Swedish American Hall

Noise Pop 2019: Here are the shows you can’t miss

February 25, 2019 by Molly Kish Leave a Comment

Written by Molly Kish //

Noise Pop //
Bay Area venues – San Francisco & Oakland
February 25th-March 3rd, 2019 //

Noise Pop returns this year for its 27th installment with a lineup that features more than 130 acts spanning 18 Bay Area venues. In addition to the debut of the “Ear Up Global Showcase” this Saturday, March 2nd, NP2019 boasts a brand-new venue located in SF’s Mission District that’s known as the Brava Theater Center.

Attendees can still look forward to plenty of happy hours at Bender’s Bar & Grill as well as special showcases curated by DoTheBay, San Franpsycho, BFF.fm, Sea Witch Productions and Text Me Records. Plus, you can also view the “Noise Pop Festival Photo Retrospective” this Tuesday, February 26th at The Royale to relive some of the best moments in Noise Pop history through the lenses of the Bay Area’s top photographic talent.

Brava Theater Center

The festival’s art this year highlights the Bay Area’s very own Kristin Farr, whose work can be seen on public murals, office building interiors and festival stages in SF and beyond and was even included in the Emmy Award-winning KQED Art School series.

Noise Pop badges and individual tickets to shows are still available and can be purchased here. To help you sort it all out, we have broken down the 2019 lineup and offered our top performances that you won’t want to miss below.

TUESDAY 2/26

Men I Trust @ Great American Music Hall

WEDNESDAY 2/27

Noise Pop Happy Hour with Coke

Baths @ Great American Music Hall

The Marías @ The New Parish

THURSDAY 2/28

Vetiver and Fruit Bats @ The Chapel

DJ Boring & Jacques Greene @ 1015 Folsom

FRIDAY 3/1

Saul Williams @ Brava Theater Center

Tourist @ Gray Area

Vagabond @ Swedish American Hall

SATURDAY 3/2

Beirut @ Fox Theater Oakland

Bob Mould @ The Fillmore

Princess Nokia @ UC Theater

VHS Collection @ The Independent

SUNDAY 3/3

Partner & Dude York @ Cafe du Nord

Daughters @ The Independent

Check out the monthly Noise Pop Podcast series to discover more new music and create your own customized Noise Pop schedule here.

Filed Under: Featured, Festivals Tagged With: 1015 Folsom, Albert Hammond Jr, Alien Boy, Andrew St. James, Anemone, Anthony da Costa, ASTU, awakebutstillinbed, Baths, Ben Morrison, Black Marble, Blushh, Bob Mould, Boy Scouts, Brava Theater Center, Briana Marela, Cafe du Nord, Caroline Rose, Charlotte Lawrence, Chynna, Club Night, Crumb, Current Joys, Darlingside, Daughters, DJ Aaron Axelsen, DJ Boring, Dude York, Field Medic, Film School, Fox Theater Oakland, Fruit Bats, Gap Girls, Gilligan Moss, Ginger Root, Gouge Away, Grandaddy, Gray Area, Great American Music Hall, Haley Heynderickx, Helado Negro, HIDE, Hilary Woods, Illuminati Hotties, In The Valley Below, Jacques Greene, Jason Lytle, Jasper Bones, Jerry Paper, Jitwam, Joy Williams, Kamaal Williams, Katzù Oso, KERA, Kodie Shane, LandoChill, Lapel, Lara Sarkissian, Laura Veirs, less, Lonnie Holley, Los Wálters, Madi Sipes & The Painted Blue, MAITA, Marissa Nadler, Meg Mac, Men I Trust, MHD, Michael Seyer, Miserable, MNDSGN, MNEK, MPHD, My Brightest Diamond, Nicotine, Noise Pop, Noise Pop 2019, Nosaj, Partner, Petit Biscuit, Pllush, Princess Nokia, Qrion, River Why, Rose Droll, Saul Williams, Sea of Bees, Shutups. Small Crush, Slenderbodies, Spellling, Spiritual Cramp, Starfari, Sugar Candy Mountain, SUMif, Sundressed, Sunsleeper, Super Unison, Superet, Swarvy, Swedish American Hall, Tayla Parx, Teenage Fanclub, The Brothers Comatose, The Chapel, The Civil Wars, The Fillmore, The Independent, The Love Language, The Marías, The New Parish, The SHE'S, The Total Betty's, There's Talk, Thing, Tommy Guerrero, Tommy Newport, Tourist, Travis Hayes, UC Theater, Uffie, Vagabon, Valley Maker, Vetiver, VHS Collection, Video Age, vverevvolf, Wizard Apprentice, Yuna, Yves Tumor, Zelma Stone

SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to George Clanton at Rickshaw Stop 1/25 (FRI)

January 23, 2019 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Photo by Mark Benjamin // Written by Molly Kish //

George Clanton with S U R F I N G, Satin Sheets, ESPRIT 空想, Aaron Shadrow //
Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco
January 25th, 2019 //

An early pioneer in the sample-based subgenre vaporwave, George Clanton originally started his career under the moniker ESPRIT 空想 in 2011 and gained traction through the release of his debut album virtua.zip.

Departing from his pseudonym and experimenting with a pop album in 2015, Clanton rejuvenated his image with one of Gorilla vs. Bear’s 10 best albums of the year in 100% Electronica and hasn’t looked back.

The next year, he opened for SOPHIE and Charli XCX at their South by Southwest showcase, which garnered plenty of praise from critics, and formed a record label he also named 100% Electronica with his girlfriend. Since then, he has toured among the ranks of internet-based, vaporwave sensations. His 2018 LP Slide sold out all of its copies during the pre-order phase, earning favorable reviews from a number of major media outlets such as Pitchfork.

This Friday, Clanton will perform a headlining set at Rickshaw Stop and revive his ESPRIT 空想 project while also receiving support from S U R F I N G, Satin Sheets and Aaron Shadrow. Tickets are available for $15, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

• Chrome Sparks: January 24th (THUR) @ The Chapel
• Gardens & Villa: January 25th (FRI) @ August Hall
• Anika: January 27th (SUN) @ Rickshaw Stop
• Juan Wauters: January 27th (SUN) @ Swedish American Hall

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above). Must be 18+.

CONTEST CLOSED.

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Aaron Shadrow, Anika, August Hall, Charli XCX, Chrome Sparks, ESPRIT 空想, Gardens & Villa, Gardens and Villa, George Clanton, Juan Wauters, Rickshaw Stop, S U R F I N G, Satin Sheets, Sophie, Swedish American Hall, The Chapel

Show of the Week: GO4FREE to Protomartyr at Starline Social Club 3/11 (SUN)

March 7, 2018 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Written by Chandler Kirkman //

Protomartyr //
Starline Social Club – Oakland
March 11th, 2018 //

Detroit’s Protomartyr have been making waves with their post-punk material, which features Joe Casey (vocals), Greg Ahee (guitar), Scott Davidson (bass) and Alex Leonard (drums), ever since they formed back in 2008. Four years after joining forces, the quartet released its debut album No Passion, All Technique via Urinal Cake Records.

That same year, Protomartyr followed with their single “Colpi Proibiti” before dropping Under Color of Official Right in 2014. Filled with a raw sensibility and highlighted by Casey’s baritone vocals, the band’s sophomore LP became a sensation for post-punk fans, who often compared its sound to Joy Division, the Fall and Nick Cave.

Protomartyr, after rising in the punk scene, came back a little more than 12 months later with their third album The Agent Intellect, which was critically acclaimed by a multitude of major media outlets, including the Chicago Tribune, Rolling Stone and Spin.

After touring all across the U.S. and Europe while performing at South by Southwest, CMJ Music Marathon and Pitchfork Music Festival, Protomartyr signed with Domino Records a year ago and delivered their latest studio effort Relatives in Descent that shows the group’s continued evolution through new layers and insights without taking away the edge it once cultivated in earlier times.

