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 [...]
Noise Pop 2020: Helado Negro, Angelica Garcia, Meerna and Tré Burt mesmerize the crowd
On the third night of Noise Pop 2020 at Great American Music Hall, Meerna opened the night with a room-silencing cover of Joan Baez’s “Silver Dagger” and set the stage for what would be a lovely and soulful performance. Never have I seen an audience so silent, so willfully watching the first opening act. Meerna frontwoman Carly Bond, who typically plays with a full band, braved the stage solo and confessed, “Guys, I’m scared,” then tuning her guitar added in a drawn out voice, “Soooo scared,” to audience chuckles. After busting out an old favorite, “Good Luck,” Bond tuned her [...]
Noise Pop 2020: Sandu Ndu, Velvet Negroni, Sudan Archives light up the ballroom at Starline
Although the first night of Night Pop at Starline Social Club started on a quite somber note, night two was a rambunctious endeavor. In the upstairs ballroom, Sandu Ndu, Velvet Negroni, and Sudan Archives all showcased their individual visions of R&B and soul with a lot of swagger. And though openers Sandu and Velvet Negroni (Jeremy Nutzman) faced some sound issues, each managed to break through the crowd's chatter (Ndu with her crisp voice, Nutzman with his sheer personality and occasional yelps). What was emphatically clear, though, was that this was Brittney Parks' night to shine. As producer, singer, and [...]
Noise Pop 2020: Tim Atlas turns insecurities and anxieties into dreamy indie pop
Ever since his elimination from season nine of NBC’s The Voice, Tim Atlas refused to let a short stint on reality TV dictate the rest of his career. He already had the tools: Before the competition, the Oakland-born, Los Angeles-based Atlas was a working and talented multi-instrumentalist that didn’t just sing, he could produce, engineer, and write songs too. Still, he felt the precariousness of the show’s fast fame. “It was all about competing and comparing myself to others,” Atlas says. “And I can feel that pressure in life too. I compared myself to others and their success. But when [...]
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, [...]
Oakland artist Ricky Lake releases new album “Last Summer Sucked”
Spending most of 2019 as a feature fixture (and getting his first placement on Showtime's The L Word), Ricky Lake is now ready to claim some shine of his own. The woozy debut of The Mother 966 was just a taste of the moody and ominous pop-rap world Ricky Lake built for his most cohesive project yet, Last Summer Sucked, out today on Text Me Records. Turning beloved teenage influences (N.E.R.D., Blink-182, Crystal Castles) into dark and delicate trap, Last Summer Sucked is Ricky's self-indulgence on wax. But through the haze, he finds some clarity on the shining production lent [...]
28 Years, 28 Songs (Noise Pop 2020: The Bay Bridged Edition)
It's February, and one of the most anticipated yearly Bay Area music festivals is right around the corner. Now in its 28th (!) year, Noise Pop always proves to be one of the most reliable sources showcasing homegrown and up-and-coming talents. To celebrate these 28 years of highlighting burgeoning local artists and independent-minded favorites, here's 28 songs of some of the most anticipated artists from 2020's schedule. Be sure to check out the full lineup, and follow us on Spotify for more playlists. You might just find a new local hero. Follow us on Spotify!
Noise Pop drops 4th wave of artists: Washed Out, Quinn DeVeaux, Blushh and more
Adding to an already eclectic combination of performers, Noise Pop announced yet another slate of artists set to join this year's festival roster. This round adds a couple locals (Quinn DeVeaux, Tim Atlas), some buzzy indie stars (Mutual Benefit, Rudy de Anda, Blushh), and a DJ set from the well-loved performer and producer Washed Out at the traditional Cal Academy pre-show. All-fest badges and tickets to previously announced shows are available here. Shows announced today will go on sale Friday, January 17. NOISE POP FOURTH WAVE: Washed Out (DJ Set) Bas jennylee + TT (feat. Jenny Lee & Theresa of [...]
Noise Pop updates 2020 lineup with Best Coast, Summer Cannibals and more
Today, Noise Pop Festival added more names to next year's lineup. Joining previously announced acts like Maya Jane Coles and Raphael Saadiq are Best Coast, Injury Reserve, Mannequin Pussy, and more. An amended lineup is below (asterisks indicate new additions). General passes and deluxe packages are on sale here. Tickets to individual shows are released tomorrow at 10am PST. Raphael Saadiq Maya Jane Coles Best Coast* Helado Negro Shigeto (Live Ensemble) Jamila Woods Injury Reserve* Bag Raiders* Lower Dens The Jungle Giants Joshua Radin The Stone Foxes SASAMI Ben Kweller Jacques Greene Frances Quinlan (of Hop Along) Mirah* Chaos in [...]
Noise Pop announces first 2020 lineup wave with Raphael Saadiq, Jamila Woods and more
Is it time to start thinking about Noise Pop Festival already? Yes, it is. Now approaching its 28th year, the festival just dropped its initial lineup of acts, featuring indie up-and-comers and established favorites like Raphael Saadiq, Maya Jane Coles, Helado Negro, and a lot more, spanning genres from soul to rock to funk to pop. Check out the full list of names here: Raphael Saadiq Maya Jane Coles Helado Negro Shigeto Live Ensemble Jamila Woods Lower Dens The Greyboy Allstars The Jungle Giants Joshua Radin The Stone Foxes Sasami Ben Kweller Jacques Greene Frances Quinlan (of Hop Along) Combo [...]