Dirty Projectors: 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.
July 6, 2020 | Bob Boilen -- We've loved Dirty Projectors for more than a dozen years - from the band's Black Flag covers record to the brilliant angular sounds we presented at SXSW, and more recently, a candlelit Tiny Desk concert in 2018. The lineup often shifts, but the creative nature of this band, headed by David Longstreth, doesn't. The band is releasing 5 EPs this year. The lineup for this includes Maia Friedman on vocals, keyboard and guitar, Felicia Douglass on vocals and tabletop percussion, Kristin Slipp on vocals and keytar, and drummer Mike Johnson shaking and tapping all things tiny. It's a band in which any member can take the lead, and that's the beauty here. We see Dirty Projectors change and surprise us with each new song, something so rare and vibrant.
SET LIST
"Lose Your Love"
"Overlord"
"Inner World"
"Search For Life"
MUSICIANS
Felicia Douglass: vocals, percussion; Maia Friedman: vocals, keys, guitar; Kristin Slipp: vocals, keytar; David Longstreth: guitar, bass, piano; Mike Daniel Johnson: drums
CREDITS
Video By: Tony Giambrone; Producer: Bob Boilen; Audio Mastering Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Video Producer: Morgan Noelle Smith; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey; Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[@LaurieSuppleOfficial]

Maia’s vocals are just so clear it’s incredible.

[@jheckerman]

this fellow is playing the teapot better than i play the drums

[@lordbuddybear]

Haha likewise. Can't quite identify the rest, what is it?

[@carlosjr7442]

hahahahahahahahahahahahah

[@Subparanon]

I'd suggest going with a Gretsch tea set then, with a Ludwig supraspouted teapot.

[@diannelovesyou]

@@Subparanon Vic Firth teaspoons to hit them naturally

[@goodnightmoonoo]

@@Subparanon this is sick. I do think that he uses English breakfast tea in it because of the high-mid's

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Lose Your Love* (2:51) 3:45 - *Overlord* 6:29 - *Inner World* 8:52 - *Search For Life* (11:41)

[@andyhuynh7]

Great you broke it you broke it now we can’t have fun

[@LaurieSuppleOfficial]

Kristens upper harmonies are straight up ethereal

[@MichaelGrey11]

USEYOURWORDS can’t wait for her EP

[@cheercas6895]

The person in the red has such a beautiful tone to their voice!

[@MichaelGrey11]

Cassidy Johnson Maia Freedman

[@hideandsieck]

I've probably listened to Overlord more than any other song during quarantine. So freaking beautiful

[@maestrocaron888]

NPR is the the only reason I have KZbin notifications on... That drummer is genius though

[@nprmusic]

Thanks for the love!

[@powerofalto]

The song writing is stunning, and the skill of the singers remarkable. (This is the first time I’ve heard whistle tone used in harmonies, lol.) Spinning gold from a teapot!

[@alphabettical1]

Those vocal ranges though! I'm so envious.

[@Subparanon]

The guys didn't even sing on this one, wait till they all sing in harmony together.

[@JonathanMahoneyDOP]

@11:06

[@Olhado256]

Imagine discovering them through this and then checking out something like The Getty Address or Rise Above. You would be SHOOK.

[@verityandstumclellan8585]

Gonna test this. This is the first time I've even heard of them. This set is absolutely exquisite. I'll report back....

[@UndefinedMadrid]

@@verityandstumclellan8585 Also try Bitte Orca and Mt. Wittenberg Orca!

[@verityandstumclellan8585]

OK, so I did it. I have to say, it's ALL amazing!

[@mrtyreus0]

I jumped on the train at The Getty Address, so happy that they've gained traction without sacrificing anything. Other than very talented band members of course.

[@furmanarrangements]

Kangarooooooooooooos.... Wittenberg Orca is my favorite though.

[@joelmckee2235]

This recording just melts me. No matter how many times I have played it, no fatigue. Only a desire for more. Longtime fan... However, Lamplit & 5 EP's have ascended them to another level. IMO, 5 EP's are brave, selfless, and endlessly elegant. Given that this group of incredible musicians is still relatively new to each other, I believe there is much more to come. Can not wait for them to start touring!