This Sunday, Protomartyr will pay a visit to the Starline Social Club in Oakland and hit the stage for a special live performance. Tickets are available for $15, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

• SYML: March 7th (WED) @ Swedish American Hall
• Sander Klingenberg: March 10th (SAT) @ Mezzanine

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

CONTEST CLOSED.

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Mezzanine, Protomartyr, Sander Klingenberg, Starline Social Club, Swedish American Hall, SYML

Joywave make fans at Swedish American Hall feel ‘Content’ with their latest studio material

February 22, 2018 by The Bam Team 1 Comment

By Gina Lopez //

Joywave with Sasha Sloan, Kopps //
Swedish American Hall – San Francisco
February 16th, 2018 //

New York-based synthpop outfit Joywave made a splash last Friday at Swedish American Hall during their North American tour stop in SF.

The Rochester band, which performed on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” this month, electrified the sold-out crowd that also witnessed opening sets from Sasha Sloan and Kopps beforehand. Fronted by lead vocalist/guitarist Daniel Armbruster and likened to Weezer and OK Go by some other music media outlets, Joywave, nevertheless, have a sound of their own that’s genre-jumping and experimental.

Inside the venue, the stage was embellished with obsolete computers and colorful projections of 8-bit renderings. Even the psychedelic elephant scene from “Dumbo” appeared behind the band as they performed songs from their sophomore LP Content, which was released in 2017.

At one point during the gig, an animated projection of an Italian flag waved on the screen in honor of Joywave guitarist Joseph Morinelli, who apparently hacked the projection program. The outdated computer décor illustrated the theme behind Content, which is pronounced as the adjective and not the noun in defiance of the endless online content that can becloud our human connections. The crowd at Swedish American Hall was clearly connected to Joywave’s music, and it was clear that those in attendance were indeed content with what they heard.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Joywave, Kopps, Sasha Sloan, Swedish American Hall

The Accidentals take their Bay Area fans on a musical odyssey in support of their latest LP

October 11, 2017 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

By Gina Lopez //

The Accidentals //
Café du Nord – San Francisco
October 4th, 2017 //

Bay Area fans of The Accidentals set sail on a musical odyssey at Café du Nord inside the Swedish American Hall, with the trio putting on an electrifying performance as part of a national tour in support of its third LP Odyssey.

Multi-instrumentalists/vocalists Katie Larson and Savannah Buist as well as drummer Michael Dause were joined by guest keyboardist/guitarist Jake Allen, who added to the group’s rich instrumentation of its indie, alt-Americana repertoire.

Hailing from Michigan, The Accidentals made the basement of the Swedish American Hall feel like the basement of their own house, where concertgoers were welcomed like friends coming over to hang out. It was also easy to see that these 20-something musicians enjoy what they do.

The stage lights at Café du Nord were dim, but The Accidentals still lit up the room with their animated stage presence and continual head-banging, even jumping off the stage to perform amid the crowd.

Finding strength in vulnerability is a theme expressed throughout Odyssey. And though the band’s members are self-proclaimed introverts and bookworms, performing live presents a kind of vulnerability for them. Consequently, they radiate joy and have no shame divulging some embarrassing stories to the audience.

In between songs, The Accidentals shared anecdotes about the hardships of life on the road, from urinating in a Starbucks cup and breaking down in the middle of the night — twice, in fact — while on tour to more of the happier moments like cuddling with the inn keeper’s cat and enjoying all things cookie dough.

Besides playing music and sharing stories, what else do friends do while they’re hanging out in a basement?

Poke fun at each other.

While explaining the origin of the band’s name, Dause credited Buist as the inspiration due to her being the clumsy one who causes accidents onstage, often knocking over instruments no matter how spacious the stage. But the real reason comes from the musical term “accidental”, which describes unexpected off-key notes. The authenticity of The Accidentals’ lyrics, though, is no accident — it’s animated by their outlook on life.

“The No. 1 thing we try to take away is to be present, to observe the things around us and take that with us,” Buist said.

Making music in this day and age certainly has its challenges, but The Accidentals choose to continue on “not without fear, but in spite of it,” said Larson as she described her and Buist’s choice to dedicate themselves to their band rather than go to college to study music.

Their dedication is not in vain. There is no doubt that the authenticity, lyrical depth, musical deftness and energetic stage presence of The Accidentals will launch their musical odyssey to the top of the charts.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Cafe du Nord, Swedish American Hall, The Accidentals

SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Andrew W.K. at The Independent 9/28 (THUR)

September 27, 2017 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Written by Chandler Kirkman //

Andrew W.K. with SHAME WAVES //
The Independent – San Francisco
September 28th, 2017 //

Creating feelings of pure joy, total love, endless freedom and infinite possibility are just brief glimpses into the musical stylings of multi-faceted singer-songwriter and performer Andrew W.K. (born Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier). After starting his musical career when he was four years old, it didn’t take long for the Michigan native to explore some experimental interests that ultimately led to creating his own high-energy brand of rock music.

Skipping out on college at the age of 18 and moving to New York City to pursue music on his own, W.K. developed his sound through various solo projects and eventually moved to Florida to start a band with drummer Donald “D.T.” Tardy, leading to the release his first EP Girls Own Juice (abbreviated as AWKGOJ) on Bulb Records. Fast forward to 2017, and the self-proclaimed party animal has been rockin’ hard for over a decade with nine studio albums, including his infamous debut I Get Wet that features smash hit “Party Hard”.

Over the past few years, Andrew W.K. has been steadily expanding his creative endeavors to the worlds of motivational speaking, production, TV and broadcast media, and music venue ownership. Starting in 2008 with the opening of his co-owned music venue and nightclub in New York City called Santos Party House, Andrew W.K.’s hunger for more has earned him a number of appearances on MTV and VH1 along with a Grammy nomination while working as a record producer. He’s also releasing a new album next year on Sony Music Worldwide, but until then, fans will just have to keep partying because well, the party never dies.

This Thursday, Andrew W.K. will be back in SF by popular demand to play a second night at The Independent with Oakland quartet SHAME WAVES opening. Tickets are available for $25, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.

Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

• Sonny and the Sunsets: September 28th (THUR) @ The Chapel
• Vagabon: September 28th (THUR) @ Swedish American Music Hall
• Rayana Jay: September 28th (THUR) @ The New Parish
• Rakim: September 29th (FRI) @ The New Parish
• Flosstradamus: September 29th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
• Middle Kids: September 29th (FRI) @ The Independent
• Wax Idols: September 29th (FRI) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
• White Panda: September 30th (SAT) @ Mezzanine

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

CONTEST CLOSED.

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: 1015 Folsom, Andrew W.K, Brick & Mortar Music Hall, Donald "DT" Tardy, Donald Tardy, Flosstradamus, Girls Own Juice, lee scratch perry, Mezzanine, Middle Kids, Rakim, Rayana Jay, Santos Party House, Shame Waves, Sonny and the Sunsets, Swedish American Hall, The Chapel, The Indepedent, The Independent, The New Parish, Vagabon, VH1, Wax Idols, White Panda

SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to What So Not at 1015 Folsom 5/12 (FRI)

May 10, 2017 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Written by Lindsay Alamillo //

What So Not //
1015 Folsom – San Francisco
May 12th, 2017 //

Coachella (read our festival review here) may have come and gone, but your chance to see everyone from that desert lineup is not over! What So Not hits the Bay this weekend for a sold-out show.

Australian producer Chris Emerson began releasing music under the name Emoh Instead in collaboration with Flume back in 2011. He has since ventured off on his own under the alias What So Not and is now signed to OWSLA Records.

What So Not’s big break came in 2014 after the release of “High You Are (Branchez Remix)”, and his name has continued to soar since. His most recent EP Divide & Conquer came out in September as well as the single “Waiting” featuring RL Grime and Skrillex.

