NPR’s Tiny Desk has opened its doors to innumerable A-listers over the past year. In 2024, Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Chaka Khan, Sean Paul, Ne-Yo, Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, and Chappell Roan, amongst countless other viral stars, all took to the small stage to perform intimate renditions of their latest and greatest hits. But when it came to choosing a winner for the Tiny Desk Contest, the champion surprised the whole internet.
The Philharmonik — otherwise known as Christian Gates, an Ohio-born, California-based multi-instrumentalist and genre-crosser — stole the crown with his bluesy, funky, soulful pop hit, “What’s It All Mean?” Music Man readers can check out his awesome competition entry music video in the second clip below!
His infectious, winning track embeds summery optimism in its retro grooves, bringing the vintage back into fashion as The Philharmonik composes like a wonder of the 1970s. When The Philharmonik reprised the track at his winner’s gig at NPR’s iconic Tiny Desk set, the vibes were even sunnier amid his cluster of bandmates and backing vocalists.
After wowing his live audience with his contest-winning song, The Philharmonik broke into an effortless piano flourish, before treating fans to his comedic, storytelling-styled song, “Drugs,” about making an illegal income to pay off rent and college debts.
But hidden beneath the thick glaze of hilarity are honest and refreshing sentiments on the harsh realities of a traumatic adulthood, “That’s the reason I don’t villainize / People committing nonviolent crimes / So they can afford to live their life / And sleep under roofs on stormy nights / Who are you to judge?”
Next up, the band performed the soul-R&B tune, “Chasing,” and the rap-laced “Colors,” followed by the closing song, “Pay Me,” which saw a return to The Philharmonik’s Cee Lo Green-style of funky, uplifting songwriting.
Christian Gates first began playing piano when he was just six years old, and in 2018 debuted his project, The Philharmonik, with a self-titled, self-produced studio album. Soon after releasing his latest album, “Kironic,” in 2022, The Philharmonik reached global recognition, not only sweeping up his win at the Tiny Desk Contest, but taking the top spot at the 2023 American Songwriter contest too!
And from one look at The Philharmonik’s list of musical influences, it’s not hard to imagine how he managed to pull his diverse soundscape together into one electrifying force. From Bach and Beethoven to Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, Ozzy Osbourne, and Michael Jackson, The Philharmonik tangles inspirations from across the board, topped by an addictive personality which truly turns his tracks into all-out hits.
The Philharmonik has truly captivated audiences worldwide, proving that his unique blend of retro-inspired sounds is not just a nostalgic echo but a lively, contemporary anthem. With his award-winning hit “What’s It All Mean?” he has firmly established himself as a standout voice in the music scene. To discover more about this exceptional artist and watch his impressive Tiny Desk Contest entry, click the links below.