NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert takes place in a tiny room at a tiny desk, however, there is nothing tiny about YOYO’s ambition.
YOYO is the stage name of USC senior Yohanna Bauerdorf. She recently debuted with her song, “Everything’s About Me.” The song is an uplifting pop tune about empowering yourself in a hard relationship.
But thanks to a contest from NPR, it could also land Bauerdorf behind the iconic Tiny Desk, which has been the venue for artists like Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and Dua Lipa.
“Watching Bobby Carter, who is basically the inventor of NPR Tiny Desk, talk about my submission and talk about my friends sitting at the Tiny Desk. It was so cool to watch that,” Bauerdorf said.
Bauerdorf submitted an 80s jazzercise-themed performance of “Everything’s About Me” backed by a band of fellow USC students as part of NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest. In this year’s contest, more than 7,000 artists from around the country submitted live music performances to be watched by NPR’s panel of judges.
The prize for the contest includes getting their own Tiny Desk concert in Washington, D.C., which gets millions of views online, an interview on NPR’s All Things Considered, a mentorship with a music industry professional, and the opportunity to go on tour with NPR Music.
After hearing about the contest, Bauerdorf knew she had to throw her hat in the ring.
“I found out about the competition last year through some friends who had submitted their own songs to the competition. And last year, I didn’t really think about submitting it at all because I didn’t have original music of my own at the time,” Bauerdorf said. “Over the last year, I’ve spent time working with other friends and songwriters, trying to come up with some songs and working out my sound.”
Bauerdorf has been making music her whole life, but it wasn’t until she came to USC and met friends in the pop music program that she began to take it seriously.
“At first, I actually hated it. I hated writing songs because hearing good music and knowing that I have an appreciation for music, but not being able to execute it on the first try was so frustrating to me,” Bauerdorf said. “It definitely took some warming up to realize that this is something that I can enjoy, and when I’m really focused on it, and create the sound that I want to come out from my artistry, it’s so worth it.”
And it’s not just the music that’s difficult. Creating a video worthy of the Tiny Desk comes with its own list of considerations: theme, lights, costumes, and set design. All together, it was a month of rehearsal and planning. But now that the video is out, Bauerdorf can finally breathe and enjoy her work.
“People, I have no idea who they are, [are] watching my song and really enjoying it. And so the exposure from that has already been super amazing and very confident instilling. No matter the result of the contest, it’s been such a win,” Bauerdorf said.
Even though the Bauerdorf already considers the contest a success, performing and submitting her music was still nerve-racking. Bauerdorf’s performance recently aired as part of NPR’s Top Shelf live stream, which showed the top entries picked by judges. Bauerdorf still remembers the anxiety she felt waiting for her song to appear.
“I was watching the live stream that day, and just like every act that they would highlight, I would have a pit in my stomach, because I was like, oh my gosh, what are they gonna say about me?” Bauerdorf said.
Fortunately for Bauerdorf, NPR hosts Bobby Carter and Robin Hilton had glowing reviews.
“This is from a band called YOYO. This is one of those videos where the moment you hit play, you know you’re in for something different,” they said. “You said it was the first song she’s ever written? Who writes a song like that out of the gate?”
Bauerdorf says the moment was surreal.
“They just had such kind things to say about my performance and just highlighting the effort that went into it, and really, just like acknowledging that there was so much work and community to have been gathered in order to make that product happen. It was just like a wave of relief falling over me, and I definitely cried throughout the whole thing,” Bauerdorf said.
NPR says the winner of the contest will be announced around May 13. In the meantime, Bauerdorf will focus on releasing her music on streaming platforms with her newfound boost in confidence.
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