Future Islands - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

KEXP.ORG presents Future Islands performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded April 3, 2014.
Songlist:
Back In The Tall Grass
A Dream Of You And Me
A Song For Our Grandfathers
Spirit
Host: Cheryl Waters
Audio Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Shelly Corbett & Justin Wilmore
Editor: Justin Wilmore
kexp.org
future-islands.com

[@craigcollins4302]

Your audio engineers deserve some credit on this one. Sound is amazing for a KZbin video. Well done KEXP!

[@RasAhmose]

It's always quality here.

[@ArturoAliaga]

Craig Collins It's interesting you mention that! I was actually thinking while listening that it sounds amazing!

[@bruceaisher]

Craig Collins I agree - the audio quality is amazing! KEXP always do a great job with the recordings

[@lehman]

+Craig Collins except Sam's audio is too low.

[@Texturas75]

KEXP performances usually sound very good. This is certainly no exception.

[@kent6548]

KEXP audio engineers for president

[@Ninatoro39]

Kent YES!

[@TheDarkInstall]

Nice dry, non-reflective room as well

[@adamparker7769]

He credits his comfort on stage to his best friends being there with him playing with him. That is a pretty selfless comment, I see his passion far more than I do an ego.

[@MassHero]

Back In The Tall Grass (0:22) A Dream Of You And Me (4:19) A Song For Our Grandfathers (15:32) Spirit (20:10)

[@JohnnyZBeatZ]

Thanks 🙏

[@ilabelle1]

William's bass playing! Some great basslines going on here. Sounds like Paul McCartney and Simon Gallup smooshed together. This is just plain ol' good music. Love this band.

[@natalieh.643]

this band is magical. Sam though ... I could just watch him for hours.

[@gabi201088]

This vocalist is amazing! I saw the band playing live once at Amoeba Records. He did it like it was the performance of his life, but I´m sure it´s just like that everytime. So powerful! It felt to me like a mix between Morrisey + Ian Curtis + Jack Kerouac

[@callmemonkh9020]

THAT'S IT!!!+ I almost 4got...Ive got 2 investigate Morrissey! Thanks...

[@WonsPhreely]

Absolutely, he's inspired me to keep going with making music and perform live. PS here is one of our songs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYLKdJ2QnbxkY68 :)

[@kamalmanzukie]

whoa, you really called that mix. that's fucking perfect

[@unleashedlgbtq569]

Just saw them at #ACLFest 2021 can’t wait to hear more. #unleashedlgbtq

[@gigigooglas4242]

so fucking jealous you got to be there

[@rararalalala4465]

This is one of those bands that everyone I've introduced them to instantly loves.

[@ryn5302]

my friend did this to me ^^i love them

[@ChannelZero1031]

Especially after watching the scene in "Titane" and listening to Lighthouse.

[@JohnnyZBeatZ]

Art

[@trampismat]

Simple … bass, synth, drums & one vocalist. But how great are these guys! What a sound! What a great singer! What great songs! I'm such a fan!!!!

[@friedchickengossip]

It's weird how this band didn't sound any special to me in the beginning and after a few years become it's very own thing. Timeless.

[@stevex8409]

Same here. Took me a long time to get this band.

[@brenclar1230]

Thought it was just me.... thanks

[@TexasRigged]

This group is UNREAL!!! This album is the only thing keeping me going right now

[@federicocanut3771]

Definitely!! this album help me through tough times!

[@RyanMcKayWaroona]

dominoes

[@Biking360]

Keep going my friend.

[@callmemonkh9020]

Yes, TexasR. Very much so.

[@smooveking773]

hope u doing good now

[@MakinMovies7]

Once every decade something amazing happens. This is it at last.

[@simonfweiss]

you nailed the comment section.

[@nolanwinkler]

LunnBass Been over a month and I listen to them daily. Great album, SINGLES.

[@BeerPongECU]

been watching them play for a decade...saw so many shows live when they were Art Lord & the Self-Portraits.. it's a really cool band, yeah its definitely different, but it's awesome

[@LauraLM]

Yes yes yes!! well said - I can't believe I just discovered this group last night and I was totally blown off ...like...why is the music industry so saturated with mainstream crap and this band I never knew it exists??

[@callmemonkh9020]

Yes!! Gg270, I agree.

[@sirjacko292]

The bassist is really having a great time. He needs to calm the fuck down.

[@callmemonkh9020]

Bass is the CENTER of the groove. FEEL IT, you Polaroids!!! Dont 4get 2 stay in time with the drummer...LOVE THIS BAND!!

[@timoneil2713]

it is really interesting reading the comments... you either dig these guys so much, or just don't like them at all... so polarizing... After stumbling on their Letterman performance, I am an instant devotee :).... how did I never hear of these guys before? Really really great band, at least for me:)

[@davidadams2395]

I heard of them in 2010 by reading an album review of In Evening Air from Pitchfork. Like you, I became an avid fan. I feel and hear something new with each listen of their music.

