The Regency Ballroom

GWAR’s bloodbath marks a bittersweet return to the Bay

November 12, 2014 by The Bam Team 1 Comment

By Scott Martin //

GWAR with Decapitated and American Sharks //
The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco
November 5th, 2014 //

The Regency Ballroom hosted the triumphant return of the mighty GWAR. This show was the first the band has done in the Bay Area since the death of their longtime leader and vocalist Dave Brockie (aka Oderus Urungus).

The crowd was ready for a BLOODY good time, and that’s what they got.

Setlist:
Fly Now
Madness at the Core of Time
The Years Without Light
Hail, Genocide!
The Private Pain of Sawborg Destructo
Tormentor
I, Bonesnapper
Black and Huge
Hate Love Songs
Saddam a Go-Go
Bloodbath
Horror of Yig
Metal Metal Land
Let Us Slay
Mr. Perfect

Encore:
The Road Behind
West End Girls (Pet Shop Boys cover)

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Decapitated and American Sharks, GWAR, The Regency Ballroom

PHOTOS: NO, Yann Tiersen at The Regency Ballroom 6/17

June 20, 2014 by tom dellinger Leave a Comment

NO performing at The Regency Ballroom

By Tom Dellinger //

Yann Tiersen with NO //
The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco
June 17th, 2014 //

Featured earlier this year at Noise Pop, NO returned to San Francisco on Tuesday night as they opened for Yann Tiersen at The Regency Ballroom. Playing to a near capacity crowd, the band focused on their most recent release, El Prado. Large, expansive sound is typical of their style as they comfortably rolled through their set and no doubt picked up many new fans along the way.

Breton multi-instrumentalist Tiersen served up a sonic journey that covered a broad range. A long history of film scores behind him, he’s possibly best known here for his soundtrack on the film, Amélie. Supporting his most recent release, Infinity, it was a night of rich, multi-layered soundscapes.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: NO, The Regency Ballroom, Yann Tiersen

Deap Vally’s hard-rockin’ sound is gritty, raw fun

June 3, 2014 by Nikki de Martini Leave a Comment

Photos by Marc Fong // Written by Nikki de Martini //

Band of Skulls with Deap Vally //
The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco
May 22nd, 2014 //

The little ladies of Deap Vally brought big, bluesy rock sounds to The Regency Ballroom when they opened for Band of Skulls last month.

The LA-based duo took the stage in SF looking like “bandaides” straight out of Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous as they rocked a bohemian hodgepodge of ruffles, feathers, leather and lace. Yet their bold music emulated the 1970’s rock ‘n’ roll bands of which the movie is based.

Fans cheered as the hard-rockin’ grunge-sludge heard throughout their debut album, Sistrionix, roared off the stage, engulfing the room with gritty, raw fun.

Ripping massive guitar and pounding-heavy drums hit the crowd, leaving them head-banging and toe-tapping along to every outspoken song.

Shouting hardly ceased as the set rolled on and grew louder when Lindsey told fans how happy they were to be back in SF, showcasing their fun loving wit by adding “it just smells better…if you know what I mean.”

The pairing of Lindsey Troy tearing it up on guitar with her deep, almost raspy, vocal range combined with her redheaded counterpart Julie Edwards killing it on the drum kit is comparable to the likes of The White Stripes. Like The Stripes, Deap Vally are two passionate musicians, playing undisputable garage-blues rock, making a lot of enjoyable noise while being damn good at it.

Deap Vally left San Francisco more than ready to keep rockin’ with the headlining act, Band of Skulls.

Next time they hit the road, it should likely be as headliners.

VIEW PHOTOS FROM BAND OF SKULLS IN LA.

Deap Vally setlist:

1) Baby I Call Hell
2) Gonna Make My Own Money
3) Ain’t Fair
4) Lies
5) Grunge Bond
6) 6 Feet Under
7) Walk of Shame
8) End of the World

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Band of Skulls, Deap Vally, The Regency Ballroom

Swing gets a makeover from Caravan Palace

April 14, 2014 by tom dellinger Leave a Comment

By Tom Dellinger //

Caravan Palace with Rosin Coven //
The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco
April 12th, 2014 //

One of the more enjoyable aspects of living in or near major U.S. cities is that we often have the opportunity to see touring musicians from all over the world. And the latest example was this past Saturday as one of Paris’ finest acts made a stop at The Regency Ballroom.

Currently touring the states, Caravan Palace arrived here following the first of two appearances at Coachella this month and will continue with more dates on the West Coast.

Playing to an enthusiastic sold-out house, the French outfit lit up the room with a non-stop bombardment of its unique take on an older genre: gypsy jazz/swing. While instantly recognizable as the venerable genre made popular in the 30’s by the likes of Django Reinhardt and his musical partner Stéphane Grappelli, the group has brought it up to speed in the new century. The blending of multiple genres is nothing new and has been done with varying degrees of success over the years, but Caravan Palace have hit on something more potent than most endeavors of this sort.

Dubbing this genre “electro swing,” the instrumentation remains close to the traditional: guitar, violin, clarinet, bass and keyboards. Nevertheless, they also employ the heavy use of synthesizers, beats and electronic drums, all of which are used to incorporate elements of electronica and hip-hop. All the players, along with their instruments, were using some sort of computer/machine.

What is particularly striking about this is how well the marriage works. In Caravan Palace’s hands, it is overwhelmingly infectious and fun. They had the crowd pumped — from beginning to end, the fans were in it 100%. In speaking with some during the evening, it became evident they do have a fan base in the Bay Area and many, like myself, knew right away after seeing some of their live performances on YouTube that this was going to be a great performance. In spite of difficulties with the audio mix she was receiving, vocalist Colotis Zoé still delivered an engaging performance as the fans showered her and the band with appreciation. In the end, it was a love fest that resulted in two encores.

