Derek’s Best of The Bay: 2020
Photo by Eric Molyneaux With the pandemic putting the kibosh on live music, there's unquestionably been a collective sadness within our hearts. That old world — where one could wander into a venue, order a cheap* beer, and get floored by some upstart opening act — seems like an eternity ago. It's been interesting see to how artists and fans scrambled to find new ways connect and fill the void left by the vacant venues. But amid some questionable livestreams, social media meltdowns, or choosing to ignore it completely , artists did what they do best during times of turmoil [...]
Mixtape: The Lush Sounds of Bay Area Dream Pop
Download: Mixtape: The Lush Sounds of Bay Area Dream Pop (Podcast #434) This episode first ran on KQED.org. Whether they call themselves post-punk, psych or indie pop, a wide array of Bay Area musicians cultivate lush atmospheres and textural depth in songs that are as sonically detailed as they are catchy. The Bay Area's "dream pop" standouts--eleven of whom are featured in this mixtape--include a number of promising new bands, like Topographies, a quartet whose stellar debut single is an exciting burst of fuzzed-out, propulsive rock. Other highlights include Tanukichan, the project of Oakland's Hannah Van Loon, whose layered music [...]
Get your hands on Mare Island’s first EP
Oakland, birthplace of countless incredible bands, has spawned yet another group of stellar musicians wielding a formidable sound. Mare Island is made up of Josh Staples of the Velvet Teen and the New Trust, here taking on singing duties, and Sean Leary of local hardcore punkers Loma Prieta. Filling out the lineup are Derrick Chao, Matthew Izen, and Evan Sarna. Venturing into dream pop, shoegaze, and early emo (very distinct, mind you, from the mid-aughts teen craze that co-opted the genre’s name), Mare Island’s music glitters with coruscating electric sound, full of vivid and yearning melody. Their first release, a self-titled [...]
Premiere: Mare Island, “Anon”
This afternoon, we'd like to present to you your daily dose of beautiful (because lord knows we need it this week): Oakland's Mare Island. Including members from local legends past like The Velvet Teen and The New Trust, Mare Island is a brand-new band that's starting strong. Their first EP, due in January of next year, is a gorgeous journey through soft and loud, dark and light. Their first video definitely highlights the soft and light side of their work: "Anon" is a collection of misty hillsides, drives through the redwoods, serene waves washing on the shore, and cozy sweaters [...]