Independent hip hop artist MusicSnake is making waves in the music scene with a unique twist on his song “Cold Storage,” as he throws his hat into the ring for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest. The rapper recently dropped a live version of the track on his YouTube channel, specially crafted for the renowned contest, and it’s catching attention for its fresh take on the original studio version.
The live video, meticulously filmed for the Tiny Desk contest, features MusicSnake’s personal touch, as he takes the stage with his band, including a back vocalist, to present a fresh take on “Cold Storage.” In this version, the tempo slows down, and a different set of instruments takes center stage. Departing from the studio version’s violins and electronic beats, MusicSnake opts for the rhythm of drums, the pulse of a bass guitar, and the harmonies of a keyboard with pedals.
NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest, sponsored by CapitalOne and Lagunitas, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The rules are straightforward: legal U.S. residents must create a video featuring them playing an original song at a desk and upload it by February 21. The grand prize? A chance to play a Tiny Desk concert at NPR in Washington, D.C., be featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, and headline NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour.
This year, the panel of judges has grown substantially, featuring Tiny Desk producers Bobby Carter and Robin Hilton, alongside Tiny Desk alums Bobby Wooten, Durand Bernarr, Julien Baker, MUNA, NEFFY, and NIKI. The panel also boasts industry experts like publicist Loren Medina, manager Brendan O’Connell, record label president Nabil Ayers, and writer Keanna Faircloth. NPR Member station hosts Amelia Mason of WBUR, Novena Carmel of KCRW, and Stas THEE Boss of KEXP round out the impressive lineup.
For MusicSnake, 2024 marks his debut in the Tiny Desk Contest. Born in Belarus, the independent hip hop artist and producer relocated to the United States due to his outspoken views against the oppressive Belarusian government. Since 2013, MusicSnake has been a vocal supporter of the Bitcoin movement, advocating for financial equality and a transparent economy. The artist has even announced his attendance at the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville.
Adding to his crypto credentials, MusicSnake recently unveiled the CryptoSnake Deals page on his musicsnake.com website. “Cold Storage” is not his first foray into the world of cryptocurrency-themed tracks; earlier releases like “Icy Flight” (2020), “Crypto Creep” (2022), and “Stack Sats” (2023) showcase the rapper’s commitment to incorporating crypto narratives into his music.
To catch MusicSnake’s Tiny Desk Contest entry and delve into his unique fusion of hip hop and cryptocurrency, check out his Tiny Desk Contest page here. Will MusicSnake’s crypto-infused vibes stand out in the 10th-anniversary edition of NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest? Only time will tell.
