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Townie musician hopes to make it behind NPR’s Tiny Desk

Michael Carnes in the studios of WUGA
Michael Carnes in the studios of WUGA

Athens is known for fostering musical talent, so it’s no surprise that several local musicians auditioned this year for NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest. Thousands of people send in auditions for the contest every year—and only one can win. WUGA’s Emma Auer sat down with a few local entrants to this competition to get a peek into their art. Michael Carnes has been performing on indie stages in Athens for several years. This year, he sent in his song “Nothing New.” Here’s their conversation.

Emma Auer is an award-winning reporter who joined WUGA as a full-time producer in 2024. She is also a graduate student in UGA's Romance Languages Department, studying French and Spanish. She covers the breadth of Northeast Georgia stories, from Athens City Hall to Winterville farmers' markets.