Emerson is hitting the festival circuit hard this summer (including a stop at HARD Summer), but he’s also coming to SF as part of his 2017 spring tour. This Friday, What So Not brings his unique style of combining house, hip-hop and bass to 1015 Folsom for what’s sure to be one hell of a party. Tickets are already sold out, but you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

• Peter Silberman: May 10th (WED) @ Swedish American Hall
• Monster Rally: March 12th (FRI) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED.

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: 1015 Folsom, Brick & Mortar Music Hall, Coachella, Coachella 2017, Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Flume, Monster Rally, OWSLA, Peter Silberman, RL Grime, Skrillex, Swedish American Hall, What So Not

In SF, Julie Byrne makes it feel like summer in April

April 21, 2017 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

By Christopher Vigue //

Julie Byrne with Meernaa, Lila Blue //
Swedish American Hall – San Francisco
April 16th, 2017 //

Despite it occurring on Easter, indie-folk singer-songwriter Julie Byrne’s headlining show at the Swedish American Hall last Sunday received a strong showing. Due to the venue’s warm porch lights, an intimate stage and a close crowd of sitting individuals, it felt like a beautiful summer night in April.

Lila Blue opened the show with her sweet and strong vocals. She backed them up well with some consistent guitar tracks and even broke out the ukulele, too. Audience members were thoroughly entertained with her performance as almost not a sound was heard besides Lila herself and the flood of clapping in between.

Lila Blue

Meernaa, an Oakland power quartet, were next up and made everyone feel comfortable by keeping an already intimate night even closer with plenty of jokes and a few conversations with the crowd. It’s always nice when an artist or band can not only engage with fans, but also put on a show that holds up — and this was all icing on the cake.

All on her own, Julie Byrne subsequently came out with open arms. Her performance was expressed so well through her music. After a few powerful songs, she asked for the house lights to be dimmed and welcomed both a violin and keyboard player onstage. In between songs, Byrne told the crowd stories about her time in the Bay Area. When her set was over, she returned for a three-song encore and stayed long enough to chat with her fans. Though “summer” only happens sporadically in SF, you could feel it for a few hours on this night.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Julie Byrne, Lila Blue, Meernaa, Swedish American Hall

Noise Pop 2017 Shows of the Week // GO4FREE to Weyes Blood, Desert Daze Caravan, Kelis & more

February 20, 2017 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Written by Molly Kish & Brett Ruffenach //

Noise Pop //
Bay Area venues – San Francisco & Oakland
February 17th–27th, 2017 //

Noise Pop is officially here, and the Bay Area is serving as home to some of the world’s best independent artists this week. There’s so much to see and hear in some of our favorite bars and venues — and we want you to get out there and participate!

While most Noise Pop shows are sure to sell out, we have you covered with tickets to a wide variety of them. Pick your favorite show from the list below and enter to win tickets.

Hint: Those who directly tweet @showbams or tag us on Instagram with their personal requests will have that much better of a chance of winning!

Contests for all weekday shows end at 3 p.m. on the day of show. Contests for all weekend shows end at 3 p.m. this Friday.

Weyes Blood: February 21st (TUE) @ Swedish American Hall // BUY TICKETS
GunkTVRecords founder as well as longtime Ariel Pink collaborator Weyes Blood brings her ethereal edge to the Swedish American Hall. Accompanied by Half Waif, Young Moon and a celebration of 20 Minute Loop’s record release and 20th anniversary, this singer-songwriter showcase will be one for the books. – MK

Contest ends this Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Hazel English: February 21st (TUE) @ Rickshaw Stop // BUY TICKETS
Females are holding it down on Tuesday at Rickshaw Stop as Aussie-turned-Oakland-resident Hazel English gets top billing thanks to her interspersed, dreamy and melodic vocal abilities. Joined by sister artists Elsa y ElMar, Tanukichan and Maggie Y/O, the lineup offers a stacked bill that beautifully spans indie rock, shoegaze and pop. – MK

Contest ends this Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Desert Daze Caravan: February 22nd (WED) @ The Chapel // BUY TICKETS
Desert Daze, the innovative psychedelic-rock festival that took place last October in Joshua Tree, is bringing a special showcase to Noise Pop that’s led by UK experimental-rock outfit Temples, who bring their 60’s vibes to The Chapel alongside intriguing up-and-comers like psych-R&B group Night Beats and the fast-and-fierce female rock duo Deap Vally. – BR

Contest ends this Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Kelis: February 22nd (WED) @ 1015 Folsom // BUY TICKETS
Kelis is one of New York’s most famous female hip-hop acts over the last decade. Best known for her 2006 smash hit “Milkshake”, Kelis is surely one of the bossiest artists to take the stage at Noise Pop this year. Grab your diamonds and grills, folks. – BR

Contest ends this Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Julia Holter (solo): February 22nd (WED) @ Swedish American Hall // BUY TICKETS
Singer, songwriter, director, composer and artist, Julia Holter continues to wear a number of different creative hats. Headlining a show full of baroque pop and ambient music, she’ll be joined by Midnight Sister, Madeline Kenney and Doncat for what should be a unforgettable night at the Swedish American Hall. – MK

Contest ends this Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Moon Duo: February 23rd (THU) @ The Chapel // BUY TICKETS
Portland-based psychedelic-rock group Moon Duo combine the entrancing nature of shoegaze with the transcendent feeling of psych-rock and enough flange to satisfy even the most ardent Tame Impala fans. Touring in support of their new album Occult Architecture Vol. 1 & 2, Moon Duo’s visceral synth and entrancing guitar work is surely not something to miss. – BR

Contest ends Thursday, February 23rd at 3 p.m.

Japanese Breakfast: February 23rd (THU) @ Rickshaw Stop // BUY TICKETS
Thursday is all about avant-garde folk, with a roster featuring experimental fusions of pop, indie rock and world music. Philadelphia’s own Japanese Breakfast (born Michelle Zauner) headlines the show, which includes opening acts Miya Folick, Dante Elephante and Flying Circles for what is easily one of Noise Pop’s most unique lineups. – MK

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.

Barclay Crenshaw: February 23rd (THU) @ 1015 Folsom // BUY TICKETS
As it turns out, Claude VonStroke’s real name is even cooler than his fake one. From the man behind the Bay Area’s favorite record label Dirtybird, Barclay Crewshaw is a new project that turns from VonStroke’s thumping upbeat house beats that we’ve come to love to the exciting world of experimental hip-hop, sometimes known as West Coast bass. His production skills are out of this world as he takes you on a spacious, booming and psychedelic journey that’s sure to satisfy any bass head’s appetite. – BR

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.

Crocodiles: February 23rd (THU) @ Bottom of the Hill // BUY TICKETS
Hitting Bottom of the Hill with a wave of garage rock and punk, Crocodiles will be hitting the stage for a raucous warm-up on the final leg of their cross-country tour. They’ll be taking the stage alongside Hot Flash Heat Wave and NRVS LVRS, making it one of Noise Pop’s strongest and most compelling bills. – MK

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.

Kevin Abstract: February 23rd (THU) @ The New Parish // BUY TICKETS
Kevin Abstract is a jack-of-all-trades. Filmmaker, writer, singer and songwriter, Abstract has managed to achieve quite a bit before he celebrates his 21st birthday this year. With a smooth flow and pop sensibility, he’s sure to deliver a powerful performance at The New Parish. – BR

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.

