• INTERVIEW: Pauli The PSM keeps his pants on with swaggering single
    Oct 15 2024
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Pauli The PSM keeps his pants on with swaggering single

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Pauli The PSM, courtesy Steven Piper. The new single by Pauli The PSM, “Handsome,” is the flip side of a coin for “I Don’t Deserve You (Sunshine).” While August’s meditative song vulnerably questioned his relationship with his audience, the new one is a swaggering self-empowerment anthem he hopes…
  • Tuesday Tracks: Phoneboy, Michigander, Rose City Band
    Oct 15 2024
    12:01 AM

    Tuesday Tracks: Phoneboy, Michigander, Rose City Band

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Phoneboy, courtesy. This week’s picks include propulsive, yearning tunes by Phoneboy and Michigander, a retro-sounding blend of music icons’ sounds by Rose City Band, a simmering southern rocker by Loose Cattle, a ’90s cover for a good cause by White Denim and a fun bop with a serious…
  • AFTERSHOCK: Mötley Crüe, Falling In Reverse conclude final day
    Oct 14 2024
    07:02 AM

    AFTERSHOCK: Mötley Crüe, Falling In Reverse conclude final day

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Mötley Crüe performs during Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif. on Oct. 13, 2024. AFTERSHOCK 2024: • Slayer reunites for explosive Thursday headlining set • Slipknot rocks like its 1999 on fest’s second day • Iron Maiden, Judas Priest lead British invasion on day 3 SACRAMENTO…
  • AFTERSHOCK: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest lead British invasion on day 3
    Oct 13 2024
    07:05 AM

    AFTERSHOCK: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest lead British invasion on day 3

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Iron Maiden performs during Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif. on Oct. 12, 2024. Photos courtesy Aftershock Festival. AFTERSHOCK 2024: • Slayer reunites for explosive Thursday headlining set • Slipknot rocks like its 1999 on fest’s second day SACRAMENTO — Saturday night’s Aftershock headliners were proof…
  • AFTERSHOCK: Slipknot rocks like its 1999 on fest's second day
    Oct 12 2024
    07:31 AM

    AFTERSHOCK: Slipknot rocks like its 1999 on fest’s second day

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Slipknot performs during Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif. on Oct. 11, 2024. Photos courtesy Aftershock Festival. AFTERSHOCK 2024: • Slayer reunites for explosive Thursday headlining set SACRAMENTO — Aftershock Festival’s second day featured a variety of punk icons and modern rock heavyweights. The crowds felt…
  • REVIEW: Molchat Doma previews its tour with intimate Echo gig in L.A.
    Oct 11 2024
    05:05 PM

    REVIEW: Molchat Doma previews its tour with intimate Echo gig in L.A.

    Paige K. Parsons No Comments 0
    Molchat Doma performs at the Echo in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 2024. Photos: Paige K. Parsons. LOS ANGELES — There’s a unique thrill in stumbling upon a surprise show by one of your favorite bands. Belorussian post-punk band Molchat Doma, which just announced a 60-date tour in support…
  • AFTERSHOCK: Slayer reunites for explosive Thursday headlining set
    Oct 11 2024
    02:48 AM

    AFTERSHOCK: Slayer reunites for explosive Thursday headlining set

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Slayer performs during Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif. on Oct. 10, 2024. Photos courtesy Aftershock. SACRAMENTO — Aftershock Festival returned to Discovery Park bigger than ever on Thursday, the first of four days. The addition of a fifth stage for the first time created a Warped-Tour-esque…
  • REVIEW: Weezer crosses the galaxy to revisit debut album at Chase Center
    Oct 10 2024
    07:34 AM

    REVIEW: Weezer crosses the galaxy to revisit debut album at Chase Center

    David Gill 1 Comment 0
    Weezer performs at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Oct. 9, 2024. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — A silver capsule appeared onstage Wednesday night at Chase Center. As countdown clocks on giant screens reached zero, the capsule rose slowly, revealing the four members of Weezer, standing on…
  • PHOTOS: Clairo 'Charms' South Bay fans at Frost Amphitheater
    Oct 07 2024
    06:56 AM

    PHOTOS: Clairo ‘Charms’ South Bay fans at Frost Amphitheater

    Aaron Lee No Comments 0
    Clairo performs at Frost Amphitheatre in Palo Alto, Calif. on Oct. 6, 2024. PALO ALTO, Calif. — Pop singer Clairo brought her soothing vocal melodies to Frost Amphitheater at Stanford on Sunday night for a stop on her Charm Tour. Singer-songwriter Claire Cottrill, who broke out in 2017…
  • INTERVIEW: Serj Tankian digging up his roots with ‘Foundations’
    Oct 07 2024
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Serj Tankian digging up his roots with ‘Foundations’

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Serj Tankian, courtesy, Like thumbing through the pages of an old photo album, Serj Tankian looked to create a musical archive with his new EP, Foundations. The singer, songwriter and System of a Down frontman saw how his memoir, “Down With the System: A Memoir (of Sorts),” resonated…
  • REVIEW: Jack White delivers hot and sweaty set at Great American Music Hall
    Oct 05 2024
    07:16 AM

    REVIEW: Jack White delivers hot and sweaty set at Great American Music Hall

    David Gill No Comments 0
    Jack White performs at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 4, 2024. Courtesy David James Swanson. SAN FRANCISCO — Friday night’s surprise sold-out Jack White concert was everything rock and roll is supposed to be: hot, loud, sweaty and intense. The show followed a similar…
  • REVIEW: Hans Zimmer keeps Oakland fans up past their bedtimes
    Oct 04 2024
    03:36 AM

    REVIEW: Hans Zimmer keeps Oakland fans up past their bedtimes

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Hans Zimmer Live performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on Oct. 3, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. OAKLAND — Fans of acclaimed film composer Hans Zimmer had waited seven years to see him perform; what was another two hours? Well… The attendees at the Thursday night concert at Oakland Arena…
  • REVIEW: Air imagines a different future at the Masonic
    Oct 03 2024
    07:27 AM

    REVIEW: Air imagines a different future at the Masonic

    David Gill 1 Comment 0
    Air performs at the Masonic in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Science fiction writer William Gibson once wrote, “The future is already here, it’s just not evenly distributed.” But quite a bit of the future seemed to be present at the Masonic…
  • Portola Festival: Justice, M.I.A., Disclosure highlight second day
    Sep 30 2024
    08:49 AM

    Portola Festival: Justice, M.I.A., Disclosure highlight second day

    Staff report No Comments 0
    Justice performs at Portola Festival in San Francisco on Sept. 29, 2024. Matt Pang and Gavin Legaspi/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Portola Festival offered up its annual display of freedom of love and expression and celebration of all things electronic at Pier 80 over the weekend. Music lovers crowded…
  • INTERVIEW: P.O.D. keeps a blue-collar mentality after three decades
    Sep 30 2024
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: P.O.D. keeps a blue-collar mentality after three decades

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Sonny Sandoval performs with P.O.D. during Sick New World festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on May 13, 2023. Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images. Tastes can change and bands can shine bright then disappear in an instant. But for SoCal hard rock band P.O.D., the mission has…
  • PHOTOS: A Boogie Wit da Hoodie gets aggressive at Bill Graham Civic
    Sep 29 2024
    08:11 AM

    PHOTOS: A Boogie Wit da Hoodie gets aggressive at Bill Graham Civic

    Aaron Lee No Comments 0
    A Boogie Wit da Hoodie performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Sept. 28, 2024. SAN FRANCISCO — A Boogie Wit da Hoodie brought both melodies and bars to Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on Saturday. New York rapper Artist Julius Dubose, 28, performed songs about…
  • REVIEW: Tems shows her 'wild' side at sold-out Warfield show
    Sep 28 2024
    08:47 AM

