Future Islands — Live on KEXP, 2020

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Why this recording

Recorded on November 11, 2020, not in Seattle but at Wright Way Studios in Baltimore, this session belongs to the 'Live on KEXP at Home' series, filmed remotely during the pandemic. Four songs in a quarter of an hour, shot by a three-person camera crew led by director Marisa Gesualdi, with recording and mixing by Steve Wright of Wright Way Studios. The credits even list a COVID-19 compliance officer, a concrete trace of how shoots worked that year. KEXP released the video on November 24, 2020.

— Simon Janvier, live-sound professional and editor of the catalogue

Recording technical sheet

Rights-holding channelKEXP
Source statusOfficial — broadcaster or organiser
Uploaded
Exact runtime
ResolutionHD (720p+)
Directed byMarisa Gesualdi
Mix formatDedicated multitrack mix
Source qualityProfessional (multi-camera)

Metadata checked on YouTube on 29 September 2026; direction, camera setup and sound documented by the editors.

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Published on August 20, 2026 by Simon Janvier

Filmed live session by synth-pop band Future Islands for KEXP, recorded remotely in 2020 as part of the pandemic-era “Live on KEXP at Home” series. The Baltimore quartet, led by magnetically expressive singer Samuel T. Herring, showcases its album “As Long As You Are” (2020) with William Cashion on bass, Gerrit Welmers on keyboards and Michael Lowry on drums. Between melancholy synth pads, round bass lines and a voice that shifts from crooning to guttural growl, this intimate performance captures the emotional intensity of one of indie’s most singular live acts. Presented by Seattle’s public radio station, it exemplifies the studio “live session” format that made KEXP’s reputation. A filmed concert to watch for the physical commitment of the vocals and the warm, analog glow of the arrangements. Keywords: Future Islands live, KEXP, synth-pop concert, live session, full performance.

Setlist

  1. For Sure
  2. The Painter
  3. Born In A War
  4. Moonlight

Personnel & credits

  • Samuel T. Herring — vocals
  • William Cashion — bass
  • Gerrit Welmers — keyboards, programming
  • Michael Lowry — drums
Category

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