Deviation: February 24th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom // BUY TICKETS
With a lineup featuring Hudson Mohawke, Francois K, Teklife, Seven Davis Jr., Jay Daniel, and Benji B and Judah performing back to back, it’s hard to capture how much good music will be blaring through 1015’s numerous rooms during Deviation. Hudson Mohawke is likely the main draw for all future-beats fans, but it’s Teklife and BBC Radio 1’s Benji B who you should really stick around for. This should be a good one. – BR

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

The Joy Formidable (acoustic): February 24th (FRI) @ Swedish American Hall // BUY TICKETS
Welsh alt-rock powerhouse The Joy Formidable return to the Bay to take over the Swedish American Hall with some help from Emily Jane White and Everyone Is Dirty. All three acts bring their own blend of pop, hi-fi, garage rock and post-punk, this is a true blend of local and international talent that knows how to push the envelope. – MK

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

Mothers: February 24th (FRI) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall // BUY TICKETS
Emerging from the tried-and-true arts and music scene in Athens, Ga., Mothers started as singer-songwriter Kristine Leschper’s solo project before morphing into a four-piece band. Combining Leschper’s haunting vocals and drummer Matthew Andregg’s punchy rhythms, Mothers have found an entrancing sound that is sure to captivate fans of female rock stars like Courtney Barnett and Angel Olsen. – BR

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

The Hip Replacements: February 24th (FRI) @ The New Parish // BUY TICKETS
One of the West Coast’s longstanding jam-rock bands, The Mother Hips are a California rock ‘n’ roll institution, touring the world and writing songs as both consummate instrumentalists and seasoned songwriters before Bill Clinton entered the White House. With singer/guitarist Tim Bluhm unable to perform due to an ongoing injury, the rest of the band — Greg Loiacono (guitar, vocals), John Hofer (drums) and Scott Thunes (bass) — will join forces with Bob Reed (Overwhelming Colorfast, Oranger), Johnny Irion and Dave Zirbel (San Geronimo) to unveil a mixture of songs by The Mother Hips and The Replacements on this night. – BR

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

The Family Crest: February 25th (SAT) @ Swedish American Hall // BUY TICKETS
An evening of ensemble acts headlined by The Family Crest comes to the Swedish American Music Hall on Saturday, bringing an audible range of local talent to the stage at the intimate venue. In what promises to be a night of orchestral indie-rock bliss, all four acts will present their own unique genre-melding style, making for a neo-symphony on Saturday night. – MK

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

Ceremony: February 26th (SUN) @ The Chapel // BUY TICKETS
Ceremony are a no-nonsense punk band from Sonoma County. Both focused and at times sonically explosive, Ceremony have found their own sound and set themselves apart from similar-sounding groups such as Black Flag and Dillinger Escape Plan. They’re capable of balancing melody and musicianship with that intangible, white-knuckled feeling that can only be described as pure rock ‘n’ roll. – BR

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED.

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: 1015 Folsom, 20 Minute Loop, Barclay Crenshaw, Benji B, Bottom of the Hill, Brick & Mortar Music Hall, Ceremony, Claude VonStroke, Crocodiles, Deap Vally, Desert Daze, Desert Daze Caravan, Deviation, Francois K, Half Waif, Hazel English, Hudson Mohawke, Japanese Breakfast, Jay Daniel, Judah, Julia Holter, Kelis, Kevin Abstract, Moon Duo, Mothers, Night Beats, Rickshaw Stop, Seven Davis Jr., Swedish American Hall, Teklife, Temples, The Chapel, The Hip Replacements, The Joy Formidable, The Mother Hips, The New Parish, The Replacements, Weyes Blood, Young Moon

Noise Pop 2017: Celebrating 25 years of Bay Area indie culture

February 16, 2017 by Molly Kish Leave a Comment

Written by Molly Kish //

Noise Pop //
Bay Area venues – San Francisco & Oakland
February 17th–27th, 2017 //

Marking its 25th anniversary this month as the West Coast’s premiere independent music and arts festival, Noise Pop returns to take over more than 30 clubs, theaters and art spaces in the Bay Area. With residencies at various locations in SF and Oakland, the festival officially kicks off with its 2017 film series and art exhibits leading into 11 days of live musical performances from nationally recognized and locally curated acts.

This year’s roster includes members of Animal Collective, Vince Staples, BADBADNOTGOOD, Dawes, Kelis, Hudson Mohawke, Ty Segall and more, Noise Pop continues its legacy as one of the nation’s leading purveyors of independent music, culture and arts.

To help you navigate this year’s Noise Pop lineup, we have locked in our top picks for the fest’s happy hours, art shows, film series and concerts. Check out our full list of favorites below and prepare yourself for what’s to come!

Art Shows

• The Flavors of Noise Pop: February 1st-March 7th @ Mission Bowling Club

Films

• Festival (featuring Q&A with director Michael Raspatello and panelists Allen Scott, Jordan Kurland & Kevin Arnold): February 17th (FRI) @ Swedish American Hall (8 p.m., $12, All Ages)

• The Art of Listening: February 17th (FRI) @ Roxie Theatre (6:30 p.m., $12, All Ages)

• My Buddha Is Punk: February 18th (SAT) @ Artists’ Television Access (2 p.m., $12, All Ages)

Happy Hours

• Tricycle Records Presents Hot Toddies, Great Apes & Brasil: February 23rd (THU) @ Bender’s Bar & Grill (5 p.m., 21+)

• Different Fur Presents: OCD, Trash Vampires & Phosphene: February 24th (FRI) @ Bender’s Bar & Grill (5 p.m., 21+)

Other Events

• Sunday Smörgåsbord: February 26th (SUN) @ Swedish American Hall (FREE RSVP, 21+)

Schedule:
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. — “Showga” Yoga Set to Live Music (by Everyone Is Dirty’s Sivan Lioncub)
12-6 p.m. — 1-2-3-4 GO! Pop-Up Vinyl Store
12-6 p.m. — Vinyl Tapestry Part II: The Scarpati Brothers Rock Photo and Art Show
1-3 p.m. — The MailChimp Brunch Time Happy Hour
3-4 p.m. — Noise Pop Live Podcast
4-6 p.m. — Litquake: I Thought It Sucked

Cloud Nothings

Music

• Cloud Nothings with Itsaca, Never Young, Kid Trails: February 20th (MON) @ The Independent (7:30 p.m., $20, 21+)

• Weyes Blood with Half Waif, 20 Minute Loop, Young Moon: February 21st (TUES) @ Swedish American Hall (7 p.m., $15, All Ages) // WIN TICKETS

• Hazel English with Elsa Y Elmar, Tanukichan, Maggie y/o: February 21st (TUES) @ Rickshaw Stop (8 p.m., $12, All Ages) // WIN TICKETS

• Diet Cig with Plush, Joyride!, Shutups: February 22nd (WED) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall (7 p.m., $15, 18+)

• Desert Daze Caravan Festival featuring Temples, Night Moves, Deap Valley, Froth, JJUUJJUU: February 22nd (WED) @ The Chapel (7 p.m., $34, All Ages) // WIN TICKETS

• The Palms with The Young Wild, Warbly Jets, NYRE: February 22nd (WED) @ Rickshaw Stop (8 p.m., $12, 18+)

• Kelis with Rayana Jay, Cellus: February 22nd (WED) @ 1015 Folsom (10 p.m., $10, 21+) // WIN TICKETS

• PWR BTTM with Chaos Chaos, Soar, The Total Betty’s: February 23rd (THU) @ Starline Social Club (21+, SOLD OUT)

• Tash Sultana with Monster Rally, John Cashman, Affectionately: February 23rd (THU) @ Swedish American Hall (All Ages, SOLD OUT)

• BADBADNOTGOOD with Hodgy, London O’Connor: February 23rd (THU) @ The Fillmore (18+, SOLD OUT)

• Crocodiles with AJ Dávila, Hot Flash Heat Wave, NRVS LVRS: February 23rd (THU) @ Bottom of the Hill (7:30pm, $15, All Ages) // WIN TICKETS

• Kevin Abstract with Bearface, Hugo, Hobo Johnson: February 23rd (THU) @ The New Parish (8 p.m., $18, 21+) // WIN TICKETS

• Barclay Crenshaw with AABO, Chiller Whale, Jackson Waites, Roeviscious: February 23rd (THU) @ 1015 Folsom (10 p.m., $15, 21+) // WIN TICKETS