    REVIEW: Tems shows her ‘wild’ side at sold-out Warfield show

    Mel Bowman No Comments 0
    Tems performs at the Warfield in San Francisco on Sept. 27, 2024. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Grammy-winning artist Tems performed to a sold-out house at the Warfield on Friday night. The Nigerian singer-songwriter, born Temilade Openiyi, is on her first headlining tour, in support of her June…
  • REVIEW: Orville Peck brings on the waterworks at Bill Graham Civic show
    Sep 28 2024
    02:15 AM

    REVIEW: Orville Peck brings on the waterworks at Bill Graham Civic show

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Orville Peck performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Sept. 27, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Country crooner Orville Peck didn’t tour at all in 2023, canceling shows to work on his mental heath. The masked singer-songwriter, born Daniel Pitout in South Africa and…
  • REWIND: With the Oakland Athletics no more, let's take a look at the Coliseum
    Sep 28 2024
    01:30 AM

    REWIND: With the Oakland Athletics no more, let’s take a look at the Coliseum

    Daniel J. Willis No Comments 0
    Oakland A’s sell-out crowd as they play final game at Oakland Coliseum on Sept. 26, 2024. Eakin Howard/Getty Images. As of Sept. 26, 2024, the Oakland Athletics are dead. The team still has a series on the road before it becomes the “Athletics” with no city, playing in…
  • INTERVIEW: Creed Bratton's journey from the Grass Roots to 'The Office' to 'Tao Pop'
    Sep 25 2024
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Creed Bratton’s journey from the Grass Roots to ‘The Office’ to ‘Tao Pop’

    Daniel J. Willis No Comments 0
    Creed Bratton, courtesy Shayan Asgharnia. Creed Bratton is both an actor and a musician. But rather than the typical path where an actor dabbles in music or a musician takes on acting roles, Bratton’s two career paths have led into each other from the beginning. Tao Pop Creed…
  • RIFF RADIO: Fever 333 calls on a ‘Higher Power’ to disrupt the system
    Sep 23 2024
    12:01 AM

    RIFF RADIO: Fever 333 calls on a ‘Higher Power’ to disrupt the system

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Fever 333, courtesy Solo Nichol. The mission is clear for Grammy-nominated SoCal rock band Fever 333: Support marginalized communities, challenge the system and electrify the masses. Darker White Fever 333 Century Media/333 Wreckords Crew, Oct. 4 Get the album on Amazon Music. “Everything they told you that you…
  • Green Day accepts key to Pinole at teen hangout 7-Eleven
    Sep 22 2024
    08:14 PM

    Green Day accepts key to Pinole at teen hangout 7-Eleven

    Staff report 1 Comment 0
    Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool of Green Day with their new coffee flavors at a 7-Eleven store on Pinole Valley Road in Pinole, Calif. on Sept. 22, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. By Ashley Lane PINOLE, Calif. — Back in the East Bay city of Pinole where…
  • REVIEW: Peter Hook & The Light perform double duty at the Warfield
    Sep 22 2024
    06:21 AM

    REVIEW: Peter Hook & The Light perform double duty at the Warfield

    David Gill 1 Comment 0
    Peter Hook & The Light perform at The Warfield in San Francisco on Sept. 21, 2024. Derek Fisher/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Legendary bassist Peter Hook delivered what amounted to two headlining sets from his pair of  influential bands Saturday night at the Warfield. Fronting Peter Hook & The Light,…
  • REVIEW: Green Day celebrates its roots, blasts Oakland A’s owner at Oracle Park
    Sep 21 2024
    08:32 AM

    REVIEW: Green Day celebrates its roots, blasts Oakland A’s owner at Oracle Park

    Mike DeWald 1 Comment 0
    Green Day performs at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sept. 20, 2024. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Green Day’s Bay Area homecoming at Oracle Park on Friday was billed as a celebratory affair, marking the 20th anniversary of American Idiot and the 30th of Dookie, and the…
  • REVIEW: Pulp shows its relevance at the Hollywood Palladium in L.A.
    Sep 19 2024
    05:08 AM

    REVIEW: Pulp shows its relevance at the Hollywood Palladium in L.A.

    Skott Bennett 1 Comment 0
    Pulp performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Sept. 16, 2024. Mariana Garcias/STAFF. LOS ANGELES — It’s been quite a few weeks for our ’90s alt-rock icons. Within days of each other, we’ve had an Oasis reunion, an out-of-wedlock baby Grohl and footage of Perry…
  • Dreamfest: P!NK, Imagine Dragons team up for Dreamforce at Oracle Park
    Sep 19 2024
    01:43 AM

    Dreamfest: P!NK, Imagine Dragons team up for Dreamforce at Oracle Park

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    P!NK performs at Dreamfest, the Salesforce Dreamforce concert, at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sept. 18, 2024. Courtesy Ando Caulfield. SAN FRANCISCO — The stars were out in the sky and inside Oracle Park on Wednesday for Dreamfest, Salesforce’s annual benefit concert for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals…

