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…
We just can’t get enough of South Bay bands, can we? This week brings us San Jose’s seven-piece electro-wonder Curious Quail. While it’s easy to cast the band as indie or electropop, the sounds combine much more than that. Yes, electronica is a predominant part of their sound, but the Read More…
I’m going to be completely honest: I never was particularly interested in concerts where DJs were the main act. Granted, my experience in those types of concerts was very limited, I was never as captivated as when seeing what one would call a “traditional band” (guitars, bass, drums, etc.). However, Read More…
The turntable has been used as an instrument since the early days of hip-hop in the 1970s. The days of analog vinyl scratching have evolved into the digital era, in which physical records are no longer needed. French turntablist group C2C have brought together an eclectic collection of sounds spanning Read More…
This week, we take a look at San Jose’s Polite Fiction. The bedroom DJ’s music is reminiscent of Passion Pit records. The San Jose artist has recently released his debut EP Portrait. Check out his album below. Ian Birnam covers music. Contact him at [email protected]
