It was a whirlwind three days and nights of music in Edinburgh. My hopes of reaching Scotland during a break from classes in London aligned perfectly with Edinburgh’s Jazz and Blues festival. In a city widely celebrated as the cultural capital of Scotland, I was excited for this music-themed vacation that would include New Orleans soul, Scottish folk, and 1920s-era swinging jazz . After a beautiful train ride filled with verdant fields of grazing sheep and rocky coastlines I arrived at a city bursting with medieval architecture, great bands, and bountiful whiskey.  Proving once again that the best way to experience a new city is through the musical performers it attracts.

The New Orleans Swamp Donkeys: West Prince Street Gardens

Upon arriving to Edinburgh, the city was basking in a rare summer heat reaching almost 80 degrees F. It was evident that the local Scots were gleeful at the weather from the myriad of picnic blankets strew across West Prince Street Gardens. The beautiful garden park fills the valley below Castle hill and extends eight blocks creating a beautiful city greenbelt. A myriad of footpaths pass groves of arching willow trees, manicured flower beds, and a plethora of grassy knolls and park benches. It was here that I was fortunate enough to find my first show of the Jazz & Blues festival, The New Orleans Swamp Donkeys. On the north end of the gardens a circular, multi-colored gypsy circus tent had been erected for the show. Inside the festival goers were milling around sipping local gin cocktails and craft beers.

The New Orleans Swamp Donkeys formed in 2012 and describe their sound as “…early Jazz with a modern twist” .  From the beginning this was clearly not their first trip to Edinburgh, as the band swaggered onstage all wearing traditional kilts. James Williams, band founder and lead singer/trumpter sat center stage. As he carefully adjusted his kilt he recounted the last time he had “sat down a bit too quick…and gotten a bit too intimate with the audience”. Tonight’s audience roared with laughter and the evening was set with a jovial tone. The entire New Orleans band was kilt-clad, but the Scottish tendencies ended there, their funky blues sound was all New Orleans.

After traveling outside the States for 2 months I was ecstatic to immense myself into some good ‘ol American roots music. The type of music that makes you proud to be American, something I wasn’t quick to feel as of late.

The band was large, containing tuba player Jon Gross, Drummer Josh “Jams” Marotta, Singer/Front man/Trumpeter James Williams, Sax Player Ricardo Pascal, Trombone Miles Lyon, Banjo Player Joseph Fasion, and Nick Garrison on Trumpet. When Williams led the group with his his raspy, soulful melodies the audience was reminded of the late great Louie Armstrong. The range of the Swamp Donkeys was quite impressive, not only did they knock out typical jazz classics like “Sunnyside of the Street” and “Ain’t Misbehavin'” but they had countless originals about their love for their hometown of New Orleans, plus a medley of pop songs including TLC’s hit “Waterfalls”. The Swamp Donkey’s band had

If you had told me a few weeks ago I’d be sitting in Edinburgh, singing along to TLC with a New Orleans jazz band I’d have said you were crazy. Luckily, I got to experience just that type of musical mash up, only two hours after arriving in Scotland in a sun-dappled circus tent. Quite a wonderful start to a my music-filled week!

Scottish Folk Music: Sandy Bell’s Tavern

The weather the rest of my trip would prove to be much colder than my first day and so by the second evening I was chilled to the bone. I’d spent the blustery day sight seeing and joining a Harry Potter walking tour (duh), so I was in search of a warm drink and some musical delights. Luckily I found both comforts in Sandy Bell’s Tavern, a local Scottish folk venue who served up delicious Hot Toddy’s. I even learned that this favorite cozy cocktail of mine was originally created in Scotland! And after experiencing their frigid rainy nights (even in July) it wasn’t hard to see why they had been so inspired.

After ordering my whisky tea cocktail I had a seat on a bench in the back corner of the bar. Next to me sat five older gentleman, a group of friendly Scotsman happily strumming away at their instruments and pausing every so often to sip their dark ales. Amongst them were two violin players, a flutist, a guitarist, and accordion player. Most of the bar patrons were transfixed on their joyful jigs but the musicians seemed unfazed by the local stardom. Simply playing their improvised folk tunes alongside each other was enjoyment enough. The crowded bar was soon warm and cozy, filled with locals sipping overflowing pints of beer and whiskey drinks while nodding along with great local Scottish tunes. Despite the nasty weather outside, it was hard not to quickly warm up quickly and enjoy the evening. Here’s a sample of Sandy Bell’s local music:

Empatee du Weiss

“When you make plans, god laughs”, or something like that. And thus my well intentioned evening with Empatee du Weiss would prove to be in vein. I mixed up my nights and missed this awesome Italian band. Their self described “Ska Jazz Ensemble” creates quite the range of groovy riffs and soulful interludes. When listening to them before the set I was impressed by how they mixed Balkan instruments with ska melodies to create a unique style of Eastern European reggae, ska, and lounge music. Despite my concert mix-up, they’re a unique band well worth a listen:

The Red Stripe Band: Rose Theater

So on my final night in Edinburgh I saw The Red Stripe Band instead of Empatee du Weiss. This 20-year old traditional jazz band bears no association to the delicious Jamaican craft ale we all enjoy at the beach. Instead, their was sound was similar to Pink Martini but with more British brass and sass, less sultry lounge overtones. They’ve gotten around over the past two decades, having played at a dozen international festivals and for five royal families.

