Thao & The Get Down Stay Down
An artist who calls San Francisco home, Thao Nguyen is set to release her third album with backing band The Get Down Stay Down on February 5, and celebrating with a free show at Amoeba Records the following day! The quirky, energetic folk-rock band infuse each and every song with electricity and vigor, making for an unforgettable live performance that is not to be missed.
When: Wednesday, February 6, 6 p.m.
Tickets: Free!
Where: Amoeba Records, 1855 Haight Street (between Shrader and Stanyan streets); 415-831-1200.
Baauer
Brooklyn-based Baauer is quickly becoming one to watch in the electronic scene. His heavy-hitting basslines and Southern snares on tracks like "Harlem Shake" have already caught the attention of industry tastemakers including Diplo, and his sets are some of the coolest around.
When: Thursday, February 7, 10 p.m.
Tickets: $20; Buy here!
Where: 1015 Folsom, 1015 Folsom Street (at 6th Street); 415-431-1200.
J. Boogie
S.F. favorite J. Boogie will be delighting the dance floor with his distinctive blend of house, funk, nu-disco, and moombahton, which always leads to an epic dance party. It may be a school night, but we all need a good Sunday Funday every once in a while, right?
When: Sunday, February 10, 9 p.m.
Tickets: Free before 9:30 p.m., $6 after
Where: Elbo Room, 647 Valencia Street (between 17th and 18th streets); 415-552-7788.
Ra Ra Riot
Indie outfit Ra Ra Riot is heading back to The Fillmore in support of its new album, Beta Love. The band’s latest effort moves away from soft, orchestral sound into the realm of electro and synthpop, picking up the tempo along the way. The shows always feel a bit like a close-knit party — maintaining that sense of intimacy, as if everybody knows each other — and we have no doubt the act's new songs will get everyone moving.
When: Monday, February 11, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $32.50; Buy here!
Where: The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd (at Fillmore Street); 415-346-6000.
Photo: Via Thao & The Get Down Stay Down
The Vaccines
Brit band The Vaccines are reviving vintage rock and roll in the best way possible — relying on guitar riffs and catchy lyrics without unnecessary fuss or frills. The band has been touted as one to watch in the world of rock, but it doesn't take itself too seriously, always delivering honest, energetic performances for adoring fans.
When: Friday, February 15, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $31.50; Buy here!
Where: The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Boulevard (at Fillmore Street); 415-346-6000.
EELS
It’s impossible to define the EELS sound — the group's experimented with everything from grunge and pop to novelty rock, hip-hop, and jazz. Seemingly, the only constant is the voice of Mark Oliver Everret, the frontman also known simply as E, whose soothing, gravely vocals somehow hold everything together and always leave you wanting more.
When: Saturday, February 16, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $42; Buy here!
Where: The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Boulevard (at Fillmore Street); 415-346-6000.
The Neighbourhood
Though it may spell its name in the English fashion, there is no denying The Neighbourhood is all-American. Blending hip-hop and R&B-inspired vocals with robust atmospherics and smooth guitars, its distinct sound already has people talking. The band has recently garnered attention for its mashup of “Say My Name” and “Cry Me A River,” solidifying its rise in the world of pop music.
When: Thursday, February 21, 10 p.m.
Tickets: $13; Buy here!
Where: Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell Street (between Van Ness and Franklin streets); 415-861-2011.
The Limousines
Resident electro-pop duo The Limousines is treating fans to a special hometown show preceding the release of sophomore album Hush, which is slated for release later this year. Its captivating indie-electronic sound features a heavy dose of '80s synth and a definite pop sensibility; the perfect tunes to dance the night away.
When: Friday, February 22, 9 p.m.
Tickets: $20; Buy here!
Where: DNA Lounge, 375 11th Street (between Folsom and Harrison streets); 415-626-1409.
The Fresh & Onlys
If you’re looking for a romantic evening with that special someone in your life, look no further. Homegrown favorites The Fresh & Onlys’ latest album, Long Slow Dance, is chock-full of love-struck lyrics and light-hearted melodies, and hearing it live is like falling in love all over again.
When: Wednesday, February 27, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $12; Buy here!
Where: Bottom of the Hill, 1233 17th Street (at Missouri Street); 415-626-4455.
Noise Pop Presents: !!! (Chk Chk Chk)
The name might be confusing, but don’t let it deter you. This dance-punk band from Sacramento is known for its wildly entertaining sets, led by frontman Nic Offer, who won’t stop until every last person is on their feet. The group has garnered comparisons to the great LCD Soundsystem, and many say it now holds the dance-punk torch. We’ll be dancing right with it.
When: Thursday, February 28, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $21; Buy here!
Where: Great American Music Hall, 859 O’Farrell Street (at Polk Street); 415-885-0750.
Noise Pop Presents: XXYYXX
Some may not have heard of XXYYXX, but we have a feeling that will soon change. The 16-year-old producer, who makes most of his beats in his bedroom, is set to take the world by storm. His ambient electronic tracks definitely have that boudoir feel, blending chillwave, dubstep, and experimental bass in new and unexpected ways. He’s already caught the ear of music blogs around the world and is quickly making a name for himself in the industry.
When: Thursday, February 28, 9 p.m.
Tickets: $20; Buy here!
Where: DNA Lounge, 375 11th Street (between Folsom and Harrison streets); 415-626-1409.