Rhodes MK8 x Tiny Desk: Showcasing the Magic of the MK8

NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series has become a celebrated platform for intimate, raw performances that connect artists and audiences on a profound level. For Rhodes, seeing the Rhodes MK8 take center stage in these sessions is a testament to its timeless appeal and unmatched versatility. From jazz to Americana, this legendary instrument continues to bridge musical worlds with its signature warmth and dynamic tone.

Here are three standout Tiny Desk moments where the Rhodes MK8 played a starring role, delivering soul, groove, and heart in equal measure.

Keyon Harrold: Blending Genres

Jazz, R&B, and hip-hop converged in Keyon Harrold’s Tiny Desk performance—a set overflowing with emotion, virtuosity, and collaborative energy. Featuring an ensemble of stellar guests, including Robert Glasper, Nick Grant, and Tiana Major9, this session highlighted the Rhodes MK8 as an indispensable part of the ensemble.

Tracks like Find Your Peace and Foreverland came alive with the MK8’s signature tone, providing both lush harmonies and a supportive foundation. Whether underpinning Harrold’s soaring trumpet solos or complementing Glasper’s nuanced keys, the MK8 became the connective thread in this moving musical family reunion.

The performance culminated in the uplifting closer Beautiful Day, featuring PJ Morton, perfectly capturing Harrold’s message of friendship and connection.

Set Highlights:

  • Find Your Peace (feat. Robert Glasper, Nick Grant, and Tiana Major9)
  • Foreverland (feat. Robert Glasper and STOUT)
  • Beautiful Day (feat. PJ Morton)

Watch the full performance:

Remi Wolf: Quirky Funk and Soul

Remi Wolf’s Tiny Desk concert was a dazzling display of her signature quirky funk, soulful vocals, and creative spontaneity. With the Rhodes MK8 as a key element in her set, the performance balanced intimacy with electrifying energy.

From the sultry bossa nova rendition of Sexy Villain to the heartfelt grooves of Alone in Miami, the MK8 added richness and character to every note. Its expressive tone enhanced Remi’s dynamic vocal range, making each track a genre-defying experience that resonated deeply with listeners.

Set Highlights:

  • Sexy Villain
  • Alone in Miami
  • Motorcycle

Remi Wolf’s performance highlighted the Rhodes MK8’s ability to adapt to unconventional styles, proving its relevance in even the most avant-garde settings.

Watch the full performance:

Waxahatchee: A Beautiful Evolution

Katie Crutchfield, known as Waxahatchee, used her second Tiny Desk performance to celebrate artistic growth and emotional transformation. Backed by a five-piece band, she delivered an Americana-infused set with soulful lyricism and heartfelt storytelling, all supported by the warm, evocative tone of the Rhodes MK8.

Songs like Much Ado About Nothing and Right Back To It exemplified the MK8’s ability to balance tenderness with power, while the closing track Fire captured the essence of Crutchfield’s artistic evolution. The MK8’s rich sound amplified the emotional depth of her performance, making it unforgettable.

Set Highlights:

  • Much Ado About Nothing
  • Right Back To It
  • Fire

Watch the full performance:

The Rhodes MK8: A Timeless Sound for Every Stage

Whether anchoring lush harmonies in Keyon Harrold’s set, bringing funky charm to Remi Wolf’s eclectic style, or adding emotional weight to Waxahatchee’s Americana soul, the Rhodes MK8 proves its versatility time and again. Its timeless tone bridges genres and generations, solidifying its place as an essential instrument in the Tiny Desk legacy.

We are proud to see the Rhodes MK8 continue to inspire, connect, and elevate music in such meaningful ways.

Explore these incredible performances and let the magic of the Rhodes MK8 captivate you.

Customise yours today.

V8 & V8 Pro SUMMER SALE

30% Off

Unlock a 30% discount on the V8 series as part of the Rhodes Summer Sale.
Use code: SUMMER30

Start crafting your perfect Rhodes sound now with a 14-day free trial.

'Missing Keys' COMPETITION

WIN A RHODES MK8​

‘Missing Keys‘: Rhodes is asking you to soundtrack a short film with our new ‘V8’ software. 

Download a free 45 day trial of the v8 now.