Future Islands: 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.
Bob Boilen | January 25, 2021
It's been 10 years since the band Future Islands performed its first Tiny Desk concert. Now its four members are gathered not too far from their Baltimore base in Carroll Baldwin Memorial Hall, sans desk. "We lost the desk," singer Sam Herring tells us with a smile. With drummer Michael Lowry on the tiny stage, the rest of the band - including bassist William Cashion and Gerrit Welmers on electronics - took to the floor, allowing Sam Herring to make his moves and sing his heart out. This music is clearly for the head and the feet.
The songs are from their sixth and very recent album, As Long As You Are. Along with themes of loneliness and love, we also hear songs about race, which is most evident in "The Painter," a song about how we can all look at the same thing and see it so differently. We end with a song that came out shortly after visiting NPR in 2011 called "Balance." It's one of those tunes that feels repurposed for the 2020s: "This is a song for anybody who's struggling through their lives," Sam Herring says, "and I know there are a lot of you all out there, just trying to get by, but it's going to take a little bit more time."
SET LIST
"Hit the Coast"
"The Painter"
"Thrill"
"Balance"
MUSICIANS
Sam Herring: vocals
William Cashion: bass
Gerrit Welmers: keyboards
Michael Lowry: drums
CREDITS
Video: Marisa Gesualdi
Audio: Steve Wright of Wright Way Studios
Director: Marisa Gesualdi
Director of Photography: Jake DeNicola
Cameras: Jake DeNicola, Hil Steadman, Marisa Gesualdi
Engineer: Paul Mercer
Monitors Engineer: Matthew Ricchini
Covid-19 Compliance Officer: Tosha Potter
Covid-19 Compliance Assistant: Jerry Potter
Production Assistant: Melany Rochester
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Associate Producer: Bobby Carter
Tiny Production Team: Kara Frame, Morgan Noelle Smith
Executive Producer: Lauren Onkey
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

[@DerekWrites]

Sam Herring performing with the same intensity for an empty room as he would for a full crowd.

[@jaymedykes2394]

The only way to do it. Love your words.

[@brigittekrause3944]

exactly what I thought, can only applaud him for that

[@sarahquinlan4730]

I wish I was in that room!

[@PPPolarPOP]

That's why he's the king, baybeee!

[@radujiga9079]

actually, that's the thing: he's not "performing", he just lives his music... he lives what he plays...

[@mikegreen2417]

I feel like I just saw a new color.

[@letsgrow6934]

What a beautiful way to describe this feeling. Thank you for sharing this poetic thought with us !

[@kevinmorton5149]

What an immense quotation..consider it stolen to impress in the future as my own..thank you.

[@Nothing-qq4hd]

Love is a color with no defining tone ❤

[@monkmcmonk440]

And it's bright

[@JasonSmith-cz8yj]

Ooooh good one. I love that

[@Dave-xh9oc]

Some people want to watch the world burn, I just want to watch Sam dance.

[@Rainjordan]

best comment!

[@TheGogogadget123]

Some want to watch the world be more beautiful with the harmonies of Future Islands.

[@elanyacoleman9862]

Me too 😌❤️

[@wiseguy100]

Oh I love this band. The singer gives it his all in every performance.

[@paramost]

Absolutely, his dancing is just legendary

[@adriannetatta4791]

YES!!!

[@MrSterlingjw]

You can tell he feels it in his bones

[@Beastw1ck]

You ever see him on Letterman in 2014? It’s on KZbin and it’s legendary.

[@jdmstyleh22a]

Samual T herring has a god dam good voice

[@danielbaker3940]

Hit the coast is one of the most underrated songs of 2020

[@cyrilgerald5520]

Best song on the album

[@ericlepine6894]

i totally agree. Ive been listening to this song all day long...everyday

[@charlesyates4230]

@@ericlepine6894 Aw Rye.....

[@droppinhammerz]

If you ever have the chance to see them live, I implore you to go. the passion that sam brings and gives is absolutely unreal. You will not regret it.