Opening the show was SF=based theatrical music ensemble Rosin Coven, who describe themselves as “the world’s premiere pagan lounge ensemble” and are often associated with the dark cabaret genre. They were a nice fit for the evening, offering up their unique look and repertoire before the main event.

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Featured, Photos Tagged With: Caravan Palace, Coachella, Coachella 2014, Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Coachella Music and Arts Festival 2014, Django Reinhardt, Rosin Coven, Stéphane Grappelli, The Regency Ballroom

The Sounds: Sounding good at The Regency

March 26, 2014 by tom dellinger Leave a Comment

By Tom Dellinger //

The Sounds with Blondfire, Strange Talk //
The Regency Ballroom — San Francisco
Friday March 21, 2014 //

Swedish indie rockers The Sounds made a stop in San Francisco as they continued an extensive US tour in support of their latest studio offering, Weekend. Hugely popular at home in Sweden and across Europe, they enjoy a well earned reputation as an excellent live band. Over the past fifteen years this band has been together, they have also made a number of excursions to the US where they’ve opened for several well known acts (No Doubt, The Strokes, Panic at the Disco, Vans Warped Tour), a 2004 appearance at Coachella and a headlining tour of their own last fall which included a stop at The Fillmore. On Friday night, they brought it to The Regency Ballroom where they delivered a show that showcased their signature pumping pop rock dance numbers, and more.

With a superb, tight band behind her, vocalist Maja Ivarsson took the stage and opened up in classic fashion akin to a rock goddess. Stunningly attired in short leather jacket, shorts and heels, all eyes and ears were immediately focused on her. She appeared fit and quickly attacked the performance with an intensity that she sustained throughout the evening. Ivarsson has an impressive voice and coupled with her engaging personality, she had the crowd with her from the very start. She comes on confident, with a swagger, working up and down the stage. Leaning over to get closer contact with the audience, she keeps the energy and engagement high.

Musically, The Sounds are a mix of many styles and references, but copies of none. You can hear the influences of new wave, punk, synth pop, classic rock and more. They are all that and much more. A listen to their catalog reveals a band in motion; moving forward with an evolving sound and style, both musically and lyrically. Sadly, it appears they remain a bit under the radar in our area as attendance was on the low side. However, those that were there knew this band and had a good idea of what they were going to see. This band has the material and the ability to turn a show into something remarkable, and for those of us who were there, we were richly rewarded.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: The Regency Ballroom, The Sounds

Best live music venues in San Francisco // Bay Area

July 30, 2013 by Kevin Quandt & Mike Frash 25 Comments

Photos by Sam Heller, Marc Fong, Maggie Corwin, James Nagel & Mike Frash

San Francisco is one of the best live music cities in the world — if an act is touring the western United States, they will most likely swing through SF. Packed into 7×7 square miles, the City by the Bay offers some kind of concert nightly. The East Bay, Oakland and Berkeley, respectively, is home to a growing number of live music options as more and more folks flee the City for better living costs.

Here are the best places to catch a show in or near San Francisco.

The Independent

628 Divisadero St. San Francisco, CA 94117
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: The Independent boasts the best sound, artist curation and lighting in the Bay Area for any room close to it’s 500-person max capacity — and you can count on 3-5 shows per week. It’s a great venue to catch artists on the rise from virtually every music genre, and already-established groups such as Phoenix, Green Day, TV on the Radio and Band of Horses have performed at this intimate musical oasis.

Best Features: The general admission venue is a conveniently-shaped square; no matter where you watch the show, the sound is stellar and you can see what’s happening on the lifted stage. The staff is professional, friendly and drinks are easy to procure. The Independent is simple and perfect, an ideal platform to witness bands and DJs live before they get bigger.

Drawbacks: Bring earplugs and sunglasses if sensitive to sound and light. Arrive early to secure a parking spot if driving — if possible, take public transportation and grab a drink nearby before the show. Get there when doors open if you need a seat.

Fox Theater – Oakland

1807 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, CA 94612
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: Fox Theater Oakland is a premium, large theater-style venue with a general admission floor and sizable, assigned-seated balcony overhead. The renovation of this historic site was masterfully achieved in 2009, conserving the stellar artwork and design features.

Best Features: No expense was spared in this renovation. Cool air rises from hundreds of vents in the floor, keeping attendees comfortable. The multitude of bars are fully staffed and efficient.

Drawbacks: In order to accommodate BART travelers, the venue has a pretty strict curfew, with shows ending well before midnight.

The Fillmore

1805 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94115
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: The Fillmore is nondescript from the outside, but a classic gem once you enter and climb the stairs. Expect a warm welcome, a selection of free fresh apples in the tradition of Fillmore founder Bill Graham and a free poster of the evening’s show (if the event sold out three weeks in advance usually).

Best Features: A large general admission floor area (1,200 capacity), surrounded by adult-beverage facilitators, is overshadowed by the venue’s iconic chandeliers that add a touch of sophistication to any affair. There is an additional saloon upstairs with ample seating away from the stage, and live acts will perform here on occasion before and during the opening act. Also, be sure to head upstairs to view previous show posters.

Drawbacks: If having a seat is on the agenda, arrive early and head for the poster room. Snag a seat and cozy up to the balcony rail for the best view in the house, but the best sound can be found on the floor.

*Bonus Venue: The BooM BooM RooM across Geary Blvd. is an excellent place for a pre-show martini and to keep the party going once The Fillmore has wrapped for the evening. This room focuses on jamming into the late night, often until 4 a.m.

