Skip to main content
DeepCutsArchive
BrowseArtistsTimelineMapDecadesSubmit

DeepCutsArchive

Preserving the footage that shaped music history. Rare clips, studio sessions, and moments lost to time.

BrowseArtistsGenresDecadesLocationsSubmit a ClipAboutContactEditorial PolicyArticles

© 2026 DeepCutsArchive. All footage remains the property of its original creators.

Privacy PolicyTerms of UseSupport

Developed with love as a personal project by Jamie McDonnell

ui-ux-design.comai-consultancy.company
Conor Oberst - The Big Picture - CARDINAL SESSIONS — DeepCutsArchive
PreviousUse arrow keysNext
0 views
Share this clip

Conor Oberst - The Big Picture - CARDINAL SESSIONS

Conor Oberst
2010s2014Acoustic


Know someone who'd love this clip?

Share it with friends and fellow fans.

Share this clip

Keep Exploring

2000s2020sAll ArtistsAll GenresAll Decades
Studio
Rehearsal
Live
youtube

After 2014's best day, where we met Conor Oberst for the first time and the teamed up with First Aid Kit and Taylor Goldsmith from Dawes to perform his most famous song "Lua", we thought it might be about time to meet again. This time, we shot at the Gloria Theatre in Cologne to record two songs - this one being the opener of Bright Eyes' 2002 record "Lifted", that still is as powerful as it was back then - it's one of our all-time favourite songs called "The Big Picture". 📌DISCOVER NEW MUSIC EVERY THURSDAY AND BE A PART OF OUR JOURNEY ►► http://bit.ly/SubscribeOurChannel ►► Facebook // http://bit.ly/CardinalSessionsOnFacebook ►► Instagram // http://bit.ly/CardinalSessionsInstagram ►► Our Website // http://cardinalsessions.com ►► You want to know what gear we are using and how to record an acoustic session? 🎥 🎶 Click here http://cardinalsessions.com/how-to-record-an-acoustic-session/ __________________________________ Cardinal Sessions was founded in the summer of 2010. They challenge the classic music video and try to replace impersonal footage with immediate and emotional snapshots. Bands from all over the world with their different genres present their songs reduced to the essence of the musical spectrum - only vocals and unplugged instruments. Due to the spontaneous live-aspect and the approach to record every song without any additional rehearsal, songs emerge that often sound significantly different to their album versions. We film on locations that the musicians mostly choose by themselves: remote places, frequented streets, parks, woods, fields, bars; nothing is impossible. We have accomplished our goal if the location fits well to the background of the music we and the artists want to present. But our most important purpose is that there are no borders: we film everything that we like, no matter how popular, famous or also unknown a band might be. It is still important for us to support local talents and it will always stay part of our concept. The Cardinal Sessions team can also be booked: for example to film short documentaries of album recordings, studio recordings or live concert moments that you want to capture. Send an email to info[at]cardinalsessions.com. ►► Cardinal Sessions 2018 Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQyCFPyDOEY&list=PLpg717GV0Cvw_MskuSn3trV5ndrEWI5LX ►► Cardinal Sessions 2017 Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpg717GV0CvwrgKWXWZAbSr3RT5aqlEgE ►► Cardinal Sessions 2016 Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpg717GV0Cvwez5v8nzr4woFsxptBfHPZ ►► Cardinal Sessions Must Watch Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpg717GV0Cvybmqq9VbCRidnBI6RWzNIk

About Conor Oberst

Conor Mullen Oberst (born February 15, 1980) is an American singer-songwriter best known for his work in Bright Eyes. He has also played in several other bands, including Desaparecidos, the Faint (previously named Norman Bailer), Commander Venus, Park Ave., Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band, Monsters of Folk, and Better Oblivion Community Center.