The show was set in the Rose Theater, a Chapel from 1808 that had been converted into a ballroom style music venue for Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016. Red Stripe’s swinging classic jazz band sound played well to the audience. When the lights rose for intermission a predominantly silver-tinged crowd revealed themselves. In many ways I wasn’t surprised, I’m sure my late grandparents would’ve have enjoyed these golden oldies. During the second set I joined the youthful whippersnapper crowd of the “Under – 40s” who had taken up to dancing in the back aisles of the auditorium. There were maybe a dozen of us at most, and I’d like to believe our youthful exuberance added to the entertainment for everyone else. At one point in between songs the band founder and, lead singer/pianist Neil Drinkwater announced: “Everyone! Rachel is 87 today, Happy Birthday to you!”. Amid cheers the band proceeded to sing her a jazzy rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song. It was a heartfelt sentiment from the band and a perfect ending to a joyful set of jazzy exuberance. Enjoy their tunes for yourself:

The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival proved to be a delightful way to explore the city’s diverse music venues and discover some new music along the way. With no shows costing more than $20, I’d highly recommend it to travelers looking for an affordable art adventure in the UK. It was a great way to appreciate the city’s cultural charm, no matter your age or music preferences. Cheers!

 

Happy Summer Solstice y’all!

This Spring was a whirlwind of graduate school classes and events, a move abroad to China, and so much more. Luckily I was able to fit in some great Fauxchella shows and compile a new music playlist along the way. Since this is a long overdue retrospective I’ll keep it brief, in hopes that I can spend a bit more time on a new series I’m calling “Music Travel Logs”, stayed tuned 🙂

Fauxchella is the time of year when San Francisco residents benefit from a plethora of shows played by Coachella bands. These musical mavens escape the hipster desert oasis for some less culturally appropriated, authentic California culture. With my crazy class schedule I’d hadn’t planned on attending many shows, but as so often happens in life, sometimes you don’t plan for Fauxchella, but Fauxchella plans for you. In April I saw three shows in six days – and the exhaustion and exhilaration that ensued was worth it all. I finished the week feeling more refreshed and renewed than I had in months, conjuring up a line I had originally written as a joke from my first Music on my Mind Post: “Music is my religion and I’m determined to worship frequently.” Amen. 

April 15th: The XX @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

Fauxchella 2017 started with a sold out show by The XX, an effusive British band whose sound has grown in complexity and brilliance with time. Ironically I first fell for these shoegaze rockers at the Coachella 2014 festival. Their heavy breathing melancholic lyrics and pulsating drum beats enveloped the desert and swallowed the audience whole with musical intoxication. Three years later, their set had matured and greatly improved thanks to their newest blockbuster album release, I See You. Pitchfork noted this album “attempts to incorporate every band member’s talents into a new version of their sound, one true to their roots but richer and more varied”. Their set at Bill Graham Civic Center was powerful and moving, here are my two favorites off their new album “On Hold” and “Say Something Loving”.

 

April 17th: Radiohead @ The Greek Theater

Next up was the legendary rock band, Radiohead. They were playing five sold out nights at the Greek Theater, an intimate outdoor amphitheater on the UC Berkeley campus seating only 8.500 people. From the first moment Radiohead came onstage it was clear they were grateful to leave behind the shadows of a huge stadium crowd for this more intimate experience. Their three hour set spanned in time and space touching upon many of their hits – 15 Step, Reckoner, No Surprises . As a soft rain fell from the sky Thom Yorke crooned an acoustic version of Fake Plastic Trees and it felt as if the whole audience held their breath with anticipation and reverence. The intimacy of this show fueled the audience, their hoots and hollers cast out any of the dark damp weather that night.

 

April 20th: Whitney @ The Independent

The last show of Fauxchella, Whitney, was a the only show I’d planned on seeing for months. After a strong breakout album, Whitney had taken indie folk rock audiences by storm. Last July  I extolled the values of their music, both timeless and current in the same pitch. This Chicago band is the perfect road trip companion, I listend to them throughout a backpacking trip in the Desolation Wilderness last summer and their smooth vocals and reverb set the perfect sunset soundtrack. Since the summer it had been hard to listen to this band because their music was tangled up in some painful memories. Luckily I got to rewrite those memories with a fantastic sold out live show that I spent dancing and singing alongside two of my best friends, healing old wounds and reclaiming their sweet melodies for a happier time in my life. Enjoy two of my favorite singles off their debut 2016 album, the title track “Light Upon the Lake,” and  “Golden Days”. 