Great American Music Hall

859 O’Farrell St. San Francisco, CA 94109
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: This historic space has been a beloved jewel for live music for well over 100 years, able to house some 600 attendees on any given night. As SF’s oldest nightclub, the Great American Music Hall can transport music fans to a more elegant era with its ornate balconies, soaring marble columns and elaborate ceiling frescoes.

Best Features: The Great American features a great variety of acts over the year and offers something for everybody. The space, sound and staff are top-notch. Opt for dinner and a show (quick tip: the food is great) to secure a seat on the balcony rail upstairs.

Drawbacks: The location is rather central to many areas of the city, though it’s not the safest in the the City. The venue’s lights are rather basic, but they aren’t needed in a room with such grand decor.

The Greek Theatre – UC Berkeley

2001 Gayley Rd. Berkeley, CA 94720
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: A seasonal venue from the Spring to the Fall at the top of the UC Berkeley campus, The Greek Theatre can pack 8,500 folks into their popular, yet infrequent concerts. Constructed after the ancient Greek theater of Epidaurus in 1903 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, this space often inspires magical performances.

Best Features: The sound from within the bowl provides incredible acoustics, but get there early for a spot in the seated steps or within the pit. If all seats are taken, get closer and stand in the general admission area as close as possible for a memorable live music experience.

Drawbacks: Don’t retreat to the grass — the magic is lost outside of the main bowl area. Getting to the venue (and back) requires walking up the campus, or driving to the top. Parking near the theater also means it will take forever to leave, and it will cost you $20 or more. Give yourself plenty of time and plan on walking. Shows won’t go past 11 p.m. due to the campus’ curfew, and be sure to head to the top of the grass for the quickest bathroom lines.

The Warfield

982 Market St. San Francisco, CA 94102
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: A 2,300-capacity theater located on Market Street, The Warfield beckons a near century-long history as a premier downtown music venue. Ornate gilding and details are found throughout this lovely space, and a recent renovation upgraded many areas in need of a little help.

Best Features: The tiered floor has become a staple for California mid-size venues like The Fox in Oakland and The Wiltern in Los Angeles, allowing an array of sight-lines for attendees. It’s in an easily accessible location with decent bars and restaurants within proximity.

Drawbacks: Mid-Market is trying to revive itself from a once-peppered history. Similar to many other “overhang” theater venues, the sound can leave a bit to be desired if in the middle or back of the general admission floor.

Bimbo’s 365 Club

1025 Columbus Ave. San Francisco, CA 94133
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: Bimbo’s 365 Club, located on the fringes of North Beach, offers one of the most unique live concert settings in SF. Red velour curtains and exquisite details lend to an entirely classy experience in this 685-capacity, theater-like live performance space.

Best Features: It’s not like any other venue in the City in regards to location and style — side rooms and bars create an ideal pre-show place to socialize and imbibe. The low stage creates an intimate atmosphere with the limited acts that grace the stage over the year.

Drawbacks: The North Beach location is not the easiest venue to reach in comparison to others, and the booking leaves much to be desired as folks love this space.

Rickshaw Stop

155 Fell St. San Francisco, CA 94102
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: This recent hot-spot hosts many up-and-coming indie acts bursting onto the scene before they graduate to larger rooms. Expect a hip crowd sipping on strong drinks in a no-frills room, enjoying heat-seeking artists from across the globe. Shows start late, even on weekdays.

Best Features: Rickshaw Stop has very dynamic booking, bringing in all sorts of parties to utilize this Civic Center area venue. The bar is efficient for a small-ish room that can fill up nicely, but not overly.

Drawbacks: It’s basically a long narrow room with a small “balcony”, therefore sight-lines can be rough for those who are vertically challenged on the main floor.

Mezzanine

444 Jessie St. San Francisco, CA 94103
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: Mezzanine specializes in up-and-coming club scene shows, hosting DJs from all over the world and bands that incorporate electronic elements into their music. Expect young people ready to party in a rectangular room that can hold up to 1,000 people.

Best Features: DJs will perform on the ‘side stage’, cultivating a dance-centric environment before and after live acts. A great choice for birthdays, bachelor parties and other special occasions, secure a table and bottle service on the floor or in a private area upstairs.

Drawbacks: Ins and outs are not permitted, and it can get a bit crunchy near the front and in the smoking area. Getting drinks can be a challenge during peak times.

Brick and Mortar Music Hall

1710 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 94103
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: An intimate, square space for live music, Brick and Mortar Music Hall in the Mission hosts concerts almost nightly, and they are always affordable. Rock, bluegrass, funk, soul and many more types of shows go down here.

Best Features: Brick and Mortar has that “neighborhood rock/club” feel — if you are in the ‘front row’, then you are basically on the stage — and it just became the new home of outcast swine-house Bacon Bacon during lunchtime.

Drawbacks: Cash only at the box office. It can get a little tight during capacity shows unless you squiggle to your left against the wall.

The Chapel

777 Valencia St. San Francisco, CA 94110
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: The newest venue in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, The Chapel opened in 2012 and includes an attached restaurant and bar. The building was originally built as a mortuary, so the funeral home’s Chapel was converted to the music room upon renovation. There is a mezzanine above the floor level of the Chapel for bird’s-eye view observing.

Best Features: The restaurant and bar is brand-new and swanky, and the high ceilings and beams in the formerly sacred space give it a unique, striking feel for live music. More acts are booked with each passing month, and bigger names becoming more frequent too. Artists usually have a rootsy and indie sound aesthetic, but The Chapel recently had their first DJ night.

Drawbacks: It’s a great location for nightlife, but not for parking. The stage is small, and it can be tough to secure a drink at peak moments.

The New Parish

579 18th St. Oakland, CA 94612
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: This unique venue has recently sprouted up in the East Bay, and many are taking notice of their recent success. With a courtyard and large, wrap-around balcony, The New Parish offers many options for patrons to get down, watch the act or be social with friends.