Hanni El Khatib

• Hanni El Khatib with The Buttertones, The Molochs, Innovative Leisure DJs: February 24th (FRI) @ The Chapel (7 p.m., $20, All Ages)

• Matt Pond PA with Before the Brave, Hideout, The Bye Bye Blackbirds: February 24th (FRI) @ Bottom of the Hill (7:30 p.m., $16, All Ages)

• Deafheaven with This Will Destroy You, Emma Ruth Rundle: February 24th (FRI) @ The Independent (8:30 p.m., $20, 21+)

• Hudson Mohawke with Francios K, Teklife, DJ Spinn, And Taye, Jay Daniel, Seven Davis Jr., Benji B. & Judah: February 24th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom (10 p.m., $20, 21+) // WIN TICKETS

• Vince Staples with Kilo Kish: February 25th (SAT) @ Fox Theater Oakland (7 p.m., $30, All Ages)

• Tennis with Hoops, Great American Canyon Band & Owl Paws: February 25th (SAT) @ Great American Music Hall (18+, SOLD OUT)

• MSTRKRFT with Maniacs, MPHD, NVO: February 25th (SAT) @ Mezzanine (9 p.m., $25, 21+)

• The Radio Dept. with Germans, The Bilinda Butchers, Future Shapes: February 25th (SAT) @ The Independent (7:30 p.m., $25, 21+)

• Grandaddy with Minihorse, N.Lannon, Goon: February 26th (SUN) @ Bimbo’s 365 Club (7 p.m., SOLD OUT, 18+)

• Radical Face: February 26th (SUN) @ The Fillmore (8 p.m., $25, All Ages)

• Ty Segall with Shannon and the Clams, White Fence, Axis: February 27th (MON) @ Fox Theater Oakland (6 p.m., $25, All Ages)

Download the Noise Pop mobile app to get special updates, including details on Noise Pop After Hours performances, and create your own customized schedule here. Super Fan Badges are still available for purchase here.

Filed Under: Featured, Festivals Tagged With: 1015 Folsom, 20 Minute Loop, AABO, Affectionately, AJ Dávila, Animal Collective, Artists' Television Access, Avey Tare, Axis, BADBADNOTGOOD, Barclay Crenshaw, Bearface, Before The Brave, Bender's Bar & Grill, Bimbo's 365 Club, Bottom of the Hill, Brick & Mortar Music Hall, California Academy of Sciences, Cellus, Chaos Chaos, Chiller Whale, Cloud Nothings, Crocodiles, Dawes, Deafheaven, Deap Valley, Desert Daze Caravan Festival, Diet Cig, Elsa Y Elmar, Emma Ruth Rundle, Fox Theater Oakland, Froth, Future Shapes, Germans, Goon, Grandaddy, Great American Music Hall, Half Waif, Hanni El Khatib, Hazel English, Hideout, Hobo Johnson, Hodgy, Hot Flash Heat Wave, Hudson Mohawke, Hugo, Innovative Leisure, Itsaca, Jackson Waites, JJUUJJUU, John Cashman, Joyride!, Jujuujjuu, Kelis, Kevin Abstract, Kid Trails, Kilo Kish, London O'Connor, Maggie y/o, Matt Pond PA, Mezzanine, Minihorse, Mission Bowling Club, Monster Rally, MSTRKRFT, My Buddah Is Punk, N.Lannon, Never Young, Night Moves, Noise Pop, Noise Pop 2017, NRVS LVRS, NYRE, Plush, PWR BTTM, Radical Face, Rayana Jay, Rickshaw Stop, Roeviscious, Shannon and the Clams, Shutups, Soar, Starline Social Club, Sunday Smörgåsbord, Swedish American Hall, Tanukichan, Tash Sultana, Temples, The Bilinda Butchers, The Buttertones, The Bye Bye Blackbirds, The Chapel, The Fillmore, The Molochs, The New Parish, The Palms, The Radio Dept., The Total Betty's, The Young Wild, This Will Destroy You, Ty Segall, Vince Staples, Warbly Jets, Weyes Blood, White Fence, Young Moon

SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Lupe Fiasco at 1015 Folsom 11/16 (WED)

November 15, 2016 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Written by Brett Ruffenach //

Lupe Fiasco with The Boy Illinois, RXMN //
1015 Folsom – San Francisco
November 16th, 2016 //

From his explosion onto the rap scene to who he is today, Lupe Fiasco has always been a rapper who will not compromise who he is for the limelight. A Chicago-born emcee who emerged from the “nerd rap” scene and caught the ear of artists like Kanye West and Talib Kweli, Fiasco’s best skill is a remarkably smooth flow over deep, complex lyrics.

Both accessible and robust, Fiasco’s catalog has contributed to the stylings of rappers like Nas and Common while expanding Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s famous single “The Message” into a more radio-friendly territory. His career, meanwhile, has been one of constant mishaps and challenges, from botched album releases to ill-conceived pop-crossover efforts to even protests by his dedicated fan base at his label Atlantic Records. Preemptive retirement announcements, canceled shows and a disappointing sequel to his seminal debut LP in 2012 have all held back the CEO of 1st & 15th Entertainment in recent years.

But with the release of his most recent effort Tetsuo & Youth, Fiasco has seemingly gotten his groove back. A fine-tuned production with the smooth-yet-complex lyricism built on dizzying layers of rhyme, double entendre, wordplay and references ranging anywhere between Steve Urkel and a Thomas Pynchon novel. Tetsuo & Youth is a redemption album for Fiasco, and we couldn’t be happier to see him return to his most true form.

Touring in support of Tetsuo & Youth, Fiasco will headline 1015 Folsom this Wednesday with support from The Boy Illinois and RXMN. Tickets are available for $40-50, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

• Golden Suits: November 15th (TUE) @ Swedish American Hall
• Natasha Kmeto: November 16th (WED) @ Swedish American Hall
• Matt Costa: November 17th (THUR) @ Slim’s
• Joe Budden: November 17th (THUR) @ The New Parish
• Ricky Eat Acid: November 17th (THUR) @ Swedish American Hall
• Red Fang: November 18th (FRI) @ Slim’s
• Sun Kil Moon: November 18th (FRI) @ Great American Music Hall
• The Stone Foxes: November 18th (FRI) @ The Independent
• Jay Som: November 18th (FRI) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
• Stones Throw 20th Anniversary Tour: November 18th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
• Should We Run: November 19th (SAT) @ The Independent

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above). 21+ only.

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED.

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: 1015 Folsom, Brick & Mortar Music Hall, Golden Suits, Great American Music Hall, Jay Som, Joe Budden, Lupe Fiasco, Matt Costa, Natasha Kmeto, Red Fang, Ricky Eat Acid, Should We Run, Slims, Stones Throw Records, Sun Kil Moon, Swedish American Hall, The Independent, The New Parish, The Stone Foxes

SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Clams Casino at Mezzanine 9/15 (THUR)

September 14, 2016 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Written by Brett Ruffenach //

Clams Casino //
Mezzanine – San Francisco
September 15th, 2016 //

As one of the fastest-rising producers in the world, Clams Casino (born Michael Volpe) has made a name for himself by combining familiar hip-hop rhythms with a unique, ominous sound. With its atmospheric synth and vocal distortions, his groundbreaking EP Rainforest released in 2011 quickly set Clams Casino apart from other crossover producers. Tracks like “Treetop” and “Waterfalls”, for example, best demonstrate his remarkable ability to meld arrangements that use vocal melodies as more of a side dish than the main course.