[@joecartermusic_]

Sam looking more and more like Iniesta every time I see him 😂❤️❤️❤️

[@OfficialMyxomatosis]

I see that now (edit after looking him up, sorry I do not watch much football anymore), - I saw Morrissey. It's been so long since I have seen him, maybe he has lost his glorious coiffure?

[@joecartermusic_]

@@OfficialMyxomatosis yes! I see Morrissey as well. Which of him and Sam sings with more feeling in your opinion?

[@OfficialMyxomatosis]

@@joecartermusic_ ooh.. Morrissey.. I watched The Smiths R&R HOF performance and his gravity hits you like a wet blanket and takes you with him. Maybe this old punk is biased. Sam, even dances a bit like Morrissey. That's what got me. Edit: Wow! Thanks for the ask!

[@hullaballoo11]

I see that......my initial thoughts were a young Marlon Brando

[@OfficialMyxomatosis]

@@hullaballoo11 I love your comment. Came back this morning to watch/listen. *You are so correct!* Brando all the way!!

[@rishi2157]

future islands are transcendental, painful, beautiful, anarchic, joyous, sunshiney all at the same time xx

[@chenkelelopes]

This is the most epic Dad band ever created.

[@deweygoeshard5617]

Facts

[@alfonsoestrada5145]

Real facts

[@RobertSlover]

subjective nonsense....

[@diegoflores4140]

am a dad, can confirm

[@DonJoeBob]

I was thinking the same thing. Didn't want it to sound negative cause it's not. They're just not the rock star types and relatable guys. Dads. Also as a middle aged Dad, I really love what they're doing. Their music makes me want to cry happy tears and that's a good thing.

[@ipsilonia]

balance is such a beautiful song. "but trust me as a friend, that i'll do all that i can do... and i'd do anything for you because i want to see you through" sometimes i'll sing that to myself during my most difficult moments. ya gotta be an encouraging friend to YOURSELF sometimes. i'm so glad they ended the set with that record.

[@letsgrow6934]

Thank you for saying that ! You are so right, and it is always a great remember. You are your own best friend, and the only person you’ll spend your whole life with. We shall learn to have our own backs and work on our own friendship, not only external friendships !

[@jellemier2160]

Hands down one of my favorite songs.

[@jonlau7937]

so nostalgic, i first heard balance 10 years ago on songza, back before google bought them out! synthpop indie music was booming at that time and this song had just the right positive message when you listened to it.

[@renan8699]

This comment has matched my mood today since I'm being my own best friend, but I'll try to think about that in my worst days, sure it'll be challenging...

[@Chrystal609]

We should always be our own best friend but it takes some of us the longest time to figure that out. Beautiful song

[@grego1355]

The most unassuming yet legendary frontman! So much passion and artistry.

[@ricclifton3910]

if you really want to be surprised by him, see his work under the stage name Hemlock Ernst.

[@fireyflower6643]

Totally agree

[@di3g0nat0r]

It’s the lyrics for me

[@unloveableandre]

Delightful band to see live

[@adamjones7014]

I heard a song by them today just randomly...this band is F_cking amazing. I almost think they sound better live then on the recording.

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Hit the Coast* (3:52) 4:32 - *The Painter* (9:13) 9:46 - *Thrill* (14:04) 14:25 - *Balance* [18:18 - Tiny Desk team]

[@owlislike]

THANK YOU.

[@aryanshekarchi]

Thanks to be in a right place always

[@michaelswinford4674]

I saw this band by accident on Stephen Colbert. I'm so very happy I didn't turn it off and go to bed. I am now officially obsessed. I don't think there is a way to pinpoint what their magic is, nor should I try to do so. Their music, the amazing vocals all stir something inside that I may have forgotten about.

[@lexstacks6944]

I quickly change the channel if I see Stephen Colbert lol..

[@samuelclemens8361]

Same here. The Colbert performance was my first introduction and it set off a chain-reaction. The crazy thing is that I live in the same city that the are now from, Baltimore, and I've never heard of then until Colbert. Better late than never I suppose. There are still countless of music fans who have no idea about this beautiful "secret" called Future Islands

[@lexstacks6944]

I wouldn't admit to watching colbert aka leftwing propaganda lol..