 

And for your new music wanderings, please enjoy the new music playlist “Cold Sun, Warm Heart”. This playlist is a tribute to the frigid rainy days that chilled the streets of San Francisco this Spring, and the songs that kept us cozy and warm:

 

In 2016 new music was one of the few bright spots in the world. While pain, fear, and grief filled the bylines, one could always gain a sliver of relief by turning down the news and turning up the stereo. In the new year music will continue to bring together advocates of social justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights – at a time when our efforts are needed most. So on this first day of 2017 let’s take a deep breath and reflect on the good music that kept us going and the good people we lost along the way.

Remembering those we lost in 2016:

Over the past twelve months we lost some amazing musicians, to name a few – Prince, avid Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Sharon Jones, and just this week – George Michael. Two of these untimely deaths coincided with paramount album releases:  David Bowie’s “Blackstar” and Leonard Cohen’s “You Want it Darker”. The coincidence between these two unfortunate incidents left many distraught, but Cohen’s lyric in his title track “I’m ready my Lord” seemed to signify his acceptance of his forthcoming fate. To pay homage to these two great artists who shaped rock’n’roll history through the world of UK glam rock and haunting folk melodies, that stirred souls of many generations, listen below to their farewell albums, released in they last days of their influential music careers. As Rolling Stone noted: ” These albums show…just the fearless generosity of musicians determined to get to work and put their art into the world, at a time when they had other worries.” 

Girls run the world:

Despite all the hate crimes against women and people of color this year it was great to see the Knowles sisters top the charts in 2016.  Their lyrics express an element of raw humanity and truth that many artists struggle to authentically express. Beyonce’s star status ensured that her “controversial” Black Lives Matter message resonated across America during the Super Bowl  with her hit “Formation” – stirring an important debate about gun violence in America. Her full album, Lemonade, transformed her marriage’s infidelity struggles into a visual emotional journey that was captivating and relatable to all her fans. The landmark album was a true masterpiece of 2016 that will be lauded for many years to come. While Beyonce got all the attention in the first half of the year, her talented sister Solange dropped her  first album in eight years “A Seat At The Table” on September 30th to much fanfare. The album’s sound is softer and more pensive than Lemonade, taking many listenings to fully absorb in depth, but it’s a hallmark record none the less. Her songs serve as a totem to the strength of female artists to speak their truth in a a beautiful and enchanting way. Her reflective lyrics are refreshing in a sea of female pop musicians who cater solely to the radio-hit formula. Solange’s unique sound commands the listener’s attention in a sparse and assertive way, in a way that leaves us aching for more from this poetic lady. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlsbD6XFnW4

To cap off a great year of music and just as many lost musicians whom we loved, I’ll end with my latest compilation of new favorite songs.  I hope this music takes you into 2017 with joy in your heart and hope for a better tomorrow, may we all remember to use music as our guide to reach a soulful purpose. 

 

Summer touring season is in full swing and Wednesday night I caught two great bands, Oh Pep! and DonCat live on the Rickshaw stage.  Through my headphones I’ve been blasting two new bands of 2016 that I can’t recommend enough – Whitney and Jamila Woods. For those looking for a nostalgic summer soundtrack there is always Day of the Dead: a new 59-song Grateful Dead tribute album featuring The National, Lucius, Courtney Barnett, Wilco, The Flaming Lips, and many others. So much good summer music to be had, buckle up and start singing folks!

On Stage

Oh Pep! 
Wednesday night I was back at one of my favorite little venues, the Rickshaw stop, for a night of new music. Headlining the show were Aussie indie darlings – Oh Pep! Originally from Melbourne this duo of Olivia Hally and Pepita Emmerichs stood on stage in sparkly dressesand charmed the audience with their accents and perfectly executed pop-folk sound. They professed their love for San Francisco and their blatant distate for coffee (despite a misleading lyric, but “hot chocolate just doesn’t sound as cool”). Lying lyrics aside, Oh Pep!’s mandolin solos and beautiful harmonies won over the local crowd pretty quick. They just released a debut album Stadium Cake, with the catchy single “Doctor, Doctor” below.

DonCat

Opening for Oh Pep! last night was a completely different band – DonCat. This local San Francisco band brought shoe-gaze ballads and surfer rock melodies to the stage. Some songs, like “Give it Away” (below) could be described as California cowboy folk, but other songs had heavy metal infused rock – with such a wide musical range this band could go a lot of directions, it will be fun to see what’s next. Kudos to lead singer and songwriter Duncan Nielsen who injected a lot of heartful mystery into the set with a swoop of black hair and many a soulful stare.

