Destin Conrad transformed NPR‘s Tiny Desk into a cozy jazz café during his debut appearance on the concert series. The singer and songwriter brought along a seven-piece band to perform selections from both albums he released last year, the R&B record Love on Digital, and its alt-jazz companion Whimsy.
Conrad opened with “Whip,” the first song on Whimsy. The record features Keyon Harrold, who plays trumpet throughout the live set. Sticking to the jazz beat, the musician continued with “Wash U Away,” “A Lonely Detective,” assisted by special guest Vanisha Gould, and “Love.”
Before moving into Love on Digital, Conrad cuts back to the beginning: his debut EP, Colorway. In 2021, he broke through with “In the Air,” which opens the nine-track project. “I want to see if we can get into my debut album, Love on Digital, real quick,” Conrad said as he transitioned into the final portion of the set. “Grammy nominated, by the way.”
The record is nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Next month, it will go up against Durand Bernarr’s Bloom, Bilal’s Adjust Brightness, FLO’s Access All Areas, and Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon’s Come As You Are. Love on Digital featured collaborations with Lil Nas X, Kehlani, Serpentwithfeet, Teezo Touchdown, and more.
“As I was making this album, I kind of conjured up an alter ego,” Conrad said. “He’s from London. He chain-smokes cigarettes. He only listens to jazz music. I would say make some noise for him, but he don’t deserve that. His name’s Mr. E.” The set continued, naturally, with “Mr. E,” followed by “So Nice” and “Kissing in Public.”
On Instagram, Conrad wrote that performing on Tiny Desk was an “honor.” The 24-year-old recently wrapped a headlining tour in support of Love on Digital.