Best Features: A plethora of national touring acts are opting to stay east of the bay and hold court in this ever-rising space. Securing a view of the stage isn’t terribly tough with a less traditional venue setup. Proximity to the Fox Theater makes it a popular place to keep the night going.

Drawbacks: The design of the space is unlike any other, and this has a few negatives regarding access to the bar or sound being optimal. It’s in Oakland and goes late, so not great for SF-bound BART riders.

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

99 Grove St. San Francisco, CA 94102
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: As big an open, indoor floor space that exists in the Bay Area (not including arenas), the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium can fit 7,000 people into its vast confines.

Best Features: There’s plenty of floor space — and plenty of seats upstairs if you arrive early enough. The location adjacent to City Hall makes it easy to get to via public transportation. When the Civic Auditorium is packed and full of energy, it comes alive.

Drawbacks:
When the venue isn’t sold out, there’s an empty, hollow feel to live music here. The sound can seriously lack at times, especially from the sides. The best bet is to get in front of the large speaker banks (duh). Some acts, like Phish, bring additional sound equipment to fill out the copious space in the building.

Bottom of the Hill

1233 17th St. San Francisco, CA 94107
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: This legendary little rock club at the foot of Potrero Hill has room for 350 partygoers of varying ages. It’s a well-oiled and well-regarded space that breeds lively shows by bands of all sizes and eras.

Best Features: Not exclusively a 21-and-over club, Bottom of the Hill allows patrons of all ages the chance to enjoy a high-energy show in this wacky space. Ample parking, a large smoking section and reasonably priced drinks as well as tickets make it an ideal spot to rock out.

Drawbacks: The booking doesn’t veer terribly far off the path of rock ‘n’ roll. The lights are simple, as one might expect from a venue like this.

Cafe Du Nord

2170 Market St. San Francisco, CA 94114
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: Walking down the stairs into the main room lends the vibe of a classic speakeasy with red velour and classical seating in the back. It’s yet another historic space to enjoy some fresh artists of the 21st century in an intimate setting.

Best Features: Located rather conveniently on Market Street makes Cafe Du Nord both accessible and flush with pre-show drink options. Cafe du Nord is amazing for the fan hoping to engage with his or her favorite artists.

Drawbacks: The room has an odd shape with a bar, seating and even a pool table in the back, while the front is slightly sectioned off for live music.

Slim’s

333 11th St. San Francisco, CA 94103
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: Slim’s is located in a lively section of SOMA, and the venue hosts a vast array of lively acts for an all-ages crowd with a maximum capacity of 400. A high-ceiling room with few frills makes it a good option for dedicated fans.

Best Features: A large bar makes grabbing a beer or cocktail a snap, and they offer dinner with premium, upstairs seating if that’s your thing. The sound is just fine to accommodate either hardcore punk-rock or some of the Bay’s finest hip-hop.

Drawbacks: Oddly-placed pillars can obstruct attendees’ views and make a sold-out room that much more less appealing.

Public Works

161 Erie St. San Francisco, CA 94103
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect:
Expect two venues in one. Public Works offers a live music space and a separate room dedicated to dance music curated by some of the best DJs around. A separate ticket is needed for each option.

Best Features: The location is pretty central to most of the City. The live venue offers a balcony overhang — get there early for the best spot in the house. The staff is friendly.

Drawbacks: There are a few columns that make the live space a bit cumbersome at times, and the mobility at sold-out shows can be tough.

The Regency Ballroom

1290 Sutter St. San Francisco, CA 94109
View Current Show Listings

What To Expect: The large, well-worn ballroom with a horseshoe-shaped, wrap-around balcony and teardrop chandeliers can hold plenty of people at The Regency Ballroom. Most shows are general admission.

Best Features: There are plenty of seats to grab upstairs if sitting is a must.

Drawbacks: Shows here are infrequent, and the sound can get drowned out at times by the massive space of the ballroom, especially from the seats. Drinks are priced astronomically.

Filed Under: Best of, Best of 2013, Editor's Picks, Featured, Show Experience Tagged With: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Bimbos 365, Boom Boom Room, Bottom of the Hill, Brick and Mortar Music Hall, Cafe du Nord, Fox Theater Oakland, Great American Music Hall, Mezzanine, Public Works, Public Works SF, Rickshaw Stop, Slims, The Chapel, The Fillmore, The Greek Theatre, The Independent, The New Parish, The Regency Ballroom, The Warfield

Noise Pop preview: Indie music, film and art take over SF

February 20, 2013 by The Bam Team 1 Comment

“I think our tag line “Championing Independent Culture” is an accurate description of what we are.” ~Julie Zielinski, Assistant Producer of Noise Pop

Written by Mike Frash & Molly Kish //

Noise Pop, an indie music festival that features emerging artists and living legends, is poised to take over 25 San Francisco venues from February 26th-March 3rd. It began as a one-night affair at The Independent 21 years ago, and has expanded to incorporate independent film and a wider range of art into the sphere of the week-long event.

The artist curation has also evolved over the years. “We’ve definitely extended Noise Pop as a concept. It started out so much as indie rock like Built to Spill and White Stripes,” said Julie Zielinski from Noise Pop headquarters. “But since we began Treasure Island Music Festival, we have expanded to electronic music and even hip hop a little bit.”

Subscribe to our Noise Pop 2013 Spotify playlist.

As you’ll see below, some of the best looking Noise Pop shows have already sold out. But fear not! You can purchase a Festival Badge, which is a super value for show hoppers & concert addicts. The badge grants access to all general admission (non-seated) shows, films, happy hours, Culture Club and other events during the festival.