In Stereo

Whitney
The debut album “Light Upon the Lake” by Whitney is by far my favorite album of the summer. I discovered this group out of Chicago thanks to my fellow music nerds at NPR Music ( one time Bob Boilen gave me a fist pump in response to my comment about a Beirut album, so yeah, we’re pretty much besties now. Stop getting so jealous). They are playing at Outside Lands on Friday – so check them out if you’re going! This album is  both joyful and bittersweet – the perfect lazy summer soundtrack . Just try to watch the video for their title track “No Woman” and NOT bliss out in this indie daydream…

Jamila Woods

Also a debut from a Chicago-native, Jamila Woods’ record Heavn is an R&B powerhouse album that that combines beautiful Black Lives Matter protest rhetoric with intoxicating beats. I just can’t stop dancing and singing this album.  HEAVN features songs with many of Woods’ friends Chance the Rapper, Noname, Saba, Lorine Chia and Donnie Trumpet. The album is truthful and honest in a way that I haven’t heard put to music in a long time. The message she tells is an important one of equality and justice that is incredibly relevant with today’s violence.  For the album’s single “Blak Girl Solider” Pitchfork notes “…Woods champions freedom fighters, feminists, and writers as being “déjà vu of Tubman,” noting that even a young black girl “scares the government…The theme is one of defense in the face of oppression, not vengeance… It’s a “Black Lives Matter (Too)” treatise, not an “(Only) Black Lives Matter” one.” Definitely make some time to listen to Woods’ new album Heavn, you won’t regret it.

Day of the Dead 

Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National have curated an epic tribute to the music and the artistry of the Grateful Dead in their new album Day of the Dead. Featuring 59 songs and over 5 hours of music this album is a jam-band soliloquy created by a diverse group of modern musicians who pay hommage to the Dead’s musical influence. Don’t listen to this album expecting pithy covers of the Dead’s work- but rather provocative reinterpretations by artists ranging from Lucius to Courtney Barnett, The Flaming Lips to Lucinda Williams, Mumford and Sons to Wilco. The whole album is up on Spotify so explore a bit to see how your favorite artists reconfigure these classic Dead anthems. Courtney Barnett’s cover of New Speedway Boogie is an early favorite of mine:

Thanks for reading,  hope you enjoy all this new summer music!

In a sunny corner between the Mission and Potrero neighborhoods lies Potrero del Sol park, a patch of greenery that most San Francisco residents rarely notice.  During the city’s foggy months this little park is a summery respite;  a community oasis that is poised to host local musicians and delicious food. This weekend is such a celebration, my favorite little music festival – Phono Del Sol .

This non-profit music festival is hosted by The Bay Bridged,  a group of local music nerds that have hosted this refreshingly small festival since 2011. It is neither too crowded nor overpriced, which is a true gem these days. Phono Del Sol is the perfect mid-summer celebration for those looking for new music the old fashioned way (aka not just via Spotify’s algorithms). So join us this Saturday as we boogie to local indie grooves, celebrate some birthdays, and sip a beer in the park.  Cheers!

Preview the full Phono Del Sol  lineup via this Spotify playlist & music videos below:

 

“Ch-Ching” by Chairlift. This avant-pop duo hails from Brooklyn and helped Beyonce with her 2013 self-titled album (what?!). With catchy beats and haunting vocals they’ll be a great headliner for the Phono Del Sol crowd.

“Archie, Marry Me” by Alvays. Toronto-based Alvays brings a sugary retro-pop sweetness to their classic rock sound. I first heard about this band on the NPR show “All Songs Considered”, so it can be assumed that liberal public radio fans will be equally in love with their work.

“Needle” by Born Ruffians. This Canadian based-band brings playful guitar riffs and shifty hooks to their unique brand of indie music. The sound is infectious and will surely be a crowd-pleaser this weekend.

“Runaway” by Mr. Little Jeans. Having seen Mr. Little Jeans perform a great set at Rickshaw Stop last year, I’m definitely amped to see front woman Monica Birkenes rock the stage again with her melodic, strong vocals.

“Tomorrow Land” by Adam Vida

“Oblivion” by The Sheshen

“Dream Girl ” by The She’s

“Gutter Girl” by Hot Flash Heat Wave. Think of them like  a younger, grittier Weezer that films their music video in Golden Gate Park montages with sepia-toned filters.

“This is What I’m doing” by Dick Stusso

Happy Friday the 13th  y’all!

To celebrate this day of magical mystery, and to balk at all the fear mongers out there, I’m delivering to you a celebratory new playlist. As a reverent lover of Friday the 13th (along with my Golden birthday homegirl T-Swift)  I can assure you that only the best things  will happen today.   So enjoy a detailed breakdown of Fall music highlights below, with a longer catalogue of songs on the Spotify playlist as well.  Happy Listening!

