The War On Drugs on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Psychedelic rock visionaries The War On Drugs debuted a new song titled “Ocean of Darkness” on The Tonight Show in October, with members performing the song remotely. The band performed in a similar fashion on Colbert this week, but this time performing “Arms Like Boulders,” a track from their debut album, Wagonwheel Blues. Featuring all six members on string instruments, including five guitars and a mandolin, and an incredible take on the deep cut.

Foo Fighters on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Alternative rock staples Foo Fighters have released two singles ahead of their upcoming album, Medicine at Midnight, before debuting a third on Kimmel this year. Following “Shame, Shame” and “No Son Of Mine,” “Waiting on a War” was written by Dave Grohl for his daughter, its somewhat political stance influenced by the singer’s youth during the Cold War. It’s a hard hitting rock anthem that finds the band doing exactly what they do best. The band also performed “No Son Of Mine.” 

Future Islands on Late Night with Seth Myers

Baltimore band Future Islands have a history with late-night television performances, their 2014 appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman skyrocketing their career to new heights, boosting their popularity and placing them squarely into the public eye. Even during the pandemic, the band’s recent Seth Myers performance shows the band’s dramatic energy, despite the lack of an audience. Watch them rip through “Plastic Beach” in an insanely powerful performance.

Local Natives with Sharon Van Etten on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

California indie-rock band Local Natives were joined by songwriter Sharon Van Etten on Kimmel this week. The pairing performed “Lemon” from their 2020 Sour Lemon EP, having already performed the other songs from it on CBS This Morning this past week. Van Etten’s vocals fit incredibly well with the band’s style, and the group performed from a gorgeous California mountain during golden hour to really seal the deal. 

The Mountain Goats on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Insanely-prolific indie-folk staples The Mountain Goats released two great albums in 2020, Songs For Pierre Chuvin and Getting Into Knives, in addition to the sprawling Jordan Lake Sessions, which featured two discs worth of live studio recordings spanning the band’s discography. The band performed “Get Famous” on Colbert, its performance featuring John Darnielle’s distinctive vocals and songwriting in addition to the bouncy energy fans have come to expect and love from his songs. 

The War and Treaty on Austin City Limits

Soulful Nashville husband-and-wife duo The War and Treaty shared a performance from their debut on famed Austin City Limits tapings, transforming piano ballad “Take Me In” to new heights. Propelled by the groups incredible, co-ed vocalists, the emotional performance showcases the songwriting talents before a climactic, gospel-tinged finish. 

Joss Stone on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

English soul singer Joss Stone debuted her newest single, “Walk With Me,” on Colbert this week. Her first new song in three years, Stone delivers a moving performance, featuring a simplistic band and background vocalists, adding a gospel influence. Though the focus remains on Stone’s vocal prowess, it’s a spectacular take that should have fans extremely excited for the new material. 

Local Natives on CBS This Morning

Los Angeles-based Local Natives brought their loveable indie-rock sound to CBS This Morning, performing outdoors, circled beneath a tree. The band performed three of four songs from their 2020 EP, Sour Lemon, offering live debuts for fans until touring returns.