Welcome to the return of Local Limelight, where every two weeks we highlight a Bay Area artist that’s caught my attention – and will hopefully catch yours as well. This week’s artist is singer-songwriter-producer Shawn Barry. Hailing from Palo Alto, Barry merges the two classic bedroom artists: the indie singer-songwriter, Read More…
Signing to a record label can be a difficult decision for independent artists. Will the label constrain them? Is the tradeoff of gaining promotion worth the loss of independence? One record label that strives to eschew this problem is Pitchfork Records. The independent label has seven artists signed so far, Read More…
Originally formed in 2009 at the Berkeley student cooperative Cloyne Court, Waterstrider has gone through quite a few metamorphoses since their incarnation. Guitarist and singer Nate Salman started as a solo artist and then quickly joined forces with other musicians, including conga player Brijean Murphy. This turned into a six-piece Read More…
Well, it’s over, everyone. Another Outside Lands has come and gone. Nojo Fries — look them up, they’re delicious — were eaten, local brews were consumed and ears were ringing after listening to three days of music. Dreams came true when Paul McCartney signed the arms of two zealous fans, Read More…
If you would like to see live performances and interviews of the three bands down below, please check out our multimedia page. Now in its sixth year, the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival is once again about to take over San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Much like you don’t Read More…
After a decade of studio silence, Oakland-based hip-hop ensemble Hieroglyphics have released The Kitchen, an album that serves up a reminder of why the nine-man group has solidified its presence in the underground hip-hop scene and beyond. Though the album boasts a meaty helping of 17 tracks, each one is Read More…
With their third studio album, Columbia grads Vampire Weekend have solidified a style that they have been perfecting over the course of the last five years. Modern Vampires of the City isn’t so much a departure from Contra and their self-titled album; rather, it builds off of the two albums Read More…
A sultry sweet blend of ear-bleeding rock, smooth soul and furious funk, San Jose’s Sweet HayaH is a forceful whirlwind of sound to be reckoned with. Guitarist Devin Moreno balances ska-esque melodies with distorted, squealing riffs while the vocal presence of lead singer Nehal Abuelata dominates through her booming refrains. Read More…
With a fresh approach to the folk genre, San Francisco composer Michael Zeligs is finding new ways to combine both the modern day digital soundscape of electronica with the classic acoustic guitar strums of folk. Zeligs has been funding his album through Kickstarter, and is nearing his fundraising goal. Zeligs’ Read More…
Outside Lands is normally known for its stellar lineup of a wide variety of artists, and this year’s is no exception. Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nine Inch Nails, Phoenix and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are heavy hitters this time around. However, this year has arguably the biggest headliner since Radiohead Read More…