News

    • Coldplay bringing Music of the Spheres tour back to the Bay Area
      Coldplay bringing Music of the Spheres tour back to the Bay Area
      October 8, 2024 at 9:26 am
      Coldplay, courtesy. Coldplay on Tuesday announced new dates on its Music of the Spheres tour for next summer, which kick of with a Bay Area date…
      Hans Zimmer Live Oakland Arena concert delayed by 'security incident'
      Hans Zimmer Live Oakland Arena concert delayed by ‘security incident’
      October 3, 2024 at 9:22 pm
      Thursday night’s Hans Zimmer Live concert at Oakland Arena has been delayed, reportedly by a bomb threat, according to Oakland Police. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. OAKLAND — A…
    • Green Day accepts key to Pinole at teen hangout 7-Eleven
      Green Day accepts key to Pinole at teen hangout 7-Eleven
      September 22, 2024 at 8:14 pm
      Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool of Green Day with their new coffee flavors at a 7-Eleven store on Pinole Valley Road in Pinole,…
      Pinole to give Green Day key to the city, honor band with mural today
      Pinole to give Green Day key to the city, honor band with mural today
      September 22, 2024 at 12:00 pm
      Green Day performs at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sept. 20, 2024. Catajan/STAFF. The East Bay town of Pinole will honor its most famous rocker…
    • Noise Pop bringing Thundercat, Lee Fields to free show at Golden Gate Park next month
      Noise Pop bringing Thundercat, Lee Fields to free show at Golden Gate Park next month
      September 19, 2024 at 8:58 pm
      Thundercat performs at Portola Festival in San Francisco on Oct. 1, 2023. Gavin Legaspi/STAFF. Funk bassist Thundercat, soul crooner Lee Fields and Bay Area cumbia septet…
      Metallica announces 2025 stadium tour, two Levi's Stadium dates
      Metallica announces 2025 stadium tour, two Levi’s Stadium dates
      September 19, 2024 at 10:23 am
      Metallica performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Dec. 17, 2021. Metallica on Thursday announced that its M72 World Tour will continue into a third…
    • Dreamfest: P!NK, Imagine Dragons team up for Dreamforce at Oracle Park
      Dreamfest: P!NK, Imagine Dragons team up for Dreamforce at Oracle Park
      September 19, 2024 at 1:43 am
      P!NK performs at Dreamfest, the Salesforce Dreamforce concert, at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sept. 18, 2024. Courtesy Ando Caulfield. SAN FRANCISCO — The stars…
      Jane's Addiction cancels rest of tour, SF show, in aftermath of on-stage fight
      Jane’s Addiction cancels rest of tour, SF show, in aftermath of on-stage fight
      September 16, 2024 at 10:43 am
      Jane’s Addiction performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Nov. 15, 2022. Steve Carlson/STAFF. Jane’s Addiction on Monday canceled the remainder of its tour with…
    • Patti Smith to speak in Oakland at Lynn Goldsmith's photography book launch
      Patti Smith to speak in Oakland at Lynn Goldsmith’s photography book launch
      September 12, 2024 at 2:12 pm
      Patti Smith and Lynn Goldsmith, courtesy. Patti Smith will speak next month at friend and photographer Lynn Goldsmith’s launch of her new book that captures the…
      Dua Lipa announces 2025 Radical Optimism Tour, Chase Center shows
      Dua Lipa announces 2025 Radical Optimism Tour, Chase Center shows
      September 12, 2024 at 12:16 pm
      Dua Lipa performs during the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 4, 2024. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording…
    • Childish Gambino postpones The New World Tour, Chase Center show
      Childish Gambino postpones The New World Tour, Chase Center show
      September 10, 2024 at 4:44 pm
      Childish Gambino performs at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco during the Outside Lands Music Festival on Aug. 10, 2019. Joaquin Cabello/STAFF. Actor, singer and rapper…
      Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds to embark on spring tour, SF stop
      Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds to embark on spring tour, SF stop
      September 9, 2024 at 11:06 am
      Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds perform at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on June 24, 2017. Photo: Paige K. Parsons. Nick Cave & The Bad…
    • Linkin Park back with new singer, drummer, song, album and tour
      Linkin Park back with new singer, drummer, song, album and tour
      September 6, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Linkin Park, courtesy. After days of countdowns, trolling and endless speculation, Linkin Park is back, becoming the second long-absent rock act to return, after Oasis. What…
      Blue Note reimagines Napa jazz fest as Black Radio Experience, with Jill Scott
      Blue Note reimagines Napa jazz fest as Black Radio Experience, with Jill Scott
      August 31, 2024 at 8:23 am
      Jill Scott performs during the Black Radio Experience at Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa on Aug. 30, 2024. Martin Lacey/STAFF. NAPA — The Blue Note…
    • Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces next round of 2024 artists
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces next round of 2024 artists
      August 21, 2024 at 10:35 am
      Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters perform at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Oct. 5, 2019. The producers of…
      Average White Band, Commodores lead Mare Island Dock of Bay Festival
      Average White Band, Commodores lead Mare Island Dock of Bay Festival
      August 17, 2024 at 9:47 pm
      Hamish Stuart (of Average White Band) performs with Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band at the Masonic in San Francisco on June 11, 2023. Gary Chancer/STAFF.…
    • Jerry Harrison, Adrian Belew to perform Talking Heads' 'Remain in Light' for free in SF
      Jerry Harrison, Adrian Belew to perform Talking Heads’ ‘Remain in Light’ for free in SF
      August 17, 2024 at 11:08 am
      Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew perform during High Sierra Music Festival at Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds in Quincy, Calif. on July 4, 2024. Courtesy Susan J. Weiand.…
      K-poppers Seventeen coming back to the Bay
      K-poppers Seventeen coming back to the Bay
      August 7, 2024 at 12:22 pm
      Seventeen performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Aug. 14, 2022 during the group’s Be the Sun Tour. Courtesy. K-pop group Seventeen has announced a…
    • Project Pabst: Portland and Pabst Blue Ribbon find their groove
      Project Pabst: Portland and Pabst Blue Ribbon find their groove
      August 3, 2024 at 11:44 am
      Attendees at Project Pabst at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Ore. on July 27, 2024. Photos: Leah Flores. By Ben Niesen The Pabst Brewing Company…
      Billy Idol, T-Pain ring in Project Pabst's return to Portland
      Billy Idol, T-Pain ring in Project Pabst’s return to Portland
      July 28, 2024 at 1:33 pm
      Billy Idol performs during Project Pabst at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Ore. on July 27, 2024. Photos: Leah Flores. By Ben Niesen PORTLAND, Ore.…
    • Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces first round of 2024 artists
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces first round of 2024 artists
      July 24, 2024 at 11:58 am
      Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters perform at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Oct. 5, 2019. The producers of…
      Outside Lands Music Festival announces set times
      Outside Lands Music Festival announces set times
      July 23, 2024 at 4:37 pm
      Sabrina Carpenter performs during Governors Ball at Flushing Meadows in Corona Park in New York City on June 8, 2024. She’ll headline Outside Lands in August.…
    • Kehlani announces Crash tour, Chase Center date
      Kehlani announces Crash tour, Chase Center date
      July 23, 2024 at 12:19 pm
      Kehlani, courtesy. Kehlani on Tuesday announced a tour to support their new album, CRASH, a 31-city jaunt that includes a final stop at Chase Center in…
      Metallica announces annual All Within My Hands Foundation benefit in L.A.
      Metallica announces annual All Within My Hands Foundation benefit in L.A.
      July 22, 2024 at 7:08 pm
      Metallica performs at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 27, 2022. Metallica on Monday announced the date of its All Within My…

Festivals

    • AFTERSHOCK: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest lead British invasion on day 3
      AFTERSHOCK: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest lead British invasion on day 3
      October 13, 2024 at 7:05 am
      Iron Maiden performs during Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif. on Oct. 12, 2024. Photos courtesy Aftershock Festival. AFTERSHOCK 2024: • Slayer reunites for…
      AFTERSHOCK: Slipknot rocks like its 1999 on fest's second day
      AFTERSHOCK: Slipknot rocks like its 1999 on fest’s second day
      October 12, 2024 at 7:31 am
      Slipknot performs during Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif. on Oct. 11, 2024. Photos courtesy Aftershock Festival. AFTERSHOCK 2024: • Slayer reunites for explosive…
    • AFTERSHOCK: Slayer reunites for explosive Thursday headlining set
      AFTERSHOCK: Slayer reunites for explosive Thursday headlining set
      October 11, 2024 at 2:48 am
      Slayer performs during Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif. on Oct. 10, 2024. Photos courtesy Aftershock. SACRAMENTO — Aftershock Festival returned to Discovery Park bigger…
      Portola Festival: Justice, M.I.A., Disclosure highlight second day
      Portola Festival: Justice, M.I.A., Disclosure highlight second day
      September 30, 2024 at 8:49 am
      Justice performs at Portola Festival in San Francisco on Sept. 29, 2024. Matt Pang and Gavin Legaspi/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Portola Festival offered up its annual…
    • INTERVIEW: P.O.D. keeps a blue-collar mentality after three decades
      INTERVIEW: P.O.D. keeps a blue-collar mentality after three decades
      September 30, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Sonny Sandoval performs with P.O.D. during Sick New World festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on May 13, 2023. Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images. Tastes…
      André 3000, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild close out Black Radio Experience
      André 3000, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild close out Black Radio Experience
      September 2, 2024 at 8:50 am
      Robert Glasper and Musiq Souldchild perform during the Black Radio Experience at Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa on Sept. 1, 2024. Matt Pang/STAFF. NAPA —…
    • Blue Note reimagines Napa jazz fest as Black Radio Experience, with Jill Scott
      Blue Note reimagines Napa jazz fest as Black Radio Experience, with Jill Scott
      August 31, 2024 at 8:23 am
      Jill Scott performs during the Black Radio Experience at Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa on Aug. 30, 2024. Martin Lacey/STAFF. NAPA — The Blue Note…
      Chaka Khan concludes Stern Grove's 87th year with iconic repertoire
      Chaka Khan concludes Stern Grove’s 87th year with iconic repertoire
      August 26, 2024 at 1:13 am
      Chaka Khan performs during Stern Grove Festival at Sigmund Stern Grove in San Francisco on Aug. 25, 2024. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The legendary Chaka…
    • Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces next round of 2024 artists
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces next round of 2024 artists
      August 21, 2024 at 10:35 am
      Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters perform at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Oct. 5, 2019. The producers of…
      Photo essay: Fashions of Outside Lands 2024
      Photo essay: Fashions of Outside Lands 2024
      August 13, 2024 at 8:12 am
      Attendees at Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 9, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Outside Lands was not…
    • Sunday’s best of the rest at Outside Lands: Teddy Swims, Elyanna and more
      Sunday’s best of the rest at Outside Lands: Teddy Swims, Elyanna and more
      August 12, 2024 at 9:18 am
      Teddy Swims performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. Sure, Chappell Roan’s set at…
      Outside Lands: Sturgill Simpson misses the blue skies to close out the fest
      Outside Lands: Sturgill Simpson misses the blue skies to close out the fest
      August 12, 2024 at 7:44 am
      Sturgill Simpson performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The sun…
    • Outside Lands: Post Malone honors country music's greats
      Outside Lands: Post Malone honors country music’s greats
      August 12, 2024 at 6:52 am
      Post Malone performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2024. SAN FRANCISCO — “My name is Austin Richard…
      Outside Lands: Chappell Roan rules them all on fest’s final day
      Outside Lands: Chappell Roan rules them all on fest’s final day
      August 12, 2024 at 6:00 am
      Chappell Roan performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2024. Mariana Garcias/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO —The buzz about…
    • Outside Lands: Friday's and Saturday's best of the rest
      Outside Lands: Friday’s and Saturday’s best of the rest
      August 11, 2024 at 11:00 am
      Fletcher performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 10, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO —Outside Lands is about…

