The Deep Listening Band (DLB) was founded in 1988 by Pauline Oliveros, (accordionist, Expanded Instrument System and composer), Stuart Dempster, (trombonist, didjeridu player and composer) and Panaiotis (vocalist, electronics and composer). David Gamper (keyboards and electronics) replaced Panaiotis in 1990.

The band is named after Oliveros' term, concept, program and registered servicemark of the Deep Listening Institute, Ltd., Deep Listening, and specializes in performing and recording in resonant or reverberant spaces such as cathedrals and huge underground cisterns including the 2-million-US-gallon (7,600 m³) Fort Worden Cistern which has a 45 second reverberation time.