Outside Lands plans to keep the party going after hours in 2023 with Poolside, L’Impératrice, Soccer Mommy, Âme (Live) + Trikk & more

Outside Lands 2023 - night shows

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival //
Golden Gate Park – San Francisco
August 11th-13th, 2023 //

Calling all of you night owls in the Bay Area and beyond!

Outside Lands has dropped the lineup for its 2023 night shows, and there’s plenty of action to keep the party going past 10 p.m. once the music stops at Golden Gate Park on Friday-Sunday. This year’s late-night run to celebrate the three-day music festival’s 15th anniversary will boast 12 performances across eight SF venues “because there’s no such thing as too many next-level concerts” as its organizers say.

Some of the highlights beginning the evening before the fest kicks off include Poolside (with Harvey Sutherland), No Vacation (with Sour Widows), L’Impératrice, Diesel (aka Shaquille O’Neal), Soccer Mommy, Âme (Live), Trixie Mattel (DJ set) and Âme (Live) + Trikk.

Tickets for OSL’s 2023 night shows will go on sale to the public this Friday, June 23rd at 10 a.m. PT with priority access for festival ticket holders starting this week (check your inbox for an email).


Here is the schedule for the upcoming night shows with links to purchase tickets:

August 10th (THU): Poolside with Harvey Sutherland at Bimbo’s 365 Club, 8 p.m., $45-50, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 10th (THU): No Vacation with Sour Widows at California Academy of Sciences, 7:30 p.m., $21.25, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 11th (FRI): L’Impératrice at Bimbo’s 365 Club, 8 p.m., $46, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 11th (FRI): Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal) at 1015 Folsom, 10 p.m., $40-50, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 11th (FRI): Cobra Man & Donny Benét at The Independent, 10 p.m., $29.50-35, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 11th (FRI): Justin Jay at Monarch, 10 p.m., $20-35, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 11th (FRI): VNSSA at Public Works, 10 p.m., $40, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 11th (FRI): EVAN GIIA with DJ Aaron Axelsen at Rickshaw Stop, 10 p.m., $20-25, All Ages // BUY TICKETS

August 12th (SAT): Soccer Mommy with SASAMI at The Independent, 10 p.m., $36-40, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 12th (SAT): Trixie Mattel (DJ set) with DJ Mateo at Bimbo’s 365 Club, 10 p.m., $50-55, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 12th (SAT): The Jungle Giants with EREZ at Rickshaw Stop, 10 p.m., $25-30, All Ages // BUY TICKETS

August 13th (SUN): Âme Live + Trikk at The Great Northern, 10 p.m., $15-25, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

Outside Lands 2023

Outside Lands unleashes 2022 night shows with Pussy Riot, Phoebe Bridgers (acoustic), Mac DeMarco, TOKiMONSTA & more performing

Outside Lands 2022 night shows - lineup

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival //
Golden Gate Park – San Francisco
August 5th-7th, 2022 //

With less than a month to go, Outside Lands is preparing for a triumphant return to its usual timing in early August for the first year since 2019.

Now after moving back more than two months to Halloween weekend (read our review here) in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the three-day music festival has assembled another strong slate of night shows for its 14th installment next month to keep the party going past 10 p.m.

This year’s late-night run will include 13 performances across seven SF venues and feature must-see acts like Pussy Riot, Phoebe Bridgers (acoustic), Washed Out (DJ set), Franc Moody, Mac DeMarco, Best Coast, TOKiMONSTA and more.

Tickets for OSL’s 2022 night shows will go on sale to the public this Friday, July 15 at 10 a.m. PT with priority access for festival ticket holders beginning this week (look out for an email in your inboxes).


Here is the schedule for the upcoming night shows with links to purchase tickets:

August 4th (THU): Pussy Riot with ILOVEMAKONNEN, REI AMI, salem ilese at The Independent, 8 p.m., $25, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 5th (FRI): Phoebe Bridgers (acoustic) at The Independent, 10 p.m., $69.50-$70, 21+ // BUY TICKETS*

August 5th (FRI): Washed Out (DJ set) at 1015 Folsom, 10 p.m., $15-30, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 5th (FRI): Franc Moody at Bimbo’s 365 Club, 10 p.m., $29.50-$30, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 5th (FRI): ANNA at Public Works, 10 p.m., $15-40, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 5th (FRI): Cassian with Lucid D at Audio, 8 p.m., $15-20, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 5th (FRI): MICHELLE with DJ Aaron Axelsen at Rickshaw Stop, 10 p.m., $15-20, All Ages // BUY TICKETS

August 6th (SAT): Mac DeMarco at The Independent, 10 p.m., $45-50, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 6th (SAT): Ashe at Bimbo’s 365 Club, 10 p.m., $35, 18+ // BUY TICKETS

August 6th (SAT): Best Coast with Night School at The Independent, 10 p.m., $29.50-30, All Ages // BUY TICKETS

August 6th (SAT): Anna Lunoe b2b J. Worra at The Great Northern, 10 p.m., $21-35, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 7th (SUN): TOKiMONSTA at The Independent, 10 p.m., $35-$40, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

August 7th (SUN): L’Rain at Rickshaw Stop, 9 p.m., $15-17, All Ages // BUY TICKETS

*COVID-19 vaccinations required

Outside Lands 2022

Outside Lands enlists RÜFÜS DU SOL, Kaytranada, Dr. Dog, Blacklizt & more for 2021 night shows

Outside Lands 2021 night shows - lineup

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival //
Golden Gate Park – San Francisco
October 29th-31st, 2021 //

As the calendar turns from summer to fall and the weather starts to cool, less than six weeks stand between us and Outside Lands’ official return to Golden Gate Park.

But after what will be an 808-day hiatus for the three-day music festival due to the COVID-19 pandemic, OSL is gearing up for its 13th edition with another run of night shows next month to keep the party going past 10 p.m.

This year’s late-night slate over Halloween weekend will boast 16 performances across eight different venues throughout the Bay Area and feature must-see acts such as RÜFÜS DU SOL, Kaytranada, Dr. Dog, Blacklizt (ZHU’s techno side project), Marc Rebillet, A R I Z O N A, Yves Tumor & Its Band, and a whole lot more.

Tickets for OSL’s 2021 night shows will go on sale to the public this Friday, September 24th at Noon PT with special presales for both 2020 Eager Beaver and 2021 ticket holders beginning this Thursday and Friday, respectively, at Noon PT.


