We lately reached out to our 2022 Contest winner, Alisa Amador, about writing for the Tiny Desk Contest e-newsletter. She wrote about how the Contest modified her life and her recommendation to the Tiny Desk Contest neighborhood:

Hello. I am Alisa (ah-LEE-sah). I received the Contest final yr, and I by no means, ever imagined I might. Not as a result of I do not imagine in my artwork (though I am certain I am not alone once I say, typically it is freakin’ laborious to imagine in your self!), however as a result of I by no means entered the Contest for the aim of successful. I entered yearly for 5 years as a result of it at all times launched me to incredible artists. It jogged my memory that I truly wasn’t alone — as a lot as it may appear so whenever you’re an impartial musician. There have been 1000’s of different impartial artists all around the nation, sending of their unique music, too.

Since successful the Contest in Could 2022, I’ve toured all around the nation, sharing the stage with a number of the individuals I like most, like Lake Road Dive, Madison Cunningham and Sammy Rae & the Associates; felt overwhelming pleasure as one in every of my largest inspirations, Puerto Rican songwriter iLe, talked about my music on NPR; and performed my first tour within the U.Ok. and Europe. (Additionally, I simply came upon that my subsequent present in London is offered out, so I’ve had so as to add one other present!)

All of this sounds very spectacular however, what means probably the most to me on this new chapter of being a working musician is the neighborhood — is how not alone I really feel. I really need individuals to know that the Tiny Desk Contest is a window into a complete neighborhood, and that it is the individuals who make the actual distinction. I would like you to take part on this Contest as a result of it is going to change your life, even when solely in a small, however nonetheless vital means. Believing in your artwork sufficient to press “ship” on the appliance: That adjustments your life. If you meet a brand new buddy and supply of inspiration by way of the Contest: That adjustments your life. If you notice you are not alone on this isolating business: That adjustments your life.

I’m so deeply grateful for the presents the Contest has given me — earlier than and after I received. I’m about to go on tour all through the U.S. with Emily Scott Robinson and Violet Bell. I’ve an incredible group that I belief. I’m studying the right way to handle myself, imagine in myself and battle for a more healthy music business tradition.

I’ve by no means appreciated the phrase “Contest.” So, as a substitute of calling it “coming into the Contest,” let’s name it “coming into the neighborhood.” I invite you to enter the Tiny Desk neighborhood. Uncover artists who encourage you. They could grow to be a few of your greatest associates (that is what occurred to me with Cricket Blue, Hayley Sabella and Kaiti Jones). And keep in mind that you’re not alone. You aren’t alone.

Additionally, music is enjoyable! I might forgotten that for some time. I am so grateful to be remembering it now.

The Tiny Desk Contest helped take Amador’s music and profession to the following stage. Might you be subsequent? Enter the Contest at npr.org/tinydeskcontest by March 13 at 11:59 p.m. ET.