[@skinblanketed]

I'm so glad people feel the same way I do about this recording and band. These songs elicit pure joy and amazement from me. The vocal melodies/harmonies are irresistibly catchy on top of deceptively complex instrumentation. I just can't say enough about these songs.

[@hodge-podge-collage8730]

This whole thing is great, but I particularly love how Felicia just embodies that first song. This has been on repeat all day.

[@MiguelMaravilla]

this live rendition of Inner World is unbelievable 😤

[@brixiu5]

I love the percussion on that one. It slaps.

[@rafaelpernil]

I was going to say the same thing. And the percussion is amazing.

[@bartie55]

Indeed! Ridiculously good drummer.

[@makerender]

I encourage anyone who wants to go for a trip to listen to "Gun has no Trigger" by them on headphones.

[@tobynephew247]

Never heard of this band before but they are dope asf. New fan here.

[@Joseph-un8jk]

One of my all time favorite bands. Check out their album Bitte Orca. It's their magnum opus in my opinion.

[@Glenuig]

They have some very good songs. They rotate singers a lot through the years so their music does not always sound the same.

[@MylesMarrero]

Joseph and also the accompanying EP Mount Wittenberg Orca. Both projects together are like PB&J.

[@UnlockYourWellness]

They’re amazing!! Check out Bitte Orca

[@henryleitch]

Of course check out all their albums, not just Bitte Orca ;) . "Swing Lo Magellan" is the closest to their current sound, and "Dirty Projectors" and "Lamp Lit Prose" are more of an R&B vibe.

[@xfitch3809]

The guitarist sounds so beautiful... like butter smooth ❤️

[@phfrixion]

Maia Friedman's voice! Wow!

[@joefloine2000]

The guy playing teapot and all sorts is a legend.....😮

[@stace_d]

WOW! For my music taste, this band always gets recommended, but to be honest I never really gave them a shot. I didn't know they were so fantastic! Sorry for taking good so long Dirty Projectors

[@gangsterleo1]

This is absolutely amazing. I mean, these are the things that break me open, that make me cry so bad; my pains come to the surface, my wounds show up and i cry and cry and cry. Healed, touched and moved by this lovely, warm and deep feeling, healed by these beautiful faces, showing their own journey and growth and healing, they went through. So much love out to dirty projectors, and so much love to every one that wants to feel it. May we live in peace and freedom and truth, so we can acknowledge the love that we are desperately needing and longing for

[@skinblanketed]

I appreciate you and your message! I know what you mean. These songs feel like the hugs I need. Hope your day is full of clear-thinking, clear-seeing, and gratitude, my friend!

[@scottt1087]

This!

[@anetola]

[@evanpincus2203]

Loving this new “Dave’s not singing” period. I mean, I love Dave’s voice, but at least now I can actually recommend them to people- the pop melodies shine thru with other voices! And the home concert sounds perfect- they should do this weekly!

[@prangbro]

I think they are going to release a ‘Dave’ EP later this year tho

[@blammo8208]

No they should do it by the hour

[@roncolem7195]

I agree. No hate towards Dave but the ladies voices add magic to his arrangements and give this band such a unique sound that's a breath of much needed fresh air to what's going on with music right now.

[@heathflagtvedt5769]

Been listening to Dirty Projectors since 2006. I have never understood people's distaste for Dave's singing. It's real tho. So many people just can't seem to find a place with him. Makes me sad and confused. But it's true that so many more people will fall in love with his music if it's different voices singing his songs.

[@roncolem7195]

@@heathflagtvedt5769 I don't think his voice is bad but it's just something about it that throws off some of their songs. Some people have quirky singing styles that work perfectly with the songs( David Byrne, Adrian Belew with King Crimson comes to mind). Others it takes something away from them. I said the same thing about Danielle Haim. If she was a singer in a post punk band , it would work. But for a poprock group it's seems slightly off. It's no hate because they're( Dave and Danielle) are both talented people. It's just an opinion.

[@nickcox7244]

So wait, to play guitar, Dave Longstreth plays a lefty strung guitar, but to play bass, he plays a right-handed bass upside down? What?! My mind esplode.

