Dan Deacon: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Sometime years from now I may be asked: What was your favorite day at NPR? I am likely to say it's the day Dan Deacon got the NPR staff worked up into a giant dance party! It's also the day Deacon and staff wheeled in an upright piano and connected it to his computer - a magical mix of old player piano and electronic avant-garde.
Yes, Deacon makes electronic music and dance music, but it's not the thump thump thump stuff you'd go to a club for. It's a mix of Brian Eno, Philip Glass and your kids' birthday party (if you were the cool parents your kids wished they had).
Dan came toting songs and that piano from his new record (which is quickly becoming my favorite of his), Gliss Riffer. The party really kicked into gear with the second song. And by the end you'll find me and my All Songs Considered co-host doing wild dance moves with 100 people. There'd never been a day at NPR quite like this!
Set List
"Feel the Lightning" 1:46
"Sheathed Wings" 9:00
"Learning to Relax" 16:32
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Maggie Starbard; Audio Engineer: Al Schatz; Videographers: Colin Marshall, Morgan McCloy, Nick Michael, Maggie Starbard; Assistant Producer: Michaela Gugliotta; photo by Colin Marshall/NPR

[@knobwrangler]

I saw this dude live. He had 4 keyboardists, 3 xylophonists, and 6 guitar players. Also 2 drummers. It was the awesomest most surreal thing ever. Treasure Island Music Festival.

[@angiearnold8911]

Wow. 💜

[@gregofkickapoo]

Let's Go. Dan Deacon's music is my spirit animal!

[@Aibee-wp7zx]

@@gregofkickapoo

[@arleydelaroche5430]

This is why I LOVE seeing Dan Deacon live. He cracks jokes, commands the audience, and allows people to cut loose & be their silliest, most youthful version of themselves. I'm taking a friend to his concert in August, and I am bringing her into it COMPLETELY blind. She hasn't listened to any of his music ever nor seen clips of his stuff, so it'll be great to witness her experience this for the very first time!

[@diciabadines2886]

Dan Deacon straight up did a team building activity for 30 minutes

[@averyetvspecial1487]

He’s the David Brent of electronic music.

[@TheOrangeZephyr]

'Vibrating claw hand' is essential to really get that Dan Deacon sound.

[@tovermoran4360]

Going forwards I'd like to apply the Vibrating Claw Hand to many situations in life.

[@gloamingchild]

Did anyone else get really choked up watching this?

[@joshuagoldner8380]

The piano and vocal effects are weirdly touching and beautiful, it touches something deep within that's been buried I think, some sort of childlike presence. Cool shit

[@garrettmccleery6038]

I had the weirdest feeling come over my body and legit had tears in my eyes. I don’t know what it was I don’t listen to this type of music very often.

[@dkesti531]

I think it's because people are dancing in the day, sober, in a moment in time where you're supposed to be put together. I love it.

[@mahalokid]

Yeah feel the lightning gets me

[@decibully1984]

Glad I’m not the only one

[@TayloCurt-tt8pz]

I have never heard of dan. But i can feel the energy from this concert he has mastered humanity and what can make us move. We need a lot more people like this in these times.

[@vaepuer2290]

I cry when I hear this music. How can something be so happy?

[@daveyjonez6820]

It's always a good feeling when you're reminded how wonderful humans CAN be

[@countblainer]

Deacon just raised the bar for Tiny Desk Concerts

[@Jay-fq8uz]

Eh not really every person is different that the beauty of it.

[@iangoodisDMX]

He raised alot of things. His ensemble is a spiritual experience

[@iangoodisDMX]

@@Jay-fq8uz people bring the heat in NPR shows

[@djknat]

You don't watch other TDC's?

[@nikkilakglosenklan902]

@@djknat Ya know, they probably have after five years lol

[@OysterWallace]

Deacon is color, Deacon is magic, Deacon is energy Deacon is happiness

[@bernhagen93]

ＶＮＮＶ deacon is love deacon is life

[@lordoflame212]

Deacon is my beacon

[@sbm9190]

He is time. He is really alive.

[@JukeHighwalker]

You're all fagg0ts...

[@adamsimpson731]

Going to a Dan Deacon show was one of the best concerts of my life... and it was followed by Lightning Bolt!

[@bobmacabre6873]

It sounds like you met a group of intergalactic sound guardians…

[@ChristopherBroomeBalt]

Whartscape?

