Lake Street Dive: 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.
Josh Rogosin | April 27, 2021
Lake Street Dive filmed its Tiny Desk (home) concert where the band is most at home: on stage at the “biggest little venue in NYC,” Pete’s Candy Store. All five band members managed to squeeze onto a stage no larger than the actual Tiny Desk to shine a spotlight on the Save Our Stages Act. Congress passed the $15 billion grant program last December as part of the $900 billion coronavirus relief bill. In the middle of the home concert, bassist Bridget Kearney recalls driving to the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn for a gig at Pete’s, then driving back to Boston the very same night, long before they ever sold out Radio City Music Hall on the other side of the East River.
It’s hard to believe the band has released seven studio albums. Its latest, Obviously, provided the setlist for this intimate performance and prominently features the newest member and co-songwriter, keyboard and vocalist Akie Bermiss. Hopefully we’ll all be packed into tight venues again soon, adding the thunderous applause we’re all yearning to contribute. Until then, we’ll just have to settle for clapping at our screens.
SET LIST
• "Hypotheticals"
• "Same Old News"
• "Anymore"
• "Making Do"
MUSICIANS
• Rachael Price: vocals
• Bridget Kearney: bass
• Akie Bermiss: keyboards, vocals
• Mike "McDuck" Olson: guitar
• Mike Calabrese: drums
CREDITS
• Video: Johnny Frohman
• Audio: Jared Herman, Robin MacMillan
• Camera Operator: Katie Sadler
• Camera Operator: Connor Smith
• Gaffer: Eric Bowers
TINY DESK TEAM
• Producer: Josh Rogosin
• Video Producer: Maia Stern
• Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
• Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
• Tiny Production Team: Kara Frame, Bob Boilen
• Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
• Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #lakestreetdive

[@kevinchristianmasias8157]

Will you replay this? Me : Hypothetically yes. How many times? Me : Theoretically forever.

[@nairocamilo]

Tell me again, will you be replaying this album? Me: Obviously.

[@erikajohnson9128]

This was amazing! 😭😭😭

[@harbourvioletmusic5330]

Good comment! VERY good comment!!!

[@DantesSagan]

YEAH!!!

[@oof3664]

Sweet comment

[@thembill8246]

I have the biggest crush on every single person in this band.

[@nataliebuckley9313]

Honestly, same.

[@RomonicaDiGregory]

That's extremely valid

[@fatocaster97]

Diggin the bi energy, sharing it too man

[@fatocaster97]

Still mostly in love with the bassist tbh

[@thenickneagle]

You know that's right.

[@gabrielcameron]

I wasn’t ready for the keyboardist to hit us with vocals like the son of Stevie 😳

[@RealAadip]

Dude! Out of nowhere, he dropped that magic on us.

[@HDthis]

He makes solo material too!! Definitely check him out

[@dionnewillis2374]

Yaas! Exactly right!

[@micahchapman8187]

I don’t like his vocals at all. I always wish that Rachael would sing his parts lol

[@bh8365]

Saw him playing keys on the first LSD video that I stumbled upon. Their Beatles roof top cover of "Don't Bring Me Down". McDuck, the guitarist was represented as a cardboard cut out. Rachael portrayed John.

[@mikepatrickmusic]

That bassist, she's groovin' and I absolutely love it!

[@tresawilliams2120]

🔥

[@skeenj]

Yeah, she's an amazing musician!

[@xav8rdan]

Gifted songwriter, too.

[@alisalaska1786]

So smooth about it too! Sometimes subtle is underrated.

[@phineaspotter5714]

Yeah Bridget is definitely my favorite bandmember. She writes all my favorites of their songs too.

[@Simple_City]

Yet again, Tiny Desk shows me a band/artist that I feel like I should have been listening to for years, yet had never heard of until clicking on the video. Lake Street Dive is EXACTLY what I needed to hear today, I'm in love with this jazzy, funky, pop-like sound.

[@lukasgalli]

oh boy, i am so jealous of you. what i'd give to listen to them for the first time again

[@bgcofer]

Check out their first Tiny Desk concert !

