Little Dragon: Tiny Desk Concert

Mitra I. Arthur | Aug 11, 2023
The last time Swedish band Little Dragon performed for Tiny Desk, the group wasn't actually at the Desk. Like a number of Tiny Desk alum who played between 2020 and 2022, Little Dragon delivered its debut Tiny Desk as a (home) concert in the band's Gothenburg studio. That performance provided a comforting balm to many during the early and confusing months of the global pandemic. Finally hosting the quartet in our Washington, D.C. office was the ultimate goal, and in this in person Tiny Desk, Little Dragon delivers a performance awash with upbeat and optimistic melodies balanced by a grounded presentation.
Since the band's debut album in 2007, Little Dragon created a blend of R&B, soul, electronica and dance pop that pushes the boundaries of simplistic genre classification. The whimsical whistling of drummer Erik Bodin in "Tumbling Dice" is the perfect complement to singer Yukimi Nagano encouraging us to "make it worth every step as we go." The cosmic pop tones of "Ritual Union'' are stripped away here, and the driving beat in this slowed down rendition heightens the contemplative lyrics on marriage. "Gold," from the band's newest album Slugs of Love, is a standout in this set. The verses build to a funky, thumping bassline, courtesy of Bodin and bassist Fredrik Wallin, anchoring a chorus that interpolates the Whitney Houston tune "Million Dollar Bill."
Keyboardist Håkan Wirenstrand delivers flowing embellishments and solos on every track, particularly in the last song of the set, "Where You Belong," from 2020's New Me, Same Us. Nagano's honeyed vocals make the song simultaneously mournful and hopeful, as she touches her hand to her chest, reminding us our lost loved ones have "been there all along, right where you belong."
SET LIST
"Tumbling Dice"
"Ritual Union"
"Gold"
"Where You Belong"
MUSICIANS
Yukimi Nagano: vocals
Erik Bodin: drums, vocals
Fredrik Wallin: bass, vocals
Håkan Wirenstrand: keys, vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern, Kara Frame, Sofia Seidel
Audio Assistant: Kwesi Lee
Production Assistant: Zayrha Rodriguez
Photographer: Michael Zamora
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #nprmusic #littledragon

[@atomsk_arson]

This feels like running into an old friend and finding out they are doing better than ever!

[@jessicadonovan]

This is the cutest and most lovely comment ever. Imagine having the ability to make people feel like this 🥹

[@msmusic222]

Totally agree!!!

[@markabdul-karriem286]

Exactly ❤

[@chrisgirardi2827]

100%

[@luisavalos8700]

This is exactly how I feel when I listen to them❤❤

[@summaof83]

One of the most underrated groups ever...I can listen to Yukimi's soulful voice any time of the day.

[@JheriCurlJankins]

Ditto! I would ♥ a duet with her and Nai Palm of Hiatus Kaiyote!

[@casipajaro3005]

aunque kexp y tiny desk les sobran, y quienes les escuchan a lo largo del tiempo, nice band

[@slavadabadoo]

One of the most underrated groups ever!!!!!! LD is the sneaky underdog in my fav bands of all time list.

[@jdsboston]

Going to see them live tonight. Couldn't agree more

[@sebastianbarbosaestudio]

sublime music

[@kekahili]

Little Dragon is eternal. May they never stop making music.

[@ChrisAdragna]

Seeing Little Dragon in my feed while sipping coffee is knowing everything today needs to start 15 minutes later than planned.

[@davidmundowyahoo7839]

Or 15 minutes earlier? 😉

[@JamesMarsh1]

😅 Drinking coffee and listening to the set while reading this comment... mmmm... 100% on point.

[@alefly]

00:00 - Tumbling dice 3:14 - Ritual Union 7:07 - Gold 11:11 Where you belong

[@theycallmeyaz]

Thanks for posting the time stamps!

[@hello50881]

11:11😮

[@fernandoguapodz7]

Thanks ✌️

[@dougfrombama9438]

Heroes don't always wear capes❤

[@kridonkri6505]

Totally necessary

[@hunnibunniyadi]

Wheww 🥹 hearing this rendition of Ritual Union, feels like I’m giving my 20-something year old self a hug 🫂, I’m now in my Mid 30s. Music really transcends time like nothing else.