“We try to curate really unique shows and while we often have big headliners, it’s super important to us to have local bands and West Coast representation in all of the supporting acts.” ~Kelleyann Schilke, Noise Pop Production Coordinator

Noise Pop Headliners

Toro Y Moi • Friday & Saturday March 1 & 2 @ The Independent • SOLD OUT Buy a badge

Coming off the recent release of his third studio album Anything in Return, Toro y Moi (aka Chaz Bundwick) brings the sexy to this year’s Noise Pop lineup. Bundwick is a “chill wave” innovator rooted deeply within the genres of R&B, Soul and Funk and now dance with the new LP. Toro Y Moi, Bundwick’s full band, will be heating up The Independent for two sold out nights. With support from Sinkane and Dogbite, prepare to leave a sweaty mess with no tread left on the soles on your shoes.

Best show to boogie your way into some baby making.

!!! (chk chk chk) • Thursday February 28 @ Great American Music Hall • BUY TICKETS

Kicking off the weekend early with some movement, bi-coastal dance-punk party starters Chk Chk Chk will be bringing down the house at Great American Music Hall. With their fifth studio album Thr!!!er dropping April 30, which the band describes as “auricular magic,” one can anticipate !!!’s first show of their tour to include a healthy dose of new material along with crowd favorites. Festival veterans, Chk Chk Chk know how to motivate crowds to get asses shaking. Nic Offer’s ecstatic outfit has the ability to continuously satisfy long term fans and blow the minds of first time witnesses. Combine that with the added support of three up and coming acts led by White Arrows, and this show is one not to miss.

Best show to gain a new appreciation for booty shorts and leave with some stellar dance moves.

Amon Tobin (DJ set) • Friday March 1 @ Public Works • BUY TICKETS

After a widely successful and rigorous schedule promoting his 2011 album ISAM, Amon Tobin brings his special blend of performance art & gritty beats to Public Works. His latest work, coming in the form of a Two Fingers album Vengeance Rythym and remixes of “Chaos Theroy,” is bound to be front and center at his Noise Pop performance, bringing to life his unique vision of “dub step built on an interplanetary level.” Accompanied by hard hitting openers Maus Haus, Naytronix and Group Rhonda, this show displays the diversity of Noise Pop 2013 by slapping you across the face with dirty electronic talent.

Best show to attend ready to rage and leave with enough optical stimulation to inspire the completion of your visual arts thesis.

Starfucker (STRFKR) • Friday March 1 @ The Regency • SOLD OUT Buy a badge

Polyvinyl darlings and favorites amongst the electro-indie scene, Starfucker (aka STRFKR) make their way back to the Regency Ballroom for one of the most anticipated shows of the Noise Pop 2013 Festival weekend! Celebrating the release of their forth LP Miracle Mile February 19, the boys took some risks with their songwriting and produced what is being hailed as their most ambitious effort to date. In addition to their infallible dance-floor-ready discography, expect to hear some of their recent successful experiments with funk, psychedelic pop and disco. Taking the stage after one of the strongest opening acts of the festival, Blackbird Blackbird, this show will leave you ready to take the city by storm (on your way to 1015 Folsom).

Best show to find yourself singing, jumping, dancing and/or making out with someone, whether you know ’em or not.

Rogue Wave • Friday March 1 @ Bottom Of The Hill • SOLD OUT Buy a badge

East Bay indie rockers Rogue Wave are headlining an intimate show with Wymond Mills, Mwahaha, and Brainstorm at Bottom of the Hill. On the heels of a cryptically announced LP that is in the works, this one of two shows Rogue Wave has on their touring calendar. Eager to debut new material and backed by a killer local line up, Rogue Wave play chaperone to a bar mitzvah of local Bay Area talent. Welcome back to Zach!

Best show to avoid your ex that you see across the room. The one that stole your copy of Out of the Shadow and is still sporting your Rogue Wave T-shirt. Awkward …

YACHT • Saturday March 2 @ Slims • BUY TICKETS

YACHT began as Jona Bechtolt’s solo project, but at a live show you are more likely to have your eyes on singer Claire Evans. Evans officially made YACHT a twosome in 2008, and they haven’t looked back since. YACHT is much more than a creative duo that tours with a full band and recreates their digital sound with live instruments. YACHT is a movement, even a borderline religion. I’m not kidding.

Best show to Overcome Humanity and Become Your Own God

The Thermals • Friday March 1 @ Rickshaw Stop • SOLD OUT Buy a badge

The Thermals bring their infectious post-punk energy to Rickshaw Stop for Noise Pop 2013. Aiming to tear shit up with Bay Area bad asses Dirty Ghost’s, The She’s and EV Kain, this lineup is bursting with with raw talent and youth. The central core of Noise Pop is to feature bands on the rise in venues known for breaking new artists – to call attention to burgeoning talent, ya dig? Get on it!

Best show to watch a female spill her drink on you while pogo dancing, make fun of you for how ridiculous you look and buy you a shot in place of an apology.

Body/Head • Tuesday February 26 @ Rickshaw Stop • BUY TICKETS

One of the most anticipated and exciting acts of the Noise Pop 2013 line up, Body/Head has even the most seasoned of music professionals’ tongues wagging with predicative prose. Noise Pop Assistant Producer Julie Zielinski says, “We have some fun shows like Body/Head, Kim Gordon’s side project. The thing about this one is that really none of us have heard it, so it’s going to be this huge surprise.” An experimental project formed by indie rock legend and founding member of Sonic Youth Kim Gordon and free noise guitar superstar Bill Nace, this outfit is one that falls nicely into the Noise Pop realm.

Best show to arrive with absolutely no expectations, except that you are seeing a new act before everyone else.