[@andrephx90]

Check their other Tiny Desk session....what a treat!

[@iamhistorygeek]

Check out Sammy Rae & Friends ❤️

[@jessw31178]

@Teacher ADAM JOSEPH WITTENBERG yessss! I like it better than the original.

[@michaelkutulas8878]

Okay, I don't want to take away anything from the rest of this band, who are just excellent in every respect, but I have to point out that this bass player is making that standup sound like a bass guitar, which absolutely blows my mind! Her timing, chops, tone and intonation are phenomenal! And ironically, I think it's the goal of many a bass guitarist to make their instrument sound like a standup bass... I'm so in awe here!

[@tomhankins5543]

I also recommend Bridget Kearney's earlier work on bass in another band, Joy Kills Sorrow, if you're not familiar. Cheers.

[@jambajoby32]

It sounds exactly like an upright bass lol

[@michaelkutulas8878]

@@tomhankins5543 Thanks for the recommendation... I'll check it out!

[@michaelkutulas8878]

@@jambajoby32 I get it, lol... but... you know what I mean! LOL!

[@roecocoa]

I first learned about Lake Street Dive because my little brother had a crush on Bridget Kearney.

[@stevenpoe640]

No one plays the upright bass better than Bridget Kearney. No one.

[@angelinamclaughlin-heil]

Agreed!😍

[@coryburns2292]

I could listen to Rachael Price sing anything. One of my favorite voices in music.

[@dannyteague5741]

She could sing the dictionary and make you cry with her soulful voice.

[@LoveYaLikeALoveSong]

I say this all the time!!!

[@jessw31178]

Same! If I could chose a voice to embody, it would be hers.

[@douglasjarvis8037]

Right? Literally anything.

[@leobaltz2057]

I could watch her sing anything as well! 😍😍😍

[@patrickharrison4763]

The keyboardist really brings it all together, that's such a good addition and puts them over the top

[@mikaelhegerstroem6172]

It feels like he is in charge of some of the arranging they have.

[@jessw31178]

@@Mendalla totally.

[@jessw31178]

Stevie Wonder sound. 💜

[@micahchapman8187]

I feel like he takes away from the group

[@storm8331]

Go Akie!

[@uroskostovic7987]

I never clicked so fast on a tiny desk

[@tyreekberry6213]

Big big facts

[@shakiras5679]

Same ahaha

[@manderinejay4197]

Same!!!

[@jeffbenjamin_551]

Same here

[@TheREZMobile]

Same

[@garrettc786]

As a member of the next generation, Making Do really hits

[@the.SteamingVegan]

Thee most wholesome comment section ever... and well deserved because this band is so cool it's literally absurd

[@xav8rdan]

One morning my clock radio woke me up with "Good Kisser" and I sat up like I'd been hit with 240 volts. Could not understand what year it was or how this sound had escaped my notice. That was right when "Free Yourself Up" was released, and I've been on the train ever since. Blown away with each new release, and lucky to have seen them in Taos a couple years back. No better band today. Thanks, Tiny Desk!

[@koa_attwood]

This band never leaves the pocket. So dope!

[@philiriehambone319]

LSD is such a great band. I absolutely love them. Sad to hear of McDucks departure but I wish him all the best. He surely will be missed.

[@chawanavaughn]

Immediate action was totally necessary for this 🎶🔥

[@benfoldsismygod]

The back up vocals in this band are just incredible.

[@tresawilliams2120]

Come through keyboardist!!!! Like buttah baby 🔥

[@user-we7vx3cd4q]

How adorable is McDuck, hiding behind those golden locks.

[@gusolives9777]

They had to replace him for the night...

[@chrislang4858]

I actually thought they had a new blonde guitar player

[@kcg1676]

This music flows over you like an extremely hot shower on a relatively cold and long arduous day. Just feels good. Remember when music was this good?

[@nineomite]

The best sign the music industry is a bit messed up is that these guys aren't a household name. They're so good it's absurd.