[@derekfd399]

Dude I was at that show! Or maybe there were several?? Some old masonic temple like place in Bushwick? Felt like my heart was going to explode out of my chest. One of the best shows of my life. Saw him a couple years later ar the Warsaw on this tour and he did all the same dance contest/hive mind dance that he did here. Except it was like 400 people!

[@spacecadetred2388]

That sounds like one of the best things ever

[@O-666]

Wow what a show that must have been!

[@wyattisrite5153]

The NPR staff looks pretty much exactly like I expected them to.

[@yoyodynepropulsion6484]

@Harrison Bergeron truth lol

[@fau8908]

@Harrison Bergeron Ooh, someone is jealous!

[@jackdaone6469]

@@fau8908 Why would anyone be jealous of pretentious, overweight hipsters, exactly?

[@hapilydamaged]

This seems like the type of this white people with dreadlock do

[@jmedlin81]

@@jackdaone6469 they're nerdy little godless mongrels, but it does look like they're having fun for the moment

[@ToBeADeku]

"This side of the room, dance like anything is good about Avatar." I love it

[@kamrynm9780]

I love your profile pic!

[@marcusliriano9213]

I feel like some people don't get the type of thing going on here with Dan Deacons music. It amazing cuz it's not exactly about the music, but the ambiance it creates, that forces u to be in the moment. I love that

[@billypilgrim1]

Dancing sober, probably one my biggest social fears.

[@evanpincus2203]

Dan Deacon is the only show I've ever actively danced at. (And I was sober)

[@leonscott543]

+BillyPilgrim Becoming on alcohol to be fun.... that's my biggest social fear :)

[@billypilgrim1]

leon scott I didn't say I need alcohol to be fun. I just said that being shy I find it difficult to dance sober in front of people.

[@sugarfrosted2005]

+BillyPilgrim I suspect it's easier when everyone is intentionally dancing like idiots. Also, how's Tralfamadore treating you?

[@billypilgrim1]

sugarfrosted Good, but somehow I feel I'm being treated as if I was in a zoo.

[@balance_one]

Dan Deacon you never cease to make me smile and appreciate your genius. Thank you for sharing all this cool stuff with us.

[@mkuipers14]

I personally am not a big fan of dance music, but i must say i really enjoyed watching this video. This guy knows how to make a great show and to get everyone excited and dancing. There was so much energy coming from all the people there. I'd love to go to a live show of him.

[@shavuelwaleful]

I wish there were some black people in that office it would have been TURNT lol

[@CaptainPancakes]

+Shavuel Wale There was like one or two.

[@cbgb3369]

I’m going on Thursday. I can’t wait now!

[@Explosive371]

A Dan Deacon concert I went to at the Teregram Ballroom in LA was probably the most ecstatic experience of my life and I was dead sober.

[@CorrosiveColin]

I would interview the piano. "So when did you start playing yourself?"

[@cekinci]

+Colin Patterson I first played myself when I was 13

[@XX-jf8og]

+Jekkkoo o are you a piano? i thought you were a violin

[@yourloyalfollower6667]

LOL!!!!!

[@patmccrotch5373]

+1 colin.. plus one.

[@yseson_]

After my 3rd break up

[@leonscott543]

Such a beautiful combination of audio and expressive dancing lolol he is a micro-manager at heart, and it shows in his music. He wants to do so many things at once, in a way he makes the audience a part of his artistic expression. I just love it. They are essentially functioning as another one of his autonomous creative machines. Like the piano and the digital loops. Beautiful

[@floatingmelancholy]

Yes, so true

[@Khalrua]

I had a chance to see him live a few times. ALways go with the most open mind you can, and you'll leave with a bigger heart

[@pupilhands9641]

So well said

[@harryofgo]

Those loops!

[@channelsabored]

Maybe micro-managers are musicians at heart

[@robertthompson3808]

I can't remember the last time the internet made me smile so much. Maybe never. Thanks, Dan.

[@jeramiemaddox1974]

He is positive in a negative world.

[@andythedishwasher1117]

This made me feel a lot better about my own anxiety issues when performing my music. The coping mechanisms he utilized here could help a lot of performers if they picked up on them.

[@spencermcafee5105]

I wish my company would hire Dan Deacon for team building exercises

[@jeremyr1979]

taking note should I EVER be in a position to make this decision....

[@JaysenGoodYes]

Agreed

[@roncv26]

Just be grateful they do these concerts, who cares what they look like.