Features

    • INTERVIEW: Serj Tankian digging up his roots with ‘Foundations’
      INTERVIEW: Serj Tankian digging up his roots with ‘Foundations’
      October 7, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Serj Tankian, courtesy, Like thumbing through the pages of an old photo album, Serj Tankian looked to create a musical archive with his new EP, Foundations.…
    • INTERVIEW: P.O.D. keeps a blue-collar mentality after three decades
      INTERVIEW: P.O.D. keeps a blue-collar mentality after three decades
      September 30, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Sonny Sandoval performs with P.O.D. during Sick New World festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on May 13, 2023. Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images. Tastes…
    • INTERVIEW: Creed Bratton's journey from the Grass Roots to 'The Office' to 'Tao Pop'
      INTERVIEW: Creed Bratton’s journey from the Grass Roots to ‘The Office’ to ‘Tao Pop’
      September 25, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Creed Bratton, courtesy Shayan Asgharnia. Creed Bratton is both an actor and a musician. But rather than the typical path where an actor dabbles in music…
    • RIFF RADIO: Fever 333 calls on a ‘Higher Power’ to disrupt the system
      RIFF RADIO: Fever 333 calls on a ‘Higher Power’ to disrupt the system
      September 23, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Fever 333, courtesy Solo Nichol. The mission is clear for Grammy-nominated SoCal rock band Fever 333: Support marginalized communities, challenge the system and electrify the masses.…
    • INTERVIEW: Sarah Kinsley plays an 'Escaper' on her new album and tour
      INTERVIEW: Sarah Kinsley plays an ‘Escaper’ on her new album and tour
      September 16, 2024 at 12:07 am
      Sarah Kinsley, courtesy. Sarah Kinsley thought that maybe after college she would work in the music business, but she didn’t think being a musician full time…
    • INTERVIEW: Incubus reprises landmark ‘Morning View’ on tour
      INTERVIEW: Incubus reprises landmark ‘Morning View’ on tour
      September 2, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Incubus, courtesy Shawn Hanna. Morning View may Incubus’ third album, but given the breakout success the band had coming off of 1999’s Make Yourself and “Drive,”…
    • INTERVIEW: Mondo Cozmo taking risks on 'principle' with new LP
      INTERVIEW: Mondo Cozmo taking risks on ‘principle’ with new LP
      August 26, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Mondo Cozmo, courtesy. Josh Ostrander, better known as Mondo Cozmo, has been working on a dream, to borrow a phrase from Bruce Springsteen. When it comes…
    • INTERVIEW: Amy Shark channeling all the feels
      INTERVIEW: Amy Shark channeling all the feels
      August 19, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Amy Shark, courtesy. Sundays became about separating herself from sadness for Australian singer-songwriter Amy Shark. As she worked on her latest record, Sunday Sadness, that final…

Q&A's

    • Q&A: Nelly bringing the 'Heartland' to the Bay with BottleRock, Janet Jackson tour
      Q&A: Nelly bringing the ‘Heartland’ to the Bay with BottleRock, Janet Jackson tour
      May 13, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Nelly performs at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. Nelly might have sold half his music catalog last summer, but the…
    • Q&A: Kim Petras riding an 'Unholy' wave with 'Feed the Beast' tour
      Q&A: Kim Petras riding an ‘Unholy’ wave with ‘Feed the Beast’ tour
      October 23, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Kim Petras performs during her Feed The Beast World Tour at Moody Amphitheater in Austin, Texas on Sept. 27, 2023. Photo by Renee Dominguez/Getty Images. Problematique was…
    • Q&A: The Darkness' Frankie Poullain wants to cry, climax on Permission to Land 20 Tour
      Q&A: The Darkness’ Frankie Poullain wants to cry, climax on Permission to Land 20 Tour
      September 28, 2023 at 12:01 am
      The Darkness, courtesy Gareth Parker. Brit rockers The Darkness are celebrating the release of their 2003 debut, Permission to Land, with a re-release of the multi-platinum…
    • Interview: French electro-pop trio Hyphen Hyphen wants to take over the U.S.
      Interview: French electro-pop trio Hyphen Hyphen wants to take over the U.S.
      August 24, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Hyphen Hyphen, courtesy. French synthpop trio Hyphen Hyphen loves finishing each other’s sentences. Like a symbiotic mind on pretty much all matters, vocalist-keyboardist Samanta “Santa” Cotta,…

