Lake Street Dive: Tiny Desk Concert

February 29, 2016 by BOB BOILEN
These four musicians made their first record together a decade ago, but for many of us, 2016 will be the year Lake Street Dive becomes a household name. The appeal of this band of New England Conservatory friends lies in their warmth in harmony and comfortably styled songs - sometimes tilting toward soul, often rocking danceably on a new collection of songs called Side Pony.
At first, it may be Rachael Price and her charismatic voice that draws you to this Tiny Desk concert, but it won't take long to see that this isn't just a singer and her backing band. The "two Mikes" (trumpeter and guitarist Mike "McDuck" Olson and drummer Mike Calabrese), along with upright bassist Bridget Kearney, share in the songwriting and singing, and contribute mightily to these creative arrangements. You can hear everyone mesh so well in these three new songs from Side Pony -- songs likely to be favorites for many at year's end.
Side Pony is available now:
iTunes: itunes.apple.c...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/...
Set List:
"I Don't Care About You"
"How Good It Feels"
"Godawful Things"
Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Kara Frame; Production Assistant: Jackson Sinnenberg; Photo: Brandon Chew/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/pod...

[@royhight6525]

That bass player is extremely good. She gets the groove and then riffs on it. She carries every song. Fantastic musician!

[@blainegarcia2503]

She does in fact carry! But then they all do! It's a yes for me dog...

[@BelovedChatter]

And she has written most of their best songs in my opinion.

[@timiariaarea8532]

She’s an award winning songwriter

[@thesinsheimers]

Just discovered this band this morning in 2024. I must’ve been living under a rock haha 😂

[@charlottemontgomery9400]

me too! hahah

[@juancruzmaguire4722]

I've discovered this week and im lovin it! through spotify though

[@FranklinOPT]

Congratulations! You’ve connected with the best kept secret in American popular music. I heard about them by word of mouth several years ago and they have been my favorite working pop band ever since. No celebrities, no synthetic production. Just five solid musicians who formed a band while earning master’s degrees at New England Conservatory. McDuck left the band, however, Akie Berneis and James Cornelius brought their tremendous talents to this lovely group.

[@Jcsthird]

Just saw them on tour last Saturday. If you can catch a show, do it. Super fun.

[@mortenrollsen271]

Go check out Lawrence. You won't be disappointed.

[@StarrStix]

can I just say tho... Bridget and her bass... slow clap forever 👏 she's just got that THING I can't describe about talented bassist. She just makes an already awesome instrument shine with her soul. I feel you Bridget.

[@hotrodhotrod-wc3bu]

ive rarely ever seen a 4 person band with this kind of talent . shes got a one of a kind of style and voice.

[@lottrocky]

This is one of my favorite bands ever. Rachel Price is a beast of a singer and everyone in the band is super talented. Probably one of the best live bands out there, period.

[@joematchmusic2232]

Rocky Lott - Her name is spelled Rachael.

[@mindbait]

I can understand people here wanting to give Rachael kudos, because she has an amazing voice... but c'mon, where's the love for the rest of the band? Calabrese is pulling off some snappy moves on the kit.. while singing! Bridget is making that bass sing, and McDuck's trumpet solo on top of his guitar playing... these are 4 talented individuals who make up one great band together!

[@buzztrucker]

+mindbait Agreed 100%

[@AG-ll4nj]

+mindbait well said !

[@michiellombaers3198]

+mindbait Together they're absolutely more than their induvidual talents.

[@chriswilson3106]

+mindbait This is true, but as a trombone player who has worked with vocalists before, they're always Divas. As an instrumentalist, you just learn to work around it. I've always heard that you can tell the skill level of a drummer by the size of his kit. The bigger the kit, the worse they'll play. This guy rules!

[@chriswilson3106]

Not true, there are famous drummers with big kits but it's unneeded. A drummer can do his or her job and then some with just a bass, a couple toms, a snare, a high hat, and a couple cymbals. Drummers tend to do too much. This either makes for a distracting performance, or an unsteady tempo. All that extra stuff around them just adds to the temptation to use it all, all the time. Look at jazz drummers, look at Ringo Star. He always gets a rep. as a poor drummer and that simply isn't true. More drums do not a good drummer make.