Over the past couple of years, Clams Casino has continued to hone his style through a trilogy of mixtapes titled Instrumentals, Instrumentals 2 and Instrumentals 3. In July, he released his first official LP 32 Levels, featuring a guest list of up-and-coming producers, hip-hop emcees like Vince Staples and Lil B, and singers such as Future Islands’ Samuel T. Herring and alt-J’s Joe Newman. With bangers (“All Nite”) in addition to brooding, melancholy tracks (“Blast”, “Skull”), Clams Casino’s productions have evolved into a style that cannot be ignored.

Touring in support of 32 Levels, Clams Casino will take the stage in SF at Mezzanine this Thursday with “special guests” billed to join him. Maybe Lil B (aka “The BasedGod”) will grace us with his presence, too?

No matter who joins Volpe, this is not a show to sleep on. Tickets are available for $20-23, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.

Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

• Travis Hayes: September 15th (THUR) @ The Independent
• Junior Toots: September 15th (THUR) @ Slim’s
• Kimock with special guests: September 16th (FRI) @ Great American Music Hall
• Brainfeeder Afterparty: September 16th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
• John Doe & Exene Cervenka: September 17th (SAT) @ Slim’s
• St. Motel: September 17th (SAT) @ Great American Music Hall
• Goapele: September 17th (SAT) @ Mezzanine
• Entrance: September 17th (SAT) @ Swedish American Hall
• Porches: September 18th (SUN) @ The Independent

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above). 21+ only.

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED.

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: 1015 Folsom, Brainfeeder, Clams Casino, Entrance, Exene Cervenka, Goapele, Great American Music Hall, John Doe, Junior Toots, Kimock, Mezzanine, Porches, Slims, St. Motel, Swedish American Hall, The Independent, Travis Hayes

SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Wye Oak at Great American Music Hall 7/15 (FRI)

July 14, 2016 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Written by Brett Ruffenach //

Wye Oak with Tuskha //
Great American Music Hall – San Francisco
July 15th, 2016 //

Just a year ago, I was at Capitol Hill Block Party in Seattle, hanging out at the main stage on an unlikely sunny afternoon. Joining an impressive lineup of artists — including Jamie xx, Father John Misty and Toro y Moi — for a relatively small music festival, Wye Oak took the stage and demonstrated a unique sound. Between the masterful guitar and vocals of Jenn Wasner and Andy Stuck’s simultaneous drumming and synthesizer work, the duo put on a captivating set that certainly won more than a couple new fans (myself included) that day.

Wye Oak have successfully carved their own path in the world of indie rock. The Baltimore duo have made a name for themselves with their increasingly ambitious studio efforts, from their 2011 breakthrough LP Civilian to their critically acclaimed 2014 record Shriek. With each record, their sound has matured more in form as they add new elements of vocal distortions, synthesizers and syncopated guitar melodies.

Though a standard strategy for mainstream artists like Beyoncé and Adele, Wye Oak dropped their new record Tween by surprise just a month ago. It is a tightly-knit, 10-track album that expands on the production style of Shriek and continues to demonstrate Wye Oak’s ambition as a band, an ambition that’s best captured in the swelling vocals and distortions of “Trigger Finger” and dragging guitar chord progressions guiding “Too Right”.

In a non-stop stream of indie-rock acts coming through SF, Wye Oak is a truly different kind of indie-rock band that is not to be missed live. This Friday, they will be taking the stage at the Great American Music Hall with support from Bowerbirds member Phil Moore’s electropop project Tuskha. Tickets are available for $23, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

• Mike Will Made-It: July 15th (FRI) @ The Independent
• The English Beat: July 15th (FRI) @ The Independent
• Fear of Men: July 15th (FRI) @ Swedish American Hall
• Sugar Candy Mountain: July 15th (FRI) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
• Ozomatli: July 15th (FRI) or July 16th (SAT) @ The New Parish
• La Gente: July 16th (SAT) @ Great American Music Hall

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above). 21+ only.

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED.

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Brick & Mortar Music Hall, Fear of Men, Great American Music Hall, La Gente, Mike Will Made-It, Ozomatli, Sugar Candy Mountain, Swedish American Hall, The English Beat, The Independent, The New Parish, Tuskha, Wye Oak

Kaki King brings ‘The Neck Is a Bridge to the Body’ back to SF for a third time

June 21, 2016 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

By Diana Cordero //

Kaki King //
Swedish American Hall – San Francisco
June 12th, 2016 //

Solo artist Kaki King (born Katherine Elizabeth King) brought her audiovisual experience entitled “The Neck Is a Bridge to the Body” back to SF this month, performing at the Swedish American Hall on a Sunday night. The show is heavily based on projection mapping, having the guitar literally serving as a canvas for the visual delight of sound and color that King and her team created to accompany the music.

For those unfamiliar with King, she’s a virtuoso guitarist with seven albums under her belt. Yet, her first instrument actually wasn’t the guitar — she started playing drums, which you can tell from her compositions and live performances as she tends to be rather percussive.

Unlike most musicians, King has proven to be a risk-taker. Her efforts, as well as her team’s, consist of seeing sounds and visually representing what she does sonically — and the results, subsequently, are amazing. If she had support from a major record label, she would go much further. But for being an independent artist whose show was funded through Indiegogo, she has managed to entertain audiences while still keeping the focus on the guitar.

In fact, the 36-year-old now based in Brooklyn has performed “The Neck Is a Bridge to the Body” in SF three times over the last two years, the first time coming in late 2014 with a very special introduction at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (read our review of the show here).

Nevertheless, King remains faithful to her intentions, as she performs in the dark most of the time with only light shining on her face or hands sporadically. The entire experience speaks to the guitarist who isn’t trying to demonstrate how fast or intricately one’s fingers move up and down the fretboard. Seeing that is definitely refreshing, especially when many musicians fall in love with displaying their technical virtuosity. There’s no question then that King remains somewhat of a pioneer in that way.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Kaki King, Swedish American Hall

SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to MSTRKRFT at The Independent 6/10 (FRI)

June 8, 2016 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Written by Brett Ruffenach //

MSTRKRFT with Io Echo //
The Independent – San Francisco
June 10th, 2016 //

Born out of the raw, fist-clenching dance-punk coming from Toronto duo Death from Above 1979, MSTRKRFT (pronounced “Master-craft”) are a gritty, electronic side project composed of DFA 1979 bassist/keyboardist Jesse F. Keeler and producer Al-P (Alex Puodziukas). Formed in 2005, MSTRKFT bring the grit of DFA 1979 as well as the uplifting rhythms and synth melodies of artists like Daft Punk and Ratatat to the stage.

Now, MSTRKFT are returning to the stage with an entirely new live production. This year in an interview with VICE, the duo discussed the challenge of producing electronic music in a live setting — that computers and backing tracks are too safe, minimizing the potential to make any mistakes. Foregoing the offerings of Ableton and other beat-making software, the group has created its own setup that’s basically one big mess of cables, synthesizers and drums.

“We’re trying to make a setup that can fuck up,” Keeler explained candidly. “One that can have grand, massive errors. That’s sort of the fun of being in a band onstage. I mean it sucks in the moment, but that’s how you know when you’re seeing something real. It’s like why people watch NASCAR — they’re waiting for an epic car crash. Well, that’s why I watch it.”

This Friday, MSTRKRFT returns to the Bay for a live performance at The Independent with support from Los Angeles indie-rock band Io Echo, who will open the show up with a DJ set. Tickets are available for $25, or you could win a pair of tickets by submitting your full name and email below.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.

Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

• Mirah & Jherek Bischoff: June 9th (THUR) @ Swedish American Hall
• Andre Nickatina: June 10th (FRI) @ Slim’s
• Funk Fellowship: June 10th (FRI) @ The New Parish
• DVSN: June 10th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
• Lyrics Born: June 11th (SAT) @ The Independent
• Lila Rose: June 11th (SAT) @ Slim’s
• Mac Sabbath: June 12th (SUN) @ Slim’s
• Kaki King: June 12th (SUN) @ Swedish American Hall
• Israel Nash: June 12th (SUN) @ The Chapel

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED.