Damien Jurado • Saturday March 2 @ The Chapel • BUY TICKETS

Those with a proclivity toward singer-songwriters might want to check out Damien Jurado at San Francisco’s newest venue The Chapel in the Mission. Lately Jurado has been been releasing new records at a yearly clip, and he’s currently touring on his 2012 effort Maraqopa. Jurado is certainly an under-the-radar talent; his songs and discography greatly outweigh his overall success.

Best show to discover a hidden musical gem.

Catch Em Before They Blow Up

“I’ve been with Noise Pop for about five to six years now, and I remember the first year I said ‘Wow, I don’t even really know a lot of these bands,’ and I consider myself pretty well versed. Then from the progression of Noise Pop, to SXSW to the next set of festivals you would see bands like the Fleet Foxes play second of four at the Bottom of the Hill, then all of the sudden they are on the front cover of all of these magazines. It’s interesting to see how people are able to trampoline onto the next thing.” ~Julie Zielinski, Assistant Producer of Noise Pop

Thao & The Get Down Stay Down • Saturday March 2 @ Great American Music Hall •
SOLD OUT Buy a badge

Thao Nguyen, the spark-plug front-woman for The Get Down Stay Down, is ready for the spotlight and even mainstream radio-play with the release of We the Common on February 5. Title track “We the Common (For Valerie Bolden)” will be a hit – and for a good reason. The track plays on multiple genres successfully, contrasting a bluegrass/jazz based-sound with synth hits, alt-rock beat transitions and poppy, Regina Spektor-like accessible lyrics. By the time the refrain kicks in (“Whooo-a-hooo, haha), it becomes easy to speculate that Thao and The Get Down Stay Down could have a big year.

FUZZ • Friday March 1 @ The Knockout • SOLD OUT Buy a badge

When Trouble in Mind Records received an anonymous submission by a heavy psych rock band last year, the mystery of FUZZ was born in a wall of sound. When the veil was raised, it turned out to be Ty Segall and his long-time collaborator Charlie Moothart were the creators of this new ruckus. The plot thickened when it was learned that Ty was manning the drumkit while Moothart banged out riffs heavy enough to make Sabbath blush. Bongs across America rattled as this is no average stoner rock band. The vocals are unmistakably Segall, which couldn’t fit the limited tracks any better.

Having the pleasure of seeing this band at tiny Hemlock Tavern got me excited that this was not a waste of Segall’s increasingly valuable time and effort. Having known that Ty is competent on all instruments lends perfect sense to him truly wanting to try it all, and sooner than later.
-Kevin Quandt

DIIV • Friday & Saturday March 1 & 2 @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall • SOLD OUT Buy a badge

Beach Fossil’s Zachary Cole Smith released a whopper of a solo effort in 2012 under the aquatic-name, DIIV (Dive). Heavy on the reverb and not lacking any quality of pop shoe-gaze mentality, DIIV’s sound has a way of grabbing you and holding on as the infectious guitar hooks play over and over in your skull. Apparently the secret is out, as two Noise Pop shows sold out rather quickly. The attention is deserved.

Nosaj Thing • Thursday February 21 @ California Academy of Sciences

Nosaj Thing produces subtle yet contemporary beauty at it’s finest. It was well worth the wait for Jason Chung’s new album Home under his Nosaj Thing monicker, as this fresh batch of progressive down-beat tracks is full of his unique sound. Nosaj Thing is headlining the weekly California Academy of Sciences Nightlife February 21, the Thursday before Noise Pop week.

Washed Out, Toro Y Moi, Young Magic Scene Unseen II • Friday March 1 @ 1015 Folsom • Free with RSVP

Did you see all the sick shows happening Friday March 1st? The place to be afterwards will be at 1015 Folsom, where Washed Out (Ernest Greene) and Toro Y Moi (Chazwick Bundick) spin at this free after-party.

“The Culture Club, it is what all of these musicians and artists do outside of just making music…” ~Kelleyann Schilke

Culture Club Presented by Bay Bridged • Saturday @ Swedish American Music Hall • BUY TICKETS

Culture Club, now in its third year of celebrating this process and DIY spirit, gives you the rare opportunity to see and hear your favorite artists in the music, film, art, design, food and technology communities show in an interactive way how, why and what inspires them in creating their work(s). In addition to talks and unique performances, there are hands-on opportunities for participants to delve into their own creativity as well. Culture Club creates an all-around immersive experience to get in touch with your favorite creatives on a deeper and more insightful level.

“One thing we’re highlighting this year is Olek, who is a famous crochet artist that does “crochet bombing.” She’s going to come in a teach crochet workshops and talk about that aspect of public movement which is pretty cool.”

“Also highlighting music, we’ll be featuring Dust & Grooves: For the Love of Vinyl, whom are going to come in and take photographs of local musicians and their record collections, then talk about how people are influenced by music and how vinyl has continued to effect really popular music. The concept itself is really just to highlight how much music really effects artistic movement and movement in the world.” ~Kelleyann Schilke

Noise Pop Film Series • Buy a film series badge

See a Little Light: A Celebration of the Music and Legacy of Bob Mould
Q&A with director Justin Mitchell & Bob’s manager Jordan Kurland
February 27 / Roxie Theater / 9 p.m. / $10

Last November at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, some of today’s most influential artists gathered to celebrate the music of Bob Mould. Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Britt Daniel (Spoon), Ryan Adams, No Age, Craig Finn and Tad Kubler (The Hold Steady), Margaret Cho with Grant Lee Phillips, and Jessica Dobson (The Shins, Deep Sea Diver) all performed songs from Bob’s historic catalog. Fortunately, the entire evening was captured in stunning audio and high-quality video quality by filmmaker Justin Mitchell. Justin and his camera crew followed Bob and the other artists meticulously throughout their day catching the rehearsals, preparation, interactions—and of course the night’s unforgettable performances.