[@danihelvetica]

This version of Overlord is truly beautiful. Love this version of their music. I'm a new fan as well :)

[@make.anything]

Best part of my day so far! Thanks to everyone involved :)

[@Nikki-qi4ki]

I've been listening to the Dirty Projectors for some time now and honestly with each album they just keep getting better and better. Amazing music!

[@chloejouzu]

Been loving the new EPs! You guys are amazing

[@verityandstumclellan8585]

I've listened to this so many times and it hasn't dulled even the slightest bit. And I can't believe it was only a year or so ago - I feel like it's been part of my life for at least five years.... totally exquisite.

[@aizaibelalima1064]

I just cried, Felicia, Maia, and Kristin's voices are angelic perfection!

wow, that was surprisingly magical and just what I needed to start my Monday. jeez, what a beautiful energy!

[@douglasd327]

I dont know how you could watch this n not smile. Thank y'all; That was beautiful! Y'all had me cryin. Thats whats up

[@michellethepegman]

Those high notes are cotton candy for my ears

[@phantasmosisphantasmosis8041]

god felicia crushes lose your love. just nails it. edit: god they really nail every song. Beautiful version of Overlord too

[@IOUAK9]

The guitar in lose your love is what peak guitar creativity sounds like

[@tielee9259]

Feeling nostalgic 🤗 great to see you here dirty projectors 💕

[@babaupede]

There are not enough words to express the sense of enchantment and rapture from listening to this performance. Otherworldly. Beautiful. Moving. Fun. A freaking godsend.

[@nedlongdon8607]

Such a talented group! Fantastic

[@Zelgaro]

He must've been the drummer on Fetch The Bolt Cutters

[@cjmitchell37]

Their collected EPs is a truly wonderful thing. x

[@goldenearthgirl]

One of my favorite groups. Thanks for sharing, NPR!

[@Modijoe1959]

The 2 EPs that have come out so far are already my favourite music this year...and there's three to go.

[@noahalbrecht5819]

I absolutely love these acoustic versions of the songs from Flight Tower, great stuff guys!

[@0228christian]

Anyone else get chills and a teary eye when Maia sings "It's assured, good outweighs bad as we approach perfection" in "Overlord"? I've loved Dave's songwriting for 15 years and he still manages to surprise me with these gems. :)

[@skinblanketed]

That whole song brings up all the feels for me. Those lyrics coupled with Maia's tone and harmonies get me melted like butter on a pancake that's still in the skillet. I've been listening to Dirty Projectors for a while now, too, and was worried at the line-up changes but this new stuff is absolutely delicious.

[@anidiquaojala1804]

Wow, smiling and trying to find the perfect words to say how Great you all are...Thank You! Looking forward to more please 😘

[@swingAE86]

Dave just surrounds himself with the best singers I swear

[@ffwlpe]

i'm so in love with the two EPs they released this year ❤️

[@kingkush8201]

That is what we in the 70s call "sang'n"!! 🙏🔥

[@AnthonyRecenello]

jar of nutella never sounded so good

[@ladada5395]

Ain't that the truth!

[@betterthanyou210]

Been looking forward to this. Love the new EP!

[@alzmcfluffy]

I've been listening to Overlord on Spotify for the past number of weeks...god I love that song. Finally i saw the glorious woman who sings it...wow...beautiful.

[@maggiemacha5552]

Wow, you all performed so well 😀 You music has such an enjoyable sweet sound. I also loved your sweet message about the worlds circumstances 💕 Your name really made me smile 😁 I'd love to hear the story behind how it came to be your groups name, I bet it's a good one. This video made my Monday morning routine so pleasant 💕

[@jonnykhatru]

I'm completely sold on this new line up, hope everyone sticks around for the long run!

[@TheNotSid]

man Dave's a seriously underrated guitar player

[@joaaoopedroo]

Is it possible to dislike this at all? Such talented musicians...

[@troytempest290]

The second these guys start touring again I’m gonna fly to the U.S with a smile soooo wide.

