7 Top Picks from the Upcoming Noise Pop Festival
For the 26th consecutive year, Noise Pop hosts a week-long festival with more than a hundred performers, including local and national acts, across over 25 different Bay Area venues from February 19–25. In short, there’s a hell of a lot happening!
To get ready for this year’s lineup of eclectic talent, we put together a round-up of some of the top acts that should not be missed at this year’s festival. The festival also includes film and art events, which are worth mentioning, but largely this festival is about the music—everything from unique viewing opportunities to a few intriguing undercard acts.
Some headliners on the 2018 lineup include indie rockers Real Estate and Parquet Courts, rappers Jay Electronica and Ty Dolla $ign, along with San Francisco band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
Madlib (DJ Set) at 1015 Folsom on February 22
Los Angeles-based DJ, multi-instrumentalist, MC, and producer Otis Jackson Jr. goes professionally by Madlib. For almost 30 years, he’s made a significant imprint on the hip-hop scene and successfully collaborated with major artists like Mos Def, De La Soul, Ghostface Killah, Talib Kweli, MF DOOM (as Madvillain), the late J Dilla (as Jaylib), Snoop Dogg, and even Kendrick Lamar. Seize the chance to see a rare DJ set from one of the most prolific and critically-acclaimed producers currently out there.
Mount Eerie at Swedish American Music Hall on February 22
Phil Elverum’s solo project Mount Eerie will play in support of recent record release “A Crow Looked At Me.” The concept album released last March centers on the death of his wife, cartoonist and musician Geneviève Castrée. Expect heavy, experimental vibes during this lo-fi live show. However, thoughtful arrangements of dense folk lyrics should create a welcomingly reflective and fuzzy aesthetic.
Built To Spill at The Fillmore on February 20
Idaho indie rockers Built to Spill are best known for catchy guitar hooks and the unique vocals of frontman Doug Martsch. The group will perform their 1999 beloved album “Keep It Like A Secret” in its entirety. In total, Built to Spill has released eight studio albums, but on this night, it’s going to be all about the throwback tracks that make up their quintessential hit record.
Rostam at Slim’s on February 23
A former member of New York rock band Vampire Weekend is playing in support of his debut solo album “Half-Light” which dropped back in September. Rostam, a producer and multi-instrumentalist, also used to be part of electro-soul group, Discovery.
Cuco at Grey Area Art and Technology Theater on February 24
An up-and-comer from Los Angeles already sells out shows down south and has received support from both Kevin Abstract (of super-group Brockhampton) and The Internet’s Steve Lacey. The 18-year-old singer, who mixes a smooth vocal style with simple synth and techno beats, is one to watch.
tUnE-yArDs at Fox Theater on February 23
Indie pop duo tUnE-yArDs will be performing in support of their new album “I Can Feel You Creep Into My Private Life,” which was released just last month. New England native and vocalist Merrill Garbus utilizes a variety of sonic sources such as loop pedals, ukulele, and percussion, while guitarist Nate Brenner dynamically strums the electric bass. The hype for their rhythmic live set is quite high and very real.
Tickets to individual shows and festival badges can be purchased on the event’s website. Some of the shows have already sold out, so don’t procrastinate! There are also a number of free happy hours happening throughout the series.
Geographer at Independent February 22
San Francisco-based band Geographer has a newly mastered EP, Alone Time, that will be released next month March. The indie-pop group channels a pleasurable mixture of cello, guitar, and synthesizer, backed by vocalist Mike Deni. We recently interviewed Deni to hear about some of his favorite spots in San Francisco, get his perspective on the local music scene, and learn more about the Noise Pop festival. This hometown show inside a comfortably-sized venue will not disappoint.