[@samuelclemens8361]

@@lexstacks6944 There is always some loser that can't help but to make everything political. Today that loser is you.

[@elanyacoleman9862]

Me too!

[@NObucketLIST]

Sam has the soul of an 80s/90s new wave rocker. This band and his antics connect! 😎

[@Seanshun]

I really love Future Islands. I can listen to them forever.

[@elanyacoleman9862]

Me too ❤️😌

[@YummyBaer]

Gerritt Wilmers is such a great unconventional Keyboardist. Love his work.

[@tsjordan31]

One of my favorite bands. Sam Herring voice is so unique and just captivating. I could listen to him all day.

[@brentj.peterson6070]

My musical tastes run the gamut from metal to blues to country..I have NEVER heard a band or sound quite like this. It's soothing and mesmerizing. You cannot look away from Sam's heartfelt performance.. adding the bass hook and dreamy synths...wow.

[@HumanBeingWithFeelings]

After having listened to them for a few years during a very intense time of my life full of changes, challenges, etc, I finally had the privilege of seeing them live and I must admit it was extremely hard to hold my tears.( I wanted to hold them because I knew if I started it would be difficult to stop.) Their music helped me get through some tough times, it always feels like a hug from a good friend. *Long live Future Islands*

[@xcrnrkyle]

Saw them a few weeks ago - didn't dare hold it back for Light House.

[@ClaudeAndTaylor]

I'll take all of that ya got!!!! 🤩😍🤩😍

[@ghost__chips]

found Letterman's account

[@shamancolin]

Reference to Letterman's comment when the played that set several years ago?

[@Fluffyrocks]

The passion this band has is second to none. Dont stop creating you amazing people.

[@micahclawrence]

Oh buddy!

[@cora_m]

His voice is incredible. Happy to see them on tiny desk

[@saviddullivan3131]

When the drummer wears a Tribe Called Quest - Low End Theory t-shirt, I stop what I'm doing and listen.

[@EJulia33]

As a child of the 80s, I hear my beloved, dreamlike, new wave music I would listen to for hours, come alive with this band. The raw emotion and just pure talent of this band blows me away :)))). Thank you

[@countbacula]

I had heard a few of their songs and thought they were pretty decent, and then on a whim went to see them live and was absolutely blown away. Incredible artist.

[@unloveableandre]

same here... saw them opening for Morrissey in 2015, red Rock, in Colorado, first row... amazing guys

[@priscillavalle5365]

Same!

[@priscillavalle5365]

It was in Sydney

[@thenightrises420]

Future islands music will be with me till the day I die.

[@Matsbh89]

The reverb in that old dance hall makes me shiver. So right for the vibe of this band.

[@RobertSlover]

"shiver" really?....

[@Matsbh89]

@@RobertSlover Haha! Yes indeed Sir! Also known as a good old chill.

[@RobertSlover]

@@Matsbh89 no.

[@johnnydelago7231]

I love the brutal combination of soft sounds and the sharp edges of the drums and Sam's voice

[@LewisJD33911]

The Full-body footwork at the beginning of Balance is remarkable.

[@WillyFrapps]

Sam’s emotions are so clearly woven into their songs and transferred to the listener. I just love how it gives me a visceral reaction.

[@markmitterhuber]

Someone described Future Island as Joe Cocker with New Order ... and I think it is beautiful

[@cronker86]

More like Gowan, Joe Cocker, and IAN CURTIS of Joy Division.

[@colindabill9083]

Fantastic band with their own blend ☕️

[@Dunkaroos248]

I hear a lot of Peter Murphy in his voice

[@TheNickster1493]

Hit the Coast has to be one of my favourite songs. Love the passion he has no matter where they play.

[@gamerk1625]

I did security for FYF festival about nine years back , was hearing future islands play in the back , I didnt pay much attention at the time but their chords and Sam's haunting voice stuck in me for years .. until I had some experiences which lead me to go back and find out who was that band playing at that time years later .. by far my favorite band ever

[@gorby3274]

I was there too. Beautiful day.