[@Nightmaregamer-y7n]

Rachael is one of the best singers of her generation The fact that you pay just as much attention to the other three shows you how charming and talented this band is.

[@mfcten]

Great band of uncommonly excellent musicians. Hard to believe that only now Rachael Price's astounding, remarkable vocal prowess is becoming known to the wider public. Thanks indeed for this performance!

[@lizhahn2135]

LOVE THIS!!! Each member individually is so talented and collectively a knock out!

[@jeffgaumond4250]

They obviously showed up for class at Julliard. It shows.

[@1thomson]

Actually, the New England Conservatory of Music. Hey, credit where credit is due. No?

[@wolfgangdr.dahlke8510]

Yes, they formed Lake Street Dive at the NEC in 2001

[@elizabethlyon2925]

Close. New England Conservatory of Music, which I think is where they all met.

[@richiebeard994]

Top notch writing, arranging, all around vocals and player-ship of each individual instrument comes together in a very satisfying experience. God Speed to these young folks.

[@TheThaggs]

It's pretty rare to have so many talented songwriters in one band.

[@sterlingmillhollon2520]

No joke. I cant believe how cohesive and comprehensive the sound is for being written by different people. They are on the same wavelength.

[@tammijo]

I watch this at least once a week, so good.

[@BigZ7337]

Amazing, there's no way to fake a voice like that, I think she has one of the best live voices out there.

[@MikeDownes]

It's far too dark, but not too late (in the UK) to run down the street knocking every door i can find a yelling, _Have you heard the Lake Street Dive sound!!_ .. Seriously people, these three tracks feel like I've jumped in an ice cold pool - so refreshing and you have a new fan ..

[@jribolla]

+Mike Downes I think if you dig around KZbin you will be pleasantly surprised at the consistently good quality of their live performances and songwriting.

[@yamc9710]

+Mike Downes I agree!

[@rachaelgwyn]

Well put!!! I'm i'm love with their sound

[@DaveGardnerMusic]

I just discovered these guys myself, and I completely and totally agree with you! WOW!

[@boocovsky]

True.

[@buzztrucker]

LSD is still killing it as usual. Why this group isn't more commercially successful blows my mind. Rachael your voice is so amazing and soothing... so great to pick me up on a downtrodden day. The rest of LSD all so musically inclined it's mind blowing.

[@jbdmb]

+buzztrucker LSD is a hell of a band.

[@TomOBrien323]

+buzztrucker This album (Sidepony) and the current tour will do it. Saw them in Chicago last week and they didn't disappoint.

[@totreadlightly]

Just like to draw attention to the fact that the acronym for this band is LSD...intentional or not Rachel's vocals over the rest of the band's killer rhythms take me on a journey every time I press play.

[@lucyfoster4082]

A couple of hooky songs and they'd have it--their only weakness.

[@FrankDyke]

I think that some of the challenge with marketing a band like this is that they have a "small" sound. Their music and arrangements seem better suited for more intimate venues like a club or small auditorium. Sadly, commercial success in music hinges upon selling several thousand tickets and a narrow dynamic range toward the loud side of the volume knob.

[@billderinbaja3883]

Lake Street is an awesomely deep well of musical talent, every single person a creative powerhouse. It is a wonderful surprise when artists this perfectly aligned come together... it is a true miracle when they actually like each other, become and stay friends... knock on wood. It requires real maturity and ego control for each and every one. They are The Band I'd Most Like to Hang Out With for an Evening... missed them in Portland, OR... damn.

[@grantcorriveau358]

Four truly talented musicians - put together and wow -- can't stop listening.

[@Marie0575]

Am ashamed to say I just discovered this band on CBS this morning today! Am gland I did, they are going on my weekend playlist. Blasting them all day.

[@carenmaslowsky8408]

Me too! You're not alone ☺️

[@burner8959]

Welcome to the party. Found them a few years ago. Enjoy your deep dive.

[@oldboehne1153]

I'll listen to lsd over and over. Row my boat baby. I almost killed myself tonight. It was a bad day for me . But these guys brought me back from the edge. Thank you. And the good lord 🙏

[@dublinholliston]

Incredible band. Seen them 3 times live and they never disappoint.

[@Braylon18]

Omggg I'm seeing them for the first time in October. I'm in the 2nd row!!! Whoo!

