The Philharmonik, 2024 Tiny Desk Contest Winner: Tiny Desk Concert

While each Tiny Desk concert is special in its own way, we only publish one annually from a Tiny Desk Contest winner. This year, that winner is The Philharmonik — an up-and-coming multi-genre artist from Sacramento, Calif. — whose entry rose to the top of nearly 7,000 entries submitted by independent artists.

In that entry, singer Christian Gates and his band proved they knew how to make a song shine behind a desk, performing in an office setting in business casual attire. They keep up the act at the Tiny Desk, with Gates cosplaying as the team’s boss; he showcases his expressive stage presence and expansive musical range all while sitting in a swiveling office chair.

The group kicks off its celebratory set with its winning song, “What’s It All Mean?” Then, Gates shifts to the upright piano to perform “Drugs,” a theatrical song he says “is for all of those who have thought about doing alternative things because the paycheck was not enough.” He returns to the keyboard for “Chasing…” before flexing his rap abilities on “Colors.” The Philharmonik closes with the catchy “Pay Me,” a song I’m sure plenty of disgruntled workers will want to sing to their bosses after watching this concert.

Although Gates’ life has changed overnight since winning the Contest, he stays humble throughout his set, continually crediting his team’s hard work. “This office is a group effort, and this is just another day at the office,” he says.

Rating:
  • Currently 0/5 stars.

Views: 100

Comment

You need to be a member of True Skool Network to add comments!

Join True Skool Network

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Juvenile
Friday, June 5 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

DaBoyDame w/ Keyshia Cole, Plies +more
Friday, June 19 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Buju Banton & Stephen Marley
Saturday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
5 hours ago
TEAM BIGGA RANKIN posted a discussion

Spotlight on Artist Sharon Marie Cline

Performed as a jazzy Cha Cha! It's a fun, festive and spicy take on this American classic jazz standard ! Breathing new life into this saucey piece!Arranged by Todd Hunter , this song can make smile make you dance and make you want to sing along!Click Here To Stream/Add to Spotify PlaylistsTodd Hunter-…See More
10 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted a discussion
yesterday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Feel Good Fridays with Renoir at Mad Oak Bar, Oakland

May 29, 2026 at 9pm to May 30, 2026 at 1am
FRIDAY, MAy 29Kick off your weekend at Feel Good Fridays! 🎧 Renoir (aka the Ren Vinyl Archaeologist) brings the best Hip Hop, Top 40, House & Throwbacks. Come dance and feel the good vibes! 🙌🔥Mad Oak Bar, Oakland •  FREE entry | 21+ | 9pm-1am>> RSVP Here…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Friday
Optical Media Manufacturing Inc is now a member of True Skool Network
Friday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Thursday
Editor's Pick posted videos
May 6
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
May 6
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

GZA OF WU-TANG CLAN FEAT. PHUNKY NOMADS at Yoshi's, Oakland

May 9, 2026 from 7:30pm to 11:30pm
MAY 9, 2026GZA OF WU-TANG CLAN FEAT. PHUNKY NOMADSYoshi's 510 Embarcadero West,Oakland, CA 946071ST SHOW: DOORS: 7:00PM / SHOW: 7:30PM 2ND SHOW: DOORS: 9:15PM / SHOW: 9:30PM>> BUY TICKETSSee More
May 6
realmuzik posted a discussion

Nayan Raina Turns a Late-Night Feeling Into a No. 1 Hit on Apple Music With “Phone”

There’s something quietly universal about staring at a phone screen, waiting for a message that never comes. For artist Nayan that feeling became the foundation for “Phone,” a hypnotic hip-hop duet with Yesha Sagar that has now reached No. 1 on Apple Music Video Chart.…See More
May 5

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service