Roman Gokhman’s favorite concerts of 2015
Welcome to my annual countdown of the most entertaining music experiences of the year. I only went to 41 concerts. Life commitments and a family took a higher priority. But then again, I enjoy profiling an artist over critiquing the music. I put more thought into the concerts I attended, so I think this compilation is still “deserving,” whatever that means. Still, some iconic and talented performers didn’t make my top 10: No Elton John or AC/DC, Royal Blood or Kacey Musgraves (who both came close), no Mumford and Sons or Duran Duran. Those of you who have read my previous [...]
The Bay Abridged: Oct 20 — Oct 27
(Jane's Addiction at The Warfield) In this recurring feature known as The Bay Abridged, our staff writers will provide short, witty recaps on shows they attended around the Bay Area. A scene check, a heat check, and sometimes more — stop by every Wednesday for the most comprehensive and concise recap of last week's Bay Area concert scene. Marina and the Diamonds at Fox Theater (Oak) Oct. 20 Marina and the Diamonds brought her new album, FROOT, to Oakland's Fox Theater last week. Starting with their first album The Family Jewels, released in 2006, and continuing on to play songs [...]
Interview: Marina and the Diamonds brings ‘FROOT’ to Oakland
Marina Diamandis has had a busy summer on the festival circuit. Each weekend brought the Welsh-Greek singer-songwriter (aka Marina and the Diamonds) to a new locale, with little time to herself. She was, however, able to test-drive her newest album, 2014’s FROOT, in front of thousands. The record, her third, is a stark departure from her point-of-view, narcissistic character-driven stories of 2012’s Electra Heart. While that record found commercial success in the United States, it sapped Diamandis’ creativity through the collaboration with 13 different producers. The album had two effects on Diamandis besides growing her fan base; it created the [...]
Interview: Marina and the Diamonds brings 'Electra Heart' to The Warfield
Judging by the size of the venues she has been playing, it would be fair to say Marina Diamandis has had a good year. Last summer the pop songstress, who goes by Marina and the Diamonds, sold out the 1,100-capacity Fillmore. Now she’s back, still promoting 2012’s Electra Heart album, and has sold out the twice-as-large Warfield. Her current tour was booked in larger venues throughout the U.S. “Oh my God; I don’t think two years ago I would have thought I’d have been playing 1,000-capacity venues,” the 28-year-old Welsh singer-songwriter said. “It’s weird because I couldn’t play those numbers [...]
Interview: Marina and the Diamonds uses style to convey irony
Marina Diamandis is well aware that a female musician’s image, if strong enough, can overtake perception of skill. The 27-year-old Welsh singer-songwriter, better known by her stage name Marina and the Diamonds, wears elaborate costumes on stage and in her music videos to enhance the story of the characters she sings about. “It's kind of a sticky subject for female musicians because if your image and your imagery overtake your music, then they become known for different things,” she said in a recent phone chat from Cardiff, the Welsh capital. “Some question if you are actually making your own music. [...]