Album Reviews

    • ALBUM REVEW: Jerry Cantrell cuts deep on fiery ‘I Want Blood'
      ALBUM REVEW: Jerry Cantrell cuts deep on fiery ‘I Want Blood’
      October 11, 2024 at 10:22 am
      Jerry Cantrell, “I Want Blood.” Few hard rock musicians carry the torch for the authentic Seattle sound of ‘90s grunge like guitarist Jerry Cantrell. The Alice…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jelly Roll remains 'Beautifully Broken' on new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jelly Roll remains ‘Beautifully Broken’ on new LP
      October 11, 2024 at 4:06 am
      Jelly Roll, “Beautifully Broken.” Reigning CMA Artist of the Year Jelly Roll continues his meteoric rise across genres with his eighth album, Beautifully Broken. Beautifully Broken…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: The Offspring rediscover its sound with 'SUPERCHARGED'
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Offspring rediscover its sound with ‘SUPERCHARGED’
      October 6, 2024 at 12:35 pm
      The Offspring, “SUPERCHARGED.” I don’t mean to alarm anyone but Smash, the breakout album by The Offspring, was released 30 years ago. SUPERCHARGED The Offspring Concord, Oct.…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Coldplay finds peace on ‘Moon Music’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Coldplay finds peace on ‘Moon Music’
      October 4, 2024 at 1:25 am
      Coldplay, “Moon Music.” Coldplay recently announced that its 12th album would be its last and that the quartet would be retiring afterward. Music Moon, the band’s…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Leon Bridges’ joy and maturity is contagious on self-titled LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Leon Bridges’ joy and maturity is contagious on self-titled LP
      October 3, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Leon Bridges, “Leon.” Leon Bridges’ 2021 album, Gold-Diggers Sound, expanded on the soulful feeling of his first two records with some new electronic elements, making for…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Orla Gartland declares independence with 'Everybody Needs a Hero'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Orla Gartland declares independence with ‘Everybody Needs a Hero’
      October 3, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Orla Gartland, “Everybody Needs a Hero.” Irish singer-songwriter Orla Gartland is back with another album of enigmatic pop on the vulerable Everybody Needs a Hero. Everybody Needs…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Thom Yorke and friends get mellow on The Smile LP 'Cutouts'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Thom Yorke and friends get mellow on The Smile LP ‘Cutouts’
      September 30, 2024 at 1:34 pm
      The Smile (Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and Tom Skinner), “Cutouts.” Cutouts is the second full-length album from The Smile in 2024. The supergroup composed of Radiohead’s…
      ALBUM REVIEW: FINNEAS continues his evolution, 'For Cryin’ Out Loud!'
      ALBUM REVIEW: FINNEAS continues his evolution, ‘For Cryin’ Out Loud!’
      September 29, 2024 at 8:23 pm
      FINNEAS, “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” You’d have to be living under a rock to be completely unaware of the success of Billie Eilish and her producer-collaborator…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: James Bay chases dreams on 'Changes All The Time'
      ALBUM REVIEW: James Bay chases dreams on ‘Changes All The Time’
      September 28, 2024 at 6:16 pm
      James Bay, Changes All The Time.” What happens when you have the backing of The Lumineers and Noah Kahan, and you have vocal range and a…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Caribou sticks it all together with 'Honey'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Caribou sticks it all together with ‘Honey’
      September 28, 2024 at 12:19 pm
      Caribou, “Honey.” With 10 albums and three monikers, Dan Snaith has accomplished a lot, and he continues to show how much music he still has up…
    • REVIEW: Tom Petty's songs reimagined for 'Bad Monkey' soundtrack
      REVIEW: Tom Petty’s songs reimagined for ‘Bad Monkey’ soundtrack
      September 28, 2024 at 9:55 am
      “Bad Monkey” original series soundtrack, celebrating the music of Tom Petty. The gift and curse of a genius like William Shakespeare’s is that the bard’s work…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Billy Strings delivers excellence on ‘Highway Prayers'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Billy Strings delivers excellence on ‘Highway Prayers’
      September 26, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Billy Strings, “Highway Prayers.” Virtuosic bluegrass musician Billy Strings keeps up his hot streak on Highway Prayers, the singer-songwriter’s fourth album. The Michigan native is known…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Katy Perry swings and misses on her return with ‘143'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Katy Perry swings and misses on her return with ‘143′
      September 19, 2024 at 11:31 pm
      Katy Perry, “143.”   For Katy Perry, 143 isn’t just her first album in four years—it’s a return to making music after several years as a…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Nelly Furtado feeling lucky and ready to dance on '7'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Nelly Furtado feeling lucky and ready to dance on ‘7’
      September 19, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Nelly Furtado, “7.” “Feel like I’m ready to change,” Nelly Furtado croons shortly into the synth-laced, peppy two-and-a-half-minute “Showstopper.” It’s been seven years since her last…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Blossoms search for ‘Gary,’ find pop hooks on new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Blossoms search for ‘Gary,’ find pop hooks on new LP
      September 18, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Blossoms, “Gary.” Sometimes inspiration strikes in an unexpected place. On Blossoms‘ fifth album, the Manchester rockers used the heist of an eight-foot-tall fiberglass gorilla statue affectionally…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Bright Eyes get mysterious on 'Five Dice, All Threes'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Bright Eyes get mysterious on ‘Five Dice, All Threes’
      September 14, 2024 at 11:56 am
      Bright Eyes, “Five Dice, All Threes.” The first 90 seconds of Five Dice, All Threes, the new album from folk-rock act Bright Eyes, features dialog centered…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Seether stays reliably hard on ‘The Surface Seems So Far'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Seether stays reliably hard on ‘The Surface Seems So Far’
      September 13, 2024 at 11:53 am
      Seether, “The Surface Seems So Far.” When it comes to heavy grunge-inspired rock with anthemic melodies, few bands deliver as reliably as Seether. The South African…
      REVIEW: Suki Waterhouse dances through life on 'Memoir of a Sparklemuffin'
      REVIEW: Suki Waterhouse dances through life on ‘Memoir of a Sparklemuffin’
      September 7, 2024 at 12:17 pm
      Suki Waterhouse, “Memoir of a Sparklemuffin.” It’s been an eventful year for Suki Waterhouse. The English singer-songwriter and actress became a first-time mother, performed at Coachella…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Keshi questions his mortality and purpose on 'Requiem'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Keshi questions his mortality and purpose on ‘Requiem’
      September 7, 2024 at 11:59 am
      Keshi, “Requiem.” What happens when your debut album has over three billions streams and leads to sold-out shows worldwide? You make a second that allows you…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Miranda Lambert reminisces over 'Postcards from Texas'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Miranda Lambert reminisces over ‘Postcards from Texas’
      September 7, 2024 at 9:32 am
      Miranda Lambert, “Postcards From Texas.” For her 10th album and her first, Miranda Lambert didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. The Texas native remains strong and…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: The Jesus Lizard rises again on first new album in 26 years
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Jesus Lizard rises again on first new album in 26 years
      September 6, 2024 at 11:01 pm
      The Jesus Lizard, “Rack.” There are those for whom rock and roll is a transformative experience, people who are remade in the crucible of overdriven guitars…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Snow Patrol forges ahead on ‘The Forest is the Path'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Snow Patrol forges ahead on ‘The Forest is the Path’
      September 6, 2024 at 10:22 am
      Snow Patrol, “The Forest is the Path.” U.K. band Snow Patrol allowed the seasons to change on its eighth album, The Forest is the Path, its…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Blink-182 does it 'One More Time...' with feeling
      ALBUM REVIEW: Blink-182 does it ‘One More Time…’ with feeling
      September 5, 2024 at 5:28 pm
      blink-182, “ONE MORE TIME… PART 2.” Following up their career-resurrecting hit album One More Time, blink-182 quickly expanded the offering with One More Time… Part 2.…
      ALBUM REVIEW: George Strait calls on friends, family for 'Cowboys and Dreamers'
      ALBUM REVIEW: George Strait calls on friends, family for ‘Cowboys and Dreamers’
      August 31, 2024 at 12:02 pm