[@themrnorwood]

Full disclosure: I only started this video because I wanted to see the details of the room they’re in. But I couldn’t be happier that I stayed. I enjoyed this very much

[@BigHelianthus]

That's pete's candy store, in Brooklyn, NYC :)

[@qosullivan]

This place was a wilderness outpost 20 years. I saw countless bands there 2000-2005. It looked exactly like this back then. Great room with great sound.

[@kicking222]

One of the most talented bands in music today, period.

[@eddieMFsauceboy]

One of the most over-rated, generic bands in music today, period.

[@deekman78]

@@eddieMFsauceboy show us on the doll where Rachel Price hurt you.

[@finedotmusic]

OMG. I didn't know I was wishing for a Tiny desk with LSD including Akie in the Band! But here it is and I. Love. It.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Hypotheticals* (4:00) 4:27 - *Same Old News* (9:15) 10:23 - *Anymore* (14:33) 14:50 - *Making Do* [18:35 - Tny Desk team]

[@eliasbamaca]

Thank you

[@spark5012]

Thanks!

[@JIGnonymous]

I will forever Love Lake Street Dive. Rachael has an amazing voice that I would take over any American female singer. Bridget's bass speaks for itself. I went to BU and was in college around the time they got starter. I swear I have been on the very corner they filmed their cover of "I Want You Back". Wish I could have seen them perform back then

[@ariannaharp5021]

How did I live my whole life not hearing them??? Anyway, I’m glad I did! Y’all are the bomb.

[@bgcofer]

Check out their first Tiny Desk Concert. Actually at the Tiny Desk. Seriously.

[@musiq21]

Same here...I’m an instant fan !!

[@jshyoungblood]

@@bgcofer first one is half as good. they pulled a Robin Thicke or a j tim.

[@karenwilson3740]

I feel so Chetek by the music industry, 📣Where have I been??❣️❣️❣️

[@tuluhanbozkurt3225]

NPR: we have a new Tiny Desk (Home) concert for you Me: say no more

[@SponsoredByAnxiety]

Dude I’d never heard this group and now I’m obsessed. Thanks again TinyDesk!

[@SK-tk5lc]

They have another NPR Tiny Desk and a few full concert performances on KZbin

[@adamlyman6837]

I saw Rachel once on Frenchmen street in New Orleans and I almost fainted from her aura.

[@geomaddox]

Hypotheticals was the first song I ever heard by them and I swear I’ve I listened to it everyday since they dropped that album

[@patrickharrison4763]

Right now I'm that guy who keeps singing the same song over and over again out loud annoying all his friends, and I'm okay with it because it's that good of a song

[@trigonzobob]

Shame, Shame, Shame was probably the first Lake Street Dive song I ever heard - on my local public radio station in 2018. Didn't know who they were but then found their cover of Take On Me and I've been a huge fan ever since. My favorite is Rachel's vocals on "What I'm Doing Here"

[@AndrewStAngelo]

Love Lake Street Dive! They were the last live concert I saw before the pandemic.

[@roecocoa]

Me too, in 2016. The Suffers were the opening act. Amazing night!

[@brewdaly1873]

I discovered them after the pandemic hit unfortunately. Now I'm begging them to come to Texas because they're one of the top bands I want to see.

[@HokiePitcher22]

Wow. Thats actually pretty crazy

[@RealDavidN]

stellar musicianship. sing, play, write - like something from another time. But Bridget's bass lines are equal to the best of the Motown era.

[@drue6360]

I haven’t been surprised by new music for a while now. I clicked on this thinking it would be mediocre music. Then BAM my face is melted with this lead singers voice. At first my eyes are saying that she is trying really hard and not much volume is coming out, but my ears are giving me goosebumps at how smooth and controlled that voice is. And that keys player, that is Stevie Wonder incarnate. Amazing show and amazing band!

[@xav8rdan]

Superlative musicians. See them live if you can - can't overstate how their talent shines live.

[@superb00p]

Literally same

[@jefftheless]

Welcome to the fan club, dude. Go watch What I'm Doing Here and Good Kisser you won't regret it.