Here is the schedule for the upcoming night shows with links to purchase tickets:

October 27th (WED): DRAMA with Brijean at Bimbo’s 365 Club, 8 p.m., $35, 18+ // BUY TICKETS

October 28th (THU): mxmtoon at The New Parish, 8 p.m., $30, All Ages // BUY TICKETS

October 28th (THU): Marc E. Bassy at The Independent, 8 p.m., $29.50, All Ages // BUY TICKETS

October 28th (THU): Bartees Strange at Rickshaw Stop, 8 p.m., $15, All Ages // BUY TICKETS

October 28th (THU): Nap Eyes with Boy Scouts, The Reds, Pinks and Purples, Advertisement at Balboa Theater, 8 p.m., $20, All Ages // BUY TICKETS

October 29th (FRI): Kaytranada at 1015 Folsom, 10 p.m., $40-50, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

October 29th (FRI): Dr. Dog with Tōth at The Warfield, 10 p.m., $39.50-69.50, All Ages // BUY TICKETS

October 29th (FRI): The Midnight with Jupiter Winter at The Independent, 10 p.m., $35, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

October 29th (FRI): Noga Erez with McKinley Dixon, DJ Aaron Axelsen at Rickshaw Stop, 10 p.m., $24, 18+ // BUY TICKETS

October 30th (SAT): RÜFÜS DU SOL at Fox Theater Oakland, 10 p.m., $99.50, 18+ // BUY TICKETS

October 30th (SAT): A R I Z O N A at The Independent, 10 p.m., $39.50, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

October 30th (SAT): Goth Babe at Rickshaw Stop, 10 p.m., $20, All Ages // BUY TICKETS

October 30th (SAT): The Hu with The Haunt at Bimbo’s 365 Club, 10 p.m., $35, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

October 31st (SUN): Blacklizt at The Independent, 10 p.m., $59.50, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

October 31st (SUN): Marc Rebillet with LP Giobbi (Live), Mary Droppinz, Izzy Wise at 1015 Folsom, 10 p.m., $35-45, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

October 31st (SUN): Yves Tumor and Its Band with ECCO2K at Bimbo’s 365 Club, 10 p.m., $27.50, 21+ // BUY TICKETS

*All OSL 2021 night shows will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (must be two weeks past your final dose) or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours from the time of entry into the venue. Masks will also be required for all patrons in attendance.

Outside Lands 2021 night shows

Noise Pop 2019: Celebrating Bay Area indie culture with great music & a whole lot more

Noise Pop 2019 - Caroline Rose


Caroline Rose

Photos by Mike Rosati, Norm de Veyra & Marc Fong // Written by Kevin Quandt & Ryan Bright //

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

Another epic edition of Noise Pop is now in the history books, and we were there to witness much of the action. Here are a few of our favorite moments, plus a ton of photos, from 2019.

Coke

With a name like Coke, you’d hope this SF band would be loud and wild enough, even with a 7 p.m. hit time, and they were. Playing their second-to-last show before losing a key member to the East Coast, they proved rock is not dead and that it generally sounds best in medium-sized bars full of your friends. – KQ

In the Valley Below

It has been a hot minute since the duo of Jeffrey Jacob and Angela Gail released their widely acclaimed debut album and supported it with multiple late-night appearances that saw them play their breakthrough hit “Peaches”. Their slow return to the stage hasn’t stopped this pair from performing some powerful indie pop that set the stage perfectly for Albert Hammond Jr. on a Wednesday night at The Independent. The live-expanded twosome also delivered select cuts from their forthcoming sophomore release The Pink Chateau, which will also feature an accompanying “motion picture companion.” Certainly appearing to be a comeback year for the Michigan-based group and a packed room at the Independent would likely agree. – KQ

Albert Hammond Jr.

Hammond Jr. is an explosive performer, and his Noise Pop show at The Independent was no exception. Relying heavily on his 2018 release Francis Trouble, his live effort showcased his frontman stature and musical abilities apart from his cohorts in The Strokes. Interestingly enough, the album explores the stillborn death of his twin brother and a recent reckoning that part of Francis’ fingernail was actually born alongside him. Despite the LP’s macabre topic, songs like “Far Away Truths” really conveyed Hammond’s raw energy as he jumped right into the crowd, mic in hand, for a cathartic mosh pit. – RB

Bob Mould Band


Bob Mould Band

Bob Mould Band

Bob Mould has had a lengthy, fruitful relationship with Noise Pop and the packed Fillmore demonstrated that in spades after recently releasing his rather well-received, and 13th, solo album Sunshine Rock since disbanding Hüsker Dü and intersplicing Sugar releases. Mould is nearing the age of 60, but you’d be hard-pressed to think that when he frantically paces back and forth onstage while firing off his characteristic take of punk-leaning alternative rock. “In a Free Land” and “Something I Learned Today” were Hüsker Dü highlights, while “If I Can’t Change Your Mind” and “Hoover Dam” represented a handful of Sugar cuts that the balding frontman belted out. Mould recently moved to Berlin from SF, but any longtime Bay Area fan can sleep well knowing he’ll always return to give us a dose of his infectious punk rock. – KQ

Film School

While it has been almost 20 years since Gerg Bertens initially formed Film School, the band has continued to keep a strong relationship with Noise Pop. Many consider the five-piece’s 2016 Noise Pop shows at Bottom of the Hill to be its grand return after hanging it up in 2011, and this year’s well-attended opening set showed that they can still whip up some polished alternative shoegaze. “Two in Sun” shined bright, and many of us hope this California outfit sticks around and rides the wave of the current shoegaze revival. – KQ

Beirut

After taking several years off, Zach Condon’s project Beirut returned this year with a new album titled Gallipoli and an international tour that included a stop at the Fox Theater in Oakland for Noise Pop. While Beirut’s career-spanning set might have been a nostalgia trip for some, the musicianship and multi-instrumentation were the real highlights of the night. They managed to make their unique brand of “world” music, which features Balkan, polka, mariachi and francophone influences, feel inviting, warm and triumphant thanks to subtle textures of the accordion, ukulele, trumpet, Moog synthesizer, piano and Condon’s unique satiny vocal stylings. For me, new songs like “Landslide” and “We Never Lived Here” stood out just as strongly as fan favorites “Elephant Gun” and “Nantes” — and the entire crowd’s response indicated that as well. – RB

Noise Pop 2019 Shows of the Week // GO4FREE to Caroline Rose, Tommy Guerrero, Uffie & more

Uffie


Uffie

Written by Molly Kish //

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

We got your tickets to four of the top featured shows at Noise Pop 2019.