[@angelmireles1275]

Such a nostalgic and majestic feeling that this music brings, thank you NPR for uploading this:)

[@ghoste9314]

I can’t actually describe what future islands make me feel, Sam is insanely smart with his words and to top it off he’s so wholesome

[@alexboardman733]

I found Balance recently on Spotify. It was on my Discover Weekly and snuck onto my liked playlist based off of sound alone. After binging it along with a few other songs for a week, I finally started to hear the lyrics. It’s like they wanted me to just enjoy the music first and then they decided to reveal the lyrics and deeper meaning of the song. Incredible and unique sound that makes you feel in the room with them and then Sam is just a friend talking to you and relating to you about what you’re going through in life. Absolutely immaculate band.

[@maritzatorres5118]

same thing ❤

[@paulettemichigan8975]

My experience, too

[@lexstacks6944]

I found this band sometime around 2015-2016. First seen "seasons" performed on David Letterman show, and I was hooked..

[@johnbutler7567]

Sounds like me tonight

[@ScottGinATL]

Thank you to everyone for the Monday morning gift of great music!

[@sdksx5828]

i'm so thankful for their music, especially atm. i went through terrible times over the last months but i'm working through it with my last bits of optimism that i still have - even though it was so hard. and that's why i love their songs so much: they're comforting and optimistic but also carry a lot of honest pain and thought. sending good vibes to everyone, thanks for existing! :)

[@rajo741]

You sharing the difficulties does have a helpful influence on others. It allows us to feel that we’re not the only one adrift or hurt or confused.

[@seanohlinger7662]

These guys are still killing it after all these years!! I have been binging them on spotify all covid-long. . .They are all business!

[@Luke-cecilpod]

The best & most honest band alive right now sam is a phenomenally talented writer.

[@leightonlee4108]

Music as it should be each song telling a story full of meaning emotion and passion simply the best band I've ever seen in my 50 years thank you Sam I feel blessed to have found you in 2016

[@arnvillanueva6178]

*always going to admire Future Islands for sharing the craft they love so much with us. thank you so much NPR Tiny Desk for having them.*

[@Chrystal609]

I've never heard a voice like that before. It's a privilege to experience something new and special.

[@MO-1978]

Best dancer on this planet!❤️👍👍

[@tiruliru]

This dude is just AWESOME, he makes me chuckle, almost cry, laugh and everything, I praise him so much for that!!

[@larissarodrigues9914]

I went to their concert yesterday in Philadelphia and all i can say is that I'm AMAZED. His performance is out of this world. Incredible energy and vibes. Needs more attention!!!!

[@therealstevezissou8649]

Long time Future Islands fan, one of my favorite bands. They get me every time

[@nev375]

My cardio workout is to watch Sam dancing.

[@surfsexsea]

YESSSSSSS!!!!! This band, that voice, those MOVES! Ugh 🤦🏻‍♀️ I can’t take it! Absolutely mesmerizing!

[@DrewForGames]

I’m going to call this “Dadwave”. I like it.

[@robinschwabegger9569]

I would say it falls under the Sad Dad Rock genre.

[@vandrews]

There's still hope for us middle-aged dads -- represent! 😜

[@chadwickwright2833]

Dumb

[@zeropainmedia]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@ChiKoVolcOM]

🤣

[@erikdiaz6289]

My life is complete now.

[@NoMaDwG]

Get the same feeling with this band I did with Eddie and Pearl Jam back in the 90s. One of the best bands out there right now.

[@rajo741]

An absolutely spot on comparison 👍

[@cjjdnc]

Want to hear Ed and Sam on a track together!

[@andrewmcloughlin8869]

The band, the lyrics, the voice and the moves. Could listen all day!!

[@Umo44]

You just know that Sam feels every single word he's singing. It's just so obvious.

[@perezor]

I love Future Islands, Sam you´re amazing!!!

[@I___Love___U]

So good. Their music is like a warm hug.

