Making The Invisible Visible: The Music Director
In a world where the loudest voices often get the most attention, those working behind the scenes in fashion, art, music, tech, and culture can remain unseen. "Making the Invisible Visible" brings their stories to the forefront. This series highlights niche creatives whose contributions shape our culture yet often go unrecognized. It’s about giving these unsung heroes their flowers, revealing the dedication behind their craft, and exploring why their impact is profound despite their relative invisibility. Through their stories, we celebrate the overlooked brilliance that keeps creativity alive.
NPR Tiny Desk Concert: Doechii
“It is a moment to not only give them their flowers but also glimpse the juxtaposition between their untiring commitment to their craft and why they’re often invisible despite their contributions.”
When you watch your favorite artist perform, it’s easy to focus on the star of the show. But the band behind them does much more than accompany. They paint vivid pictures, breathing life into the music in ways that feel almost magical. And if you look even closer—beyond the band—you’ll uncover the creative forces orchestrating it all.
Watching Doechii’s Tiny Desk concert reminded me how much artistry often goes unnoticed. Ten seconds in, I hit pause, grabbed my phone, and messaged my cousin Jared K. Brown, a fellow musician: “Who’s the MD?” His reply was immediate: “Slim Wav.”
I grew up in a musical family surrounded by singers, producers, songwriters, and musicians. My father was a session musician in the ’70s, and I even had a brief stint as a musician in my teens. While I don’t know Slim Wav personally, I know his world—a space where craft and community intersect. One thing about being a musician is that everyone knows everyone. Slim’s reputation had already reached me long before I experienced his work.
Slim Wav is a five-time Grammy-nominated producer, musician, artist, multi-instrumentalist, and music director. He doesn’t arrange songs; he creates experiences. His work on Doechii’s Tiny Desk concert, his fifth time directing for the series, showcased storytelling through sound at the highest level.
Trusted by Doechii to bring her vision to life, Slim exceeded expectations, blending 1940s jazz with hip-hop to create something bold, unexpected, and deeply personal. He reimagined her songs into a rich, immersive soundscape where swing-era sophistication met contemporary beats. Slim thrilled fans with a performance that seamlessly bridged genres—from jazz to hip-hop, gospel to rock—pulling listeners into a space where past and present converged beautifully. This wasn’t merely a concert; it was an intimate, intentional offering that forged profound connections between artist and audience and brought musicians to the forefront, celebrating thier craft as art.
Handpicked by Slim, the band embodied his vision with extraordinary precision and creativity. Tyler Victoria’s guitar added depth and soul, while Dee Simone’s drumming delivered an electrifying heartbeat. Tatiana Tate’s trumpet and arrangements painted vivid soundscapes, while Hammondgal’s keyboards added elegance. DJ Miss Milan’s uniqueness, backed by the harmonies of BREN’NAE and Emmani, provided richness, while Keschia Potter’s saxophone soared with passion. Zuri Appleby’s bass anchored the performance, serving as the magnetic force holding every element together.
This wasn’t simply a performance. It was an unforgettable experience that transcended music. Every note told a vivid story, and every arrangement created a moment of connection. It was a celebration of artistry, musicianship, and the magic that happens when creative visionaries push boundaries, honor their purpose, and expand what’s possible.
Slim’s leadership extended far beyond musical arrangements. He cultivated an environment where the band’s artistry could flourish. For many musicians, performing on Tiny Desk is a milestone—a moment that validates years of dedication. Slim elevated that milestone, making it a performance to be remembered. His appreciation for platforms like NPR and Tiny Desk producer Bobby Carter was evident. “The culture needs individuals like Bobby and his team,” Slim remarked, acknowledging their impact in amplifying underrepresented voices.
Reflecting on Slim’s work reminded me of my own journey. Music was always present in my life, teaching me to value the brilliance and the smallest detail behind every performance. Slim and his band didn’t simply play; they made me pause and consider the unseen hands and vision shaping extraordinary moments.
This musical experience stands out as one of the most influential Tiny Desk sets to date, and I believe that’s because of Slim’s vision. His ability to blend history with innovation and staying true to his craft, he created something deeply intentional. This was more than music direction-it was the art of connection at its finest.
Next time you watch your favorite artist perform, I challenge you to look deeper—beyond the vocals, past the instruments, and into the creative genius bringing it all together. This wasn’t just entertainment; it was a celebration of artistry, leadership, and vision.
What other stories like this are waiting to be uncovered? And how often do we pause to recognize the brilliance behind the things we love?
