The Y Axes premiere remix of single “How We Begin”
A little over a year from when San Francisco dreamy pop band the Y Axes blessed our ears with their second single “How We Begin,” the band has released two remixes of this upbeat track with Studio Dad. In reflecting on the current demonstrations for the Black Lives Matter movement and the need for systemic change in our nation, the band recognizes that there is still a lot to be learned and achieved in order to make radical changes, and that we are just beginning. Frontwoman Alexi Belchere comments that “the song itself is about feeling powerless and panicked in [...]
Budding indie band LOVVS premieres “King City Pt. 1”
After debuting their first single "So, How Do U Feel?" in April, emerging Bay Area indie artist LOVVS (pronounced "lows") releases another promising track titled "King City, Pt. 1." The song is chock-full of heavy synths and an infectious, dance-floor-worthy chorus, featuring guest vocals from Lyrah, another San Francisco based indie pop artist. LOVVS' music is written and performed on vintage synthesizers and drum machines, delivering a retro synth-pop sound on a bed of steady percussive beats. The subtle, almost atmospheric female vocals on this track are woven perfectly with the textures, creating a captivating and infectious hook. With this [...]
“Not My Loneliness, But Ours”: Topographies premieres EP with proceeds going to SF New Deal
In another episode of pandemic-inspired creativity and benevolence, dream pop quartet Topographies debuts their EP Not My Loneliness, But Ours. The EP was entirely written and recorded individually from each band members' home before being fused together. All proceeds will go to SF New Deal, a COVID-19 relief founded by residents — and run by volunteers — to support San Francisco’s small businesses and working people and to preserve and cultivate the city’s unique culture. The four-track EP has a gloomy tinge to it, reminiscent of sounds from new wave artists like The Cure or The Smiths. Apparently the apple doesn't fall [...]
Maya Elise’s “Mycelium”: a shout-out to Mother Nature
Maya Elise has a way with music that speaks directly to the soul. The Berkeley-based folk singer-songwriter writes music that focuses primarily on nature and earthy themes. Elise draws inspiration for her music from the magnificence and splendor of personal experiences in nature, ones that have deeply shaped her as an artist. The result is a captivating array of melodies that allows the listener to picture the forest floor beneath their feet and the mountains in clear view. It's only fitting then that her latest single "Mycelium" premiered on Earth Day, followed by a home-recorded video in her garden. Sung [...]
Sami Freeman releases new album, ‘Howl’
Hearing Sami Freeman's music for the first time feels like listening to a thoughtfully composed movie soundtrack pulled straight out of an indie film. The San Francisco based composer and singer-songwriter began her music career as a professional dancer and composer for dancers. Not surprisingly, her work has been featured in a number of films and TV shows. Howl is Freeman's latest album, a 12-track work that showcases her talents as a composer, pianist, and singer. Each piece is crafted with care, melding poignant piano chords with lush vocals. Vocals are absent from tracks such as "Olas" and "Novelle" while others such [...]
Noise Pop presents “No Place Like Home” livestream benefit series
This week, Noise Pop and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. will be launching its "No Place Like Home" livestream series to benefit the Bay Area music community. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7pm, you can tune in to local artist favorites, who have partnered with Bay Area venues to raise funds for those affected by COVID-19 and promote awareness of their vital cultural contributions. Streaming is free, with recommended $10-20 donations that will go to the artists, venues, and Noise Pop's Staff Relief Fund. Schedule: May 5 K. Flay, Finish Ticket, Zelma Stone Benefiting Bottom of the Hill. Donate here [...]
Time Fraud premieres EP and video for “Cry Me A Highway”
Time Fraud is the musical venture of Oakland-based illustrator, zine maker, and musician Nick Wortham. He describes his art as a way to channel his anxiety into both his visual and audio works. His style is a heavy dose of lo-fi synthpop, 8-bit sounds and drowsy vocals that paint a somber depiction of reality. Somehow, the organic combination produces an oddly upbeat and dazzling sound. Quintessentially Bay Area, Time Fraud's latest EP "Cry Me a Highway" was recorded in Wortham's pickup truck while parked alongside the Bay Bridge. The whole recording studio was jerry-rigged from the confines of his vehicle, creating [...]
Thao + The Get Down Stay Down release Zoom music video for “Phenom”
Thao & The Get Down Stay Down (photo: Jon Ching) Earlier this month, Oakland-based indie band Thao & The Get Down Stay Down released the music video for their latest single "Phenom." Shot entirely in a single take via the digital conferencing app Zoom, the music video is a brilliant adaptation to our current socially isolated environments. It's full of energy and choreographed remarkably. Eight dancers swirl around lead singer Thao Nguyen as they defy gravity, pass around and pour glasses of water, and construct a hulky body through multiple screens. The end product is simply mesmerizing, and a testament to the [...]
“The Good Times Roll” with DONCAT
At a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty, San Francisco-based songwriter and performer Duncan Nielsen of DONCAT brings us a sunny new single titled "The Good Times Roll" to uplift our spirits. While DONCAT has been writing and performing since 2012, he had balanced multiple gigs before focusing on his solo act, including one as guitarist, vocalist, and keyboard player of Geographer. "The Good Times Roll" is a deviation from the style in his last album release Preservation of the Spirit, which features Nielsen's sultry vocals, reminiscent of a full-bodied Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes, on the backdrop of electrifying guitar riffs. In [...]
Oakland’s Day Wave releases new single “Potions” off upcoming EP
Day Wave (photo: Jessica Perez) In preparation of the upcoming release of his EP Crush, Oakland shoegaze project Day Wave released the second single titled "Potions." The song "is about being drawn towards the wrong things in life. It can be hard to understand why we go towards toxic things or people, with this song I was just trying to make sense of it for myself" says Jackson Phillips. Crush comes after a quiet few years in which Day Wave performed and recorded with Pete Yorn and Jai Wolf. Fittingly, the debut of the EP came earlier this year with a song aptly titled [...]