[@letsgrow6934]

This is so accurate ! Thank you for saying that, I feel the hug now 😌

[@fireyflower6643]

I love this band because its just so original, and the singer is so impassioned

[@happyarewewhosmile]

First thing's first, if you're reading this comment go watch Sam Herring's (lead singer) interview of "What's in Your Bag" with Amoeba Records. There's one for the band and one for him individually. I don't think most people would guess how much of a hip hop head he is, and I'm sure it has an influence on his work, lyrically and instrumentally. Now, I've been listening to this band on and off for the last ten years, since In Evening Air. Their music has helped me through many tough times. My only regret is not being able to see them live. I've purchased tickets 3 times, last time was probably 5 or 6 years ago. Unfortunately something always prevented me from listening to them live, be it car trouble or personal events. Nevertheless I hope when covid has waned I might see them, hopefully in a more intimate setting (though perhaps I've missed my chance to see them in a small venue). When I saw them on Letterman I was both elated and a bit melancholic. I saw them making it, but knew I would probably never get the chance to see them in a dive venue ever again. Regardless, I'm glad these guys are still here, ending the set with balance, something we all need these days.

[@beeryan2]

Hope your well bud, I hear you

[@mesastreatexit]

have you heard Sam's rap album? Hemlock Ernst & Kenny Segal

[@br0k3nman]

@@mesastreatexit dude, thanks for this. DAF

[@grinchums]

I'm so sorry you missed them live. It's still the best performance iv ever had the pleasure witnessing

[@brianwohlleben3182]

Hmm. That explains the tribe called quest shirt the drummer is wearing.

[@ginocasio1273]

What a band, discovered them in late 2020 after reading their latest album review. Can't wait to see them live when they start touring again..Loved the insight Samuel shared about what each song was about on the tiny desk concert.

[@burgesssam]

i hope that one day i can dimension hop like Sam Herring

[@monikca00]

Haha, for reals.

[@ryanmurphy2610]

They're like 4 men who met at school in Drama class, went their separate ways, got back together, and formed a band.

[@TreeWhisper]

That's Lowkey the history of the band lol

[@CarlosDiaz-gk7nk]

I just saw them once in my life live in Offenbach, Hafen 2, Germany many years ago (2014?) and will never forget this concert again. The band's and frontman's energy and power is just contagious. Really looking forward to seeing Future Island in Frankfurt/Germany next year!

[@Dizzula]

Thrill makes me want to change my life

[@timothyfitzgerald7394]

I randomly stumbled into this band when I was in Texas, attending a Modest Mouse show. They were better than Modest Mouse. And now I like them more. These guys are great. Pure emotion. Love em!

[@peterdancer9537]

I was at that show too!

[@sujeylopez7]

Future Islands forever 💜💜💜 Every album, every performance, every word and song....every single time. Love you guys since day one 💜

[@tomlibero3780]

This kind of reverb and synths sound remainds me my young years...So cool, so nostalgic!

[@RobertSlover]

there is only now.

[@mcor1]

When I look at Sam, I can't decide if I want to hear him sing, or provide me with sound financial advice.

[@Saganist420]

Watching him dance is like watching a beautiful Peacock do a mating dance with its majestic colorful tail in the cool summer breeze.

[@michaelfoxbrass]

I love their “wall of sound” and “rolling groove” song settings - both retro and relevant! As always, outstanding production, NPR!

[@Devil-Child12790]

NPR and Future Islands is a match made in heaven!

[@whywelovefilm7079]

God I love Future Islands so much. “Thrill” has become one of, if not my favorite song of all-time. I listen to it at least 10 times a day. Their entire album was amazing. All of them are...

[@stevenkay4104]

I just discovered this song and this band on a whim after hearing Matt from The National mention it in a concert I was viewing. I'd never heard of them... so glad I changed that!

[@guyb4771]

I saw the band in wythenshawe manchester supporting Noel Gallagher on the last weekend of august 23. They were only on for about 15 minutes as an electrical storm forced them off stage ( it was an outdoor show ) the uk “ summer weather “ being what it is ,they didn’t come back as the show was delayed for over half an hour until it was deemed safe to continue. I saw enough in those 15 minutes to convince what a great band they are and what a superb frontman Sam is . I have played a lot of their stuff in the time since and never failed to be impressed, look forward to possibly seeing him live again ( indoors this time )somewhere sometime soon .

