookshelf, joining a collection of memorabilia from other notable musical guests like Sabrina Carpenter and her bedazzled martini glass. This performance not only marked a historic moment for the group but also highlighted the growing influence of K-pop in mainstream music, as they showcased their talent in a stripped-down, intimate setting that Tiny Desk is renowned for.
Performing at Tiny Desk presents unique challenges, particularly for a large ensemble like SEVENTEEN, which consists of 13 members. The rigorous standards of the series meant that the group had to adapt to an environment without floor monitors or vocal enhancements, pushing them to deliver a raw and authentic performance. Despite some initial nerves, particularly with member DK unable to join due to lost vocal strength, the group delivered a captivating medley of nine songs from their extensive catalog, including hits like “Hot” and “Clap.” The energy in the room was palpable, with Vernon expressing his amazement at the enthusiastic response from the audience, stating, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a response on Tiny Desk.” This performance not only showcased their musical prowess but also their ability to connect with fans, regardless of the venue size, proving that whether in front of thousands or a small office crowd, SEVENTEEN can command attention and charm.
As the performance was filmed and later shared on NPR’s YouTube channel, it provided a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of this historic debut. The producers emphasized the significance of this moment for both the group and the Tiny Desk series, as it reflects the increasing diversity in the music industry. SEVENTEEN’s ability to rise to the occasion amidst the constraints of the Tiny Desk format underscores their status as one of K-pop’s leading acts. This performance not only solidifies their place in music history but also paves the way for future K-pop artists to take the stage in similar intimate settings, further bridging the gap between genres and cultures.
In early November, one cluttered corner of the NPR office in Washington, D.C., received a new type of memento. As global superstars
SEVENTEEN
became the
first K-pop group to make their official
Tiny Desk
debut
in the U.S., their light stick took its rightful place on the set’s iconic bookshelf alongside a hoard of trinkets left by previous musical guests, including Sabrina Carpenter’s
bedazzled martini glass
— and
Billboard
was once again on hand to witness it all, from rehearsal to goodbyes.
Related
SEVENTEEN Makes History as Tiny Desk’s First K-Pop Act Despite Being ‘Super Nervous’ to Perform
While a
few
offshoots
of NPR’s concert series have welcomed K-pop acts in the past, SEVENTEEN members Joshua, Mingyu, Seungkwan, Vernon and Dino were the first to perform behind the actual desk. And filming in the office base meant the most rigorous of standards were set in place: no floor monitors, no in-ears, no post-production magic or vocal touch-ups. Taken together, these are no small asks, even for veteran performers now a decade into their careers.
Then there’s the matter of size. “Any group with a large number of lead singers is hard to bring to the desk,” says Suraya Mohamed, executive producer for NPR Music, who adds that vocalist DK was originally supposed to attend the shoot before losing his voice. While a sprawling ensemble in its entirety may
technically
be able to squeeze into the space, she explains, that’s without accompanying band members and several instruments. Plus, only around five or six people comfortably fit in the front of the desk.
All these challenges combined, beyond creating the raw, authentic atmosphere that
Tiny Desk
has come to be known for, stretch artists to reach new highs, say its producers. And trust SEVENTEEN to rise to the occasion. All the world’s a stage for K-pop’s main theater kids, who recently wrapped the U.S. leg of their NEW_ world tour. Whether they’re
playing to 18,000 cheering fans
or an office of public media employees, it’s hard not to walk away from one of their shows inexplicably and irrevocably charmed.
In the video posted to NPR’s
YouTube
channel on Monday (Nov. 24), the group confesses to having experienced some nervousness before the shoot. But while working through a medley of nine songs spanning years of their
catalog
— from blistering hits “Hot” and “Clap” to beloved b-side “To You,” with a fair share of stellar high notes sprinkled in — those nerves were more than melted away by the warm reception in the room. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a response on
Tiny Desk
,” Vernon says, visibly blown away by the energy the crowd gives them throughout. “This is awesome. Thank you so much.”
Given all that went on behind the camera, here’s a roundup of 3 things you didn’t see in SEVENTEEN’s
Tiny Desk
debut.