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: 1015 Folsom, Andre Nickatina, Death from Above 1979, DVSN, Funk Fellowship, io echo, Jherek Bischoff, Kaki King, Lila Rose, Lyrics Born, Mac Sabbath, Mirah, MSTRKRFT, Slims, Swedish American Hall, The Chapel, The Independent, The New Parish

Sarah Neufeld delivers a haunting, dramatic show at Swedish American Hall

April 5, 2016 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

By Diana Cordero //

Sarah Neufeld with Eartheater //
Swedish American Hall – San Francisco
March 22nd, 2016 //

Best known for her work as a touring member of Arcade Fire, Sarah Neufeld is a performer in her own right with three solo albums under her belt. The violin is the common denominator across all three, although you can see Neufeld start to feel more comfortable singing on her latest LP The Ridge, which was released in February.

Neufeld’s live show last month at the Swedish American Hall was solid and well-rehearsed, only if ever jeopardized by the venue’s own sound problems, which caused feedback and noise at the beginning of her set. On drums and production was Stefan Schneider, an old collaborator and bandmate of Neufeld’s in the Montreal-based, instrumental six-piece Bell Orchestre. The duo delivered a haunting and dramatic performance, full of highs and lows driven by Neufeld’s frequent crescendos.

Opening the show was Alexandra Drewchin, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist based in Queens, N.Y., who performs under the pseudonym Eartheater when she’s not writing songs with drummer Greg Fox for their collaborative project Guardian Alien.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Arcade Fire, Eartheater, Sarah Neufeld, Swedish American Hall

Noise Pop 2016: Relive the festival frame by frame

March 10, 2016 by Molly Kish Leave a Comment

Heartwatch

Photos by Mike Rosati & Benjamin Wallen // Written by Molly Kish //

Noise Pop //
Bay Area venues – San Francisco & Oakland
February 19th-28th, 2016 //

With the impending storm of summer festival traffic washing away the last remnants of Noise Pop, it’s time to look back at the best highlights from this year’s lineup. Serving up a bill that celebrates the diversity of contemporary independent culture, 2016’s roster was as eclectic as ever, ranging from pop stars to cowpunks (aka country punks), free-form jazz prodigies and indie-rock veterans. Bay Area venues were at capacity on a nightly basis, with crowds braving brisk weather conditions in order to experience the one-of-a-kind performances Noise Pop has spent nearly 25 years curating.

Navigating through more than 100 acts during this year’s festival, we dove right into the thick of it, capturing shots from some of our favorite Noise Pop shows. Check out our photo gallery below as well as more coverage from our friends over at DoTheBay.

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Featured, Festivals, Photos Tagged With: Alexander Spits, American Football, Antwon, Bender's Bar & Grill, Birth Defects, Carly Rae Jepsen, Dirty Denim, DoTheBay, Growwler, Her Space Holiday, Joywave, Kamasi Washington, Kneedelus, Metric, Neto & So What, Noise Pop, Noise Pop 2016, Noise Pop Festival, One Line Drawing, Parquet Courts, Ringo Deathstarr, SFJAZZ Center, Swedish American Hall, The Chapel, The Masonic, The New Parish, The Regency Ballroom, The World, Unlikely Heroes

Noise Pop 2016 Shows of the Week // GO4FREE to Metric, Parquet Courts, Cayucas, DIIV & more

February 23, 2016 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Metric

Written by Molly Kish //

Noise Pop //
Bay Area venues – San Francisco & Oakland
February 23rd-28th, 2016 //

Noise Pop is upon us, and the Bay Area is playing home to some of the best independent artists around the globe this week. Talent is running rampant around the city, showcasing their music, art and passions in our favorite bars and venues — and we want you to get out there and participate!

Most Noise Pop shows are sold out at this point or quickly on their way to being so. However, we have you covered with tickets to a wide variety of shows. Pick your favorite show from the list below and enter to win tickets.

Hint: Those who directly tweet @showbams or tag us on Instagram with their personal requests will have that much better of a chance of winning!

Contests for all weekday shows end at 3 p.m. on the day of show. Contests for all weekend shows end at 3 p.m. this Friday.

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

CONTESTS CLOSED.

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Alex Metric, Antwon, Astronautsetc., Bottom of the Hill, Brick & Mortar Music Hall, Cayucas, Diane Coffee, DIIV, Hamilton Leithauser, Heartwatch, Metric, Noise Pop, Noise Pop 2016, Parquet Courts, Ringo Deathstarr, Swedish American Hall, The Independent, The Masonic, The New Parish, Wild Ones

Noise Pop 2016: Daily picks & flavors of the week

February 22, 2016 by Molly Kish Leave a Comment

Written by Molly Kish //

Noise Pop //
Bay Area venues – San Francisco & Oakland
February 19th-28th, 2016 //

Noise Pop 2016 is here! To get you ready for all the Noise Pop festivities throughout the Bay Area, we present our daily picks and flavors of the week.

Plus, make sure to brush up on this year’s bill with our Noise Pop playlist and don’t miss your opportunity to take part in the festivities.

GO4FREE: Win tickets to Noise Pop 2016 shows all week here!

Monday, February 22nd

Ziggy Stardust Tribute Party with Everyone Is Bowie: February 22nd (MON) @ The Independent, 8 p.m., 21+ (SOLD OUT)

Paying respect to the Star Man himself, film and concert enthusiasts alike can trip out to “The Spiders from Mars” at The Independent for David Bowie tribute night. The venue will be participating in the Noise Pop film series by showing a digitally remastered version of “Ziggy Stardust and “The Spiders from Mars”. After the screening, make sure to stick around for a live performance from Oakland’s own conceptual tribute band Everyone Is Bowie, including visuals by local film production company White Light Prism. There’s even a pre-party at San Franpsycho (505 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117) with live screen printing, face painting, a Bowie costume contest and free beer (yes, you read that right) from Mavericks Brewing Company.

Tuesday, February 23rd

Metric

Metric with Joywave: February 23rd (TUE) @ The Masonic, 8 p.m., All Ages // WIN TICKETS

No strangers to the the Bay Area music scene and Noise Pop’s illustrious history, 15-year-old indie-rock veterans Metric headline The Masonic on Tuesday with support from New York dance-pop quartet Joywave. Serving as one of the main headliners at this year’s festival, Metric is one band you’ll want to catch early in the week — and we have a pair of tickets just for you.

“Fucked Up But Beautiful” (Noise Pop art reception): February 23rd (TUE) @ Bender’s Bar & Grill, 5 p.m., 21+

Celebrating the flawed and accentuating the negative, “Fucked Up But Beautiful” showcases some of the work of the Bay Area’s most prominent independent artists that was never meant to be seen. Marred by sundry, footprints, bent corners and beer spills, Bender’s Bar & Grill will be hosting a full gallery of glossy disasters, which in turn have taken on a new appreciation of their own. Stop by Bender’s to reflect on mistakes and check out the labors of unrequited love from Amy Jo, Boss Construction, Bureau of Print Research and Design, Crosshair, The Decoder Ring, Drug Factory Press, Alan Forbes, Furturtle Prints, Kollective Fusion, Lil Tuffy, Methane Industries, PinkBikeRalph, Powerslide Design, Tooth and more.

Wednesday, February 24th

Andrew Jackson Jihad

Wild Ones, Palehound with Two Sheds, False Priest: February 24th (WED) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 7 p.m., 21+ // WIN TICKETS

Spanning the spectrum of everything Noise Pop, this lineup includes Wild One’s heavy synth and ethereal R&B, singer-songwriter Ellie Kemper’s solo project Palehound and local modern rock outfit False Priest. If you’re looking to shake things up on Wednesday and truly get a full taste of the Noise Pop 2016 lineup, stop by the intimately accommodating Brick & Mortar Music Hall and check out this exceptional lineup.

