Deep Sea Diver: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Marissa Lorusso | May 25, 2021
Deep Sea Diver's Jessica Dobson didn't neglect the details for the group's Tiny Desk (home) concert. For starters, she sported an impressive homemade bolo tie that she crafted from an NPR enamel pin and "a little bit of duct tape." She also chose a very particular location for the shoot: "There were countless times this past year that I wanted to be transported out of my house and into a different world," the singer and guitarist explains to NPR via email. "One of my favorite and most inspiring worlds is that of David Lynch's Twin Peaks. I wanted to pay homage to the show by recreating the red room for our Tiny Desk."
Inside the red room, the set includes three tracks from Deep Sea Diver's marvelous 2020 album, Impossible Weight, plus "Stop Pretending," which was chosen as one of NPR Music's favorite songs of 2020. Joining the band are some special guests: Natalie Schepman and Meegan Closner of the band Joseph sing background vocals, and Dobson's Beagle, Henry, makes an appearance. (Dobson claims he's the only one who didn't care that Deep Sea Diver couldn't tour last year.) The performance itself is a testament to the group's attention to detail, too; as in many of the best Tiny Desk concerts, the band's magnetic energy and finely-crafted songs make the small space feel huge and joyous.
SET LIST
"Impossible Weight"
"Lights Out"
"Wishing"
"Stop Pretending"
MUSICIANS
Jessica Dobson: vocals, guitar, piano
Peter Mansen: drums
Elliot Jackson: keys, guitar
Elijah Thomson: bass
Natalie Schepman: backing vocals
Meegan Closner: backing vocals
Henry Lee: beagle
CREDITS
Video: Tyler Kalberg, Luke Dumke, Dylan Priest
Audio: Trevor Spencer
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Marissa Lorusso
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Kara Frame, Bob Boilen, Gabrielle Pierre
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #deepseadiver

[@fedemarquez]

came for the Twin Peaks scenario, stayed for the music

[@drworm73]

Me too. What a good band!

[@jujubadegoma100]

Same

[@bestofjillhives]

Came for DSD, stayed for the Twin Peaks vibe

[@Jimberino760]

I can’t believe there’s other twin peaks fans here. I feel at home.

[@antonellalencina7535]

OMG I looked at the same thing, are they fans or is it just coincidence?

[@kevbob]

Jessica's guitar work is just tremendous- she really pulls a lot of character out of that Jazzmaster.

[@hacmia8708]

After a month of binge listening... Impossible Weight is seriously one of the best albums I've heard since Radiohead's in rainbows. Incredible band. Thanks NPR.

[@glorysurabaya5140]

YES, my thought also, do you have any other reccomendation album that are similar on sound and vibe?

[@alastairs3727]

Totally agree, haven’t stopped watching the KEXP session as well !!

[@scottkowalski7325]

100% !! King of Limbs is a favorite too.

[@natehill1370]

This set and performance is insanely good. Out of hundreds of tiny desk concerts, this is honestly one of my all-time favorites.

[@daviddockery20]

One of my favourite bands at the moment this is siccccccccck

[@Metalpug79]

Deep Sea Diver and Jessica Dobson have been a favorite of mine for quite a few years now, they never disappoint when we're lucky enough to get new music from them! They truly deserve to be heard and loved by way more music fans. If this is the first time you're hearing them play, jump on board cause there's always room for more of you on this train! Tell your friends, tell your Mom & Dad and siblings too!

[@anthonytonycorso7550]

Amen to that Metalpug79!

[@grantmorgan1104]

Beck, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Shins. So glad Jessica is getting some solo attention! She's one of the best guitarists and artists out there!

[@Metalpug79]

@@anthonytonycorso7550 ✌😎

[@Ranakade]

One of the most talented indie rock bands I have ever seen. That frontman is doing guitar solos while singing. 🙌❤️

[@Jimberino760]

The twin peaks lodge theme made me an instant fan. I didn’t realize it at first either. Music rocks, vocals killen, everything solid. So fricken rad. Oh my god.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Impossible Weight* (3:28) 4:37 - *Lights Out* (8:22) 9:30 - *Wishing* (13:16) 13:35 - *Stop Pretending* (17:45) [17:50 - Tiny Desk team]

[@3c3ntric_3]

thankyou for adding the timestamp

[@anthonynilsson492]

Great girls😀😍💓💗💗

[@anthonynilsson492]

THANKS to NPR TINY DESK

[@jonathanbyrdmusic]

Elijah Thomson is a secret weapon!