Fall New Music Mix (Spotify Playlist Link Here)

 

Beirut “No, No, No” 

After four years of waiting Beirut has showered us with a whole new album of trombone-infused, toe-taping indie hits. I couldn’t be more excited about this predicted debut! Catch their Fall tour if you get the chance, well worth it . 

 

Bob Moses “Tearin’ Me Up” 

The sexy intro of this tune can make any walk down Valencia street feel like your own personal catwalk.  The devilish lyrics from Brooklyn band, Bob Moses, only add to ambiance of their intoxicating beat and snappy tempo.  Whether I’m looking for  a quick energy boost after work or lofi sound late in the evening I’ve got this record on repeat.

 

Shakey Graves “Dearly Departed” (ft. Esme Patterson) 

Hand-clap anthem of the Fall, well worthy of it’s contagious success. Last month I caught I caught Shakey Graves at the Fillmore and it was g great set by this Austin native. Lead singer, has all the rockstar swagger in person that you’d expect from his recorded sound. 

 

Nicone & Sascha Braemer Feat. Narra – Caje 

The brilliance of captivating electronic melodies are the slow build arcs that can tease and tantalize the listener for much longer than the average songwriter.  When done well these songs seem to envelope the listener with a drawn out, yet completely satisfying musical journey.  Caje is a prime example of this style, and because of it’s slowly unfolding sound it has become one of my favorite workout songs;  incredibly satisfying to devour over and over and over again. Hang until minute 3:23 if you can  because the simple flamenco beat intersects with  mystical Spanish lyrics in a totally mind-blowingly awesome way…

 

Jaimie XX  “I Know There Is Gonna Be (Good Times)  ft. Young Thug & Popcaan

A sassy late summer anthem to match a summer full of loving wedding celebrations (thanks Supreme Court!)

Tennis “Marathon“

The sweet vocals of lead singer Alaina Moore and 50’s era doo-wop beat were my solace during many weeks of post-Burning Man depression. Seeing Tennis perform live at the Fillmore last month made this solace so much sweeter.  

 

Sample Answer “Good Boy” 

I’m a sucker for a good tambourine and whistle solo, and in this arena Sample Answer hits the nail on the head. Nothing like a solid band out of Dublin to reshape the sound of indie folk, cheers to that! 

 

Nathanial Rateliff “S.O.B.” & The Nightsweats 

When I saw Nathanial Rateliff perform at the Chapel this Fall I was struck not only by the  Missouri-native’s powerful vocals but also his charismatic stage presence; one that has won him fans with big record labels and late night talk show hosts alike this year. Rooted in the standard folk rock traditional Nathanial Rateliff’s sound is both familiar and innovative, standing on par with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Otis Redding, and Van Morrison. His song “S.O.B.” will prove to be a breakout single from a highly talented artist with many more hits to come.

 

Matt Simmons “Catch & Release” (Deepend Remix) 

Bay Area native Matt Simmons caught on to musical fame as a mini-celebrity in the Netherlands before we had even heard of him.  Since his initial European success in 2012 his music has gained recognition state-side and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate his folk-tinged electronic sound.

 

Arum Rae “Warranted Queen” 

With a powerfully distinct voice Arum Rae soothes us into a sultry catatonic haze. The song “Warranted Queen” is her album’s title track and the strumming, anthemic groove wouldn’t be out of place amongst the best of John Mellencamp’s ‘80s singles. Yes please… 

 

Janelle Monae “What is Love?” (Chooky Remix) 

This song is my guilty pleasure of the mix – a dance remix of song created for a Disney movie (???), but I can’t say I don’t LOVE this song. The driving bass beat and eurphoic lyrics were a major aid in packing up and moving houses this summer. Sometimes you just need Janelle Monae to sing you through the tough times damn it.  

 

 

Last week I found myself in a new land:  a place where “jorts” and bushy mustaches abound, breakfast tacos are eaten three times a day, and live music is heard even in airport cafes. 

This place is beautiful Austin, Texas: the well-known epicenter of music and counterculture in the Southern US. I was in town for work-related reasons (SXSW Eco), but visiting this southwestern soundscape had been on my bucket list for years.  And I was not going to let work thwart my desire to boogie down in a legendary music town.

As luck would have it, my trip coincided with  Austin City Limits, and thus stellar mid-week shows were in abundance. On Monday night I swooned for the crooning indie folk voice of lead singer Ben Schneider, of Lord Huron. On Thursday night I was beat-blasted by the duo of Sylvan Esso. Both of these bands I had seen before, but earlier in their careers and in less intimate venues. It was an amazing treat to see them perform polished sets to wrap up respective summer tours fora crowd of less than 200 people.

