Now in its 23rd year, Noise Pop Festival has become an absolute staple of the Bay Area for fans of independent music, film and art. With multiple shows every night at some of the best venues SF and Oakland have to offer, Noise Pop presented the best kind of difficult decisions on a daily basis. The Noise Pop HQ, at the newly renovated Swedish American Hall, was a fantastic destination as well hosting intimate shows, happy hours and even a live podcast recording with Toro y Moi where he premiered “Half Dome,” the eighth track from his upcoming album. Although there were plenty of activities outside of the concerts, being the ninjas we are, we’re going to focus on our favorite performances from the week. Browse through some pictures and songs in our chronologically ordered list below.
1. Flight Facilities, 2.24 @ The Regency Ballroom
Why we loved it: Australian DJ duo Flight Facilities, of the esteemed Future Classic, took stage at The Regency in full aviation gear for an energetic set. What really took their performance to the next level was live vocal assistance from talented Owl Eyes and Surahn Sidhu, member of Empire of the Sun, who covered female and male parts of Flight Facilities’ countless hits. [Photos by: Justin Yee]
2. Talk in Tongues, 2.25 @ Rickshaw Stop
Why we loved it: There’s something special about hearing a band’s music live before recorded. I wasn’t familiar with Talk in Tongues going into Wednesday night’s show at Rickshaw, but the LA group’s grasp on psych rock is phenomenal. Filled with impressive bass lines and electric guitar jams, their music translates into a groovy live set. “Still Don’t Seem To Care” became an instant favorite–listen below.
3. Spazzkid, 2.26 @ The Independent
Why we loved it: LA-based producer Spazzkid makes emotional electronic music rooted in R&B influences with an occasional touch of J-Pop. In watching him perform, it quickly becomes clear why he’s toured with Giraffage extensively as his ability to mix playful melodies with head-nodding beats makes for the perfect transition. Even Spazzkid’s songs that sound more laid-back recorded, were translated into energetic jams. His stage presence set him apart as well–he practically ran laps around the stage with a portable MIDI controller in hand engaging with front-row fans. [Photos by: Ash El Gamal & Dom Powell]
4. Giraffage, 2.26 @ The Independent
Why loved it: There’s always a special kind of energy in the air at hometown show and the fans, including his parents, were packed in to catch Giraffage, who grew up about an hour south of SF, at The Independent. Bringing the textures of his recorded music to life, Giraffage played a mix of tracks from his latest EP, such as “Hello” and “Tell Me,” and some of his throwback material. His remix of R. Kelly‘s “Ignition(Remix)” was definitely an unforgettable moment in his set. Read our interview with Giraffage here. [Photos by: Ash and Dom]
5. Les Sins, 2.26 @ The New Parish
Why we loved it: Chaz Bundick can do no wrong–whether it’s as Toro y Moi, Les Sins or co-producing for other artists is irrelevant. He threw down a funky DJ set at The New Parish as Les Sins. [Photos by: Justin Yee]
6. Slow Magic, 2.27 @ 1015 Folsom
Why we loved it: Any one who follows The Music Ninja will know that we are enormous fans of Slow Magic’s enchanting electronic soundscapes–you can read our interview with him here. His live performances take those compositions to the next level as he brings out a pair of drums that he absolutely destroys adding a rawness that flows through the crowd. His light up mask and radio silence add to his intrigue with his only way of communicating with the crowd being through occasional heart-sign hands held above his head. Memorable moments of his set included his unreleased remix of Clams Casino‘s “I’m God,” him bringing the drums out into the crowd and his encore which switched things up and really got the dance floor going. [Photos by: Dom Powell]
7. Caribou, 3.1 & 3.2 @ The Fillmore
Why we loved it: Caribou is a veteran of the electronic music scene so the fact that he blew us away at The Fillmore, one of the most historic venues in the country, came as little surprise. Our Love, his latest album, is a concept album that brims with emotion and relaxing vibes, yet retains its dance floor appeal. Performing live with a highly talented full band, Dan Snaith was unbelievably impressive with the live percussion and strobe lighting adding a level of intensity one might not expect based on his most recent release. Aside from stand out live interpretations of songs like “Our Love,” “Can’t Do Without You,” and “Back Home,” Caribou also dropped some classics from their catalogue including “Odessa” and an epic encore performance of “Sun.” Check out a video of “Can’t Do With You” below along with some photos of their stage setup. [Photos & Video by: Justin Yee]
Noise Pop Fest drew over 20,000 attendees this year and more than 90% of the shows sold out! Don’t miss it next year–the dates are already slated for 2/19-2/26.