“We also have a lot of great films I’m excited about like See a Little Light, A Celebration of the Music and Legacy of Bob Mould. Shepard Fairey is going to be there as well as Jordan Kirland, our boss in honor. Also the Bad Brains film, I’m excited about that as well.” ~Julie Zielinski

Strom Thorgerson & Hipgnosis Taken by Storm: Iconic Album Art
Pre-screening Reception: Thursday, February 28, 2013 / 5–8 p.m.
San Francisco Art Exchange; February 28th-March 16th

For over 40 years using album covers as his canvas, Storm Thorgerson has created some of the most iconic images in the history of music from Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy, Peter Gabriel, Black Sabbath, Paul McCartney to Biffy Clyro, Muse, The Mars Volta—in fact possibly 80% of your classic vinyl collection! Eschewing digital manipulation in favor of building massive sets and tableaus, staging performances and actions and ‘doing it for real’, Storm has deliriously confounded expectations of the relation of images and music, hyperrealism and the everyday, and the role of the record sleeve at the intersection of art and commerce.

“Taken by Storm, with Storm Thorgerson is really being hyped and will be accompanied by a champagne toast down at the SF Art Exchange downtown, which has the world’s largest collection of Rock and Roll Art, which is really neat as well and such an honor to have that as part of the festival.” ~Kelleyann Schilke

San Francisco Rocks! Noise Pop & Treasure Island Photography (2007–2012)
Opening: Thursday, February 7, 2013 / 7 p.m.
Festival Reception: February 26th, 2013 / 5 p.m. / Hotel Biron

In the past five years Noise Pop has brought the Bay Area some incredible live music from local bands. And, while most of us were just getting off on the music itself, a select group of some of the world’s best music photographers were taking some spectacular shots of these shows. This exhibition is a rare treat as we get a unique look at what’s been happening onstage here in our own backyard over the past half a decade.

Filed Under: Featured, Festivals Tagged With: !!!, 1015 Folsom, Amon Tobin, Body/Head, Bottom of the Hill, Brick & Mortar Music Hall, California Academy of Sciences, CHK CHK CHK, Damien Jurado, DIIV, FUZZ, Great American Music Hall, Hotel Biron, Noise Pop, Noise Pop 2013, Nosaj Thing, Public Works, Public Works SF, Ramona Falls, Rickshaw Stop, Rogue Wave, Roxie Theater, San Francisco Art Exchange, Slims, Starfucker, STRFKR, Swedish American Music Hall, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, The Bay Bridged, The Chapel, The Independent, The Regency Ballroom, The Thermals, Toro Y Moi, Washed Out, YACHT

‘Sorting through fun archives of weird, old shit’ with The Faint in SF at The Regency Ballroom

November 21, 2012 by Molly Kish 1 Comment

Photos by Mike Frash // Written by Molly Kish //

“We’ve been bringing terrible weather with us wherever we go,” said The Faint’s tour manager Danny as I approached him outside The Regency Ballroom last Saturday.

While I usually arrive to an empty venue hours before the doors open to the public, I found myself amongst a crowd of dedicated and very damp fans. Superfan make-up was running, coffees were in hand and the die-hards were willing to brave the autumn showers in order to be the first attendees in the venue for the only Bay Area stop on The Faint’s 10-year anniversary tour for Danse Macabre.

I usually conduct interviews at this music venue in one of the tiny upstairs green rooms, competing with the background noise of the opening band’s sound check. Danny, however, suggested a much more intimate environment for our conversation, and he extended an invitation to have the interview on the band’s tour bus. This was ideal for me, not only for the aesthetic principles of sound quality and context, but also because it was something as a fan I could have never anticipated having the opportunity to do.

While on board waiting for guitarist Dapose to join us, drummer Clark Baechle and Danny made sure I was comfortable, engaging in small talk about the tour and offered me a hard cider, the band’s current tour libation of choice. Taking initiative to create such a relaxed setting for us to carry out our conversation was such an unexpected surprise. Once Dapose arrived, the setup provided for a laughter-filled and character-revealing interview with The Faint.

Showbams: As opposed to both Media and Blank Wave Arcade, Danse Macabre focused on less guitar-driven songs and more on dance tracks arranged with synthesizers, keyboards and vocals. Halfway through its completion, Dapose came on board having a background playing bass in the death metal band LEAD. What made you guys want to take more of an electronic route?

Baechle: Well, that was the idea for the album from the get-go. Blank Wave Arcade was right when we first started trying out things on keyboards, and we thought you could make a lot more sounds with keyboards and synthesizers than just a guitar. That was really interesting to us. Blank Wave Arcade was kind of just rawer; we introduced it as a rock band kind of, whereas the next one we really wanted to see if we could make some dance-y tracks, now that we were into keyboards and stuff.

Dapose: Blank Wave was also kind of written for house parties, literally like basement parties and small clubs. With Danse Macabre, we were actually planning on playing real venues with an actual PA and we were like, “Let’s really get a dance party going!” You know whereas before, we were only getting house parties going (laughs).

Showbams: I know Dapose that you initially came on to help out more with the video projections the band used in live performances and on the artistic level. Did you ever expect or anticipate playing in such a heavily electronic-fueled band?

Dapose: Not as a child or anything (laughs), but no, I don’t know? I’ve always liked a lot of different kinds of music and being into death metal in my teen angst years, I was really interested in the energy of it most. It’s very intense and maybe at times a little too much, but I think this band has a similar level of intensity. Some of it’s in creating tension and reserving, or just going really for it with the high-energy dance tracks. The striking qualities of the music that they were doing before I was in the band definitely interested me. It’s something I still look for in other bands.