[@lindafeldman8587]

Living in LA, finally got to see a LIVE concert! It was this fabulous group. It always blows my mind when music appears to be so tight and effortless. This group is the epitome of that. Loved it!

[@nogoogleplus]

Rachel is one of my absolute favorite singers⭐️

[@danica789]

True talent is always revealed in live performances. How can they sound so damn good? :))

[@ChuckD008]

The three songs were also written by the bassist, drummer, & guitarist. So not just are they all talented at playing their instruments but they also write well. The whole band comes together harmoniously. Also, any NYC ppl, Price often sings with another Brooklynite at Bar Below Rye & she's incredible to watch sing up close.

[@robertpendergast2620]

I like the way they play with their music instead of being formal.

[@herbertheck]

Bridget is a great bassist! I had a bass student many years ago that reminds me of her. My students name was Bridget too. Love this whole band of super talented, creative people. Can't wait to see them live!

[@jazsings]

I think singing is more emotionally connective, as there is no instrument between musician and audiance. Additional although everybody can learn to sing the right notes, your personal timbre, emotional exposure ability and stage presence is something very hard to "learn". If you don't have it it, will always come across a bit more unauthentic than people who do it naturally. Just like I truely believe that you need that specific disposition for an instrument aswell to become authentically good. And thats the real magic about this band. Everyone is just excately where they naturally shine the most! NO egos involved - just love for the music 💛 💚 💙 💜

[@dustypope3571]

Saw them at the Ft Worth Arboretum and it was such a beautiful show. Phenomenal band. I hear they have a new album dropping in May! I'll never miss them when they come through town.

[@deebee1109]

One of the best tiny desks ever made, still

[@joshgregory12]

that voice... one of the most moving I've ever heard!

[@truenorth636]

Saw them this week in Detroit. Absolutely fantastic show. These people are great musicians and Rachel Price is one of the most talented singers and performers I have heard in my entire life. Just a joy to watch. Could have listened them for hours. P.S. The Woods Brothers who opened were great as well. What a combination.

[@sullivan2339]

Their New CD was released today! This is still so wonderful.

[@onserfdez7958]

Oh that voice cuts through my present reality and leads me down to the river!

[@livhoran370]

Seeing them in two weeks and this performance makes me even more excited!!

[@nitram1491]

I just found you guys and listened to your other Tiny Desk from 2021 (?) and fell in love with your guys!!! Impessive to say the least. Soulful Soulful SOULFUL!!!! I bow to all of you, Peace and Gratitude to you all.... Man oh man that was cool!!!!

[@-GuitarZero]

I never say this, but this band is all about that bass.

[@michellesines7976]

Love the standing bass!!

[@loveandlight8533]

In this song, yes.... Typically they are horn and Rachel oriented! Listen to "Mistakes'.....

[@augtown]

Bridgette really grooves with it

[@yermumsyerdad9174]

That buttery biscuit base?

[@johnthompson9441]

She is fabulous

[@roytee3127]

There's something uncanny about Rachael' voice. There are a number of really good jazz-blues-pop singers around - Morgan James, the PMJ stable & others - and they all give great performances, but they're working at performing. Rachael's singing is different - it just seems to flow out of her. It's like it's effortless, or part of her being.

[@elektra805]

YES! About dang time. I've been waiting for this...NPR just made my day! I wish they had thrown at least one of their songs from Bad Self Portraits in the mix (since that entire album was pure heaven to my ears) - but I am totally happy with this set!

[@m.simoneboyd5136]

+Jennifer Williamson amen to that, Jennifer.

[@totalrobot]

Their BEST ALBUM BY FAR

[@eddyburg101]

Holy cow this band is awesome the singer in the bass player are amazing great musicianship

[@unglemergy]

never heard this girl before. im not even emo right now but she hit my feels. why am i grown crying and smiling?

[@thomasbernecky2078]

She has quite a style. When I first heard on XPN, I thought it was Janis Joplin. Well, I was wrong, but am very happy I was.

[@Zvertnie]

Real musicians. Sweet, soulful, uplifting. Please, turn this up when I'm fading out!

[@davidbyers1151]

If these guys got any better, gravity would simply let go and they would drift into space

[@user-tx2ri3vv5t]

tight, crisp, smart and such feeling. Love it

[@dannybolman7739]

I keep coming back to this. Just absolutely exceptional!