[@edmundau-yeung9598]

Mom I’ve just discovered a truly amazing band.

[@justinpotts390]

So thrilled Deep Sea Diver scored a seat at the Tiny Desk. Maybe now the world will finally catch up. Absolutely brilliant.

[@saflickan]

Brilliant pick as always, NPR. Never heard of Deep Sea River and absolutely love them already. Can we please talk about the drummer? Incredibly creative, intense and musical playing.

[@tonybrooks476]

Deep Sea Diver.

[@emmaripley9688]

Yesss! Peter the drummer is the front-woman’s husband.

[@bradenadams6351]

Peter is amazing! So much talent in this group!

[@musiclife2807]

Don’t get much better than Deep Sea Diver... I love Jessica’s guitar tone and voice!

[@buaboy]

I have a Beagle named Special Agent Dale Cooper, This makes me very happy!

[@sam_zach]

I have a cat named Special Agent Dale Cooper

[@HBJSpiegel]

WHAT a delightful find. Meegan and Natalie of Joseph fame. WOW, to the wow. I am head over heels here with harmonic euphoria. WHAT a rush. Endocrine storm. My grown son and conservatory student peeled away from Penn Law to join me seeing Joseph at World Cafe Live in Philly. He was awestruck. Sibling harmonies are dope. If you haven't seen it yet, please enjoy the Joseph Tiny Desk (top 5 easily for me)

[@michaelkay611]

Jessica is phenomenal, the band is stellar, Impossible Weight is impossibly good... and this performance and mix are awesome. Thank you!

[@travismegale6796]

Awesome set. Guitar tones are brilliant. First heard of you guys from your JHS appearance. Come to Australia. 😀

[@VioletMused]

Guitar tone is fantastic as you would expect, love Jessica's voice. the band sounds great.... the harmonies at the end of Wishing though: that was magical. that moment just sounded incredible in a way I can't articulate and completely threw me. I had to rewind it immediately after the song ended. wow. (the whole performance is amazing that part just really made me feel something)

[@rulefollowermusic]

Wow the live guitar doubling on the solo is so great! Never seen that before

[@brianmonday639]

One of my new favorite bands, and the fact that you're Twin Peaks fans only makes me love you more.

[@danstirling7386]

Love this! Great new find for me. Also seeing Eli made me nostalgic Richard Swift’s early tours 😢

[@HughJassBite]

I've been following Jessica since her tour with the Shins. Love the Deep Sea Diver stuff.

[@staceysmith967]

My favorite Desk this year. Amazing. And now I'm going to go and buy all the things...

[@buranopeach5245]

I love that moment you discover someone new to love

[@danielirvine7468]

NPR you rule don’t stop ever doing this! Nothing beats live bands

[@deansantos8915]

I never noticed how fire the bass line is on Stop Pretending until now

[@dominickcritelli5631]

Dang! I already knew they were awesome but I was still surprised by how good that was. You can definitely hear the Shins influence but they've done a great job molding that into their own thing. Love it.

[@gavinbrenesdutch9134]

Sounds amazing. I didn't know this band and after seeing this and hearing the 'Impossible weight' album on repeat for the last couple of days i've become a fan. Superb stuff.

[@MoystonFault]

Thank you Tiny Desk (and Bob) and DSD (and Joseph)

[@robotsongs]

Holy MOLY this is an incredible performance! So much love to you guys!!! OMG! AND *FREAKING JOSEPH!!!* OMG OMG!! AND *FREAKING NPR BOLO TIE!!!*

[@MooseSuperDawg]

Can't get these here songs outta my head!! The World is in need of your tunes - keep on playin' em.

[@dexter471]

Great show. Even more impressive when you consider this whole set was performed backwards and then the footage reversed to provide the video we're watching now

[@jamestree6697]

I love DSD! Since 'Juno Song' I was hooked and waited so long for their new album. Thanks Tiny Desk

[@win_jayden]

I'll be honest, 100% clicked on this for the Twin Peaks set... not my kind of music, but it sounds nice!