[@abaneyone]

Love that percussion! Proof that you don't have to spend a lot of money on drums 🥁

[@bpraise517]

Thoroughly enjoyed this music...and the energy they projected...Thank you so much.

[@arlo247]

Yo, New favorite band. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️amazing. Voices and melodies like honey. One of a kind.

[@corinnechon]

love the way she plays the keytar!!! bets instrument ever

[@StellarFaerie]

Beautiful! 😍 This definitely brings a smile to my face and calms the spirit. 🌸

[@earthianmike]

What a super-drummer! Nutella!!!!!! I melt now.

[@aychfriday]

More teapot, please.

[@sylvielopez2686]

Tank you very much tiny desk so great bands en beautiful voices , from Belguim a big love to in this difficult time, tank you for sharing the video merci beaucoup

[@adsensedd]

Great harmonies. Edit: Mission accomplished Kristin, these tunes definitely brought some extra happiness into my day.

[@ffabiang]

Their last two EPs have been fantastic! So was Lamp Lit Prose.

[@donnamartin8227]

Your music is beautiful to my ears! I smiled the whole time.

[@bratwurst19]

Listening to felicia douglass is entering a sacred place. Dirty projectors their cover of rise above changed me for the better as did their other albums i listened to. I think they were the first band i heard swear in a live perf. Haha.

[@davidl8ly]

My only regret is that I was so late to discover the magic of this band. Just have to make up for it with times like these. Great show!

[@racylaserjet]

This is what albums should sound like. I prefer this to the studio produced versions for almost everything.

[@adub4174]

such a wonderful band to have discovered as i was evolving thru my teenage years. so nostalgic!!

[@kalebwalter9651]

Felicia Douglas has the voice and I love this performance. Have to play it everyday. This is my inspiration song. Keep up the good work F. D. And Dirty Projectors. You guys are dope.

[@robjohnwilliamson]

Some of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. Thanks for making this

[@Parrafosliterarios]

Great voices performance. Wonderful musicians all of you. Thanks for this beautiful moment.

[@blammo8208]

well that was just about the most beautiful thing ive ever heard....

[@doodofsweetness]

FULL OF POWER. Shed some tears halfway through.

[@captnodge]

Incredible vocals

[@brixiu5]

DP has been killing it with the EPs lately. This is such a good spotlight!!!

[@richcardiff]

Thank you. From Wales

[@malcolmsxs]

Wow this is beautiful. Can't believe how good this sounds.

[@iinumanarumi]

Wow. Speechless. Just amazing. Thank you for beautiful music.

[@terrellworrell8005]

I love this band! Glad they got a tiny desk!

[@hannahnathaniel7057]

search for life , all i can say is WOW and that im crying. so beautiful

[@ljosdreki]

This is so effortless, graceful and beautifully original. Tears appear from somewhere unknown.

[@EmsDrejer]

I have been waiting all quarantine for this! Thank you!

[@maximkiritchenko4782]

It was the most beautiful thing I could experienced this year.

[@_CoasterNinja]

Such great compositions as always from them!

[@roscoecoltrane6867]

There are some music groups that just have that special ‘magic’. Dirty Projectors is one of them

[@MrDonkiiii]

Every single song is a burner!

[@fernandoiturburu3718]

very, very nice (inner world: WOW). npr-tiny desk: THANKS!!!

[@blammo8208]

Ladies, you brought me back to this group!

[@TravellerSam]

Gosh, are they excellent! Thanks to the band and NPR for this.

[@TommyRobertsMusicChannel]

Wow, just what my soul needed, so love the DP's :D

[@petergartin5904]

Dave is a Guitar legend

[@Subparanon]

OMG YES! This is exactly what I need to get me through this day.

[@astridvitols4712]

Thanks a lot to All of You !!🤗🙏 So nice voices and everything !! Astrid (Paris)

[@jjclv_]

Beautiful teapot playing.

[@mest1589]

Overlord! Such a difficult song to sing! What a great performance!

[@stonedoummaynardjame]

kudos to the sound techs, great job

[@goobag123]

they really put thought into the audio quality for this virtual concert

[@zazzyzulu]

Maia is the best!

[@larrynguyen85]

Those beautiful harmonies