How the Scarface Tiny Desk Almost Didn't Happen

I often make it a point to not disclose behind the scenes activities, especially when it comes to specific artists; but when I do share, my hope is to give you a unique, descriptive, and applicable look at the gears inside the machine of the music industry. And in this case, I wanted to share the importance of problem solving, which often requires finding solutions before most of the world discovers there’s even a problem.

As you’ve probably seen, Scarface reunited with longtime collaborator Mike Dean on NPR’s iconic “Tiny Desk” series this past week. If you haven’t seen the incredibly impassioned, masterful performance, which Tiny Desk’s producer Bobby Carter called “the best hip-hop tiny desk of all time”, you can check it out below.

But the instant classic almost didn’t happen.

I’ll get back to that in a moment…

First, let me tell you how the Tiny Desk moment did happen.

Scarface and I were talking a few month ago about putting together a tour with his band, and the idea of doing a Tiny Desk seemed like the perfect way to let the world know how dope his band really was. He said he wanted to make it happen, so it was up to me to put the plan in motion.

I didn’t have an updated contact at Tiny Desk, so I simply googled “Tiny Desk producer”, and eventually found the person who was in charge of many of the most recent hip-hop performances. When I couldn’t find his email, I followed him on Twitter and IG, and reached out blindly through DM. My message was short and sweet, and briefly explained how many people don’t know how dope of a guitar player and producer Scarface really is, and that he’d be a perfect fit for Tiny Desk. Luckily, he was a fan and understood the possibilities, so he responded with his email contact.

So, while we’re not always going to be pitching something that the person receiving our message will appreciate, it’s our job to make them see how they can benefit in a brief and concise manner.

Now, fast forward to October 30th (two days before we were scheduled to record Tiny Desk). I received a call and it’s Scarface. He informed me he didn’t think the band was going to be ready; and to make matters worse, their flights hadn’t been booked, so we would probably need to push the Tiny Desk taping back.

As you can imagine, the majority of the iconic artists that we’ve all come to love and revere are rigid perfectionists. Their sharp attention to detail is the secret sauce which allows them to go exceptionally deep and sculpt the classic songs that move and inspire the rest of us.

Scarface is no exception. He’s a strict stickler who refuses to rest until every single note is perfect. And as many have just learned, not only is Face one of the greatest lyricists of all time, but also a highly proficient guitar player and accomplished producer.

So when Scarface called me two days before the show, it wasn’t an ordinary preparation call; but a code red memorandum to inform me the band wasn’t ready for this high profile performance. Something to the extent of… “I don’t know E. Tell them we gonna have to push it back."

Of course, I supported my client and was willing to do whatever he felt was necessary. But because Tiny Desk is such a sought after opportunity, I informed Face that if we were to push it back, it would probably be many months before we could find another date. So he agreed to go through with his scheduled practice that night, and report back afterward.

I immediately alerted the producer of Tiny Desk of the concern, but told him to hold tight, because it could go either way. I’m sharing this part, because it’s important to always be honest in these situations as early as possible, as a lot of staff, fans, and others can be affected by a sudden change of plans. And I truly believe those who are reliant on you appreciate the transparency, even if you’re delivering bad news.

But the next day (just one day before the show) Face called me, and the conversation went like this…

Me: “What you got for me? I hope it’s good news.”

Scarface: “I’ve got some news that’s gonna fuck up your day.”

Me: “Damn. What is it?”

Scarface: “Mike Dean is coming to Tiny Desk.”

For those of you who don’t know Mike Dean’s expansive discography, just look it up. You’ll see why this was such huge deal. And with that piece of good fortune, Scarface was immediately at ease, because he knew the person who created the music with him would be in the building.

But that meant I also had to help figure out getting the band to DC that night, which is not usually a job that falls onto my plate as the booking agent. However, this task was too important to fumble, and with some help from our team, we made it happen.

And the rest is history.

I hope you’re all having a good holiday season, and you’ve got some big plans for 2024!

Keep following your heart and chasing your dreams.

And as always, I’m here to answer any questions I can about booking, touring, or the music business in general. Feel free to hit me.

Peace and blessings.