[@strictlynorton]

Tim O'Neil an aquired taste for refined musical palates. Love them.

[@maximusaurelius7306]

How could you not dig these guys, so genuine and that shines through their music!

[@McSaggerson]

I don't think they're that polarizing. That's a little dramatic. I think they are pretty good. I don't love or hate them.

[@whgarrity2]

They might as well record their albums there. I go to the KEXP recordings simply to hear what a group/artist truly has.

[@jamesmerrills7265]

The bass riff in “A Dream of you and Me” shakes me to the deepest inner core of ma bones....

[@shingothesecond]

That transition from back in the tall grass to a dream of you and me... This is like good wine. Time passes by and this video it just keeps getting better

[@unloveableandre]

The bass line is just... amazing.

[@davidellinger7190]

I always come back to future islands. Man these guys are just fantastic!

[@timbulb]

This bass player shreds.

[@michaelbrown1192]

Their music is the light in the darkness. Thanks!

[@tigersharkfungicide]

Sounds like Count Dracula started an indie band.

[@messiahsfollower4643]

Absolutely love this band. Always there when you need them. Gets me through the tough times and appreciate the good times. God bless this band!

[@flaplaya]

Chills on the spine.. So magical unlike anything I've heard in many years but still relevant in 2020. Thank you KEXP :)

[@michaeljohnston3741]

fla playa you do know it's 2017 right? as how you've written you're comment it looks like you think it's 2020 lol

[@GuadalupePicasso]

Michael Johnston how timely for me to stumble upon this now in 2020😂

[@MacGames4Free]

I have been listening to future islands for 5 years, and i'm just hoping that Sams voice does not go out. He is having to push his vocal chords so much more than a regular singer because of his range that he uses.

[@nolanwinkler]

On SINGLES, I am drawn to those songs in which he doesn't 'overextend' his voice so don't think he really needs to do it as much as he does. Love these guys.

[@jwest88]

Thank you KEXP for all the great music. Pandora helped me discover Radical Face and Future Islands and KEXP is helping me find more now. Like Bombay Bicycle Club and Public Service Broadcasting. I love it.

[@stephowens7529]

A Dream Of You And Me by FutureIslands is one of the best tracks I've heard in ages .. X;) X

[@ingenious4t]

Steph Owens Agreed, although I love all their tracks

[@payasomaloso]

The chase creo que es mejor!🤭

[@gregmoss6371]

Prinze George covered it. It got me here. This is an addictive band. Love them

[@noepicurea]

Sooooo fucking amazing energetic band

[@RM-ed1if]

You can see and hear how important it is to these guys to produce a high quality performance.

[@lonniewimble5847]

These guys played at our Dealerpalooza party last night, 2000 people went crazy listening to these guys on the shores of Lake Champlain! Can't wait to buy all their stuff!

[@nolanwinkler]

Great to see and hear this. Go Future Islands! Love the music love the lyrics. And, Mr. Herring....black is your color!

[@davidadams2395]

Yeah, because it's slimming.

[@davidadams2395]

***** I wasn't being mean about it. Black works because it can hide certain flaws. Name calling is what's idiotic.

[@nolanwinkler]

David Adams Actually, I said black is his color because it suits his dark lyrics...and because I've watched other videos where he is wearing white or beige....black IS his color.

[@jerami101]

I just discovered these guys yesterday on Austin City Limits. Awesome music! I love the vocals, and keyboard work!

[@Ravelle17]

I wish their songs didn't sound all the same :(

[@klackers]

They seem like really grounded, cool guys. So different and nothing that I would have even considered listening too a couple of days ago. Will definitely by buying their shit on itunes! Keep up the good work fella's and come to Australia!!

[@frazerdanahay488]

Such a great band ...Like the moon is sublime

[@tollygriffon3843]

I think he's a good lead singer, up there with Lou Reed, Jarvis Cocker, Aiden Moffat.. Some ego is needed once in a while + he comes across as a nice guy.

[@GardenGirlD76]

SAM Has a SOUL full of passion! Love it!

[@Baranoke925]

Keep coming back for more. Alot of the art I make is while listening to these guys. Great music!

[@stinkynene]

I found "GOLD" Great music!!!

[@IggyCrib]

Sam! What a gentleman! I want to see you guys live.

[@LeeRichardson808]

Favorite record of 2014 so far...Future Islands!

[@LeeRichardson808]

The basslines are just incredible. Love these guys.

[@4TailedScorpion]

My favorite is Future Tense by Wild Beasts, but this one's def on my top 10. :)

[@davidsavage3453]

"balance" for sure up there on a top list of mine as well!