[@hunterkeels8247]

Looking great from 42 too- I absolutely love these guys, more and more over time.

[@Jaznellow]

Yukimi - one of the best vocalists in the game!! But can we talk about Hakan on the keys?! Brought me to tears.

[@Fat-Horrible-Man]

Yeah she's made the best of a bad situation with her voice.

[@ninjaspacepunk]

So deep

[@lindakiddkidd2309]

She was off key a lot of times...

[@mm111303]

@@lindakiddkidd2309 which says a lot about her performances because we think she’s still one of the best in the game.

[@lindakiddkidd2309]

@@mm111303 definitely

[@LolaRoxie]

Little Dragon???????? BIH----Thank you to all involved for setting this up. I appreciate yall so much

[@dovonn]

Gooped and gagged

[@sunayama4650]

Little Dragon made it to Tiny Desk! I'm gonna cry! I love their music so much!

[@DjinnFrosty]

They had a tiny desk home concert but glad they did it live

[@CandiJanoki]

Dreams really do come true 😍

[@michaellaird2207]

They rock. Love their new album, and this version of Ritual Union is sooo good.

[@dnl_mp4]

i THINK THAT IS THEIR THIRD tINY dESK.

[@CandiJanoki]

@@dnl_mp4 they did one at home during the quarantine

[@jhunt5578]

So many tunes by this band. The Wildfire SBTRKT colab is an absolute tune. The "New Me, Same Us" album is pure gold.

[@CandiJanoki]

Wildfire is a classic!!!!

[@HuzzahGaming]

AND 'Empire Ants' with The Gorillaz, absolutely amazing.

[@CandiJanoki]

@@HuzzahGaming yes!!

[@AncientCityMusic]

Don’t forget the underrated Koop

[@jhunt5578]

@jrowbott What's that, I searched and nothing came up?

[@benracz6072]

Where You Belong.... "simultaneously mournful and hopeful" is such a beautifully accurate description. This song has so much depth of emotion. I never knew the intention behind this track, but to me it was an homage to the insecure, doubting self, who finds the confidence to take up space- brushing off feelings of loneliness and imposter syndrome, picking yourself up and moving forward with light. This upbeat rolling piano and the momentum of the bassline capture this feeling so powerfully. Little Dragon you fkn rock 💛

[@thealternative9580]

Ritual Union still slaps

[@L.O.Hammmm]

Almost burst into tears when they started playing Ritual Union, so many memories with this song. Hearing it at this stage of my life hits so different. And this version of it feels so special.

[@reeeefers]

She said "a Little Dragon classic" and i wasn't expecting an absolutely magical version of the song that got me into them. Yukimi4ever

[@Empresselizabeth1800]

First song I heard from them too 🤍

[@johStephan]

I like this acoustic version much better than the original version. The piano really adds a warm note that is missing in the synth version.

[@patalva4323]

Been listening to them since 2007 in high school. They have had such a huge impact in my life and it is such a treat to see them on Tiny Desk sounding incredibleeee! Thank you to your team Tiny Desk ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Little Dragon my favorite band you guys are so amazing come to Miami!!! 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽

[@allisonbishop9365]

Me too! I listened to Machine Dreams during art class in high school ❣️

[@davidclark2476]

same here

[@QuietStorm26]

Same. I heard feather and runabout and never looked back.

[@larajcurtis]

Yes to this! Watching this was like seeing the last 10 years flash in front of your eyes. Little Dragon seemed to be in the background of the best times of your life, dancing in the summer, and the worst, navigating breakups in the winter. A great performance to help mark how we all change and grow through life, and there’s a soundtrack right there through it all.

[@yadevumesh9267]

I was roughly around the same! I loved/love watching the music videos for Crystalfilm and Seconds made by Tahnee Udero and maan, put me in all the feels

[@bringyourownheart]

Amazing. This version of "Gold" is absolutely beautiful.

[@chrisgirardi2827]

I keep coming back to it

[@kevincarroll3571]

I just lost my cat and companion of 13 years and this gives me so much peace thank you for this serendipitous timing of this. My heart is broken but this brings me solace

[@Brian-dk4wx]

Sorry for the loss. It is always tough losing companions, even pet companions. Hope you find all the many little joys one can find each day to help lift your spirits, like this Little Dragon Tiny Desk!