Showbams: After releasing four consecutive albums on Saddle Creek and really solidifying your name as a staple on the label, why did you guys choose to split off? What was behind the decision to release Fasciinatiion on your own label Blank.Wav?

Baechle: Really, the industry was changing. Even with Saddle Creek, they would hire an outside publicist, distribution, etc. Everything was separate. We just kind of thought it would be fun to try it on our own. There’s no bad blood. We’ve had a great time working with them on this re-issue, and they’re still good friends of ours.

Showbams: Now, the chicken-and-the-egg question … how did the tour come about? Who asked who, was this tour something you had been wanting to do or was it in support of the release?

Baechle: We’ve been talking about re-mastering that record for a long time. Not because it didn’t sound good, but other people had suggested that maybe we do so, and we were going to re-press it anyways. We literally were out of the physical copies of the old ones, and we thought if we’re going to pay money to make more of this old album …

Dapose: We might as well make it cooler (laughs)! Yeah, we put a bunch of fun stuff in it that was really exciting to do. I help put together all the artwork for it with Zack at Saddle Creek who helped out a lot. I got to go through fun archives of weird, old shit, assemble a collection of images and then we did the same with video content and the DVD, too. Like the projections on the DVD, which are the actual image files that we used while playing live through out that era!

Showbams: I know that beyond the six unreleased tracks from the era of Danse Macabre on the re-issue, you are selling exclusively at the shows the new 12″, featuring the first new music you guys have released in four years. Is this a teaser of new material to come?

Dapose: We’re definitely doing more music, whether or not it ends up being an album, I don’t think is necessarily our specific goal. Our goal is just creating new music and putting it out.

Baechle: Yeah, albums … I feel like things are changing again. No one even listens to full albums, and it takes us so long to even make one. So we thought, “Let’s just make music and these four tracks.” We’re like, “Let’s just put it out!” It’ll be fun to have something new to play and have something for this tour. They’re also the first tracks we’ve made in a long time, and they’re kind of all over the place. It was fun for us to do whatever we wanted, not thinking it has to be a follow-up album. Just see what happens and release whatever we make. We like them all, and we think they’re cool.

Dapose: As far as like, listening to it thinking, “Boy, this is what their next album is going to be like,” you wouldn’t have any good direction of what that would be (laughs). I mean, there’s some fun stuff on there.

Showbams: I know you guys are choosing to make it a tour exclusive for the time being, but are you planning on further disseminating it after the tour?

Baechle: I think the actual 12″ that we made of it, we’re planning on keeping it tour exclusive for a while. We’ve already put one of them online as a digital download. As far as the other ones, I don’t really know. I assume that if people start ripping horrible samples of them and putting them on the internet, I’m sure we’ll want to put the real ones out there. But the actual product, the physical vinyl we’re going to keep as a tour-only thing.

Showbams: In the past few years, fans have seen your music pop up in different ways, with your song on Guitar Hero for the iPhone and on Yo Gabba Gabba with a slew of other performers. What was the motivation behind being part of these projects?

Baechle: Those ones we were asked if we wanted to do it, and we were like, “Yeah, that sounds fun!”

Dapose: We just pick stuff that doesn’t seem like … we almost want to have the opportunity to show a slightly different side of ourselves. We put so much into our albums, our music and the live show, and it doesn’t always represent every side of us.

Baechle: It’s fun to be really lighthearted for a day on the set of Yo Gabba Gabba! It was great. We all had a blast!

Showbams: Currently you’re on tour celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Danse Macabre, which has really become an album defining the dance-rock genre. How do you in turn feel about the progression of electronic music, and how has it evolved since the album’s release?

Baechle: There’s definitely more and more bands with keyboards, but I think that’s just technology. Keyboards and computers have gotten better and easier to use, and with the means of making electronic music at home, it’s bound to become more prevalent. I think that’s it’s just a natural progression. I like electronic sounds, so there’s a lot of stuff out there I like.

Dapose: I’m really interested in all the different uses of electronic music and dance music. I like hearing people take electronic music that may be used for dance and do totally different things like noise, rock or metal. I love synthesizers, and they’re so dynamic. I used to think only a handful of people have ever put their hands on them. Now, like Clark was saying, more and more people have them and they’re so much more available in the ability to use them interestingly.

Once done speaking with the guys, I stuck around for a bit to discuss their upcoming dates and plans for following the tour while also gauging their interest in getting back on the festival circuit next year. We finished up our drinks in the alley, traded funny stories about previous SF performances and said farewell (for now).

Later that night, they played to a packed crowd filled with fans of all ages at The Regency. Fans sang in unison to a greatest hits set that highlighted the extended re-issue tracklist for Danse Macabre. The ground floor of the venue became absorbed by a sea of pitch-black fans, camouflaged by the absence of house lights, which starkly contrasted the strobe lights and visual effects.

The stage visuals featured abstract projections that timed perfectly with their driving beats, and this made the set feel visually indecipherable. The band was seen through their body outlines and erratic movements from my perspective, adding mystery to their performance.

Beyond their quintessential dance-rock album, the band played a mélange of hits, keeping the energy upbeat as the crowd belted out lyrics in unison with frontman Todd Fink. Instead of the usual banter between songs, The Faint played continuously throughout the evening, hammering out their catalog to an audience that didn’t need any explanations.

Staying true to form on every song, it felt like The Faint were playing their songs for the first time. Their intention behind remastering Danse Macabre was seemingly so they could perform it live and thus catalyze a dance party — and if this was the intention at The Regency, mission accomplished.

Resuscitating one of the most notable genre-defining albums of an era and bringing it to the stage could be a daunting task for many. But for The Faint, the challenge was easily met and moreover, shall we say … completely annihilated.