      George Strait, “Cowboys and Dreamers.” Listening to George Strait is like chatting with an old friend. It’s comforting and deeply enjoyable every time for classic country…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Zedd fulfills creative goals with 'Telos'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Zedd fulfills creative goals with ‘Telos’
      August 29, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Zedd, “Telos” Telos is almost entirely collaborative with Zedd featuring eight different artists on nine out of its 10 tracks. Producer and DJ Anton Zaslavski pulled…
      REVIEW: 'Luck and Strange' finds David Gilmour relighting an old spark
      REVIEW: ‘Luck and Strange’ finds David Gilmour relighting an old spark
      August 26, 2024 at 10:44 pm
      David Gilmour, “Luck and Strange.” It’s been a decade since the final Pink Floyd album, the largely instrumental The Endless River, and almost that long since…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds go big on 'Wild God'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds go big on ‘Wild God’
      August 26, 2024 at 12:20 am
      Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, “Wild God.” One of the surest signs that our culture is in decline is that we don’t have that many…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Rachel Platten mines personal struggle on her first LP since 2017
      ALBUM REVIEW: Rachel Platten mines personal struggle on her first LP since 2017
      August 24, 2024 at 11:50 am
      Rachel Plattem, “I Am Rachel Platten.” Rachel Platten built her identity on ideas of self-love and perseverance. These principles guided her music from her early independent…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Sabrina Carpenter cheeky as ever on ‘Short n’ Sweet’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sabrina Carpenter cheeky as ever on ‘Short n’ Sweet’
      August 22, 2024 at 11:19 pm
      Sabrina Carpenter, “Short n’ Sweet.” Since the mid-2010s, when the Disney Channel gave her airtime, Sabrina Carpenter has had difficulty establishing a distinct sound or persona…
      REVIEW: Fontaines D.C. reinvent themselves with 'Romance'
      REVIEW: Fontaines D.C. reinvent themselves with ‘Romance’
      August 18, 2024 at 8:23 pm
      Fontaines D.C., “Romance.” Romance, the fourth album by Irish rock quintet Fontaines D.C., is a captivating departure from its earlier work. More accessible and urbane than…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Falling in Reverse create a ‘Popular Monster’ with hard rock opus
      ALBUM REVIEW: Falling in Reverse create a ‘Popular Monster’ with hard rock opus
      August 16, 2024 at 6:43 pm
      Falling in Reverse, “Popular Monster.” There’s no pinning down Ronnie Radke on Popular Monster, the latest from Falling In Reverse. Radke threw everything into the stew,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Post Malone dives headfirst into country on ‘F-1 Trillion'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Post Malone dives headfirst into country on ‘F-1 Trillion’
      August 15, 2024 at 11:29 pm
      Post Malone, “F-1 Trillion.” Austin Richard Post is clearly not one for half measures. On his sixth album, F-1 Trillion, the rapper, singer, and now balladeer,…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Ray LaMontagne steps back into his power on 'Long Way Home'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Ray LaMontagne steps back into his power on ‘Long Way Home’
      August 11, 2024 at 12:23 pm
      Ray Lamontagne, “Long Way Home.” Ray LaMontagne likes to repeat himself. Maybe he always had. And maybe we just need him to because with each progressive…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Amy Shark shows different sides on ‘Sunday Sadness'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Amy Shark shows different sides on ‘Sunday Sadness’
      August 8, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Amy Shark, “Sunday Sadness.” Australian singer-songwriter Amy Shark built her musical foundation on hyper-personal songs, traversing her own internal monologue and tendency to overthink. Those deepest,…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: J Balvin turns out the lights on 'RAYO'
      ALBUM REVIEW: J Balvin turns out the lights on ‘RAYO’
      August 7, 2024 at 11:06 am
      J Balvin, “RAYO.” Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin morphs once again on RAYO, latest collection of dance bangers and melodramatic lyricism. RAYO J Balvin Capitol, Aug.…
      REVIEW: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard take off on ‘Flight b741’
      REVIEW: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard take off on ‘Flight b741’
      August 6, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, “Flight b741.” Rock and roll is, above all, supposed to be fun. On the latest from King Gizzard and Lizard…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: NIKI creates a ‘Buzz’ on eclectic new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: NIKI creates a ‘Buzz’ on eclectic new LP
      August 3, 2024 at 9:46 pm
      NIKI, “Buzz.” The days of performing acoustic covers on YouTube as a high schooler while growing up in Jakarta are long gone for Nicole Zefanya, better…
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Smashing Pumpkins keep pushing on 'Aghori Mhori Mei'
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Smashing Pumpkins keep pushing on ‘Aghori Mhori Mei’
      August 2, 2024 at 6:30 am
      The Smashing Pumpkins, “Aghori Mhori Mei.” Billy Corgan’s Smashing Pumpkins have reached the level of cultural wallpaper. The band’s ’90s hits like “Today” and “Cherub Rock”…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Khalid finds sweet subtlety on sultry 'Sincere'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Khalid finds sweet subtlety on sultry ‘Sincere’
      August 1, 2024 at 10:18 pm
      Khalid, “Sincere.” It doesn’t take much time at all for R&B superstar Khalid to find the vibe on his third album, Sincere. The 16-track record is…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Orville Peck grows his 'Stampede' with new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Orville Peck grows his ‘Stampede’ with new LP
      July 28, 2024 at 3:29 pm
      Orville Peck, “Stampede.” Vol. 1 was just the introduction. Queer country troubadour Orville Peck introduced a new direction with his first EP on Warner Records in…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Empire of the Sun shares introspective fun with 'Ask That God'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Empire of the Sun shares introspective fun with ‘Ask That God’
      July 25, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Empire of the Sun, “Ask That God.” Australian electro-pop duo Empire of the Sun enjoyed its fair share of success in the electronic scene across. That’s…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jack White burns bright on surprise 'No Name' LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jack White burns bright on surprise ‘No Name’ LP
      July 21, 2024 at 10:50 am
      Jack White, “No Name.” Capitalism makes a product out of everything. We don’t just purchase clothing, food and all of the other stuff we need to…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Childish Gambino does it all on what may be his last, and best LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Childish Gambino does it all on what may be his last, and best LP
      July 20, 2024 at 3:43 pm
      Childish Gambino, “Bando Stone and The New World.” The shapeshifter or body snatcher able to invade and occupy people and objects is a recurring character type…
      REVIEW: Not much behind Glass Animals’ shiny exterior on ‘I Love You So F***ing Much’
      REVIEW: Not much behind Glass Animals’ shiny exterior on ‘I Love You So F***ing Much’
      July 15, 2024 at 1:00 pm
      Glass Animals, “I Love You So F***ing Much.” Riding on the high of their 2021 mega-hit “Heat Waves,” British pop band Glass Animals have big shoes…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Deep Purple shows its age on '=1'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Deep Purple shows its age on ‘=1’
      July 12, 2024 at 5:48 pm
      Deep Purple, “=1.” For a band that’s been around for more than 55 years, Deep Purple has been on a bit of a hot streak for…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Megan Moroney doing plenty well with ‘Am I Okay?’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Megan Moroney doing plenty well with ‘Am I Okay?’
      July 11, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Megan Moroney, “Am I Okay?” After a whirlwind year with a headlining tour, a speedy rise to fame and a Stagecoach festival performance in Southern California,…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Uncle Kracker delivers everyman anthems on ‘Coffee & Beer'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Uncle Kracker delivers everyman anthems on ‘Coffee & Beer’
      July 11, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Uncle Kracker, “Coffee & Beer.” It’s all about the simple life these days for Michigan-born singer Matthew Shafer, better known as Uncle Kracker. Paying the bills,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Cigarettes After Sex let it linger on 'X's'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Cigarettes After Sex let it linger on ‘X’s’
      July 6, 2024 at 11:04 am
      Cigarettes After Sex, “X’s.” Greg Gonzalez of Cigarettes After Sex cuts straight to the chase when it comes to the meaning of X’s. He briefly references…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Phish makes an 'evolved' statement
      ALBUM REVIEW: Phish makes an ‘evolved’ statement
      July 3, 2024 at 8:26 am
      Phish, “Evolve.” Jam band Phish has been around a really long time. “As the band has evolved and the world has evolved, the fanbase has evolved…