But first, make sure to read our festival guide so you get the most out of San Francisco’s essential indie fest.

Win a pair of free tickets to one of our SF Shows of the Week by entering your name and email below.

Contests end at 3 p.m. on the day of show.




Caroline Rose: February 28th (THUR) @ The Independent // BUY TICKETS
Fresh off the release of her sophomore album Loner last year, Caroline Rose returns to the Bay Area for Noise Pop 2019. The singer-songwriter conscientiously departed from her Americana roots in order to branch out into something more representative of her sound — and she did it with great success. Incorporating an array of new instruments and an ever-growing sense of “ahhh fuck it,” Rose brings her latest material to life at The Independent, and we want to get you and a friend in to the show.

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.




DJ Boring & Jacques Greene: February 28th (THUR) @ 1015 Folsom // BUY TICKETS
This packed bill of house music innovators, which also boasts Jacques Greene and Eclair Fifi, will undoubtedly be one of the biggest parties at Noise Pop 2019. Spanning the globe with an armada of underground hits, DJ Boring and the two other electronic artists have made waves in their hometown scenes of London, Montreal and Australia and toured various club circuits, gaining attention for their individual mixes and stellar mainstream collaborations. The dance floor at 1015 Folsom is about to heat up!

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.




Tommy Guerrero: February 28th (THUR) @ The New Parish // BUY TICKETS
An original member of the skateboard company Powell Peralta as well as the Bones Brigade team, legendary skateboarder and musician Tommy Guerrero will cross the bay to play The New Parish in Oakland for Noise Pop 2019. Showcasing his talents as a bassist and guitarist, he will be sharing the stage with Chuck Treece, Josh Lippi and Matt Rodriguez, and this is a performance you won’t want to miss.

Contest ends this Thursday at 3 p.m.




Uffie: March 1st (FRI) @ The Independent // BUY TICKETS
Making her long-awaited comeback, Uffie is headlining one of the most anticipated Noise Pop showcases that sees vverevolf, STARFARI and MPHD all on board as support. The 31-year-old singer-songwriter formerly signed to French electronic music record label Ed Banger Records finds herself back in the spotlight with a brand-new, seven-song EP, and she’s making waves yet again as a viral electropop star primed for a buzzworthy return. You’ll definitely want to catch Uffie at The Independent, which is sure to feature her material from Tokyo Love Hotel.

Contest ends this Friday at 3 p.m.


Win-2-Tickets

Pick the show you would like to attend from the dropdown, then enter your name (First and Last) along with your email. 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.

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

Noise Pop 2019Written 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


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.


Noise Pop 2019 - Bob Mould

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.

Noise Pop 2019 - Phase 3 lineup

The Bam Team’s 5 Favorite Shows, Albums & Songs of 2018

David Byrne at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium


David Byrne at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium // Showbams’ Photo of the Year, by Tim O’Shea

We have to be honest: 2018 was kind of a weird year for music. Sure, there were some major highlights — many of them listed below, in fact — but we also saw a serious changing of the guard. The decline of mainstream rock and the continued rise of hip-hop, R&B and pop was more noticeable than ever, from this year’s Coachella lineup to the cancellation of FYF Fest, making us wonder what the next twist or turn will be for the industry now that the demand for EDM has started to cool off following its boom circa 2012. That said, we still listened to a lot of new albums and caught plenty of concerts over the last 12 months, and it’s once again time for us to share our annual “Best of” lists, much like we have done over the past several years (see our 2017 picks here).

So, without further ado, Showbams presents The Bam Team’s five favorite shows, albums and songs from 2018.

See our favorite performances from 2018 here.

Listen to The Bam Team’s favorite songs of 2018:


Jamiroquai at Coachella 2018


Jamiroquai at Coachella 2018 // Photo courtesy of Coachella

Josh Herwitt // Los Angeles

Top 5 Shows of 2018
1. Queens of the Stone Age at The Forum – Inglewood, CA – February 17th
Just more than two months after his infamous assault on a photographer at The Forum for KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas, Queens of the Stone Age leader Josh Homme made his return to the LA arena for a proper, sold-out affair with UK rock duo Royal Blood delivering what proved to be a headbanging opening set. From there, it only got better as Homme and the boys dazzled with a headlining performance that even included Villains producer Mark Ronson sitting in for most of the five-song encore and the band’s live debut of its “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” cover. You can bet Elton John, whom Homme actually collaborated with during the writing and recording of QOTSA’s sixth album …Like Clockwork, would have been proud. I always know when I’ve seen a good rock ‘n’ roll show because my neck will be sore the following day, but after this one, it was sore for the next three days. Ouch.

2. Nine Inch Nails at Hollywood Palladium – Los Angeles, CA – December 12th, 14th-15th
3. Jamiroquai at Coachella, Weekend 1 – Indio, CA – April 13th
4. David Byrne at Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA – August 24th
5. Foo Fighters/Nirvana reunion at Cal Jam 18 – San Bernadino, CA – October 6th

Top 5 Albums of 2018
1. Jungle – For Ever
Unlike previous years, picking a favorite album in 2018 wasn’t quite as easy for me. I’ll admit that I didn’t hear every one that was released this year, but I listened to a lot of them. So, call me boring and short-sighted if you like, but nothing totally knocked my socks off. After much deliberation, it was Jungle’s sophomore LP For Ever that stood the test of time for me (no pun intended). The English soul collective’s follow-up to its 2014 self-titled debut doesn’t veer off in a completely different direction from what came before, but it still moves the sonic needle forward enough. After two full lengths, Jungle have shown a knack for writing catchy, dance-fueled tunes that transport you to a different time and place — even if it’s only for a three- or four-minute stretch.

