Tag Archives: San Francisco Events

[Event Review] Mura Masa, NAO and Bonzai @ The Independent–SF, 5/12

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’Mura Masa – …Girl’

I can remember pretty distinctly when my enchantment with Mura Masa’s music began—specifically the first time I heard “…Girl.” That piano-driven, trap-influenced beauty served as an ample intro to his intricate production style but it really only scratched the surface of what was to come. His 2014 debut album Soundtrack to a Death, a collection of dynamic beats, cemented his status as one of the most exciting electronic artists out–seamlessly fusing the enormity of trap percussion with fluttering instrumentation and chopped vocal samples.

While that first project captured the bloggers and electronic music enthusiasts, it was Mura Masa’s Someday Somewhere EP that, with the help of a diverse set of collaborators, catapulted his notoriety among casual fans and the biggest producers in the game alike. Since that release, he’s launched Anchor Point Records his own label that’s already brought us fantastic projects from Bonzai and Jadu Heart.

In San Francisco, it’s common to discover an artist on Soundcloud and find them on a show flier within a few months. In the case of Mura Masa, though, the wait for a live performance felt like an eternity—spanning almost three years. Having checked literally hundred of artists off of the must-see list in that time, it would be a massive understatement to say we were excited as we walked into The Independent to see the 20-year-old phenom’s SF debut alongside Bonzai and NAO. So, if you’re wondering why this article is so long it’s probably because we’ve been waiting for so long to write it. Continue reading

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14 Unforgettable Sets from Outside Lands 2015 [Festival Review]

CoverIt’s been nearly a week since we first stepped into Golden Gate Park for Outside Lands, but with the return to the daily grind it feels like even longer for most of us. This year’s festival, yet another record-breaking one by attendance, featured all the amenities that make OSL special–amazing food, craft beers, a star-studded comedy lineup, the beautiful backdrop of Hellman Hollow and of course a top-notch bill of musical performances. With its rapid expansion came some growing pains as well, though, and our main gripe was the inaccessibility of the Heineken House, which featured some great DJs, due to overcrowding. At the same time, the greater depth of the lineup made the previously overlooked Panhandle stage the place to be and when the crowd came together at shows, the energy was unbelievable.

In the stupor that follows music festivals, it can be easy to allow your precious experiences to fade in the rearview of your memory bank, but there will always be sets that you’ll never forget. We’ve recounted 14 sets that have been stuck in our minds all week and also tried something a bit new with this review by asking random fans to review our favorite sets. If you were in attendance this year, we hope this brings you back and, if not, it might just make you want to check out OSL next year.

All images by Ninja Dominic Powell. All writing, unless otherwise noted, by Ash.

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Music at the Museum: NightLife LIVE at California Academy of Sciences, SF May-October [Event Series Preview]

nll2015_webbanner_1200x900If you live in the Bay Area, chances are you’ve already been to the California Academy of Sciences either to check out one of their various one-of-a-kind exhibits or for a drink at their weekly Nightlife series, easily one of the best ways to spend a Thursday night in San Francisco. As if an aquarium, planetarium and fully-functioning rainforest weren’t enough to pique your interest, the Academy of Sciences is kicking off its second annual Nightlife LIVE concert series this week, which will transform the museum into a full blown concert venue one Thursday a month through October.

Teaming up with various local promoters and music festivals, Nightlife LIVE has assembled a lineup that features a dynamic collection of both established and up ’n coming artists across genres. The selection of artists are from all over the world, but the Bay Area and west coast are definitely the most well represented with a number of exciting local and regional bands featured. Keeping in the spirt of science, the outdoor stage setup promises to be an experience all its own with an immersive installation from Domestic Data Streams that will use real-time data from the audience to source a piece of digital art. Aside from the attractions inside the museum, there will also be several mini-exhibits from various organizations along other activities at each show. To prepare for this Thursday’s opening and get all our ninjas up to speed, we’ve broken down the acts performing at each show below. You can find some more info and buy tickets here.

May 14: Machinedrum & B. Bravo

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’Braille – Everyone’s Crazy (Machinedrum Remix)’
’B. Bravo – Nights (Feel Like Getting Down)’

Lineup presented by: DJ Dials

Machinedrum’s complex, atmospheric take on drum ’n bass music couldn’t be a better way to open an event series honoring science. With a full live setup, he’ll be bringing his latest album, Vapor City, to life cover to cover. While Machinedrum’s sure to take us on a sonic journey, LA-based producer B. Bravo, who will be opening, should get the dance floor moving with his funk-influenced electronic jams. Continue reading

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[Event Review] 5 Faces of Chaz: Examining Toro y Moi’s Evolution at The Independent, SF 3/28

DSC_0344Over the last five years, Chaz Bundick, as both Toro y Moi and Les Sins, has repeatedly redefined his style bringing refreshing facets of his reserved, enigmatic persona to light all the while maturing with each album. A true musical chameleon, Chaz has worn many hats but, regardless of genre, he maintains his aesthetic always remaining true to himself. This realization couldn’t have been more evident as I watched Toro Y Moi perform a hometown show at The Independent in San Francisco last weekend in which he intertwined his various musical identities into a cohesive and career-spanning set.

Backed by several talented musicians, including ninja-favorite Astronauts, etc. on the keys, Toro y Moi’s countless jams, from hazy bedroom productions to groovy indie rock, were presented in the most vibrant way possible. Almost signifying transitions between old and new, Chaz swapped between MIDI keyboard and guitar through out without losing a beat. As an avid fan, and music geek, I found myself not only dancing steadily through out, but also hit with a flurry of thoughts and emotions inspired by the diverse, yet unified, setlist. To best capture those feelings, I decided to recount the performance in the context of a career retrospective. Flip through the pages and explore the five faces of Toro that I witnessed last Saturday with photos and songs from the set to match.

Toro y Moi’s upcoming album, What for?, drops on April 7th but can be streamed via NPR Music now. You can pre-order on iTunes here and find upcoming tour dates here.

All photos by Dom Powell

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