[@Brian-dk4wx]

10:53 If you didn't watch/listen to the entirety of the concert, Yukimi says it perfectly. I happened to just reach this part of the show right after I posted my previous comment. So perfect timing.

[@slavadabadoo]

🐈❤

[@tomfoster29]

So interesting hearing these piano renditions! Their talent is endless!

[@anamarieanderson6551]

Yes! So nice with the piano 🎹🎹🎹

[@MrBeesknees95]

Didn't realise I needed an acoustic version of these songs! Maybe they'll release it on Spotify 👀

[@slavadabadoo]

Endless!

[@insanitynprofanity]

This band is just something else. They radiate something impeccable.

[@ijm1261]

Like a morning where you are awake and around loved ones and doing something fun soon and happy and have the windows open.

[@davidblack1405]

Well said

[@falsebounty]

So happy my favorite band got a Tiny Desk concert!

[@anamarieanderson6551]

Mine too! They did one 3 years ago, their 1st TD performance BUT in Gothamberg, their own studio, cuz it was around C19 days and their tour had to be cancelled round that time.

[@jenniferqvarnstrom2384]

Finally!!!!

[@mat_macy8636]

The love I have for Little Dragon is never ending. It's an epic love story. I will follow this band forever.

[@surfsexsea]

I need a 2 hour set! This was so relaxing I didn’t want it to end 😢

[@khatikhosa1513]

Absolutely agree

[@danielargieri9055]

exactly what I tought

[@slavadabadoo]

I would take a tour in this style 😊 so beautiful

[@chooper1994]

One of my favorite bands!

[@crudebaron]

This was one day before they KILLED it at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Go see them live, they're amazing!

[@anamarieanderson6551]

Gonna see em in San Diego 9/27 and I CANNOT wait!!!! Will be my 4th time seeing them live, but every time like the 1st❣❣❣

[@floriankberger]

This show at Music Hall was so so tight!

[@MrOtistetrax]

Saw them twice in Austin in 2014/15; once for SXSW where they struggled a bit with the technical issues related to the festival format (limited soundcheck, etc. - you could tell Yukimi especially was not happy with the sound) and once at the Moody Theatre, where they put on one of the best live shows I've ever seen. One of the hardest-working bands in modern music. They never seem to stop either touring or recording.

[@nahhmyg]

been listening to little dragon since about 2009.. bout to definitely spark one up and get emotional to this performance

[@jermainelandrum6768]

Little Dragon and Tiny Desk were made for each other.

[@captnghosteyes]

Tiny Desk y’all outdone yourselves LITTLE DRAGON IS SOOOO DOPE ASF!!! Thank you! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@LiquidChamploo]

I’ve been waiting patiently for Little Dragon to get a Tiny Desk! The Marias are coming, I can feel it.

[@survives_shipwrecks6107]

Hopefully Sabrina Claudio also

[@haylie230]

Geeshhh. The piano in the live version of "Rituals" is insaneeeeee

[@malikkrobinson1756]

Yes! Bro was showing out 😭🔥🔥🔥

[@jannz079]

Yaas thankyou Tiny Desk! Have loved Little Dragon from their debut. Am still amazed at how textured a 4-piece can sound, esp stripped down like this❤ Ritual Union a solid fave & Gold is just funky silk in true LDfashion. Love Yukimis vocal choices, so fresh and uniquely hers alone. Ty ty ty, been waiting patiently for this one!! 🎉

[@stmichael8463]

So happy Little Dragon has their own !!!

[@jannz079]

@@stmichael8463 Finally!! and love the piano takes in these tracks just gives yet another delicious layer 🥰

[@TheDCBIGTIME]

All of the comments are filled with love and adoration. Goes perfectly with the music.

[@fredkennedy8435]

Danggggggg.... Little Dragon just keeps getting better. This set filled me with so much joy. Beautiful work ya'll. Thank you.

[@nosidezero]

One of my favorite bands! Thank you, Tiny Desk

[@haley4855]

Where you belong makes me tear up every time I hear it. It’s just such a gorgeous song 😭😭

[@evanpragliola4947]

So so so happy for this thank you tiny desk. One of the best live shows you can go see if you get a chance to see them in your city… don’t miss it !

