How to Dance Like Future Islands: An Animated Guide

By MICHAEL MANNHEIMER
Future Islands plays Crystal Ballroom with Spoon on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

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On a Monday night in early March, everything changed for Future Islands. The Baltimore synth-pop trio was in New York to make its national television debut on the Late Show With David Letterman, performing “Seasons (Waiting on You),” the first single from its new record, Singles, when singer Samuel Herring lowered his hips, held one hand in the air like a beacon and unleashed a series of dance moves that set the Internet ablaze.

Though the Letterman appearance made Future Islands more of a household name, the reality is that the band, rounded out by keyboardist-programmer Gerrit Welmers and bassist-guitarist William Cashion, has been one of the most reliable live acts in indie rock for years, and Herring's magnetic stage presence is a big reason why. For anyone looking to get down with him at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, here's an illustrated guide to his three signature moves (GIFs by Leo Zarosinski). 

Future Islands plays 5:25 pm Aug. 16, at MusicfestNW.

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