Podcast Summary: All Of It – Episode: From Tiny Desk to Global Sound

Host: Alison Stewart
Guests: Josh Rogeson (Former Tiny Desk Engineer and Creator of Global Sound Concerts) and Jenna Lee (Program Director at NYPL's Studio 40)
Release Date: April 21, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, Alison Stewart delves into the evolution of NPR’s beloved Tiny Desk Concerts and explores the emergence of a new series, Global Sound Concerts. The conversation features insights from Josh Rogeson, the former engineer behind Tiny Desk Concerts, and Jenna Lee, the program director at the New York Public Library’s Studio 40.

From Tiny Desk to Global Sound Concerts

Alison Stewart sets the stage by tracing the origins of Tiny Desk Concerts, which began in 2008 as an intimate performance series within NPR’s headquarters. Josh Rogeson, a pivotal figure in the success of Tiny Desk, shares his transition to creating Global Sound Concerts.

Josh Rogeson:
“Global Sound Concerts travel and film live shows with artists in their home cities and in locations that matter to them… we’ve recorded in Spain, Mexico, and Australia”
[02:42]

Jenna Lee elaborates on the inspiration behind Global Sound Concerts, likening it to a music-focused version of Anthony Bourdain’s cultural explorations.

Jenna Lee:
“I just thought, what a cool thing to do. Why don't I create a show that's… discovering culture through music as opposed to discovering culture through food. So hence Global Sound Concerts was born.”
[04:47]

Behind the Scenes: Astor Hall Recording and Little Kruta

The episode highlights a unique recording session in Astor Hall at the New York Public Library, featuring the string ensemble Little Kruta. Jenna Lee discusses the challenges and triumphs of capturing their performance in such a reverberant space.

Jenna Lee:
“We had the most unbelievable privilege of recording in Astor hall at the New York Public Library… the stunning resonance of this room… we had to do it bright and early before the library opened.”
[04:00]

The ensemble’s performance was meticulously engineered to preserve the room’s natural acoustics, showcasing the blend of technical skill and artistic sensitivity required for such setups.

The Public Song Project: Encouraging Musical Creativity

Josh Rogeson introduces the Public Song Project, an initiative encouraging listeners to submit songs inspired by the public domain, including poems, books, and movies. This project aims to democratize music creation by providing a platform for both amateur and professional musicians.

Josh Rogeson:
“You just have to put your own spin on it… like Eli Wing did with this Robert Frost poem, An Interrupted Cry Came.”
[00:29]

The project fosters community engagement, inviting participants to reinterpret and connect with cultural artifacts through music.

Studio 40: Empowering New York's Musicians

Jenna Lee provides an overview of Studio 40, the NYPL’s flagship public recording studio. She emphasizes its role in democratizing access to high-quality recording equipment and education for New York’s aspiring musicians and audio engineers.

Jenna Lee:
“Studio 40 is a public recording studio… equipped with full equipment to do all kinds of music recording. We have community engineers who train and learn Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton mixing… all for free through the New York Public Library's resources.”
[13:03]

This initiative not only supports artists in creating their work but also fosters a vibrant community of creators who benefit from free resources and expert guidance.

Insights into Audio Engineering

The conversation shifts to the intricacies of audio engineering, where Jenna Lee and Josh Rogeson share valuable lessons from their careers. Preparation and anticipation emerge as key themes in ensuring successful recordings.

Jenna Lee:
“To be prepared… think ahead, what is gonna happen… make sure I have all the cables… make a test recording before I leave the studio.”
[17:54]

Jenna Lee:
“When I started at NPR, we spent hours planning every single cable for the Newport Folk Festival… that laid the foundation for setting up the studio at NYPL.”
[19:14]

These insights underscore the importance of meticulous planning and adaptability in the field of audio engineering.

The Future of Global Sound Concerts and Field Recordings

Looking ahead, Jenna Lee discusses her plans to expand Global Sound Concerts to educational institutions, such as her upcoming trip to Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. She aims to inspire students and emerging artists through interactive recording sessions and field recordings.

Jenna Lee:
“I’m using it as an opportunity to pay it forward… to inspire the next generation of audio engineers and musicians.”
[19:39]

She also expresses a desire to develop a curriculum focused on field recordings, emphasizing the significance of capturing music in diverse environments beyond traditional studio settings.

Jenna Lee:
“We need great content that isn't just in studio content… making these wonderful field recordings that I'm so enamored with.”
[20:12]

Notable Performances and Memories

The episode revisits memorable Tiny Desk performances, notably Mac Miller's concert. Jenna Lee reflects on the emotional weight of recording Mac Miller shortly before his passing, highlighting the deep connections fostered through such intimate performances.

Jenna Lee:
“We caught that performance very, very, within two weeks of his untimely death. It was such a wow moment.”
[10:22]

The camaraderie and authenticity captured during these sessions exemplify the unique allure of live, unfiltered musical performances.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the discussion by reiterating the collaborative efforts of Josh Rogeson and Jenna Lee in bridging the gap between traditional studio recordings and immersive field experiences. The episode emphasizes the ongoing mission to make music creation accessible, preserve authentic performances, and foster a thriving community of artists and engineers.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jenna Lee:
  “Studio 40 is a public recording studio… all for free through the New York Public Library's resources.”
  [13:03]

• Josh Rogeson:
  “Why don't I create a show that's… discovering culture through music as opposed to discovering culture through food. So hence Global Sound Concerts was born.”
  [04:47]

• Jenna Lee:
  “We had the most unbelievable privilege of recording in Astor hall at the New York Public Library… the stunning resonance of this room.”
  [04:00]

• Jenna Lee:
  “I think sharing and creating art is like, as close to God as you can get if there's such a thing.”
  [14:10]

This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive exploration of the transition from intimate office performances to global field recordings, highlighting the dedication and passion of those who strive to make culture and music accessible to all.