[@miguelrecio7464]

Amazing sound and performance! Please consider a small gig or a concert in Lisbon (Lisboa), Portugal in the European Tour dates. We and you guys, will love it. Keep it Hard, Dark & Real.

[@brianlevy]

I'm really glad Tim Kaine has this side gig

[@brianlevy]

HA! I see it!

[@bruceaisher]

I want Sam's jacket! - anyone know what jacket that is?

[@TheMusicolophile]

It's always good and most times rare. To catch a band in their rise. But they certainly deserve it. Other worldly performance here. Bravo gentlemen.

[@billydenero]

This is just lovely. four great songs and a bit of chat. Perfect.

[@steviep76]

If I could create my perfect line up for a weekend’s festival, of current acts, this is is Sunday nights headliner. Very good band

[@LeDEFF]

Something about the foreigners, neil diamond, kenny loggins, morissey, the knives, the smiths, david bowie, talking heads, fleetwood (from the 80's), bryan ferry... i feel that 80's vibe when i listened them for the first time but with something original special and refreshing, and when i see them on stage, i see habited & so cool people, i think that night at letterman a new star is born, music is like that sometimes : Miracle. Thanks for that Future Islands and thx KEXP for dat wonderfull recording. Big up from France, we follow u.

[@BallooneyToons]

Of course, they sound great, but can you imagine Cheryl Waters (The sweetest woman ever) Saying you guys suck, just get your shit packed up and get the hell out of here.

[@jayrothfritz]

They need to come back to Montana!

[@Johnnywhamo]

Hi kinda reminds me of Roland Gift of Fine Young Cannibals except about a half octave lower.

[@stephenmcgrath8391]

+Johnnywhamo Just discovered them lately and was thinking exactly the same

[@68blues]

Johnny, only discovered these guys five days ago. I thought exactly the same......me being an old guy.

[@Johnnywhamo]

68blues given you name I think I have 4 years on you old guy :)

[@brianpoetart]

wxx4nweeßsssß2wbnbmbbnbbb Drbb Dr tiff rrredd trsßy

[@brianpoetart]

wxx4nweeßsssß2wbnbmbbnbbba Drbb Dr tiff rrredd trsßy

[@lando2051]

That's a very tight drummer they got there.

[@callmemonkh9020]

Hey Lando...he IS very nice. But would you say he's 'in the pocket,' tho??

[@Wunderwolfer]

Absolutely perfect. I love bands that sound even better live - its a rare thing

[@roborobert1]

Sounds like a disco kings of Leon to me... its really good. I've never heard music sound like this.

[@rdsreference]

Sound engineers are so underated. KEXPs could very well be the very best I've ever heard. They make every performance simply sensational. Every artist I've looked at on KEXPs channel are the best performances I've ever heard from that artist no matter who I listen to. I would love a download of some of these performance's.

[@sairagregory6187]

Cant stop watching this- engaging on all levels- pure genius. Love, love love!

[@pamelakain9368]

I had to come back and just sink into it

[@thebahamasong7185]

sings with his heart, really like his vocal style, doesn't have to be a virtuoso singer, it's refreshing to just see the emotion he exudes

[@sergiomartinvalenzuela3076]

I just discover this band, bloody hell !!!!!!! They are great sometimes his voice reminds me to Mac Demarco :) GREAT BAND !!!!! I will keep close to you guys !!!! Get up and do something... lol

[@_hallblade_]

what a terrific band. love how they get into their creative space so openly. feels so honest.

[@MrKudl74]

I love their Album "singles". great voice, good 80s sound.

[@Ninatoro39]

I freaking love these guys and the singer is out in his world, he’s so extra. Love them! Btw kexp sound engineers: RESPECT.

[@petermuttram]

Totally agree with the last post. Fantastic sounding band full of passion and brilliant lyrics. Thanks 'Jools Holland' for introducing me to them.

[@jimbobhay808]

Only 2 tracks in and i like there style.Regards from SCOTLAND!!

[@CaseySmith1]

Back In The Tall Grass - 0:29 A Dream Of You And Me - 4:19 A Song For Our Grandfathers - 15:32 Spirit - 20:22

[@malcolmz2360]

This is special.

[@kevinlinder4906]

OK, he's a normal looking guy, but I find that kind of refreshing. I mean, who really cares? What I love is his sincerity, so frequently lacking in today's music world. I'm another who first saw these guys on Letterman and was blown away by the epic perormance.

[@nikolajmathiesen3620]

Joseph, you are a fool. Amazing performance as always! Future Islands always giving it 100%

[@shingothesecond]

This is a great performance. Seven years and counting. I feel the same every time i listen to this. And A Dream of You and Me is a fucking masterpiece

[@CraigWaltz]

Best show i have ever seen last night in Santa Cruz with Future Islands.