[@RVSO1]

Can't understand. The last song (stop pretending) is 100% Twin Peaks. Imho

[@SpeedyPu]

is it just me or does she look a bit like ronette paulaski?

[@nbclaymore1861]

New name for me - FB page liked and followed. Delightful surprise to see Natalie and Meegan doing the support vocals - Joseph is my favourite band!

[@esteban_666]

I love how the whole band is SO happy playing music ... And I love Jessica, she is amazing ♡

[@monocelho]

gotta thank NPR for outting me on to this

[@Shygster]

That guitar, the playing, the sound... *chef kiss* perfecto.

[@bikesbeardsbeers94]

Heard these guys open for Death Cab for Cutie the other night. They are simply stunning live and really know how to create the “dreamy” atmosphere. I will absolutely be looking to catch them on the road again in the future.

[@jacobgonring8500]

So awesome that you had Natalie and Meegan with you!! Your show with Joseph on Valentine's Day in Madison was the last concert I went to before everything shut down. So seeing you all again not only brings back good memories, but makes me hopeful that live music will be back soon!

[@bernardbrennan1612]

Only discovered Deep Sea Diver today. Beautiful music. The Black Lodge setting is perfect.

[@DIGITAL7Media]

YES!! This is the kind of music I have been hoping to hear from NPR for months now. Dedicated new fan. I will now proceed to watch every video of theirs on YT ; )

[@bralph82]

Ships still one of my favorite songs.

[@gimmetheremote]

I saw DSD play just before the pandemic along with Joseph. It was an incredible show! I'm happy to see they are still playing together here.

[@johnrasmussen4144]

Stunningly great. This drummer is heroic. Great songs. What a band.

[@mightyV444]

Thank you for the bandcamp message that led me here! Great music, as always! And cute doggie, too! 😍

[@jeanwagner1977]

BB

[@deeliciousplum]

Wow! I can imagine the joy that a live audience experiences while at a DSD concert. 🌸

[@JBSchroth]

The Tiny Desk ^Home Concerts have been one of the brightest of the bright spots during the pandemic - and this one is a perfect example! Thanks so much!

[@glennmcmullen5192]

Between the awesome performance AND the twin peaks set design..... WOWEE

[@cornonthecobbob]

Third time watching this week. Was a fan of "Impossible Weight" before, but have gotten really into the album since this. Eagerly awaiting tour dates!

[@calicosky9863]

Yoo i just randomly click this one, and watched till the end. I love the energy, great guitar playing, unique vocal, and catchy melody all over the tracks. Im a new fans

[@thearchivist250]

It's only been up for 7 hours and I've watched it three times.

[@stevenvenn]

Love the nod to Twin Peaks with the set design. Nice one, peeps! Sleater-Kinney 2021, this is how you do it (and you used to too).

[@strangebirdsir]

One of the bands i kept coming back to all pandemic. Great to finally see a Tiny Desk from them!

[@at_oussama]

i saw the thumbnail and was like this is definitely my type of music ♥️

[@enzogarcia1028]

love the black lodge set so much

[@seanmichaelhurley]

Just fabulous.

[@joefish6546]

Songwriting is great, performance is very great, but then there's something else from these guys that just blows up the quality of the music. I can't put my finger on it other than I think it's just their 'feel' while they play. Like they're really squeezing every last drop of great out of each bar. Love it, thanks!

[@MelanieBakerMusic]

oh HELLO THIS WAS A NICE SURPRISE. Impossible Weight was one of my favourite albums of 2020

[@missmillie4889]

This is SICK!! Been a fan for a long time and finally got to see you open for Joseph in Louisville, Ky!! SOOOO COOL to see y’all on TINY DESK OMG!!! 💜💜💜💜

[@bwahahahahahaha]

Thanks for getting Deep Sea Diver on Tiny Desk. It is one of my favourite bands and their last album is AMAZING. Oh and of course, this is perfect.

[@InAverySilentWay]

Thank you Deep Sea Diver for this wonderful performance! These are some of the songs that helped pull me through last year and made me feel a measure of hope in times of deep uncertainty. Watching and listening to this performance is the sound of the ecstasy of hope. I sincerely hope to see DSD in concert for the first time in the near future.

[@PhokenKuul]

Wow wow wow and wow. Oh and also WOW! If they are half this fun in concert I am already in line for tickets.