[@fernandoanacletofirmino1518]

Killer bassist

[@fitnessn30sec43]

Her Voice and this venue is everything what a beautiful way to wake up! Thank You 6 am

[@noordinaryjoe1414]

Yaaaaaaay!!!! Loving the addition of Akie and his voice is awesome! And as ever, I’m blown away by Bridget’s skill on the bass.

[@xXCloudsOmnislashXx]

How could you not LOVE these people. God, the vibes are so immaculate. Will be jamming all summer.

[@frederickt4298]

McDuck plays so quietly but effectively in that clean tone the whole time. Amazing. Love the gold plate, cream colored tele too.

[@alanhunter8699]

Everyone in this band has exemplary musical skills l saw them in the UK before the plague hit us all and they were terrific. Yep they were all fab ………but Bridget…..oh Bridget!

[@anhang8749]

A hookup introduced me to this band and I've never been more grateful

[@flyingcheff]

Cable hook up?

[@Isaac-we2ks]

@@flyingcheff google fiber

[@lazylion420]

never has a lead guitarist physically moved their body less while contributing more to a song than anyone else in the room absolute gangster with the cleanest white gold Telecaster I've ever seen

[@trigonzobob]

True. Reminds me of John ‍Entwistle (RIP).

[@hanswurst495]

true. if only he'd use a more decent guitar.

[@chrisgblues]

Actually there is a long list of guitar players who move very little and contribute a lot: David Gilmour comes to mind first. This guitarist here is either out of tune or he’s just hitting a lot of flat notes by mistake, either way he is the weak point in this otherwise stellar band IMHO.

[@christiansummers9070]

Derek Trucks would like a word

[@KevinTPLim]

@@chrisgblues bit harsh on the poor chap for having tuning issues in a song or two (and knowing it)... 09:45-10:00 isn't the look of a happy guitarist to me lol

[@maelblondel8922]

That Guitarist, man, it's the chilliest thing i've ever seen, just doin is thing. Simple as it be it's just grovingly chill i love it. And the band together oohh gosh..

[@MrBrianDuga]

Wow how did I not know these guys existed. Love how they all sing. Really tight, love it.

[@BanglaAve]

The lead singer has basically time-traveled in here from the 70s

[@laurieeno2118]

Yeah and it’s wonderful! :)

[@cherrypie4972]

Before i got to see them, 8 sec in i knew they gonnaa be great

[@albertahall3624]

You didn’t know where it was gonna go but you believed they might be into something

[@CertifiedSkank]

Same. Pickathon 2012, I believe.

[@Transterra55]

Kudos to the sound crew Jared Herman and Robin MacMillan: outstanding microphone placement and mixing.

[@livig429]

saw them live and it felt almost spiritual. love this band

[@theexistentialtigers]

Pretty cool to see that they recorded this in one of Brooklyn's coziest little music venues - Pete's Candy Store

[@mattagnew206]

Just twigged in the wide shots that those wall panels are fibreboard shipping pallets! And that stage does indeed look cosy.

[@kevinhanson6106]

Such a great vibe!

[@sambuchanan7255]

Anybody find themselves absentmindedly smiling when watching anything LSD releases?

[@suebarnes4897]

Every time! I adore them!

[@atreyurenaud515]

hypothetically yes

[@SirGregory]

I'm still smiling as I type this. It's something about the way they present their music. Understated, but clearly they are enjoying what they do.

[@jamesbaldas3479]

This is the sound you should capture on your records. You are an awesome live band. No trickery required. Peace.

[@JustinDangerpants]

When the new guy on the keyboard popped up on the second song it made me so happy. Perfect match for you guys.

[@stsk7]

this group is so good, its really good

[@amyd7794]

Just discovered them YESTERDAY and I’m obsessed 😍

[@deadringer333]

Red haired women that wears green and has the voice of an Angel. Marry me 💍

[@matth6932]

Jams. 78 thumbs down?? I don't get it. Following this band for 5 years now. Love the new addition! Peace.