[@DetectiveGesicht]

This makes me so happy- they’ve enchanted me for ages.

[@solarsatori]

One of the best of our time. So original and well thought out. I referenced one of their older songs in my college final because i'm just obsessed.

[@jbecknc]

Gothenburg’s finest always delivers. The world is a better place with them in it making music.

[@monkeydoom681]

Just found this randomly. And now I'm in love with Little Dragon

[@shortsupply4760]

So about 10 years ago I was dating this girl. Her mom offered us tickets to imagine dragons for later that evening. We obviously got super excited and started planning. About an hour later we realised that if imagine dragons were actually coming to Cape Town it would be huge, we would have heard about it and it would have been at the stadium and not the small venue we had tickets to. upon further inspection, the tickets were for little dragon. The girl didn't like any music that wasn't on the radio and deemed them too sad, we didn't go. I was heartbroken. When we broke up I played little dragon on repeat, they helped pull me through some very dark times. Twice is one of the best songs ever

[@johnm6190]

loved hearing where you belong. their first album was game changing for me at 18. would've loved to have heard no love, after the rain or forever live on here.

[@Sofia-hp2eg]

Little dragon truly has that effect. I first heard them at 17 when I discovered new me same us and that was life changing. Favorite band ever

[@saxdave1]

Without a doubt the most dynamic vibrato in music today. The band sounds beautiful and delicate. That piano gave off strong jazz vibes. Can't wait to see them in Detroit this year!

[@slavadabadoo]

Sooooon! Only a couple more days!

[@AlexShannon]

I saw them in LA two weeks ago and they exceeded any expectation i had. My love for them has grown larger than ever.

[@everaced]

I was going through a lot but suddenly it feels like everything's going to be alright. Thank you Tiny Desk and Little Dragon for changing lives

[@ijustneedmyself]

Listen to Keep You Kimi to hear her literally say "It's alright" 😄

[@slavadabadoo]

Much love. You got this!

[@reeree9819]

only 15 minutes is a criminal offense!

[@TehSymbiote]

Yes! Been waiting on this one! Its 4am here!

[@acatalepticz6986]

Yup 💯 me 2& here2

[@renosance8941]

3:22am on my end.

[@codycork8280]

No way… they finally did it… a Tiny Dragon, Little Desk Concert 🎉🎉

[@falloutgirl902]

Found them 10 years ago and I’ll never let go! Literally grown up with their music and they NEVER release a bad song c’mon 🫶🏽

[@TUnit14]

This arrangement of ritual union is so gd beautiful with the piano

[@Gnarawrr]

Her voice makes me feel all the feels.

[@EenaJay]

That was far too short! Thank you Little Dragon! ❤

[@ee-wn1ys]

little dragon always comes out with something beautiful every time 💖 i remember being invited to see them back in 2011. didn't know who they were but it was love at first sight and i've been a fan and supporter ever since. looking forward to seeing you next month!

[@kaiahalliwell9153]

Finally!!! Little Dragon deserves all the praise, they are amazing!

[@illroller]

I’ve been waiting for this Tiny Desk ❤️

[@ArtistVAV]

ABOUT TIME nothing but love and respect 🙏💛

[@leaodegaza7656]

One love,from Moçambique 🇲🇿 ❤

[@sirtrixx]

The drummer is so relaxed it’s blowing my mind

[@MrOtistetrax]

I don't think I'll ever get over how good the sound mix ALWAYS is on these Tiny Desk concerts. Major props to Josh.

[@Trogderpinator]

Yeeees! Been waiting for Yukimi and the boys to grace the Tinydesk for years! This is pure GOLD

[@theDutton]

Great to see them behind the desk with a stripped back sound, really shows the quality of the songwriting and Yukimi's rich, gorgeous voice! Hope to see them live soon!

[@margerywelch4177]

Have loved Little Dragon for years! Thanks Tiny Desk! I saw them once on a US tour and they were amazing!

[@exquis_]

My beloved artists are here!!! Little dragon never disappoint 🔥 Yukimi voice surprises me every time 💗

[@agalleyne]

I would listen to Yukimi read a phone book.

[@yanimadeit]

I love then so deeply!!

