Caribou

Caribou Live at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead

Prepare for an unforgettable night of innovative electronic music as Caribou, the acclaimed project of Dan Snaith, takes to the stage at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead on Tuesday, 9 December 2025. This highly anticipated performance promises to be a dazzling journey through spellbinding beats, intricate soundscapes, and a vibrant energy that has captivated audiences worldwide. Witness firsthand why Caribou continues to push the boundaries of electronic music, delivering a live experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is viscerally exhilarating. This is more than just a concert; it’s an immersion into a world of sonic exploration led by one of the genre’s most visionary artists.

About Caribou

Dan Snaith, the singular talent behind Caribou, has carved out a distinguished path in the electronic music landscape over two decades. Emerging in the early 2000s, Snaith initially explored more sample-heavy, krautrock-influenced sounds under the Caribou moniker, releasing albums like ‘Start Breaking My Heart’ and ‘And Then She…’. His distinctive approach, blending organic textures with electronic precision, quickly garnered critical acclaim.

A pivotal shift arrived with ‘And Then She Is’. This album saw Snaith begin to weave in his own vocal contributions and a more personal, introspective songwriting style, hinting at the richer, more expansive soundscapes to come. His breakthrough moment arrived in 2010 with the critically lauded album ‘Swim’. Featuring the infectious grooves of ‘Odessa’ and the hypnotic allure of ‘Sun’, ‘Swim’ cemented Caribou as a significant force, praised for its sophisticated production and undeniable dancefloor appeal. It was a record that felt both of its time and timeless, drawing comparisons to artists as diverse as Four Tet and Arthur Russell.

The subsequent album, ‘Our Love’ (2014), saw Caribou embrace a more soulful and R&B-inflected sound. Tracks like ‘Can’t Do Without You’ became instant anthems, showcasing Snaith’s knack for crafting emotionally resonant electronic pop. This album further solidified his reputation for masterful songwriting and an ever-evolving sonic palette.

With ‘Suddenly’ (2020), Caribou continued his artistic evolution, delving into themes of memory, family, and personal reflection. The album, which won the prestigious Polaris Music Prize, incorporated more overtly autobiographical elements, with tracks like ‘Home’ and ‘Lime Tree’ showcasing a tender vulnerability alongside Caribou’s signature intricate production. Throughout his career, Snaith has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to reinvent himself while maintaining a consistent artistic vision, making each Caribou release a unique and compelling proposition. His commitment to sonic exploration and heartfelt expression continues to resonate deeply with a global audience, making him one of contemporary electronic music’s most revered figures.

Venue Information

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, nestled in the heart of Gateshead, is a stunning architectural marvel and a beacon for the performing arts in the North East. Its state-of-the-art facilities and acoustically designed performance spaces provide the perfect setting for immersive musical experiences. From its striking modern design to its commitment to hosting world-class talent, The Glasshouse offers an exceptional environment for both artists and audiences. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for a live Caribou performance that transcends the typical electronic music concert. Dan Snaith is renowned for his dynamic and engaging stage presence, transforming his meticulously crafted studio albums into a vibrant, communal experience. The setlist is almost always a carefully curated journey, weaving together beloved classics with material from his latest output. Audiences can anticipate the infectious rhythms of ‘Odessa’ and ‘Can’t Do Without You’, which are guaranteed to get the dancefloor moving, alongside the more introspective and atmospheric beauty of tracks like ‘Home’ or ‘Lime Tree’ from ‘Suddenly’.

Snaith is not just a producer; he is a multi-instrumentalist, and his live band is a formidable unit that brings immense energy and musicality to the performance. Expect intricate live drumming, layered synthesizers, driving basslines, and Snaith’s own vocal presence, all working in perfect synergy. The sound at a Caribou show is typically expansive, rich, and layered, showcasing the depth and detail of his studio work while retaining a raw, live energy. The visual production is often equally as impressive, with carefully considered lighting and projections that enhance the immersive, almost psychedelic quality of the music, creating a truly captivating atmosphere.

While the exact duration of a Caribou set can vary, expect a full and substantial performance, typically lasting around 90 minutes to two hours, allowing ample time for the band to explore a wide range of their discography and for the audience to be fully absorbed in the sonic landscape. It’s a performance that rewards active listening, encouraging you to get lost in the intricate rhythms and evolving textures.

FAQs

Q1: Will Caribou be playing songs from all of his albums? A1: While Caribou’s setlists are always a carefully curated surprise, Dan Snaith is known for drawing from across his extensive discography. You can almost certainly expect to hear fan favourites from seminal albums like ‘Swim’ and ‘Our Love’, alongside material from his most recent work, ‘Suddenly’. He is adept at weaving together older, dancefloor-focused anthems with newer, more introspective tracks, offering a comprehensive representation of his artistic journey.

Q2: Is Caribou a solo act or a band? A2: Caribou is the artistic project of Dan Snaith, but for his live performances, he is joined by a talented band. This ensemble typically includes musicians who contribute live drumming, bass, guitar, and keyboards, allowing for a rich and dynamic sonic tapestry that faithfully recreates and expands upon the intricate arrangements of his studio recordings. The live band is integral to the Caribou live experience, bringing an undeniable energy and musicality to the stage.

Q3: What is Dan Snaith’s performance style like? A3: Dan Snaith is known for his passionate and engaged stage presence. He is a visible and active performer, often interacting with his bandmates and the audience. While the music itself is often danceable and highly rhythmic, Snaith also imbues his performances with a sense of genuine emotion and connection. He has a reputation for creating an inclusive and uplifting atmosphere, where the focus is on shared musical experience and joyful energy.

Q4: Can I expect new material to be played? A4: It is always possible for artists to road-test new material during live tours, especially after a period of studio work. While there’s no guarantee, Caribou’s commitment to artistic evolution makes it plausible that elements of future projects might be previewed. However, the core of the performance will undoubtedly feature his well-loved and established catalogue, ensuring a satisfying experience for all attendees.

Q5: How is the live Caribou experience different from listening to his albums? A5: The live Caribou experience is a significantly more visceral and immersive affair. While his albums are celebrated for their intricate production and sonic detail, the live show amplifies the energy, rhythm, and communal aspect of the music. The presence of a live band adds an organic dynamism, often resulting in extended jams, improvised moments, and a raw energy that simply cannot be replicated in a studio setting. The visual elements, including lighting and projections, also contribute to a heightened sensory experience, making the live performance a truly captivating event.