Listen Now

    • Tuesday Tracks: Starcrawler, Kokoroko, Hamish Anderson
      Tuesday Tracks: Starcrawler, Kokoroko, Hamish Anderson
      October 8, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Starcrawler, courtesy. This week we turn down the tempo a bit with Hamish Anderson’s blues rock, Kokoroko’s Afrobeat jazz and jam band Worthy of Dawn. But…
      Tuesday Tracks: Amber Mark, Flipturn, SPRINTS
      Tuesday Tracks: Amber Mark, Flipturn, SPRINTS
      October 1, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Amber Mark, courtesy. A disco-tinged banger by Amber Mark, alt-pop by Flipturn, electronica by Mild Minds and JADE, folk rock by Samantha Crain and grunge courtesy…

Podcasts

    • RIFF RADIO: The Bloody Beetroots tease new music on upcoming tour
      RIFF RADIO: The Bloody Beetroots tease new music on upcoming tour
      August 20, 2024 at 10:11 pm
      The Bloody Beetroots perform at The Independent in San Francisco on Oct. 28, 2017. Alessio Neri/STAFF. Expect the unexpected when The Bloody Beetroots come to town.…
    • RIFF RADIO: Pinkshift claiming their artistic humanity, music without borders
      RIFF RADIO: Pinkshift claiming their artistic humanity, music without borders
      August 5, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Pinkshift, courtesy. John’s Hopkins is known for fostering the careers of medical professionals, not post-punk rockers. At least until now. Pinkshift has entered the chat. “In…
    • RIFF RADIO: Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down on his top SF shows ahead of GGP gig
      RIFF RADIO: Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down on his top SF shows ahead of GGP gig
      July 29, 2024 at 12:01 am
      System of a Down, courtesy. There’s an interconnectedness to the each of the branches that grow from the creative organism of System of a Down bassist…
    • INTERVIEW: The Warning cooks up new sounds on ’Keep Me Fed'
      INTERVIEW: The Warning cooks up new sounds on ’Keep Me Fed’
      June 24, 2024 at 12:01 am
      The Warning, courtesy. The successes that might have overwhelmed an up and coming band instead strengthened The Warning. The Monterrey, Mexico band toured relentlessly in support…
    • RIFF RADIO: Richard Patrick solves 'The Algorithm' on new Filter album
      RIFF RADIO: Richard Patrick solves ‘The Algorithm’ on new Filter album
      August 17, 2023 at 1:15 pm
      Richard Patrick of Filter, courtesy. Filter frontman Richard Patrick is clearly enthusiastic. His band’s latest record, The Algorithm, is a creative work that’s seven years in the…
    • RIFF RADIO: Sophie Lloyd lights it up with Trivium collaboration
      RIFF RADIO: Sophie Lloyd lights it up with Trivium collaboration
      February 23, 2023 at 10:15 pm
      Sophie Lloyd, courtesy. Collaborating with Trivium’s Matt Heafy was a full circle moment for guitar shredding phenom Sophie Lloyd. “There’s the picture of me when I…
    • RIFF WITH: Maggie Lindemann serves up a 'Suckerpunch' on debut album
      RIFF WITH: Maggie Lindemann serves up a ‘Suckerpunch’ on debut album
      December 28, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Maggie Lindemann, courtesy. SACRAMENTO — Ask rising star Maggie Lindemann who she’d most like to hit the road with, and the 24-year old Texas singer doesn’t…
    • RIFF RADIO: Sick Puppies' bassist Emma Anzai pulls double duty with Evanescence
      RIFF RADIO: Sick Puppies’ bassist Emma Anzai pulls double duty with Evanescence
      December 5, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Emma Anzai performs with Evanescence at Mediolanum Forum of Assago in Milan, Italy, on Nov. 10, 2022. Photo by Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images. Patience is…
    • RIFF RADIO: Mark Tremonti wants to 'Take a Chance' with Sinatra covers album
      RIFF RADIO: Mark Tremonti wants to ‘Take a Chance’ with Sinatra covers album
      June 15, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Mark Tremonti, courtesy. Guitarist and singer Mark Tremonti has thrilled hard rock audiences almost nonstop for more than two decades, churning out blistering guitar solos and…

Opinion

    • Insert Foot: Waving a fist at the Donald Trump playlist
      Insert Foot: Waving a fist at the Donald Trump playlist
      September 7, 2024 at 9:53 pm
      Isaac Hayes in New York City in 1972. Photo by Anthony Barboza/Getty Images. You ever wonder what horrors are ensconced in Donald Trump’s personal playlist? That’s…
    • The Sonics documentary: A sonic boom of nostalgia… sort of
      The Sonics documentary: A sonic boom of nostalgia… sort of
      September 4, 2024 at 10:57 pm
      “Boom: A Film About the Sonics.” “Boom: A Film About the Sonics” is the long-awaited documentary about the formidable garage-rock band from Tacoma, Wash. “Boom: A…
    • Insert Foot: Can Steven Tyler's voice really be silenced?
      Insert Foot: Can Steven Tyler’s voice really be silenced?
      August 4, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Aerosmith performs at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Sept. 2, 2023. Another pillar of American rock and roll got worn out and collapsed this week,…
    • Insert Foot: 'The Acolyte' gives Carrie-Anne Moss a raw deal
      Insert Foot: ‘The Acolyte’ gives Carrie-Anne Moss a raw deal
      June 9, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Insert Foot vs. “Star Wars: The Acolyte” Like most of the “Star Wars” nerd nation with nothing better to do in middle age, I watched the…
    • Insert Foot: Is this the end for Jennifer Lopez?
      Insert Foot: Is this the end for Jennifer Lopez?
      June 2, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Insert Foot vs. Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lopez canceled her summer tour last week because the most career-driven human being who’s ever inhabited Planet Earth has decided…
    • Insert Foot: Here come the AI dead guy collaborations
      Insert Foot: Here come the AI dead guy collaborations
      May 11, 2024 at 8:51 pm
      Steve Marriott of Humble Pie performs at The Miami Baseball Stadium in Miami on Feb. 2,1974. Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images. AI is going to kill…
    • Insert Foot: 'Kintsukuroi' explores shameful chapter in U.S. history not taught in schools
      Insert Foot: ‘Kintsukuroi’ explores shameful chapter in U.S. history not taught in schools
      May 5, 2024 at 12:01 am
      “Kintsukuroi” film art. My 15-year-old daughter and I went to the San Francisco premiere of “Kintsukuroi” last weekend. It’s an independent film from director Kerwin Berk…
    • INSERT FOOT: Pay attention to the Toomaj Salehi death sentence in Iran
      INSERT FOOT: Pay attention to the Toomaj Salehi death sentence in Iran
      April 27, 2024 at 10:27 pm
      A woman holds the portrait of Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, accused of “corruption on Earth” during the demonstration against Iranian repression in Lyon, France on Jan.…
    • Insert Foot: Caitlin Clark, WNBA seem underpaid, but that will change
      Insert Foot: Caitlin Clark, WNBA seem underpaid, but that will change
      April 21, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Rendering: Adam Pardee/STAFF. The social media collective lost its mind this week over the new salary of basketball star Caitlin Clark, after she was drafted No.…

