Lauren Ruth Ward explodes onto Cafe du Nord stage
Grungy '70s psych-rock singer Lauren Ruth Ward just released “Water Sign” from her forthcoming album, Volume II ahead of her US tour jumping off this month. On the 19th of March the Baltimore singer plays Cafe du Nord (presented by Noise Pop, so you know it’s solid) and it’s sure to be a funky splendid time. The single’s accompanying video (shot by Dylan Doornbos Hayes) is a funny trip with a hint at the some of the antics Ward gets up to on stage. She’s a charismatic performer with a pleasingly unique voice that’s hard to pin down. For fans [...]
The Seshen dive into ‘CYAN’ in time for Noise Pop
(photo: Brittany Powers) Synthesizers, drum machines, and live percussion blend with the cool, soulful voice of the Seshen’s Lalin St. Juste to create a harmonious combination of synth-pop and electronic R&B. On their newest album, CYAN (February 28), we hear influences the band didn’t previously engage with. There’s a little bit of indie rock, touches of folk, neo-soul, and hip-hop. We sat down with the band to talk about the release of their third album, their award-winning music video and upcoming short film, and the excitement around playing as part of Noise Pop. In the creation of their third album, [...]
Jack Symes’ Prom Night at Great American
Singer-songwriter Jack Symes returns to his old San Francisco stomping grounds this March to grace the Great American stage. Didn’t get the prom night you wanted in high school? Fret not, Symes is giving you a reason to dress to the nines in your most prom-ed out attire. As part of his two-part Prom Night show--ahead of his new single, “Prom Song”--Symes will feature an eight-piece band and “...balloon archways, corsages, streamers, the works. We’ll be channeling a sort of 1960’s high school prom vibe for the night,” he tells us. Single “Baby, My Baby” arrived this month and it’s [...]
Canadian folk pop singer Andy Shauf plays August Hall February 21
Photo credit: Colin Medley Lookin’ for a good time? Look no further than next week. August Hall is hosting Toronto-based Andy Shauf, whose latest album The Neon Skyline dropped in January (ANTI-). The album is Shauf’s sixth album and his second concept album. Following 2016 album The Party (which earned him several nominations and a couple big wins, including Western Canadian Music Awards' Pop Artist of the Year), Neon Skyline is full of story songs with a touch of humor à la Randy Newman or The Kinks’ Ray Davies. Shauf’s pleasing inflection, a warm array of woodwinds and interesting arrangements [...]
Begonia’s sassy solid pop comes to Milk Bar
Our friends at Throwin’ Bo’s present us with another show this February, featuring Begonia. Following the release of her debut album Fear, the Canadian pop singer is making tour stop at Milk Bar as part of her 2020 Fear Tour. The album is a fresh burst of energy and sass, as demonstrated by the official album trailer. Do we want to roller skate with this bumpin’ crowd? Yes. Also on the bill is a vibe quite the opposite: So Much Light, the Sacramento-based acoustic pop singer with just enough touch of emo pleasantry. December Music by So Much Light Another [...]
Radical Face’s reissue of ‘Ghost,’ February 1 show at August Hall
Thirteen years after the release of Radical Face’s Ghost in 2007, Ben Cooper (aka Radical Face) has re-released the album with completely new interpretations of the original tracks. Songs like “Welcome Home, Son” (which has been the Nikon theme song for eight years) have bolstered a cult following and have been given a fresh and gentle new breath of life. We connected with Cooper on his choice to reinterpret the album. He told The Bay Bridged, “The impetus was pretty practical. The rights to that album were returning to me and I could finally reprint the record on my own [...]
ZOLA, Emily Afton and Sandu Ndu play Cafe du Nord
This Thursday Noise Pop and Everything Ecstatic presents an evening featuring a couple of Bay Area prized possessions. Featured artist ZOLA (San Francisco) is a blend of of folk-pop, jazz, soul, and indie-pop with a very singer-songwriter vibe. This is her album release show, with full band and full energy — watch out for that finger picking. Also on the bill is Oakland delight Emily Afton, whose synth-pop heat is impressive and energetic. She has played to massive crowds in the past couple of years and we're excited to see what she's bringing to Cafe du Nord's intimate stage. ZOLA, [...]
Dan Deacon gets (almost) acoustic, plays Fillmore in March
Ever wonder what Dan Deacon’s real voice actually sounds like? Now is your chance to hear it. The Baltimore musician, typically known for complex and mind-boggling electronics and sound combinations has just completed his first vocal-focused album, Mystic Familiar, out January 31 on Domino Records. Single “Become a Mountain” displays more of Deacon’s voice than we’re used to, accompanied by warm and confident keys surrounded by synthtastic musical vibrations. In the years since 2015’s Glass Riffer, Deacon has scored eight films and performed arrangements of his music with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The album’s shift was influenced by this collaborative [...]
Throwin’ Bo’s presents punk, rock, folk favorites at Eli’s
Those Throwin’ Bo’s folks are at it again, plunking down some of our favorite musicians and getting them all in the same room. And what better place to see a solid local show than Oakland’s Eli’s Mile High Club? A fellow to keep your eye on is one Andy Bender, whose online presence is a bit of a mystery outside of Spotify and the still shot video of this amazing dog with a banana on its head. Song “The Dark” is one for the slide guitar nerds out there and his full catalogue has a bit of a Daniel Johnston [...]
Jeanines’ minor-key pop at two Bay Area shows this week
A chilly winter night is the perfect time to go see Jeanines’ warm post-punk pop. The Brooklyn-based group is energetic and fun with a touch of sadness and that DIY pop feel. With their so-called “60’s-meets-80’s melodies,” the group’s latest, self-titled album quickly sold out shows and records and they’re coming to a town near you. Oaktown, that is. Catch ‘em at Starline Social Club on Wednesday, January 8, then Rickshaw Stop on the 9th. For a nice taste, check out their latest video for single, “Winter in the Dark.” Jeanines Starline Social Club January 8, 2020 8pm, $12