More about Conor Oberst→

Added 19 Apr 2026

Browse by Tag
More from 2010s
All acoustic

More from the 2010s

View all →
Thumbnail for MORE N MORE DaveM PaulC feat. Janita Jenny Haan0:54

MORE N MORE DaveM PaulC feat. Janita Jenny Haan

2010s
Thumbnail for Babe Ruth (Enciclopédia do Rock) - Alto-Falante 29 de setembro de 20188:12

Babe Ruth (Enciclopédia do Rock) - Alto-Falante 29 de setembro de 2018

2010sTV Appearance
Thumbnail for Budgie drummer Ray Phillips' new book (promo #3) by Budgie0:58

Budgie drummer Ray Phillips' new book (promo #3)

Budgie

2010sRare
Thumbnail for HINDENBERG - Whole Lotta Love - Moby Dick - Budgie drum solo by Budgie13:27Advisory

HINDENBERG - Whole Lotta Love - Moby D**k - Budgie drum solo

Budgie

2010sLive

About This Footage

Conor Oberst's "The Big Picture" is a rare gem in the Cardinal Sessions archive, a treasure trove of intimate acoustic performances that strip away the veneer of production to reveal the raw essence of music. This 2014 clip is notable not only because it features one of Bright Eyes' most beloved songs but also because it showcases Oberst's unique ability to craft poignant lyrics and melodies.

At the time of this recording, Oberst was already an established figure in the indie folk scene, having released several critically acclaimed albums with Bright Eyes. His songwriting had earned him widespread recognition, including being named Best Songwriter of 2008 by Rolling Stone magazine. However, "The Big Picture" stands out as a testament to his ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners. The lyrics are both personal and universal, painting a picture of love, loss, and longing.

What makes this clip significant is the way it captures the essence of Oberst's songwriting style. The stripped-down arrangement, featuring only vocals and acoustic guitar, allows the listener to focus on the emotional weight of the lyrics. The performance itself is raw and unpolished, with Oberst's voice cracking with emotion as he delivers the lines "I'm a picture in your eyes / A frame that holds no surprise." This vulnerability is what makes "The Big Picture" so compelling, and it's a quality that has come to define Oberst's work.

Cardinal Sessions' approach to recording music is also noteworthy. By eschewing traditional studio settings for more intimate locations, the team behind Cardinal Sessions captures the spontaneity of live performances. This clip was filmed at the Gloria Theatre in Cologne, Germany, and it's clear that the location has been chosen carefully to complement the mood of the song. The dim lighting and minimalist decor create a sense of intimacy, drawing the listener into Oberst's world.

One of the most striking aspects of this clip is the way it captures the spirit of collaboration. The YouTube description mentions that Oberst was joined by First Aid Kit and Taylor Goldsmith from Dawes for an impromptu performance earlier in 2014. This sense of camaraderie is palpable, even in a solo performance like "The Big Picture." Oberst's music has always been characterized by its emotional intensity, and this clip is no exception.

For fans of Conor Oberst and Bright Eyes, this clip will be a welcome addition to their collection. It offers a unique glimpse into the creative process behind some of his most beloved songs. For those new to Oberst's work, "The Big Picture" provides an excellent introduction to his songwriting style and emotional depth. As with all Cardinal Sessions clips, the focus is on capturing the raw essence of music, rather than polished production values.

In the end, "The Big Picture" remains a powerful testament to Conor Oberst's ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners. This clip will stay with viewers long after the music fades away, leaving behind an emotional impression that lingers like the final notes of the song itself.

Curated from public records and music databases.

More from Conor Oberst

View all →
Thumbnail for One On One: Craig Wedren - Don't Tell December 19th, 2017 Long Island Bar Brooklyn, NYC by The Smashing Pumpkins, R.E.M., Fugazi, The Afghan Whigs, Stew, The Band, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Shudder to Think, Conor Oberst, Songwriter, Chris Cornell2:19

One On One: Craig Wedren - Don't Tell December 19th, 2017 Long Island Bar Brooklyn, NYC

The Smashing Pumpkins, R.E.M., Fugazi, The Afghan Whigs, Stew, The Band, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Shudder to Think, Conor Oberst, Songwriter, Chris Cornell

2010sSoloTV Appearance
Thumbnail for Conor Oberst -  Another Travelin' Song [KCRW 2014] by Conor Oberst5:25

Conor Oberst - Another Travelin' Song [KCRW 2014]

Conor Oberst

2010sStudioLive
Thumbnail for Conor Oberst -  Cape Canaveral [KCRW 2014] by Conor Oberst7:31

Conor Oberst - Cape Canaveral [KCRW 2014]

Conor Oberst

2010sStudioLive
Thumbnail for Conor Oberst - Common Knowledge (Live on KEXP) by Conor Oberst4:56

Conor Oberst - Common Knowledge (Live on KEXP)

Conor Oberst

2010sStudioLive