2. Khruangbin – Con Todo El Mundo
3. Arctic Monkeys – Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
4. Kamasi Washington – Heaven and Earth
5. Big Red Machine – Big Red Machine

Top 5 Songs of 2018
1. Nine Inch Nails – “Over and Out”
When I first listened to Bad Witch, I immediately knew this one was my favorite track on the album. But hearing it performed live on the final night of NIN’s “Cold and Black and Infinite” North American tour sealed it for top honors in 2018. Layering a brooding, yet funky bass line on top of a glitchy, experimental beat, Trent Reznor shows that he isn’t just playing it safe and merely saving his creativity for scoring films with bandmate and longtime collaborator Atticus Ross. You can tell Reznor had his late friend David Bowie in mind when he wrote the song too as he conjures up an even deeper baritone from behind the microphone than the one we have come to know over the last 30 years.

2. Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
3. Jungle – “Heavy, California”
4. Wild Nothing – “Partners in Motion”
5. The Raconteurs – “Now That You’re Gone”


Richard Russell - Everything Is Recorded

Molly Kish // San Francisco

Top 5 Shows of 2018
1. David Byrne at Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland, CA – August 16th
In support of his seventh solo album American Utopia, musical virtuoso David Byrne hit the road for one of this year’s most creative and ambitious tours. Over more than 150 dates that spanned the entire globe, the 66-year-old delivered Broadway-caliber performances with a traveling 11-piece band that served as a traveling retrospective of his solo and collaborative work. Meanwhile, the tour also doubled as a platform for him to deliver his “Reasons to Be Cheerful” manifestos on civic engagement, climate/energy, culture, economics, education, health, science/technology and urban transportation. He partnered with HeadCount while encouraging audiences every night to engage in public discourse through social media and their own personal stories on his website. And as a result, Byrne elevated the concert-going experience into more of an interactive, performance-art space that his fans became a living, breathing part of.

2. Young Fathers at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – November 10th
3. Erykah Badu & Thundercat at The Armory – San Francisco, CA – February 14th
4. Beck at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – August 8th
5. LCD Soundsystem with TV on the Radio at Greek Theatre Berkeley – Berkeley, CA – April 27th-28th

Top 5 Albums of 2018
1. Richard Russell – Everything Is Recorded by Richard Russell
A multi-artist project released as the debut album of XL Recordings founder Richard Russell, Everything Is Recorded is collaborative effort representing the ties between past and present sounds currently shaping the framework of hip-hop, funk and soul. Featuring collaborations with Sampha, Kamasi Washington, Syd, Damon Albarn, Peter Gabriel, Ibeyi, Obongjayar and more, the album also plays as the soundtrack to a 30-minute film, which documents the time each spent in the studio during its conception and is interspliced with archival footage of Gil Scott-Heron and Curtis Mayfield. With its underlying themes of loss and isolation, Everything Is Recorded effectively communicates Russell’s emotional journey as he battles a debilitating autoimmune disease in hope of finding salvation through the shared experience of creating a beautifully mastered piece of art.

2. George Fitzgerald – All That Must Be
3. Pusha T – DAYTONA
4. Robyn – Honey
5. Khruangbin – Con Todo El Mundo

Top 5 Songs of 2018
1. Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
If any song embodied the insanity and collective discontent of 2018, it was definitely Childish Gambino’s epic single “This Is America”. The juxtaposition of an a cappella choir leading into Donald Glover’s soft crooning over island beats and drum samples before staunchly diverting to a menacing base line reminiscent of 90’s gangster rap — as well as the hortative delivery of degrading lyrics about the current state of violence and American ideals — is near-perfect. Of course, the provocative music video that accompanied the track’s surprise release during his “Saturday Night Live” debut was incredible. The song, lyrics, video and marketing campaign could not have been a more flawless “slice of life” reflection of modern American society and justifiably has boomeranged into probably the most important moment of Childish Gambino’s career so far.

2. The Presets – “Downtown Shutdown”
3. Jon Hopkins – “Everything Connected”
4. Jungle – “Casio”
5. Parquet Courts – “Wide Awake”


Kevin Quandt // San Francisco

Top 5 Shows of 2018
1. David Byrne at Jazzfest – New Orleans, LA – April 29th
You know what they say: the first time is always the best. With David Byrne’s 2018 “American Utopia Tour” being universally acclaimed as one of the most enigmatic live shows of the year, it’s not surprising to see it top other “Best of” lists. Byrne and his merry band of “unplugged” pranksters created a feast for the eyes and ears, and his daytime set on the Gentilly Stage did not disappoint at all. While his Fox Theater Oakland shows were more intimate and featured some more dynamic lighting features, his performance at Jazzfest back in April was the most memorable for NOLA revelers.

2. Jamiroquai at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA – April 17th
3. Polo & Pan at The Independent – San Francisco, CA – June 20th
4. Nine Inch Nails at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA – December 4th
5. Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever at Primavera Sound – Barcelona, Spain – June 2nd

Top 5 Albums of 2018
1. Khruangbin – Con Todo El Mundo
What a banner year for this Texas trio! Khruangbin have been on a steady rise the past few years as they turn on the masses to their infectious amalgamation of psychedelic soul, Thai surf rock and subtle funk. Having cemented their reputation as beasts in a live setting, Con Todo El Mundo proved their knack for penning tunes of equal strength with its emotive first single “Friday Morning” serving as a clear standout. “Evan Finds the Third Room” has also become a fan favorite, and the accompanying music video only lends to its growing charm. The sky’s the limit for Laura, Mark and DJ, so grab your ticket to fly.

2. Hookworms – Microshift
3. Amen Dunes – Freedom
4. Shame – Songs of Praise
5. Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks – Sparkle Hard

Top 5 Songs of 2018
1. Jonathan Wilson – “Trafalgar Square”
LA producer-turned-frontman Jonathan Wilson churned out one helluva album opener for his third solo LP Rare Birds, as this six-plus-minute romp has all the right pieces for true liftoff. A proper intro leads into a riff so heavy that it’ll break your mama’s back. Top-notch production is key to this track, as Wilson is a wiz behind the boards. As you cruise down the 405 with this whopper blaring, you’d be hard-pressed not to nod along. Extra points for those of you with a 1970’s convertible, too.