[@traviskarnes6825]

Been listening to the Lake Street Dive for twelve years now so much talent every of them (including Bridget 😍😍) not to mention the nicest people you will ever meet this side of the hudson river.

[@luthiermatt]

One of the best upright bassists out there wow.

[@ramzyred]

Watch this over and over. This is awesome, Rachael Price is unbelievable.

[@emzyking5847]

Wow. As divine as Rachael is, the heart and soul of LDS is undoubtedly Bridget on the bass. She’s unbelievable.

[@bobitalob]

the true String Goddess

[@thejigantics2641]

@@bobitalob she’s magnificent but the other guys are equally talented vocally and instrumentally.....it’s a collective effort...that’s how bands operate it’s the sum of all the parts

[@JulieAFischer]

So happy this popped up in my feed this morning... I haven't' listened to Lake Street Dive in a while and this start on Sunday morning was a wonderful reminder.

[@timmyjoe524]

Perfect as always. Thank you, NPR, for finally getting Lake Street Dive for a Tiny Desk session!

[@Johnny-Burma]

This will sweeten up your day, any day, every day. Pass it on.

[@stevemckenna9667]

WTF was that trumpet solo? Off the dial. Love.

[@DivaBabyTX512]

I'm here for this blue eyed soul. Yaaaaas this is such a great band.

[@luvmamusic]

They're amazing live!! If you haven't seen Lake Street Dive in concert then you're missing out. I'm seeing them for the second time in March. So excited!!

[@garrettkunz4632]

Is it selfish to love this but not want to like it because she hits home and it hurts too much? I don't need such a beautiful reminder or suggestion from youtube every time I come here.

[@tunamushroommelt]

Watching this at 2024😍

[@kamuelalee]

Me too

[@Nsj807]

Mike playing the drums is as good as fine wine Too gooooood!

[@nsmader]

And let's hear it for the sick bass drop at 8:43 by Bridget!

[@ducas8937]

She killed in the first track as well, what a great player!

[@angelinamarino4656]

Nicholas Mader just fucking all of it. She's a class act through and through

[@eldorado96]

She deserved a camera shot for that.

[@nineomite]

"Sick bass drop" basically describes every line she plays haha. She's incredible.

[@YugalGrg5]

wow just heard it now!

[@johngreenwood1972]

Only discovered them a couple of months ago and they’re now my current favourite band. So very good on many levels.

[@richtracey6829]

My newest favorite band!

[@seallisonAGD]

I can't love this band more than I do ❤

[@yellowkaze]

wow! So talented. Love her voice, love the music 💚

[@aceshigh6499]

Real music.. who is downvoting this???

[@BrandiLeath]

Wow! a friend of mine sent me this video, for some good morning positive vibes, and I was like, hey I recognize her! So cool! Way to go Rachael!!!!!! I had no idea you sang! Small world! I love Nashville!!!!!

[@paulwickline7434]

Incredible group. My favorite of the last two years.

[@NeonThoughtBox]

This is high quality work. I wouldn't have found them if it wasn't for NPR.

[@jimsullivan8739]

Great band, I've been listening to them for years. Great talent, fabulous sound, well blended. I wish them all the best in 2016.

[@Miracleberry1]

Everyone in this bad is talented and good looking. Bastards.

[@framymuyu]

Agreed!

[@karmageddon14]

Magnificent bastards you mean...

[@TheVeek192]

"Good looks" fade. And ANYONE can develop a talent. Shut up and get practicing.

[@Johnny-y1q]

SERIOUSLY

[@williamkruse9222]

@@TheVeek192 No..not anyone can just "develop" talent. I assume you are extremely talented?? or just lazy??

[@frankwallis8940]

I’ll never tire of this band.

[@rickdenson8996]

The MOST Original Group in 20 Years!!!! Fantastic TIGHT Harmonies

[@TheDobleQ]

St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Alabama Shakes...

[@Teriteri22]

When the universe brings the best talented people together!!! Love the singers voice! But each member is brilliant!!!!

[@bobsaturday4273]

Rachael has such great breath control , whata pro

[@samfrito]

I wish they had a bigger desk. These four deserve it.