Concert Reviews

    • AFTERSHOCK: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest lead British invasion on day 3
      AFTERSHOCK: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest lead British invasion on day 3
      October 13, 2024 at 7:05 am
      Iron Maiden performs during Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif. on Oct. 12, 2024. Photos courtesy Aftershock Festival. AFTERSHOCK 2024: • Slayer reunites for…
    • AFTERSHOCK: Slipknot rocks like its 1999 on fest's second day
      AFTERSHOCK: Slipknot rocks like its 1999 on fest’s second day
      October 12, 2024 at 7:31 am
      Slipknot performs during Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif. on Oct. 11, 2024. Photos courtesy Aftershock Festival. AFTERSHOCK 2024: • Slayer reunites for explosive…
    • REVIEW: Molchat Doma previews its tour with intimate Echo gig in L.A.
      REVIEW: Molchat Doma previews its tour with intimate Echo gig in L.A.
      October 11, 2024 at 5:05 pm
      Molchat Doma performs at the Echo in Los Angeles on Oct. 9, 2024. Photos: Paige K. Parsons. LOS ANGELES — There’s a unique thrill in stumbling upon…
    • AFTERSHOCK: Slayer reunites for explosive Thursday headlining set
      AFTERSHOCK: Slayer reunites for explosive Thursday headlining set
      October 11, 2024 at 2:48 am
      Slayer performs during Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif. on Oct. 10, 2024. Photos courtesy Aftershock. SACRAMENTO — Aftershock Festival returned to Discovery Park bigger…
    • REVIEW: Weezer crosses the galaxy to revisit debut album at Chase Center
      REVIEW: Weezer crosses the galaxy to revisit debut album at Chase Center
      October 10, 2024 at 7:34 am
      Weezer performs at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Oct. 9, 2024. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — A silver capsule appeared onstage Wednesday night at…
    • REVIEW: Jack White delivers hot and sweaty set at Great American Music Hall
      REVIEW: Jack White delivers hot and sweaty set at Great American Music Hall
      October 5, 2024 at 7:16 am
      Jack White performs at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 4, 2024. Courtesy David James Swanson. SAN FRANCISCO — Friday night’s surprise sold-out…
    • REVIEW: Hans Zimmer keeps Oakland fans up past their bedtimes
      REVIEW: Hans Zimmer keeps Oakland fans up past their bedtimes
      October 4, 2024 at 3:36 am
      Hans Zimmer Live performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on Oct. 3, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. OAKLAND — Fans of acclaimed film composer Hans Zimmer had waited…
    • REVIEW: Air imagines a different future at the Masonic
      REVIEW: Air imagines a different future at the Masonic
      October 3, 2024 at 7:27 am
      Air performs at the Masonic in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Science fiction writer William Gibson once wrote, “The future…
    • REVIEW: Tems shows her 'wild' side at sold-out Warfield show
      REVIEW: Tems shows her ‘wild’ side at sold-out Warfield show
      September 28, 2024 at 8:47 am
      Tems performs at the Warfield in San Francisco on Sept. 27, 2024. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Grammy-winning artist Tems performed to a sold-out house at…
    • REVIEW: Orville Peck brings on the waterworks at Bill Graham Civic show
      REVIEW: Orville Peck brings on the waterworks at Bill Graham Civic show
      September 28, 2024 at 2:15 am
      Orville Peck performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Sept. 27, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Country crooner Orville Peck didn’t tour…
    • REVIEW: Peter Hook & The Light perform double duty at the Warfield
      REVIEW: Peter Hook & The Light perform double duty at the Warfield
      September 22, 2024 at 6:21 am
      Peter Hook & The Light perform at The Warfield in San Francisco on Sept. 21, 2024. Derek Fisher/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Legendary bassist Peter Hook delivered what…
    • REVIEW: Green Day celebrates its roots, blasts Oakland A’s owner at Oracle Park
      REVIEW: Green Day celebrates its roots, blasts Oakland A’s owner at Oracle Park
      September 21, 2024 at 8:32 am
      Green Day performs at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sept. 20, 2024. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Green Day’s Bay Area homecoming at Oracle Park…
    • REVIEW: Pulp shows its relevance at the Hollywood Palladium in L.A.
      REVIEW: Pulp shows its relevance at the Hollywood Palladium in L.A.
      September 19, 2024 at 5:08 am
      Pulp performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Sept. 16, 2024. Mariana Garcias/STAFF. LOS ANGELES — It’s been quite a few weeks for…
    • Dreamfest: P!NK, Imagine Dragons team up for Dreamforce at Oracle Park
      Dreamfest: P!NK, Imagine Dragons team up for Dreamforce at Oracle Park
      September 19, 2024 at 1:43 am
      P!NK performs at Dreamfest, the Salesforce Dreamforce concert, at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sept. 18, 2024. Courtesy Ando Caulfield. SAN FRANCISCO — The stars…
    • REVIEW: Jalen Ngonda summons the greats at Swedish American Hall
      REVIEW: Jalen Ngonda summons the greats at Swedish American Hall
      September 15, 2024 at 9:13 am
      Jalen Ngonda performs at the Swedish American Hall in San Francisco on Sept. 14, 2024. Imani Sires/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — When Jalen Ngonda took the stage…
    • REVIEW: NCT DREAM sets up its next act at Oakland Arena concert
      REVIEW: NCT DREAM sets up its next act at Oakland Arena concert
      September 15, 2024 at 12:27 am
      NCT DREAM performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on Sept. 14, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. OAKLAND —K-pop fans can never have too much of a good thing.…
    • REVIEW: Incubus flashes back to ‘Morning View’ at sold-out Chase Center gig
      REVIEW: Incubus flashes back to ‘Morning View’ at sold-out Chase Center gig
      September 13, 2024 at 7:51 am
      Incubus performs at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 12, 2024. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The crowd was maybe a little older and,…
    • REVIEW: (G)I-DLE gives the fans what they want at Oakland Arena
      REVIEW: (G)I-DLE gives the fans what they want at Oakland Arena
      September 9, 2024 at 12:19 am
      (G)I-DLE performs at Oracle Arena in Oakland on Sept. 8, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. OAKLAND — Though (G)I-DLE last performed in the Bay Area just a little over…
    • REVIEW: Sum 41 kicks off final stretch of U.S. shows at the Masonic
      REVIEW: Sum 41 kicks off final stretch of U.S. shows at the Masonic
      September 4, 2024 at 7:53 am
      Sum 41 performs at The Masonic in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 3, 2024. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Pop-punk stalwarts Sum 41 brought their Tour of…

Photos

    • PHOTOS: A Boogie Wit da Hoodie gets aggressive at Bill Graham Civic
      PHOTOS: A Boogie Wit da Hoodie gets aggressive at Bill Graham Civic
      September 29, 2024 at 8:11 am
      A Boogie Wit da Hoodie performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Sept. 28, 2024. SAN FRANCISCO — A Boogie Wit da Hoodie…
    • PHOTOS: Glass Animals' Tour of Earth lands at Shoreline Amphitheatre
      PHOTOS: Glass Animals’ Tour of Earth lands at Shoreline Amphitheatre
      September 12, 2024 at 7:09 am
      Glass Animals performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif. on Sept. 11, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. MOUNTAIN VIEW — Glass Animals brought their Tour of Earth…
    • PHOTOS: Mexican star Carin León brings his ‘Boca Chueca’ to Chase Center
      PHOTOS: Mexican star Carin León brings his ‘Boca Chueca’ to Chase Center
      September 7, 2024 at 7:58 am
      Carin León performs at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 6, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO – Sonoran sensation Carin León brought his Boca…
    • PHOTOS: Peso Pluma concludes 2-night Bay Area 'Éxodo' run at Chase Center
      PHOTOS: Peso Pluma concludes 2-night Bay Area ‘Éxodo’ run at Chase Center
      September 1, 2024 at 7:13 am
      Peso Pluma performs at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Aug. 31, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Peso Pluma brought his much-anticipated “Éxodo” tour…
    • PHOTOS: I.M of MONSTA X goes 'Off the Beat' at The UC Theatre
      PHOTOS: I.M of MONSTA X goes ‘Off the Beat’ at The UC Theatre
      August 30, 2024 at 7:04 am
      I.M of MONSTA X performs at The UC Theatre in Berkeley on Aug. 29, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. BERKELEY — South Korean rapper and singer I.M of…
    • PHOTOS: Santana and Counting Crows bring 'Oneness' home to the Bay
      PHOTOS: Santana and Counting Crows bring ‘Oneness’ home to the Bay
      August 28, 2024 at 7:41 am
      Carlos Santana performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif. on Aug. 27, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Bay Area sons Carlos Santana and…
    • PHOTOS: Ski Mask The Slump God opens up an '11th Dimension' at The Midway
      PHOTOS: Ski Mask The Slump God opens up an ’11th Dimension’ at The Midway
      August 15, 2024 at 7:00 am
      Ski Mask The Slump God performs at The Midway in San Francisco on Aug 14, 2024. SAN FRANCISCO —  Ski Mask The Slump God incited moshing…