In Austin I was dazzled and delighted by the music and the people who joined me in those audiences. From street corners to front row stages this city wears it’s heart on it’s sleeve when it comes to live music adoration. It creates a creative camaraderie for the residents that electrifies your interactions with strangers. Because everyone is some degree of “music nerd.” I left town feeling exhausted but contented, grateful to have made my first pilgrimage to this indie rock music promise land.

Lord Huron, Emo’s, October 5th, 2015

The night was hot and sticky and in addition to sweat, I was steeped in San Francisco paranoia: my jacket lay limp on my purse strap. My first night, and already I was dragging myself to an ACL Late Night show, because jet lag…or something.

I  was grateful to be greeted by two friendly faces when I exited the cab outside Emo’s Club, a large warehouse venue far from from the raucous downtown scene of Austin’s main drag of nightlife. My two friends from San Francisco had spontaneously decided to join me on this impromptu show booking and so we walked to the bar while discussing foreign concepts like: “90 degree evenings” and “$3 beers.”

We sipped local IPAs and PBR tallboys and observed local hipster fashion (legit mustache games) and watched the venue fill in preparation for the main act, Lord Huron, to begin. The  popular indie folk band went onstage soon after in a glow of blue fog and mysterious ambiance to match. Within minutes band founder and lead singer Ben Schneider had us swooning for him with his raspy yet melodic vocals. Lord Huron started the set with the upbeat single “Fool for Love” off their newest album, “Strange Tails” which was released this Spring to much fanfare.  “Fool for Love” illustrates the album’s apocalyptic theme by detailing a tragic love lost, as narrated by Buck Vernon, a character Schneider once described as “..a washed-up rockabilly country singer.”

The new album has dark undertones, but that level of depth added to the charm of the band’s onstage presence. Schneider himself seemed at home playing the role of “tormented artist,” swaying along with his own particular style of guitar-infused therapy. Throughout soothing folk ballads and hand-clap pop songs, the band created a steady tempo and flow to the set.

As a native midwestern, Schneider formed Lord Huron as a solo project in 2010 and began to add bandmates as the group toured. As the instrumental complexity increased his songs began to resonate more with indie audiences. By the show at Emo’s it was evident the band had been playing together all summer and hit a solid stride of supportive musicality. Even their physical movements were synced: during their encore song “End of Time” when all four bandmands swooshed their surfer locks in unison,a definite homage to their chillwave music style and their unmistakable Los Angeles home. It was a great set to ease into Austin with, a familiar yet totally unique and expansive cinematic sound.

Sylvan Esso, Emo’s, October 8th, 2015

Lead singer Amelia Meath strode on to the
dark stage clad in an army green jumpsuit, long hair up in a side pony tail,perfectly poised for the hair-whipping set that Sylvan Esso delivered over the next two hours. As the stage lights came producer Nick Sanborn led off with a beat-wrenching melody that was matched by a howl from Meath. As the lights on stage rose up the audience gladly returned her call with a scream fitting for the youthful exuberance of the crowd.  We were hungry and Sylvan Esso was ready to satiate us with a buffet of deep bass, vivacious vocals, and sassy struts across stage.

The set was a highly energetic, sweaty mess of flashing lights and neighbors bouncing against one another, smiles all around. The crowd sang along to Sylvan Esso’s hits like “Dress” and “Coffee” at full pitch. Within just a few songs, it became evident that the emotional appeal of this show was not just coming from the audience but rather a their relationship between performer and audience. The band paused in-between sets to recount their last show in Austin, the beginning of what would prove to be a prodigious Spring/Summer tour. They noted that “selling out Emo’s as our final stop on the tour feels perfect… like coming full circle.”, My trembling concert buddy (a 6’5’’ black man from “HOT”-lanta) shouted “I LOVE YOU!” so passionately, I checked the bill to make sure Rihanna hadn’t taken the stage.We were in deep, and the party had just begun…

But I was exhausted. After a week of conferences, watering holes, and BBQ, I was spent. But I couldn’t will myself to leave until they played my favorite Sylvan Esso song, “H.S.K.T” (aka “Head, Shoulders, Knees, & Toes”). A little number that crystallized as my favorite song when I saw them perform earlier this Spring at The Fillmore in San Francisco. The genius of this song is that it is a catchy dance beat that belies a personal message – as the lead singer Amelia Meath recounts her universal struggle to accept her appearance; in the face of a female-shaming media that sets archaic societal norms for feminine beauty and leaves everyone feeling unattractive in the process. She sings “I’ve got a television and it’s filling me with hope…I’ve got a phone , and when it beeps I remember… I’m not alone”. The rhythm denotes the intoxicating lure of social media and the havoc it wreaks on self-esteem. Beautiful and horrifying all at once.