[@CK9C]

What a fun show to be at!

[@flowersafeheart]

This made me cry happy tears and filled my heart...brought back memories of playing that dancing game once and other very happy group games.

[@bananapancake33]

The most fun Tiny Desk Concert I've ever seen. As an artist I'm inspired, as a human being I'm uplifted

[@ClassicRockLivesOn]

This goes up there with the Music Tapes as one of the greatest Tiny Desks of all time

[@evanpincus2203]

Agreed!

[@jaredbumbis]

100% both were genius in their own way

[@jamesfeldman851]

Dan Deacon He's like an energy beacon Getting everyone to dance As if caught in a trance Since his music is lean and mean And covered in tape that's green And also some red Lsd's kickin in, I feel like bread

[@mahalokid2384]

this version of feel the lightning has got to be one of my favorite smoke songs. I think it's perfect (not a sound out of place n not a bare spot you can really zone out with that) and he should use that player piano more often. I don't often give Electronica props but as a musician, I think Dan Deacon is a brilliant artist.... would love to hear more songs like this from him.

[@DopeonaRope]

Simply one of the best videos on the internet.

[@notarobot7131]

I'm so bloody baked. I had to stop the video to say how much I absolutely love the dance battles! Made my day, and laughed, a lot. True freedom of expression

[@BuddhaofWar]

That was really beautiful, Dan

[@Hunnybee2]

The new "Work at NPR" recruitment video.

[@tonywalker9375]

I'm just so happy I got to see the rest of this damn office finally!!!

[@jaimonebellz7687]

I just liked this video because I know if I ever want a moment of complete happiness all I have to do is watch this.

[@dkonciousblkfemknightman]

This man done made my day....

[@IElrekkaI]

hahahaha when the dancing starting i just got the biggest shit eating grin. theres no dance for this kind of music so of course its goofy as fuck. props to them, i wouldnt have the courage to do this lol

[@ryandeeken1554]

hmm for whatever reason the dancing part really made me cry. it felt like a whole nother world I've never been to. I loved it. thank u dan deeken, I mean, deacon

[@O-666]

This makes me happy. Something about seeing people letting go of anxieties to just let loose and dance is just wonderful to see.

[@oc_airwolf2156]

Thank you NPR for bringing Dan Deacon to my attention.

[@Jcw3g]

saw dan in nashville 2007 and it was amazing. had to press a button before going in to the show and that made a song for nashville

[@jacobkraus9069]

This is without a doubt the greatest Tiny Desk Concert I have ever seen.

[@des7638]

Just convincing people to dance like this and them actually doing it is quite an accomplishment. bravo

[@des7638]

also, never seen so much bad rhythm in one space before.

[@dshighway]

despite if you think the music isn't your thing or not. You gotta admit, the guy has some sort of happiness power he can project on people! he rocks!

[@thedanmonaghan]

Life just seems so boring after this.

[@rosepetal-ov7vl]

RIGHT

[@ostimeg]

The energy, the emotion, the joy and dancing. My bro has been to a Dan Deacon concert and said it was great, but watching this video shows just what I missed out on! And i've seen this video for years, but only clicked on it tonight because I needed some righteous and raw Deacon, and wow what a serve I got!

[@VeniceBeachBum]

this has got to be one of the most lively visually appealing Tiny Desk Concerts ever!

[@MikeKl3in]

My favorite Tiny Desk I've seen so far!

[@williamgaske8271]

He had us do the same things when he performed on our college campus. He had the whole audience into it. What a blast the show was. I am glad i got a chance to experience it.

[@jarryj1995]

I love the idea that everybody has to Dance so nobody feels humiliated because everyone is!

[@WGBHMusic]

Hooked me in. Great video all around!

[@joeyfloress1131]

Way to get a crowd going! I was smiling the whole time, easily the most wholesome :)

[@PedroNacht]

As so often happens, this Tiny Desk Concert is the best (recorded) live performance I've seen of the artist.

[@lightningpo]

23 minute concert... Drenched in sweat. That's passion.

[@kaleighdavis4097]

i just love that he is a performer that can sing and interact with the crowd unlike other electronic guys that just bob their heads and barely tweak a knob here and there to look like they're doing something while a recording plays.

[@friendship6668]

glad he's still going strong. haven't listened to his stuff in like 5 years.