[@iamaweasel]

Great jacket. Great music.

[@denimobi9825]

Kevin Thorpe he's wearing the same jacket in what's on my bag?

[@socialLjetlag]

Beachgothhoneybear 87 yeah and I thought he liked music like this but he liked rap songs that were uncommon

[@thomasmurtha9150]

Just discovered them via Jools Holland ...best frontman since Morrisey

[@Benno7844]

exactly thats what we thought, just when you thought no one could touch anything different this guy comes along, the music is amazing too, FI are are a cult band defo, amazing i love it, they are making a lot of ppl happy.....amazing they deserve it, some bands just come out the woodwork and they deserve it

[@burritogamer3984]

Holy shit the guy singing sounds so much like Bowie. They have a very majestic sound overall

[@darrinpollard9025]

I agree these guys are really good there going too be around for a long time good hard sound good edge good energy the beauty of the internet once again and the news paper .There on the Rize.....

[@topmangaz]

Sound Like a British 80's Electro Pop throw-back!

[@bellador4]

Amazing show at Humbrews! Everyone danced hard. The stage energy was James Browny.

[@milesstyles7428]

Talk about fuckin nailing it... I'd still consider myself a nubie to future islands. First hearing seasons about a year ago, I was about 1 minute in & I was already searching on you tube & having a scan over a few comments & 1 particular comment caught my eye it said "check out the legendary performance on letterman" so I did & I did again & again &..... Anyway music is my saviour & constant companion, early v.teens bon Jovi & white snake & it got my cringe out of the way. I'll be back complete

[@unspeakablemusick]

Hightimesbruce, check out Sam and Williams other group The Snails, more of a "rock" sound.

[@miguelpinho8854]

Top Songs from the US. Hope to see you soon in Portugal!

[@Michael_Smith-Red_No.5]

I was watching a YT review of a modular filter, with my muted television on. My tv happened to be set to Austin City Limits, and I glanced over and saw this guy on stage, dancing kind of like a Morrissey impersonator, so I took off my headphones, and turned up the sound on the TV. That's when I found Future Islands. Fuck yes.

[@Chastaken]

I love his voice even when he talks.

[@choppinchucknoris]

this man should not be confined to a mic on a stand, he needs to be free to make those sweet moves of his

[@unhanegra]

Sem dúvida um dois melhores álbuns de 2014 (que até tem apresentado muita coisa boa) e talvez o melhor álbum da banda. Love it...

[@lorincha]

Muito bom

[@AnnieD1101]

I would love to hear the 1s thT didn't make the cut also

[@Chameleonardodavinci]

I'm definitely not the first person to be surprised they aren't British? Great band anyway.

[@Chameleonardodavinci]

I've seen the host in a few more KEXP vids and I have to say I'm really impressed with how much she knows and how much of a gracious interviewer she is! What a dope lady.

[@olliewhitemusic]

hemlock ernst

[@gtwoc356]

Wow, caught Future Islands on ACL too. Normally, synth music is not my thing, but holy cow they are absolutely brilliant. At first couldn't understand the vocals but looking at their web page, the lyrics are absolutely gorgeous. Great synth, bass drums, and Sam's vocal and emotional "dancing" are nothing short of 100% unique.

[@taffboyslim]

Nice host, genuinely interested.

[@dddebolt]

Yes! Cheryl Waters in the back just standing there jamming lol too awesome.

[@annmpham]

Love the juxtaposition of emotive vocals with the eerie synth background. Such a fresh, raw combo you don't see much of these days.

[@karenheslop3410]

This band haven't done anything I haven't loved instantly- can't wait to see them live in London then Bournemouth!

[@SandraLovesSun]

13:38 yep! I said exactly that to you, Sam at #FI1000 in North Carolina! Great to meet you. Your intelligence blows me away. Very exciting. Much love!

[@TimHailand]

This band is SUPERB - hands down best album of the year - 2014 belongs to Future Islands

[@thegreenjudy]

Some of their songs sound like OMD meets Rod Steward..lol...listened to them yesterday for the first time. I had to have two attempts but then I was star struck!

[@christophsteiner60]

So So so good! Damn.. the bass playing is mesmerizing. What a discovery. Thank you Letterman! GO FI!

[@SandraLovesSun]

"...please, get up and do something." hahaha

[@ironsights4me]

art lord and the self portraits was awesome too, man they were wild back then.

[@unspeakablemusick]

Goddamn right

[@vfernandezpenaranda]

Me encanta Future Islands, y me encanta la KEXP. ¿Cuando venís todos a Madrid? :)

[@TheCardboardGuy]

their album is awesome. kexp always has the best bands coming through

[@jasonbales7137]

That drummer is so solid. Sounds like an EDM drum machine.