[@theSharmatones]

The sound is done great, the engineer who recorded this really thought it through and made it sound as close to real tiny desk studio (same vibes man). The mic picks and placement is top notch. great job!

[@Joe_J-MT_Boy]

The sound/recording engineer did a great job in capturing the character of their sound.

[@beefraz9510]

The perfect band to wake up with my coffee. Thanks, TD!

[@CiderSessions]

These guys are the real deal, incredible musicians that are far more under appreciated than the majority of "pop" acts out here flexin' major label debt. Hope NPR continues featuring "working class" acts like them, Durand Jones, Los Hacheros and groups that are still loading their own gear into vans.

[@BluesManLeFever]

Lake street dive has two tour busses and people who load their gear, they also bring their own sound guy

[@CiderSessions]

@@BluesManLeFever yeah they've been in the circuit for a while and glad they're doing great. I just like more organic bands. Like last tiny desk was Justin Bieber like I'm sure he started from humble beginnings before a major label swooped him up. I think my peeve is that a lot of major labels are influencing Tiny Desk these days and having artists that don't need that much more visibility than they already have ya know?

[@kevinhanson6106]

They put every pop act out there to shame!

[@Essex626]

@@CiderSessions They've been having major label musicians on for a long time. Adele was on Tiny desk a decade ago. T Pain was on in 2013, John Legend in 2012. I love hearing great indy artists too, but I also like hearing major label artists people are familiar with recontextualized in the cozy, usually semi-acoustic setting of Tiny Desk. They do a lot of these, and there's plenty of room for both.

[@InternetGirl1093]

I wish Tiny Desk would just charge us $5 to watch these concerts versus monetizing the videos. The ads interrupting every 2 mins are so disruptive to the experience that Tiny Desk is meant to be, in my opinion as a longtime fan!

[@stumplifter]

1,000 time YES. More commercials than songs is absurd. What blows my mind is that this is a terrible Marketing scheme... you interrupt one of my favorite bands ever and you think I want to support you commercial/ product? Thanks a big no for me.

[@SenatorPhoenix]

It’s so distracting and the timing is terrible. @NPR reconsider this madness

[@thearchivist250]

KZbin Premium. I honestly thought it was not going to be worth, but ad free viewing alone is fantastic plus all the other stuff.

[@sladjkf]

npr doesn't control this, youtube now puts ads on all videos regardless of whether they are monetized or not

[@hxctalent]

Second time around and what a performance!

[@OliverHH1312]

No conocía esta banda, me encantó. Saludos desde Argentina!

[@shdsjsja.d]

Her voice, his voice 😍😍 ahhh love it.

[@kevinjohnwood6233]

the whole band is amazing, but Rachel Price is quite simply astounding as a singer Her "Rachel and Vilray" jazz album is jaw-dropping good

[@JuliaGarbe1]

Agreed!

[@poppyalameda9968]

Amazing. Lake Street Dive is so extraordinarily amazing. I can't even put into words what extraordinary artists they are - individually and as a group. I am in awe. Thank you LSD for this performance and to Tiny Desk for bringing them to us. These musicians are beyond amazing.

[@nromagnola]

The most underrated group on the planet!

[@eddieMFsauceboy]

Over-rated*

[@SmD71nG]

Thank you ALL for singing! thanking for making beats.Thank ALLL OF YOU~!!!!!!!

[@akashita]

I got introduced to this band through their first Tiny Desk and they're *addictive*. I was just jamming out to Bad Self Portraits this morning and now I got recommended this. Apart from this one time I was too broke to see them live when I lived in Boston (yeah 🥺), my life is goooooooooood 🥰

[@AshiaChanelMusic]

Hypotheticals is an absolute BOP!! One of their best song IMO!

[@PSWiitch]

First watched them on Colbert (Report), and have been hooked since! Seen them twice live, hopefully many more, but this is the next best thing!

[@Wowwhut]

Never clicked a link this fast before

[@robynlynnellebaker3378]

I recently was introduced to Lake Street Dive and I am just smitten with this band.