[@toniguth843]

So far this year has given me a lot ... Corona, stress, self-doubt. And it gave me Future Islands. I am very thankful for that. Every year I get to know and appreciate many, many new bands. But a band hadn't affected me so strongly in many years.

[@jeremyfisher3508]

just recently discovered this band and know I'm hooked.

[@diarmuidmcgrath5538]

I’m going to see them end of this month in Dublin - I cannot wait! They kept me going during lockdowns in Ireland 🇮🇪 Sams voice is like nothing else. When I hear the opening bars of ‘Hit the coast’ I know it will send chills down my spine. The sound is just one ☝️ in a million!! 😁

[@adrianpollard1804]

Saw them last night in Belfast. Man you're in for a treat!

[@ToothTooth76]

I remember seeing this band perform a free town-sponsored show on the top level of a downtown Chapel Hill, NC parking deck - several years ago. A small but energetic crowd! I made friends with everyone there!

[@ToothTooth76]

The first time I ever saw this band was at the first year of the Hopscotch Festival in Raleigh, NC. It was like watching lightning create fire.

[@wanderalmeida9584]

Big fan from Brazil! Thanks NPR and Future Island!

[@alecsyogacorner]

Hello to my 2020 self - it’s me, you from 2022, just letting know you can clean around the wound, but if you want it to heal, it just takes time. What a beautiful performance from a band that makes me see my own life in such a different way through its music.

[@roberthiggins2252]

Minute 14:50 is probably my favorite part and song, and it is SPOT ON with how I dance every New Years Eve before midnight with my friends. The dancing is part of the magic of this band. (I'm buying that song "Balance" and adding it to my "Upbeat/dance" mix.) *Thinking out loud on youtube*

[@aghorismo]

I wanna dance like him when I grow up.

[@didier2124]

Just watched them on Jools Holland by chance now watching all I can WOW, so authentic, passionate, expression. His stage presence at home or on stage is inspiring

[@rantsreviews3573]

My love for this band just grows every year. I think this last release is their best, can't get enough!

[@holgerhenn6463]

I ve seen this band live in Berlin, best you you get.......so much energy, so good spirit, so fantastic

[@gallinho7268]

So did I! Absolutely amazing

[@user-ov8wy1em4w]

The dancing caught my eye about a year ago and NOW I really really love the music !!

[@beesten]

Can’t wait to experience a live concert from them soon

[@joecartermusic_]

Such an amazing and unique sound. So much feeling in the vocals as well! I love this band and I can't wait to see them live one day.

[@tsmith081]

I can never listen to enough Future Islands. I genuinely hope when concerts resume they do a tour. I have been waiting years to see them live again. ❤️✌️

[@oscarmelgarb]

Top 10 Best Frontmans on 2021. Then Great band, excellent sound, amazing illumination! Complete musical pleasure!

[@apersonwhoisaperson8163]

I needed this today. Thanks Sam and the rest of the band.

[@Person10201]

This group is amazing!!! I absolutely love them!!!

[@atomicbrain9401]

14:25 - listening to Balance and crying my eyes out. such a fantastic song and message. luv this so much.

[@diegoseb1010]

Love love love love love this band, it speaks in so many levels and it displays true color of feeling and knowing of self.

[@Unzyme]

I've been looking for a band with something to say, and here it is. Thank you, Future Islands.

[@AG416]

cant wait to see these guys live post covid

[@pavement422]

Me too 👍

[@ryansauer1373]

Ending this incredible set with one of THE BEST songs! Thank you guys!!

[@AcePilgrim]

Hearing "For Sure" for this concert would have been amazing ❤️❤️

[@trulyholistic3797]

Look up For Sure Ellen show and you will notice it’s same setting as this hall.

[@MartinClimbs]

One of the most unique voices and sounds the past years, loved them ever since I discovered them.

[@fattonyrap]

i’ll always love them

[@SoyBrig]

An unexpectedly great end to a Monday. Many thanks to everyone who made this happen.