2. Tom Misch – “Water Baby” feat. Loyle Carner
3. Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
4. Jonathan Something – “Happy Day”
5. Men I Trust – “Seven”


Shame - Songs of Praise

Andrew Pohl // San Francisco

Top 5 Shows of 2018
1. The Smashing Pumpkins at Oracle Arena – Oakland, CA – August 27th
The Smashing Pumpkins are the quintessential 90’s arena-rock band, and they fully lived up to that billing at Oracle Arena for their Bay Area stop over the summer. I’ve seen them several times over the years, and although this time it was pegged as a “reunion tour” (minus D’Arcy, sigh), you never know what you’re going to get from them. Billy Corgan led the band through over three hours’ worth of material with some killer stage production to go with it. The show was definitely a marathon, but totally worth being there for. It came to light later that Corgan was also fighting off a bad case of food poisoning, but it didn’t show. It was great to see James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlain back onstage, too — the way it should be.

2. Nine Inch Nails at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium – San Francisco, CA – December 3rd
3. Against Me! & Turbonegro at UC Theatre – Berkeley, CA – May 25th
4. Alkaline Trio at The Warfield – San Francisco, CA – October 6th
5. Back To The Beach Festival – Huntington Beach, CA – April 28th-29th

Top 5 Albums of 2018
1. Shame – Songs of Praise
This album hit me like a ton of bricks in the best way. I had heard a ton of hype around Songs of Praise before giving it a first listen, and usually I am a healthy skeptic, but good Lord, does this record rip. It has a dark flavor and carries with it a lot of angst, and you can’t help but get caught up in the hooks that Shame offer. These five lads from South London simply killed it.

2. IDLES – Joy as an Act of Resistance
3. Kamasi Washington – Heaven and Earth
4. Hot Snakes – Jericho Sirens
5. Snail Mail – Lush

Top 5 Songs of 2018
1. Shame – “Concrete”
Conjuring up the ghost of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis without sounding like a complete poser is challenging for newer post-punk bands it seems — except for Shame’s Charlie Steen. Paired with some brilliant instrumentation, I just couldn’t stop listening to “Concrete” when I first heard it. I must have listened to the track a solid 10 times in a row on the first go. This song has an infectious quality to it and is a straight-up ripper.

2. The Soft White Sixties – “I Still Love You, San Francisco”
3. Hot Snakes – “Six Wave Hold-Down”
4. IDLES – “Colossus”
5. The Sword – “Come and Gone”

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10,000 Maniacs evoke 90’s nostalgia at The Indy

10,000 ManiacsBy Ria Burman //

10,000 Maniacs //
The Independent – San Francisco
August 30th, 2018 //

With more than three decades worth of experience, 10,000 Maniacs brought their folk-rock vibes to SF last Thursday for a headlining show at The Independent.

Delivering plenty of fiddle-magic sounds that were entwined harmoniously with guitar, beats and keyboards, the six-piece band, which formed in Jamestown, N.Y., offered a rip-roaring set full of 90’s nostalgia as well as new creations with a packed, dance-bopping crowd on hand.

And despite not having a supporting act to warm up the audience, they had all of the 40-somethings in the house bouncing and grooving by the time they performed “More Than This” — a cover of Roxy Music’s 1982 single — from their sixth LP Love Among the Ruins.

Setlist:
The Candy Everybody Wants
Like the Weather
Trouble Me
Can’t Ignore the Train
Tension
More Than This (Roxy Music cover)
What’s the Matter Here?
Irish Tune / Eden
She Moves Through the Fair
Stockton Gala Days
Because the Night (Patti Smith Group cover)
Rainy Day
Pit Viper
Don’t Talk
My Sister Rose
Hey Jack Kerouac

Encore:
Just Like Heaven (The Cure cover)
These Are Days

Going below the surface with Will Varley in SF

Will VarleyBy Gina Lopez //

Will Varley //
The Independent – San Francisco
February 25th, 2018 //

Opening for London folk-punk act Skinny Lister on a Sunday night, British singer-songwriter Will Varley captivated fans at The Independent while touring in support of his fifth and most recent album Spirit of Minnie, which he released just weeks before the show.

The crowd, ready for a rowdy set from Skinny Lister, was silent as Varley, with his raspy voice, began his acoustic set by singing “The Concept of Freedom” that sounded reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s “Masters of War” in rhythm and depth. Although it wasn’t at capacity, The Indy held the largest, most attentive crowd I had ever been among — even more than an intimate coffee shop performance. But Varley has a way about him that engages his listeners, as though they are not just listening to him but listening with him.

And with that inviting nature, Varley manned his own merch table after his set so he could meet fans while being kind enough to let me interview him.

With this being my first exposure to Varley, besides having listened to a few of his songs online to prepare for the show, I was struck by the depth of his material. So, I started by asking him to tell me about his lyrics. What inspired his introspective words?

“I like the way words come together,” he told me. “It never feels too difficult or too deep. I feel like something is in my head that I can’t get out, and writing releases it and brings me a sense of peace.”

Varley creates narratives around what he observes. While onstage, he explained to us that one day this past summer, he noticed ants invading his kitchen, and that led to the “ant song”, an exploration of an ant’s point of view.

“Little things can get your mind going, a trigger, I guess,” he said when I asked him more about the songwriting process for his “ant song”.

Varley’s lyrics, whether lighthearted or profound, are observant. Only a man who is observant and a protagonist of his own life can write lyrics like “By the time you can speak, they got you in school / Where just asking questions is breaking the rules” on “King for a King”. Varley is a rule-breaker whose lyrics confront political systems and social norms, try to make sense of life (i.e. “The Man Who Fell to the Earth”) and laugh at the absurd.

Will Varley

While Varley struck fans silent by showcasing a profound folk repertoire, he also had many laughing when he sang the buoyant “Talking Cat Blues”, a layered, yet fun tune that jabs at capitalism, war and pop culture’s obsession with cat content on social media. As he played the song, Varley acknowledged a couple of fans standing in front of the stage. Recognizing them from the Los Angeles and Phoenix shows earlier that week, he invited one of them to provide a meow sound. The crowd hooted and clapped with approval at the meow that was heard throughout the venue. From cats to beer, he then delivered “As for My Soul” as some audience members raised their glasses as if they were toasting him.

Along with being a talented musician, Varley is a funny storyteller and not just through his lyrics. In between songs, he engaged with those in attendance, telling humorous anecdotes about changing a lyric when the original reference to some British brands was unknown to foreign ears.

“Sometimes I’d say a lyric and realize it doesn’t make sense in America,” he told me.

As he performed his cynical cut “Weddings and Wars” and got to the line “Instead of hunting now we go to Tescos”, Varley stopped for a minute to explain that Tesco is a large grocery and general merchandising retailer in the UK. He then asked the audience to tell him what Tesco’s equivalent in the U.S. might be. Walmart was the consensus among the crowd. Subsequently, Varley continued singing and comically inserted Walmart into the lyrics.