Sylvan Esso seemed to have graduated to a new phase of band since I last saw them four months earlier. They were filled with confidence and volume and guts… Coming into their own. They ended the set with a few promising new songs including “Jaimie’s Song” (available on Spotify) and “Say It to the Radio,” a hip swaying beat that will surely to be a hit single on their next album due in 2016.

All and all it was a great musical week in Austin. If I hadn’t left so exhausted, I would have been doing it wrong… and as such I can’t wait until my  next musical adventure in the Lone Star state.

A light warm rain fell from the midnight sky as we dragged our backpacks full of beer and costumes into the fairgrounds. Far ahead we could hear the hard strum of a banjo to our right, but that tune was quickly overcome by a blaring trumpet to our left, followed by screams from a crowd unseen. As our eyes adjusted to the shadows of Redwood groves we could make out hundreds of tents camped around intricate LED lights, people milling around coolers and stoves, or lounging in camp chairs while singing and shotgunning Tecate.

High Sierra Music Festival is celebrated every 4th of July in Quincy, a small Eastern California gold rush town in the Plumas National Forest. It turned out that this 25-year-old celebration of music (in an alpine oasis) was a perfect place to celebrate my 10th festival since it turned out to be a hybrid of all my favorite events.

1. The Burner-esque crowd was welcoming, costume-clad, and not shy about their eccentric rituals (such as Sunrise Kickball)
2. Five stages continuously showcased phenomenal Hardly Strictly-style music ranging from bluegrass to funk to folk. Talk about a 24/7 groove-spectacular!
3. The forested location harkened back to the fields of Bonnaroo where I first learned that communing with nature and enjoying live music could be one and the same
4. The small size reminded me of the surprisingly manageable Treasure Island Music Festival where one could easily lap the venue 10 times to find a dazed and confused friend or catch the end of a show.

All in all High Sierra truly delivered – it was a uniquely beautiful, music-focused festival with a bunch of friendly NorCal neighbors. The strength of the community was palpable – legendary acts were constantly calling up local musicians to the stage for jam sessions. And that sense of camaraderie easily translated to the festival grounds, where it was easy to forget the woes of the world, sit back amongst the trees and just enjoy the F*** out of life.

Read below for a detailed musical highlight reel (Favorite show: Lake Street Dive; Favorite new band: Turkuaz)

Or peruse a playlist of my favorite shows here: High Sierra.

Thursday Night 

The weekend began with a energizing 1am set by the funky and jazzy  “Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe”.  Karl Denson plays saxophone for The Rolling Stones and Slightly Stoopid, but his own band really knows how to stir up a crowd. Their booty smackin’ track “Shake it Out” helped me forget my 6 hour drive and start groovin’ as in a hurry! This was the best kickoff for  what would proved to be an epic weekend.

 Friday

Friday morning brought the stifling sierra sunshine that afforded us gorgeous views shrouded by the night before. Unfortunately sunshine also meant  a stifling 98 degree, luckily the Feather River was right down the road.  After a quick morning yoga session on the lawn 12 of us jumped into a van bound of the cool river waters.  A few bumpy corkscrew (wrong) turns we made it down a dirt road and landed us on the shores of an amazing liquid oasis. From the beach ecstatic festival goers paddled into the river on banana-shaped rafts,  jumped off a  20-foot rope swing, and basked in the sun like drunk lizards. This nature recharge was absolute euphoria and the perfect predecessor to my first full day of music.

The Brother’s Comatose.

First up was a set in the (beautifully shaded) Music Hall by local band The Brother’s Comatose. After listening to this band for a few years now and I continue to be impressed by this ensemble’s remarkable knowledge base of folk, rock, and traditional bluegrass styles. Despite their name this band is anything but sleep-inducing, rather their music riles up a crowd and inspires those dancing feet. Have a listen to their anthemic singalong “Church Street Blues” or a taste of their beautiful ballads with “Morning Time”.

Shovels and Rope

On the main Grandstand stage was a newer favorite of mine, Shovels and Rope, an adorable indie folk married duo from Charleston, South Carolina.  Their haunting harmonies and enticing musical spirit have won them two Americana Music Awards, and in the Spring they are expecting their first child together. During the set Cary Ann remarked about the sad violence that has recently occurred in their hometown. In a beautiful homage to the future they dedicated their last song “Birmingham” to a more loving and equal South for everyone.

Turkuaz

After an afternoon of folky goodness the sun set and it was time to turn up the FUNK. Luckily, Turkuaz was just the nine-piece “powerfunk” band to make it happen. Hailing from Brooklyn NY their modern twist on the classic funk sound was captivating and revolutionary to my ears. The whole set all I could think was “Why the hell don’t I listen to more FUNK?!” (Fo’ REAL). . Listen to “Bubba Slide” for a taste of this groovin’ sound that combines world-pop-dance grooves, Beatles folk rhythms, and Motown.