[@jbecknc]

How is it I have never heard of this group? They are great. Love to see them in a club. (Amen to supporting clubs and artists. We are so blessed with the wonderful, diverse talent that is out there now. )

[@gregorypage6867]

Hope they Gig in England! Im going!!!!

[@alwaysfallingshort]

This band is so cool I feel like I should be apologizing for watching this video. Like I accidentally sat at the popular kids table.

[@HokiePitcher22]

🤣 this is a great comment

[@rachelsewell7026]

Aww. Such a cute comment!

[@philomenaparallax]

the popular but humble kids, i feel like 💕

[@Joe_J-MT_Boy]

You know... lots of musicians really stepped up to help us keep our sanity (to some degree) during the worst of COVID, and we are really lucky in that regard.

[@williedynamyte]

Every time I hear something new from Lake street Dive I become even more impressed with them.

[@willowoodz]

i LOOVE the styles of each member. it’s all so harmonious istg

[@m322_yt]

not even one minute in i know this will be my go-to session to listen to for a couple of weeks

[@harrymiley3707]

These people somehow channel the energy, color, even the innocence of the 1970s; Things mostly missing in popular music. Plus they made the bravest cover of Take On Me ever.

[@JustDave54]

Lake St. you were gone from my mind for a long time so happy you are back

[@Jess-wu9dx]

Wow, the sound quality is so much better at Pete's Candy Store than it usually is. I hope NPR left their equipment!

[@AdamNMinton]

Happily donated. Y'all are literally the best band out there, and anything to support live venues to bring you and other artists in the same position is more than worthy of a helping hand. Can't wait to finally see you live after all these years of being obesessed!

[@nikytamayo]

Two things that make me happy: NPR Tiny Desk Concerts and Lake Street Dive. Bliss.

[@paulbrundtland6749]

Yes! I've never clicked so fast either. Big fan of the band AND tiny desk, so this match made my day. I'm feeling the new track "Anymore". Loved to see Rachael and Akie trading vocals in "Same old news" as well. Great musicians great vibes great tunes.

[@DouglasWiesen1]

THE VIBE. Akie is such an amazing addition- can't believe he wasn't always on LSD.

[@NoahFaulkner]

The use of the plucky upright in this kind of music with the tasty tasty drums is just amazing❤️❤️❤️👌👌👌

[@TerriBingham]

The whole band is multi talented. Fantastic musicians.

[@corrierewilson6321]

God really took his time molding Rachel, both vocally and visually. Just astounding!!

[@whobian123]

Ok... new band added to my list. This is the stuff.

[@costas0]

Been following them for like 7 years. They are so awesome. Beautiful and talented.

[@melissamartinez8401]

I jus found this band yesterday. And haven’t stopped listening to them!

[@kentdarsee3029]

Things like this are why we all need to support our local public radio

[@LFC__Dan]

Been a fan of these peeps since ‘15. Much respect to TinyDesk for giving them the credit they deserve.

[@annasaez2544]

This band is like butter to bread. So smooth. I love them so much

[@ianshaw7617]

Tasteful musical quintet with two distinct vocalists that complement each other perfectly.Great songwriting that’s pointless to pigeonhole into any genre.

[@heroninsights]

Lake Street Dive has talent for days. Immeasurable! It just doesn't translate to studio album productions. Live recordings are the best and I've seen them live even more impressed. Always love what they give.

[@nickmurphy5960]

Same Old News is so smooth

[@briansounalath]

They all look like adjunct professors.

[@jmoore4224]

😂😂😂

[@harrygaskin7995]

Because they are.

[@idol2984]

I'm taking her class. I don't know what she teaches, and I don't care.

[@esterbarbosa3418]

Not ironic but the singer reminds me a teacher a had in college (who also sings - maybe thats why).

[@peterhawkins7130]

I would have stayed in class

[@sofiablakey6454]

Each tiny desk concert thar Lake Street Dive performs is just better, more terrific than the last one. Just ♥️it! 🥰🥰🥰. Stay stafe!!!