Though cultural differences vary around the world, Varley said, “People seem to be the same everywhere you go. Folk music runs through all human beings. Folk music goes beyond you, beyond geography.”

Indeed, his music goes beyond the surface of things and reaches into the enormously rich experience of the human heart.

My final question to Varley on this night was what he liked most about SF. He said a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown called House of Nanking is his favorite restaurant that he frequents every time he visits the City. He also enjoys the views of the Bay.

Telling me that “the people here are amazing, and I’ll be back as soon as I can”, it seems as though Varley’s return to the Bay Area isn’t far off.

SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Paul Oakenfold at 1015 Folsom 1/27 (SAT)

Written by Chandler Kirkman //

Paul Oakenfold //
1015 Folsom – San Francisco
January 27th, 2018 //

Paul Oakenfold can easily be seen as an electronic music legend. For the past three decades, the English record producer and DJ has elevated and shaped an entire genre while remaining one of its leading forces.

Growing up as the son of a musician, Oakenfold became a young DJ in the late 70’s who was influenced by funk music before taking a couple of life-changing trips in the 80’s that helped skyrocket his career. The first came in 1984, when he returned to his hometown of London to work in the A&R department at Champion Records and became the promoter for the Beastie Boys and Run-DMC. The second was in 1987, when he visited Ibiza and was inspired by the local Balearic sound.

Oakenfold began his career after the latter of the two trips, bringing the sounds of Ibiza back to his home country, but it wasn’t until he earned a residency at UK superclub Cream that he became a globally respected master of electronic music following the release of the Grammy-nominated Creamfields compilation in 2004.

Oakenfold’s role as a DJ and entertainer has taken him to the edges of the world beyond just nightclubs and festivals, including three world tours supporting Madonna and U2, a live gig on the Great Wall of China and two sold-out shows at the one and only Hollywood Bowl. His music more recently has taken him from the DJ booth to several movie studios, where he has produced the soundtracks for a number of blockbuster hits.

This Saturday, Oakenfold will visit pay visit to 1015 Folsom and hit the stage to perform an extended set for his Bay Area fans. 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:

The Mynabirds: January 25th (THUR) @ Café du Nord
Whiskerman: January 26th (FRI) @ The Independent
Peter Murphy: January 27th (SAT) @ The Chapel
GusGus: January 27th (SAT) @ Mezzanine


Win-2-Tickets

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 21+

CONTEST CLOSED.

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Hot Chip (DJ set) at Mezzanine 11/22 (WED)

Hot ChipWritten by Chandler Kirkman //

Hot Chip feat. Felix Martin, Joe Goddard//
Mezzanine – San Francisco
November 22nd, 2017 //

Since forming in 2000 and releasing their debut EP Mexico, Hot Chip have remained one of today’s most distinctive and innovative bands with the way they combine indie and dance music in a refreshing manner. In addition to being known for their exciting, upbeat DJ sets and one-of-a-kind live performances, the London outfit has put out six studio albums, two mixed LPs, and both national and international radio mixes.

While Mexico launched the septet to stardom, frontman Alexis Taylor’s dreamy falsettos and Joe Goddard’s gruff vocals, plinky pianos and hypnotic, pulse-like techno beats have drawn more and more fans in worldwide. Each and every Hot Chip show feels unique, as the band’s members reinvent their original studio compositions and form an intense live improvisation that creates an energetic atmosphere.

Over the last 17 years, Hot Chip have performed in front of thousands at major music festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits. The group has also received its fair share of accolades and recognition, including a Mercury Prize nomination for The Warning in 2006, a Grammy nomination for “Ready for the Floor” in 2009 and most recently, two Virgin Media Music award nominations in 2010.

Hot Chip released their sixth and most recent LP Why Make Sense? in 2015, reuniteing them with In Our Heads producer Mark Ralph as they explored a variety of sounds, from 90’s R&B to disco to post-punk.

This Wednesday, celebrate Thanksgiving one day early with a special extended DJ set from Felix Martin and Joe Goddard of Hot Chip. Tickets are available for $20, 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:

Baio: November 21st (TUES) @ Rickshaw Stop
Dhani Harrison: November 22nd (WED) @ The Chapel
Lyrics Born: November 25th (SAT) @ The Independent
Swingin’ Utters: November 25th (SAT) @ Slim’s
Louisiana Love Act: November 25th (SAT) @ Great American Music Hall


Win-2-Tickets

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.

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to The Stone Foxes at The Independent 11/17 (FRI)

Written by Chandler Kirkman //

The Stone Foxes with Thee Commons, Jonny Ramada //
The Independent – San Francisco
November 17th, 2017 //

The Stone Foxes are SF’s rock band. Originating in the sleepy foothills of California’s Central Valley where former founding member Aaron Mort as well as brothers Spence (guitar, vocals) and Shannon Koehler (drums, harmonica, vocals) grew up, the group formed while attending San Francisco State University when Elliot Peltzman (keyboards, vocals), Vince Dewald (bass, vocals) and Ben Andrews (guitar, vocals) came aboard.

Since their formation in 2005, The Stone Foxes have carried the torch of their predecessors with the knowledge and belief that rock ‘n’ roll can move a new generation. After spending the first few years together developing and balancing its musical style, the six-piece’s self-titled debut LP hit the shelves in 2008 and was met with adoration.

Over the last few years, The Stone Foxes have played in front of thousands at major music festivals and have been featured on TV shows, such as Showtime’s “Shameless” and FX’s “Sons of Anarchy”. They’ve headlined the legendary Fillmore in SF and toured with huge bands like The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant and ZZ Top, invoking their audiences with a commanding, energetic stage presence that has built them a strong reputation among live music fans.

The Stone Foxes’ fourth and most recent LP Twelve Spells came out in 2015 and chronicles their new beginning with lyrics and sounds that take on the issues of their lives and ours, tying elements of western darkness, punk, surf and Americana to their rock ‘n’ roll roots. Their latest single “Broken” dropped earlier this year and has been met with rave reviews.