[@compassionatenature]

Cheers, all! Jessica embodies the rock ethos in this set. The guitar is putty in her hands. The amp is her step-stool. The room is red and Twin-Peak-ish! It’s all to be in love with, and a real appetizer for the festival next hosting this fine outfit.

[@roamingwesty]

2 songs in and I'm so happy watching and listening to you!! Sooo nice! Gotta tell you!

[@sebastianalex7900]

Impeccable performance!!! Jessica is incredibly talented, one of my favorite bands right now.

[@ruanlslima]

I love the drummer's energy!! All I ever wanted to feel behind a drum kit!

[@RVSO1]

Great! DSD is such a awesome live act. Can*t wait to see you one stage. Maybe sometime in Europe?

[@AmateurBlonde]

Great job! Sounds FANTASTIC! Really well rehearsed. I love this. People playing instruments and singing their songs, what a concept!

[@sixthdutch]

Wow, incredible performance! The band was tight and the vocals were spot-on. That was a real pleasure.

[@amira978]

I’ve been eagerly waiting for you to have a tiny desk concert, and it’s as amazing as I had hoped!!! Can’t wait to see you live again in the future!!

[@Amy-np4nk]

Truly amazing band. This is the first time I have heard this band, but definitely not the last.

[@albertofigueroa7829]

gosh, this version of stop pretending is pure bliss

[@emilianomarquez1629]

Holy cow, these are great guitars, she rocks !

[@PabloEspinozaPablolein]

I keep coming back to this performance... Can't get tired of Deep Sea Diver, this is absolutely amazing.

[@TechVdot8]

So glad this band is getting some shine

[@juanireppucci589]

It's been weeks and I can't stop listening to this!! Thanks!!

[@jonathanbyrdmusic]

So good!

[@rezaarya5037]

My new favourite band. Thanks NPR

[@talmichles3260]

Awsome! So great to see you guys playing live again! Good luck on your up coming tours. Hope to see you live one day.

[@michaelduran9072]

One of the best TD concerts--great to see real talent and songs. Some of the acts on TD are just recycling 90s indie pop. This is real deal music. Kudos.

[@courtneyjulep8063]

rewatching and loving this so much. best tiny desk concert and best surprise twin peaks nod. all the love for deep sea diver.

[@klausrain111]

Man oh man! Can't believe how good this is! I"m in love with her!

[@brintparks4895]

Killer percussion! And feel good Bass lines. This doesn't happen everyday

[@nickdryad]

Fantastic set. I love this indie stuff.

[@kierstenmh]

okayyyyy but 12:50 🙌 yes plz.

[@cneubauer2]

absolutely flawless

[@mikeferguson4816]

Delightful!!! LOVE the harmonies!!! Jessica, your voice is so beautiful, strong, simultaneously rich, thick, and almost brittle, like it could shatter.

[@Gri11Master]

This takes me back. What a pleasant surprise.

[@Dizzula]

How have I never heard these before? Excellent stuff, gonna buy Impossible Weight right now!

[@boytheapostate2024]

Thanks so much NPR and Deep Sea Diver! =] Making lockdown in Vietnam breathable!

[@brandonmason388]

I got to see them live for the first time the other night and it was electrifying. I had to come online to try to find more live stuff from the new record. It’s in short supply right now but hopefully there will be more coming.

[@kitxnx]

Thank you KZbin for recommending me this because omg! This is amazing!!!

[@ZionelRichie]

A few years ago I saw Deep Sea Diver open for Colony House, I had never heard of them, and the show was incredible. Still a fan :)

[@TheFreedom35s]

First time hearing, not the last! Guitar playing is 🔥

[@leftystrat62]

Fantastic, always love to listen and watch them all make their beautiful music.

[@rektangular]

I love you guys! Cannot wait to see you live in Seattle sometime hopefully soon.

[@BillRouck]

11:16 - 12:05 is my favorite part. Would love to see a live setlist that starts with Impossible Weight album track one and goes through ten, encore with Stop Pretending and See These Eyes. I think the whole IW album needs to be played live, and if you haven't bought it yet then buy it. I literally had to give up listening to this album for Lent this year because it was the only way to force a break from it to listen to other new stuff.

[@pineyum]

Ugh I’ve been waiting for this day!! Haven’t even started and I’m so excited 💕💕