[@marianomoya7362]

Saw them open for Leon Bridges last year and they were electrifying!! So wonderful to see them in this intimate setting. They were great!!

[@KMO325]

What an amazing group, been listening to them for 10 years now.

[@stphnglbrt]

That was a warm wavelength that keeps going - I adore you Little Dragon 🐉

[@zillanator100]

The only band I would globe trott for. A few times in South Africa, a show in Europe, waiting for the America's, Asia and the Carribean. Long live little dragon, long live,...

[@valentina905]

Finally Little Dragon on Tiny Desk!!!! Long Overdue!

[@mohauwamorena]

❤❤ Favourite band of all time, too good! ✨️🍃

[@joenc.9361]

It wasn’t long enough!!!!😭😭🫶🏼💞

[@marcopolo7595]

perfect sound. thank you so much

[@CyanTiger]

This band is a great nugget of gold.

[@slavadabadoo]

Mind blowing band

[@gonzaminator530]

I saw them live this year and was at the front row. Amazing experience I was about to cry at every second. Love Little Dragon forever

[@ray.s]

NPR, Y’all have been on a roll lately 🔥🔥

[@myindigoblues5796]

Ritual Union is my jam. Goosebumps all over and big grins 😁 Love this! Thank you so much for this. Little Dragon is my ultimate happy place 🥰🙏💗💖

[@tananza17]

Where You Belong hits me in the gut every single time! Much love from Atlanta, GA!

[@survives_shipwrecks6107]

Seeing them at the Fox was a treat.

[@thelashaeproject]

Seriously, thank you for doing this!

[@sauceysinister7924]

There was so much comfort in the Little Dragon Tiny Desk in 2020 when the music let us feel connected. Having them in studio is the way life should be. Welcome to America, Little Dragon and thank you.

[@moniqueh92]

Ahh! I love Little Dragon! ❤Yukimi’s voice is everything!

[@Thecharmedonee]

Literally one of my favorite bands of all time they blend genres so effortlessly It’s like a masterclass every time they release Stormy weather Ritual union Scribbled paper smooth cat rider I can go on and on !

[@queenoulali]

I discovered them 10 years ago and had the chance to see them live in L.A. in 2022, literally the best performance of the festival !! They give all that they've got, their artistry, sensitivity and fire !! 🫶🫶🫶 Love them so much

[@kesi3029]

I JUST had Where You Belong on my mind this week. how lovely !!!! ❤

[@ipsilonia]

“where you belong” is my favorite little dragon track and i’m so glad they performed it!!! 🫶🏾

[@vc1188]

This version of the song is mesmerizing. The pianoooo!!! ❤

[@brentroman]

I’m so happy they finally got the chance to come to DC to do this live!

[@lizethcabrales1748]

3:24 ritual union ❤

[@32232527]

Years ago, I was in university. I listened to the ritual union every single day. Sweet times... Brazil here!

[@rtoriq]

I’m a fan of Little Dragon and I’m glad they have an actual in-person Tiny Desk concert even though I love their at-home one too.

[@JheriCurlJankins]

I feel the same way about Hiatus Kaiyote's set! Their at-home set was amazing but it just don't quite hit like being in the office at the tiny desk

[@thecolibris]

Gotta appreciate Tiny Desk for giving us such quality music from all around the world🧡 As an upcoming European band one of our biggest goals is to play there

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Just beautiful!

[@renosance8941]

This is a great summer in NPR Music.

[@scarlettvschultz]

Love ☀️

[@brirome5102]

My fave band everrrr!!!!

[@LaughingGasFunny]

NO WAAAAYYY. I was just thinking yesterday that they should have a Tiny Desk, and here it is.

[@afroandglasses]

I still remember the magical time I had when I saw them live a couple of years ago. Just beautiful ❤

[@SteveBiedermann]

Been listening to these guys for a long time. Had no idea what they looked like. Seeing them here made my day.

[@lim611]

Yes! Thank you Tiny Desk for setting this up for my favorite band!

[@deezyproductionz]

This is my comfort music.

[@caiosantanna3657]

Love you! "Where you belong" warms my heart

[@CandiJanoki]

They sound amazing 😍😍😍😍

[@BonusDruthers]

most fun and charming band ever