Andrew Jackson Jihad with BATTLEHOOCH, Owl Paws: February 24th (WED) @ The Chapel, 7 p.m., 21+

Maybe you’re looking to let loose mid-work week? If being an adult has got you down, come through The Chapel on Wednesday night and get weird with the prominent wild card’s of Noise Pop 2016. Are you into the collective craze of Andrew Jackson Jihad’s folk-punk antics or daydreaming of being swaddled in the illustrious locks of Grant Goodrich, the bass player of SF’s own BATTLEHOOCH? Regardless of your motivation, we recommend you get there early for Owl Paws’ set and go pile-driving into the second half of your work week.

Thursday, February 24th

Kamasi Washington

“Gin N Jazz” feat. Kamasi Washington in conversation with David Katznelson: February 25th (THUR) @ Swedish American Hall, 4 p.m., 21+ (RSVP required)

As part of Noise Pop 2016’s “HQ Culture Hour” series, Bay Area music veteran and Birdman Recording Group founder David Katznelson will be chatting with saxophonist Kamasi Washington about all things jazz over gin libations sponsored by UK independent spirit purveyor Sipsmith. Signed as an accomplished protégé and part of the label’s early roster while playing as a teenager in The Young Jazz Giants, Washington has a storied history with plenty to discuss about the origins and ever-growing complexities of jazz in mainstream art and culture. Touching upon Washington’s roots, recording process and musical journey, this conversation will be a great opportunity to get an in-depth look at the band leader outside of his sold-out show later that evening.

Antwon with Alexander Spit, Unlikely Heroes: February 25th (THUR) @ The New Parish, 8 p.m., 21+ // WIN TICKETS

This lineup depicts a hometown love letter to Bay Area hip-hop. Throwing down this Thursday is a full lineup of performers looking to turn up The New Parish in Oakland. Bay Area native and world-renowned lyrcist Antwon headlines the night with his cross-over brand of indie hip-hop and will be supported by locally raised rapper and producer Alexander Spit. Kicking off the party will be SF Battle of the Band’s winner Unlikely Heroes, the hip-hop/punk outfit that promises to get the crowd pumped up.

Friday, February 26th

Parquet Courts

Parquet Courts with Chris Cohen, The World: February 26th (FRI) @ The New Parish, 8 p.m., 21+ // WIN TICKETS

Want to go to the heaviest lineup Noise Pop has to offer? Are you into sludgy, low-fi garage rock and sweaty, eardrum-rattling rock shows? No? GTFOH! But seriously, if you’re looking to do something Friday night that will leave you invigorated (more than likely wet and quite possibly with a couple of mystery bruises), look no further. The New Parish is hosting the dream lineup of prog rock and punk with Parquet Courts headlining a sold-out show with openers Chris Cohen and Emotional. If you slept on the opportunity to tear it up this Friday, you’ll still have a chance to go for free on us. Stay tuned!

Beacon with Natasha Kmeto, Running in the Fog, Frugal Father: February 26th (FRI) @ Bottom of the Hill, 8 p.m., 21+

Besides getting the chance to see some of the most promising up-and-coming artists right on the cusp of a major breakthrough, one of the perks of going to Noise Pop is that all the show are being hosted in venues that are known and loved throughout SF’s music scene. This Friday, darkwave electronic duo Beacon will take over the shoulder-grazing space of Bottom of the Hill for a truly special, one-off performance. With Beacon debuting material off of their brand-new EP, this guaranteed dance party with support from Natasha Kmeto, Running in the Fog and Frugal Father will be bursting at the seams inside this favorite venue among punk and hard-rock locals.

Saturday, February 27th

Escort

Escort with MOBLEY, COLLAJ, Push the Feelings DJs: February 26th (FRI) @ Rickshaw Stop, 8:30 p.m., 18+

Pulling influences from the legendary discos in New York, Chicago and Detroit while claiming the headlining spot on Noise Pop’s Saturday night roster at Rickshaw Stop is Brooklyn’s very own Escort. Hailed as a type of “disco orchestra” with a live show comprised of anywhere between a 5-11-piece roster, the East Coast “funktronica” outfit will be debuting new music from there yet-to-be-released sophomore album. Supported by Austin trip-hop artist MOBLEY, SF’s COLLAJ (formerly 8th Grader) and Push the Feelings DJs, this will be one of the fiercest dance parties of the entire weekend.

Song Exploder podcast with Carly Rae Jepsen: February 26th (FRI) @ Swedish American Hall, 2:30 p.m., All Ages (RSVP required)

Continuing its second year as a part of Noise Pop, Hrishikesh Hirway hosts his live storytelling “Song Exploder” podcast from the confines of the Swedish American Hall this Saturday with Carly Rae Jepsen. Dissecting her latest album Emotion and the creative thought process behind composing lead single “I Needed You”, Jepsen will sit down for a candid interview with Hirway that will lead into her performance that evening at The Warfield.

Sunday, February 28th

DIIV

DIIV with Dirty Ghosts, Creative Adult, Fine Points @ The Independent, 7:30 p.m., 21+ (SOLD OUT) // WIN TICKETS

Closing out the festival this year with a final punctuation of raw indie-rock talent, Sunday night’s bill at The Independent highlights some of the biggest names on this year’s lineup. Headlining the showcase will be DIIV, a side project from the former members of Beach Fossils and Smith Westerns, celebrating the release of their critically acclaimed new album Is the Is Are. Paired with local female-fronted rock powerhouse Dirty Ghosts and North Bay punks Creative Adult, this show will be having you question the validity of your Sunday and whether or not a lineup of this magnitude holds much relevance when accessing your upcoming work week.

See the full list of Noise Pop 2016 events here, and you can still purchase festival passes here. Keep it here at Showbams and on our Twitter account here throughout the week for a chance to win tickets to this year’s shows.

Filed Under: Featured, Festivals Tagged With: Alexander Spit, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Antwon, Battlehooch, Beacon, Bender's Bar & Grill, Bottom of the Hill, Carly Rae Jepsen, Chris Cohen, Creative Adult, DIIV, Dirty Ghosts, Escort, False Priest, Fine Points, Fucked Up But Beautiful, Joywave, Kamasi Washington, Metric, MOBLEY, Noise Pop, Noise Pop 2016, Owl Paws, Palehound, Parquet Courts, Rickshaw Stop, Song Exploder, Swedish American Hall, The Chapel, The Independent, The Masonic, The New Parish, The Warfield, The World, Two Sheds, Unlikely Heroes, Wild Ones

Conor O’Brien leads the way as Ireland’s Villagers deliver two nights of powerful songwriting in SF

October 6, 2015 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Photos by Victoria Smith // Written by Emmanuel Castro //

Villagers //
Swedish American Hall & The Fillmore – San Francisco
October 3rd & 4th, 2015 //

Last weekend, Villagers, an indie-folk project out of Dublin, Ireland, from sonic mastermind Conor O’Brien, reminded SF what powerful songwriting can be.

Starting on Saturday night, the band took a break from their tour with Paul Weller and braved it alone for their first-ever headlining show in SF at the Swedish American Hall. The all-seated venue was the optimal environment to wrap oneself in O’Brien’s resonant voice.

Touring as a stripped-down three-piece featuring welsh virtuosos Gwion Llewelyn (drums, trumpet, vocals) and Mali Llywelyn (keyboard, piano, vocals), the band shuffled through top-drawer tracks from its three albums, harmonizing like a finger ringing around a crystal glass — perfection. The wide-eyed audience was then hit with “Becoming a Jackal”, where full crowd participation harmonizing was required, and they obliged creating an environment where no drugs were required to feel the high.

The next night, the band rejoined Paul Weller at The Fillmore. This was O’Brien’s chance to take the momentum from the previous evening and conquer a new fan base. Although the set was shorter, it was delivered with the same intensity, and the new crowd was captivated by the perfect harmonies the trio manifests.