This Friday, The Stone Foxes will take the stage at The Independent with East LA’s own Thee Commons and SF native Jonny Ramada kicking off the show. Tickets are available for $22, 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:

Cold Specks: November 16th (THUR) @ Rickshaw Stop
Gavin Turek: November 17th (FRI) @ The New Parish
James Brown Dance Party: November 17th (FRI) @ Mezzanine


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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.

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Jessie Ware charms SF with an intimate show

Jessie WareBy Norm de Veyra //

Jessie Ware //
The Independent – San Francisco
November 1st, 2017 //

It’s a rare treat to catch one of today’s rising pop stars perform in an intimate setting like The Independent, but Jessie Ware made the most of it last Wednesday evening, delivering a truly special moment for her SF fans.

Showcasing some of the newest tracks off her recently released third LP Glasshouse, the UK pop-soul crooner breathlessly charmed the sold-out crowd with her grace, humor and vocal power. And while the gig marked only the second of three stops on Ware’s current U.S. tour, she promised to be back in the Bay Area (and the states) sometime again next year.

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

Andrew WKWritten 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


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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.

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Sango at 1015 Folsom 9/22 (FRI)

SangoWritten by Chandler Kirkman //

Sango with MIKOS DA GAWD, Antonio Guedes, Matt Haze, Kush Arora, DOUBLE B, Danado, Izzy Wise //
1015 Folsom – San Francisco
September 22nd, 2017 //

It’s time to keep a close eye on Seattle-based beatsmith and producer Sango. His quickly growing fan base and worldwide critically acclaimed music are rapidly expanding as he prepares to release his first major commercial record via Wright Music Group.

Infusing Afro-punk, Brazilian baile funk and hip-hop with soulful R&B, Sango produces tracks that combine various elements into his own distinctive sound, as evidenced by his popular remixes of Aaliyah, Drake, Little Dragon, Nas and The Weeknd in addition to his debut album North, and his Baile Funk EP series Da Rocinha. Plus, not only has he been producing his own music since the age of 12, Sango is a talented graphic designer who impressively has designed all of his releases up to date.

In the past four years, Sango has taken his production skills from his college dorm to cities worldwide and now consistently collaborates with some of the best in the business. Along with touring his Da Rocinha projects in more than 50 cities worldwide, he has produced for some of the industry’s hottest acts, such as Tinashe, Bryson Tiller and Mick Jenkins. It’s clear that he is more than just a producer, but an artist in his own right — and his music is just one component of the growing statement he wishes to make.

This Friday, Sango will perform at 1015 Folsom with a slew of support from MIKOS DA GAWD, Antonio Guedes, Matt Haze, Kush Arora, DOUBLE B, Danado, Izzy Wise and more as part of  SF’s Brazilian Party put on by Braza! 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:

Fruit Bats: September 20th (WED) @ The Chapel
Paul Kalkbrenner: September 21st (THURS) @ 1015 Folsom
Psychic TV: September 21st (THURS) @ The Independent
Japanese Breakfast: September 21st (THURS) @ Swedish American Music Hall
Valley Queen: September 21st (THURS) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Deerhoof: September 21st (THURS) @ Great American Music Hall
Martha Wainwright: September 22nd (FRI) @ Cafe Du Nord
Savoy: September 23rd (SAT) @ Mezzanine
Public Service Broadcasting: September 24th (SUN) @ Swedish American Music Hall
Downtown Boys: September 24th (SUN) @ Starline Social Club


Win-2-Tickets

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.

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Shabazz Palaces at Great American Music Hall 8/18 (FRI)

Shabazz PalacesWritten by Chandler Kirkman //

Shabazz Palaces with Porter Ray, FELA KUTCHii //
Great American Music Hall – San Francisco
August 18th, 2017 //

2017 has been a huge year for Seattle-based experimental hip-hop group Shabazz Palaces. From the minds of Ishmael Butler (aka Palaceer Lazaro) and multi-instrumentalist Tendai “Baba” Maraire, the duo broke onto the scene in 2009 with its first two EPs Eagles Soar, Oil Flows and The Seven New, which were both self-released anonymously. Subsequently, those releases led to Shabazz Palaces’ instant popularity and them signing with the renowned Sub Pop Records as one of the label’s few hip-hop acts.

In 2011, they dropped their debut LP Black Up, which was named as the No. 1 album among local music acts by the Seattle Times. Then in 2014, their second studio album Lese Majesty premiered at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center Laser Dome and went on to be a huge hit with fans. So far this year, Shabazz Palaces have already released two themed albums, entitled Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star and Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machines, that views modern America as though it were a strange planet.

Influenced by abstract muses, Butler and Maraire often find inspiration in various podcasts, mixtapes, jazz overtones and African percussion, and for their newest albums, utilized that material to tell the story of a protagonist by the name of Quazarz (and played by Butler) who navigates this new planet that feels familiar and terrifying on Gangster Star. Meanwhile, the ensuing Jealous Machines depicts how devices are used as extensions of ourselves and how we have become dependent on them to exist. What makes Shabazz Palaces compelling to listen to is their free-form composition structure that allows the listener to make their own conclusions and mental connections.

This Friday, Shabazz Palaces will perform at The Great American Music Hall with support from Porter Ray and FELA KUTCHii. 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:

Sleepy Sun: August 17th (THUR) @ The Independent
Your Fearless Leader: August 17th (THUR) @ Slim’s
Pickwick: August 17th (THUR) @ The Chapel
Møme: August 18th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
Travis Hayes: August 18th (FRI) @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall
Matthew Sweet: August 18th (FRI) @ The Independent
Vetiver: August 18th (FRI) @ Swedish American Music Hall
Neon Indian: August 19th (SAT) @ Cafe Du Nord
Abbot Kinney: August 19th (SAT) @ Great American Music Hall
Summer Soul Celebration: August 19th (SAT) @ The Chapel
Showga: August 20th (SUN) @ The Swedish American Music Hall
Laetitia Sadier: August 20th (SUN) @ The Chapel


Win-2-Tickets

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!

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Perfume Genius pours his heart & soul out in SF

Perfume GeniusBy Norm de Veyra //

Perfume Genius with serpentwithfeet //
The Independent – San Francisco
July 19th, 2017 //

Better known by his stage name Perfume Genius, Mike Hadreas stunned those who showed up at The Independent last Wednesday with his emotional and layered pop music for what was the second of two nights in SF.

The Seattle-based musician displayed both a quiet vulnerability and a forceful confidence as he performed tracks from his new album No Shape, which dropped back in May on Matador Records, to an enchanted, sold-out crowd.