[@dwightb]

A voice as an instrument is so perfectly exemplified by Rachel!! Musically they are so tight as a group. Very, very nice. I first found them on the Colbert Report a few years back.

[@joematchmusic2232]

Dwight B - Her name is spelled Rachael.

[@mbsnyderc]

The team work in this band is exceptional everybody writing songs contributing vocal backup,they always sound like there is more people there.

[@holton345]

This quartet is tight-tight-tight. All four are very solid in their respective roles within the group. I love this band!

[@InstrumentManiac]

That girl bassist is KILLIN it!!! Also bonus points for a hot singing drummer

[@pauls.5815]

This is talent at the highest level. Lady might be the best looking woman I've ever seen.

[@heathercarroll3098]

My favorite band for a few years now. Amazing live. Such great musicians.

[@RyanPennington87]

About damn time!

[@tracyshankland]

Unbelievable! They’re all ridiculously talented! Fantastic song as well!

[@Arendhar]

At least! God has heard our prayers, guys!

[@alexacrylicadventuresbyale5529]

I love her voice! I watch this Tiny Desk over and over!

[@xxjerzyrecordsxx]

I appreciate her doing the robot at 9:45

[@Elfhugger]

I have been waiting for this video for sooo long. Monday just got so much better.

[@ffuifui]

YES FUCK YES!!! THANK YOU NPR!! I'M TRIPPIN ON LSD!!!

[@timtheenchanta]

Five hours after reading this, I caught your joke. When I first read it, I thought, "Well that guy is extremely honest."

[@ffuifui]

timtheenchanta 😂😂😂😂 you just made my day!!!

[@fartknocker8363]

you shouldn't do LSD.....said the eyeball wall.....paper.

[@fartknocker8363]

no you're am I sittin on amoonn galacktica. your not as good as I think you are ism.

[@Junkyarddoggin]

All the Love!

[@guidotrueb]

I can't hold my cheeks while listening to them playing... Great players and singers, awesome band, wonderful music!

[@grayzombie]

That first song sounded like Fleetwood Mac and the second one sounded like some 60s thing and i really liked it

[@spencerkunikiwass4660]

I am enjoying this group immensely..Fresh and lively!

[@fartknocker8363]

holy shit this is good.

[@evclai]

I love how well they arrange and perform their songs! I think that Lake Street Dive's songs shine so bright for me because I can't detect anything haphazardly put together or sloppily performed.

[@natecorning]

holy shit those drum fills at 2:19

[@afrosty91]

All of them are conservatory trained. They know their instruments man.

[@jorgeparedesaponte4045]

could be a paradiddle or a single strock roll...

[@natecorning]

Jorge Aponte definately not a paradiddle

[@jorgeparedesaponte4045]

njdkidd1231 man, isn't a great stuff..

[@jjarm]

Jorge Paredes Aponte ñnn

[@michellesines7976]

She has the perfect voice and the band is amazing!! Love their style! ❤️

[@tracylitero3811]

😮Great, beyond terrific! Rachael is a Wow! That band is so right on..they not only sing it..they ALL feel it. It’s in their soul!

[@mattguest6326]

I would ask who the 160 down-voters were, but when I copied the link to this to my mother, she grouchily complained that Rachael Price has "mushmouth" and "mumbles" her lyrics. I opened my mouth in shocked protest, and then closed it. Everyone is entitled to like what they like, I suppose. I happen to find this group to be marvelous, all the way around. The talent of the whole exceeds what you would expect the sum of the parts to add up to. Also, who does the arrangements? They're awesome.

[@dnmurphy48]

Nicely put. For anyone who for example likes classical singing or the kind of singing from the 1950s or 1960s, I can understand the comments your mom made. Rachel has a mighty and musical voice, but her diction could be improved. She also tends to sing loud virtually all the time, needs a bit more subtlety for my persona; tastes. The overall band sound is tremendous with great musicianship and arrangements.

[@kissthepeter]

That voice. Just TREMENDOUS.

[@PaulAngelini]

On a LSD bender. No, not that kind.

[@emeraldkat2167]

While I completely agree, you just made me realize that LSD on lsd would probably be the happiest drug experience ever.

[@blanchae]

Just came across this group. Amazing musicians.

[@tullsongs]

One woman has a God-given gift of a voice.The other just oozes charisma .