The California Honeydrops

The night ended with an brassy early morning (1-3:30am) set by The California Honeydrops. Drawing on diverse musical influences from Bay Area R&B, funk, Southern soul and Delta Blues, this band brings vibrant energy and infectious dance-party vibes to their live shows. I was particularly tickled pink by their song “Pumpkin Pie” which features a prominent character who is possessive of pumpkin pie (an obsession I can relate to). At the end of their swingin’ set they brought on stage 7 more musicians from the Element Brass Band to belt out some rockin’ covers along with their guitarist, dummer, washboard player, percussion, basist, and keyboardist. The sound was great but I was even more impressed the stage didn’t collapse!

Saturday 

Fruition

For the past six years this Portland-based string-infused quartet has racked up miles playing sold-out shows in their adopted hometown and garnering new fans across the country for their old-timey sound. Their latest release, Just One of Them Nights, showcases Fruition’s folk rock sound while the lyrics detail the countless struggles and successes that come along with a vagabond lifestyle. Listen to “Mountain Annie” to get a taste.

Steve Poltz

Possibly one of the most hilarious concerts I’ve ever attended, Steve Poltz is part musician and part stand-up comedian. The title track of his new album “Freebasing Celery” explains a lot about this jokester with extreme musical prowess. Steve Poltz is a talented and prolific songwriter, as well as a smart-mouth, highly entertaining storyteller who winds his audience into a tizzy of laughter. His work has toped the Billboard 100 and is an impressive collection of ballads, rockers, and melodic acoustic numbers. Check out his hilarious and heartfelt song “All My Friends” performed at Folk Alliance 2014:

Lake Street Dive

LSD took the cake as my favorite show at High Sierra. Sultry sexy front woman Rachael Price was the most captivating songstress I’ve seen in a long while. Her dynamic vocals were supported by a bodacious band featuring a trumpet/guitar player, bassist, and drummer. The group met in 2004 at the New England Conservatory in Boston and have been breaking through people’s conceptions of folk and soulful rock ballads ever since. The band recently shot up to stardom when they received rave reviews from the The New Yorker and Rolling Stones for a show at NYC City Hall. Check out their hit “Bad Self Portrait” performed live set at Pickathon:

The Wood Brothers

Chirs and Oliver Wood shared a childhood steeped in American roots music and in 2005 they started sharing their unique twist on Americana and blues together on stage. At High Sierra they owned the Grandstand stage and played a well received encore. Characterized by dialed-in vocal harmonies Oliver’s gritty acoustic guitar, Chris’s virtuosic upright bass, the duo has released six albums and earned praise from NPR and The New York Ttimes. Check out  their best known tune, The Luckiest Man, below.

Rising Appalachia

Sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith tear into sound with a sensual prowess. At High Sierra they had the Big Meadow tent crowd enraptured with songs protesting the broken criminal justice system and racial tensions. Their beautiful banjo and fiddle duets pair wonderfully with poetic harmonies like only sisters can do. Their activist anthems are only one of many styles of music they play – including jazz and folk and New Orleans Soul. I have no doubt this women are on the fast track to stardom as their style redefines folk music as a truly living art. Enjoy their down home original “The Dirty South“:.

Sunday

The festival ended with a night of wandering around the festival grounds, meeting old timers who had dubbed their 15 year-old camp “Porch Time” and gladly served you a whiskey cocktail from their homemade bar (felled from a 130-year-old Sugar Pine). With daybreak brought the masses out for “Sunrise Kickball” a calamitous group of festival goers running baselines in Eeyore onesies, dancing to James Brown Remixes, and creating larger than life bubbles thanks to the Bubble Cart.

The Sam Chase

Before heading out we caught the last set of The Sam Chase a rough and tumble bluegrass rocker whose hoarse voice and aggressive guitar plucking adequately matched my all-nighter induced exhaustion. Based in San Francisco, Sam and his band (called The Untraditional) take to stages all over the country with a virulent and frenetic passion. In 2013 they were voted best band by SF Weekly!  Their set ended with two extended and exuberant encore songs, including the aptly named “Glory“, which provided me with the last opportunity to boogie and shake for the weekend.

I left the Vaudeville tent happily exhausted, smiling wide with tinges of  the previous night’s face paint and costumes strapped precariously to my backpack. Soon I was packed up and loading the car for a long ride home. Before leaving I took one last gaze at the surrounding Sierra foothills and felt a sudden surge of happiness and gratitude. The weekend had brought with it a new group of fantatsic friends, numerous new bands to listen to and love, but most all I felt a kinship with the Sierra mountains that I didn’t know had been missing. High Sierra officially had me hooked and 4th of July would never be the same.