Opening the evening was Serpentwithfeet, aka Baltimore singer Josiah Wise, who was joined by British electronic musician and producer The Haxan Cloak (born Bobby Krlic), as the duo delivered a hypnotic set of bare-bones, confessional R&B that had hints of both Frank Ocean and James Blake.

Milky Chance know how to make us feel good

Milky ChancePhotos by Karen Goldman // Written by Paul Ronas-Tanner //

Milky Chance with Noah Kahan //
The Independent – San Francisco
March 10th, 2017 //

I’ve been waiting for another writing assignment for a while now, so when a show at The Indy came up, I was quick to hop on the task. Usually writers choose to write about something they are interested in, but since I don’t consider myself to be a writer, I prefer to instead challenge myself by writing about something I have just experienced or wasn’t familiar with so that the ideas flow naturally, unprocessed and crisp.

It was a Friday evening when I headed to the City to meet up with Showbams photographer Karen Goldman, whom I had only “met” through Facebook. I have been to The Independent numerous times for a variety of shows, so I was excited to see what was to come from Milky Chance as a headlining act.

The first thing I noticed while walking into the venue — and one of the reasons I love the Bay Area — was the diversity throughout the crowd. I saw older men in suits cheering drinks with young dreadlocked men, middle-aged women passing around joints to their friends who “left the kids with our husbands,” some Asian women in their mid-20’s whose motto seemed to be “drinking fast is the only way to enjoy the night!” and of course, the always-popular folks who “don’t know who this band is so I’m just gonna scream and yell anytime I feel like it!” On this particular night, a multitude of cultures came together to celebrate live music.

Serving as the show’s lone opener, 20-year-old Vermont native Noah Kahan was welcomed with open arms and cheers. This “Young Blood” has been perfecting his craft since he was a teenager living on his family’s 133-acre farm, the same place where he filmed his music video for “Young Blood”. His melodic voice soothed the crowd as audience members swayed back and forth, occasionally raising a drink in his honor.

Milky Chance

For someone as young as he is, Kahan performed in SF like a seasoned veteran. He was able to change chords mid-word, giving him a greater dynamic in his sound. As he continued his set, most of the crowd started singing his songs, proving that Kahan already has some loyal followers. But I was also disappointed by some those around me as they complained about work and their “first-world problems.” And this was exactly what Kahan was singing about. As he finished up, he thanked the crowd kindly before bowing and stepping away from the screaming fans who didn’t want him to leave.

After a short intermission, it was time for Milky Chance. The German folk group that consists of lead singer/guitarist Clemens Rehbein, DJ/producer Philipp Dausch and guitartist Antonio Greger released its debut LP Sadnecessary in 2013. At The Indy, the fans’ welcoming chant was quickly silenced as the three-piece got things started with the choreography of the stage lights matching the rhythm of the drums.

Not skipping a beat, Milky Chance showed just how much they loved their music, and at the same time, you could tell how much they were loved by their fans, who sang along to every song they performed. From the youngest to the oldest in the room, all eyes, while filled with joy, appeared to be fixed on Clemens and company.

I turned away from the band and couldn’t help notice how crowded the venue had become, to the point where I thought it might have been a safety hazard. I spoke with a security guard for a brief moment and was told that the show had been overbooked. It wasn’t all that surprising that the venue was packed because Milky Chance’s music makes people happy. This is a band that loves the Bay Area, and you can see it in their most recent music video for “Doing Good”, which was primarily filmed in and around SF. If music has the ability to heal the body, then these guys played doctor to their fans all night long.

SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Japandroids at The Fillmore 3/15 (WED)

JapandroidsWritten by Brett Ruffenach //

Japandroids with Craig Finn & The Uptown Controllers //
The Fillmore – San Francisco
March 15th, 2017 //

Singer/guitarist Brian King and drummer David Prowse are all who make up Japandroids. Listening to their music, it may surprise you that there are only two members in the band. With a sound big enough to fill arenas, you’d expect them to be more than just a duo, but somehow they manage to the find the energy simply within themselves.

Releasing their critically acclaimed debut LP Post Nothing back in 2009, Japandroids broke into the mainstream with their 2012 follow-up Celebration Rock, certified by UPROXX music critic Steven Hyden as one of the greatest records to drive a car to and get in a fight to — an opinion that’s hard to disagree with if you ask me. In January, the Canadian garage rockers released Near to the Wild Heart of Life, a blistering, full-length assault that further expands their sound into more pop-friendly territory.

With their capabilities onstage receiving equal acclaim to their studio efforts, it’s no surprise that they’re playing two nights at The Fillmore, with the second show set for this Wednesday. Tickets are available for $25, 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:

Thao (of The Get Down Stay Down): March 15th (WED) @ The Chapel
Emily Wells: March 16th (THUR) @ The New Parish
Keys N Krates: March 17th (FRI) @ 1015 Folsom
G. Love & Special Sauce: March 17th (FRI) @ The Independent
Poor Man’s Whiskey: March 18th (SAT) @ Great American Music Hall
Xiu Xiu: March 19th (SUN) @ The Chapel


Win-2-Tickets

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.

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SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Mykki Blanco at The Independent 3/4 (SAT)

Mykki BlancoWritten by Molly Kish //

Mykki Blanco with Cakes Da Killa //
The Independent – San Francisco
March 4th, 2017 //

Dropping her debut LP Mykki last year, Mykki Blanco is no stranger to the hip-hop world. The rapper, performance artist, poet and activist has released a steady stream of LGBT music and other work since 2011, earning her the title as one of modern hip-hop’s “queer pioneers.”

The native of Orange County has a book of poetry, several controversial music videos, three mixtapes and three EPs as well as her new studio album currently under her belt, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Touring alongside fellow emerging LGBT hip-hop artist Cakes da Killa (born Rashard Bradshaw) and making headlines through her “Fuck Trump” tattoo and a recent homophobic incident on a Delta Airlines flight, Blanco throws one hell of a party onstage that you won’t want to miss.

This Saturday, Blanco and Cakes Da Killa bring their “Stunt Queen Tour” to The Independent for what will easily be the most amazingly ratchet show of the weekend. Tickets are available for $16, 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:

Sinkane: March 3rd (FRI) @ The Independent


Win-2-Tickets

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.

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