[@dusttodust3980]

Dan Deacon brings the party wherever he goes.. his shows are so much fun

[@andrewczornyj9045]

possibly the most awesome human on earth

[@DanUpsLives]

OH GOD! The piano part of Learning To Relax is incredible. ( 20:00 )

[@sqicward2639]

Sheathed wings has gotta be one of my favorite songs in existence, the little noises in the background make the song so overwhelming in the best way for me. Dan deacon is honestly a genius and I'd love to see future musicians be influenced by his music.

[@coltenmilford6837]

He has such a great presence, I'd go to his shows for his speech; and that player piano.

[@ApexFlash1]

21:07 LOOK AT HIM GO AH

[@fuckmeimhorny17]

thank you dan for helping me fight my misanthropy

[@unfit242]

I just got to the hive dance and if i was experiencing joy before then this must be happiness. Deacon you are a legend.

[@AgSmithsilversmith]

I could not stop smiling all through this video, awesome!

[@bborrego87]

absolutely incredible. you can totally tell that he is very passionate about his music

[@bisket2003]

Dan Deacon kicks so much ass.

[@TakManSan]

Wow! That's just amazing ... my whole body is vibrating with excitement! Wow!

[@alexwaterman6523]

This is the most interactive performance I've seen on tiny desk. It looks like so much fun! Great show Dan!

[@FishingforFisher]

Pure release of joy

[@nefuros551]

I love environments where everybody can feel comfortable letting their weird out. It makes everybody feel better taking the mask off and just being happy with who we are, flaws and all.

[@tiger3195]

I know I'm late to NPR tiny desk concert. I love everything about Dan's concert and the people dancing!!!

[@TheAlexHJrShow]

this whole thing was dipped in a little bit of magic and a whole lot of fun. amazing stuff

[@107amanda1]

this is by far my favourite tiny desk

[@ebrad009]

Wow I loved this. I want to see him live.

[@orangejewsify]

I have never had more fun watching a tiny desk concert!!!

[@ikewood]

Can't wait to see him live!

[@DanielSabzghabaei]

This songs called Learning to Relax, (and I have a lot to learn). Hahaha, nice work!

[@Trybalone21]

Just discovered him on a Thursday evening. My friday is going to be awesome at work. This is amazing

[@mikeytaylor3901]

The most fun tiny desk concert so far

[@alexcain6413]

This is so pure and beautiful. Dan Deacon is an amazing artist

[@norjuju7260]

this guys always been bringing true and cheerful sonic pleasure whenever I stop in to see him. hits away Dan !!!

[@xxjerzyrecordsxx]

I think any time I'm having a rough day, I need to watch this performance.

[@davidsummers4820]

It's like that rave scene from The Matrix Reloaded and any episode of Portlandia rolled into one.

[@wknw1442]

At 6:16, you can see a portlandia sticker attached to the wall

[@pablobueno4785]

This, this music... what he, what you makes me feel is the indescriptible, the feeling through which you feel we are the universe, the depth, the light. This kind of poetry makes me feel alive. Thank you

[@josephadams5993]

would be great to get paid to have this much fun.Dan Deacon rocks

[@RebelTurtle]

Omg this is amazing!!!! Your energy is sooooooooooo amazing whoooaaaaa I love this!! Why am I just seeing this now?

[@bLackmarketRadio]

If he teamed up with Reggie Watts, they would own all of the music.

[@flowersafeheart]

Yes!!

[@halhal2592]

Hahahahaha 🔥

[@TLooP]

So wonderful ! Love the way Dan started his set! More music like this please it’s just one of a kind!

[@shalinmahadevia5925]

Dan deacon is the ultimate. I am honored to exist in the same relative time/space

[@zjenji]

I love Dan Deacon so much. Bring adderall.

[@1smallasian]

Sheathed Wings depicts freedom for anyone from anything for the sole enjoyment of dancing to music. I love the message that could only be understood by noticing the purposeful dichotomy between the lyrics and music style, all whilst the dancing prevail as freedom has always prevailed.

[@Zylork0122]

After watching this for over a year, I can't wait to see Dan in a couple weeks!

[@cemegonuts]

AUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH! Hipster Pa looza!!!! hehehe... great show! :) loved it!

[@HarryHodgman]

This man is a creative genius

[@polko59]

Arms crossed with the glasses had a cool mass effect sweater.

[@orangeatlas3248]

Best Tiny Desk I've seen!

[@jguitar151]

True master of ceremonies. He commanded the troops and everyone had an amazing time.