Favorite Albums of 2015

My top three albums from 2015 

#1 - A Pimp to a Butterfly: Kendrick Lamar

When I found out that Kendrick Lamar was releasing his 3rd album earlier this year I vowed to buy it. Not digitally either. That's right. I still buy CDs.
Before I had even heard anything off of it, come March I had me a copy of Pimp To A Butterfly. I pretty much knew that it would be my #1 favorite album of the year as soon as I listened to it.
The first thing that hit me was the undertones of funk and the throw back sound of old 90's hip-hop. You just don't hear originality like that in hip-hop these days, especially hip-hop that gets air play.  The fluidity of these simultaneous beats is made even better by the pristine production of them. The amplification and sound quality is engineered so impeccably well that the whole album sounds clean and clear no matter how high you turn up the volume and/or bass.
The wisdom that come from this young lyrical genius proves he is wise way beyond his years and also a lot wiser than a lot of his peers. He raps in a way that is very narrative, intuitively raising important questions about race ("The Blacker the Berry"), politics ("Hood Politics"), class ("How Much A Dollar Cost"), today's society ("Wesley's Theory"), life ("Alright") and how he fits into all of it: how each of us no matter our race, class or beliefs are a part of it and how our actions determine the outcome of not only our life but the lives and life around us. These are important concepts people are afraid to bring up and Kendrick isn't trying to combat them, he's trying to understand them and he
does so with out preaching.

He also acknowledges battles with his own inner demons ("U"). In a society saturated with the idealization of  being happy all of the time and no-one wanting to hear any different;  it's sad, but true, that this along with a need to be successful in society's eyes while the fortunate happily turn a blind eye to the widening gap between the rich and the poor and the disappearance of the working middle class, self medicating to be better or to feel better is prevalent ("These Walls").  Kendrick bravely addresses why those demons exist(ed) and his battle with them.







None of these topics are easy or fun. He doesn't glamorize these personal and socitial struggles nor does he deny them.Yes, on Pimp To A Butterfly he raps about quote un-quote pimps and hoes as well as drugs but not in the way most probably think.

Though there are technically only two interludes on the track listing ("For Free?" & "For Sale") there are actually a few more through out the album: delivered in a  monotone spoken word style, each one has the same opening "I know you was conflicted" and the redundant repetition of these un-official interludes serve more as poetic stanzas. The use of line repetition in poems drives a point across, highlighting the importance of the writing's theme  and can also indicate an upcoming shift in or a development in emotion. The usage of this writing tool is a powerful one and a smart move on Lamar's part because it brings the listener back to the story he's telling with a driving force.
This album is so good, it's great.
It's relevant, smart, innovative, moving, powerful, inspiring and you can still get down to it! 

Kendrick Lamar received more Grammy nominations than any other artist this year, beating out Taylor Swift and Adele with 11 nods for Pimp To A Butterfly, including album of the year!
Good luck Kendrick, you deserve it!

My faves:
- King Kunta
- Hood Politics

#2 - Dodge and Burn: The Dead Weather

Even with the release of the single "Buzzkill(er)" late last year, there was only a little buzz surrounding the release The Dead Weather's long over due 3rd album. 2010's Sea of Cowards was the last time we heard from the blues-rock supergroup and Dodge and Burn was rumored to be released in 2014 but it actually, finally, dropped this September. The fierce, gritty rawness The Dead Weather is known for got an up grade on this album. 

On the surface is Jack White's undeniable distinctive taste of musical style: the lo-fi, grainy, organic distortion of true rock with blues roots and a prominent garage grunge reverb. Then there's Alison Mossharts' formidable wailing , laced with her substantial howls kicking everything up a notch with a burning passion, bellowing out from deep inside, painting each track with an even darker aesthetic. It all sounds more polished. Dodge and Burn is more heavily driven by mean guitar riffs and roaring solos than on the first two albums. Track, to track to track their sinister sound is amplified to a grandiose rock anthem, arena worthy sound. While the whole album possesses this quality, some tracks sound as if influence was drawn from the likes of  Queen on "Impossible Winner" and the Fun Loving Criminals on "Three Dollar Hat". As he's done in the past, drummer Jack White joins Alison Mosshart on vocals, either as back up or in duet fashion on a few tracks in a row in the middle of the 12 track album.
 My love/hate relationship with Jack White burns strong as there is no news of a Dead Weather tour in the works and for as good as this album is, it's most likely a whole lot better live!
It is truly heart breaking to know we probably won't be seeing their new material live anytime soon.

My faves:
- I Feel Love (Every Million Miles)
- Be Still

#3 - Love Stuff: Elle King

Tanner Elle Schneider is better known as her stage name these days, Elle King and thanks to her hit single "Ex's and Oh's" and her successful debut album Love Stuff, the 26 year old musician has become pretty well known.  I first heard said single on the radio and had to shazam it:  I needed to know what gravely voiced siren I stumbled on because I loved it and needed to know. That's when I fell in love with Elle King. I then came to learn that the saucy outspoken songstress is the daughter of local comedic legend and music enthusiast Rob Schneider! Her Dad is from my hometown of Pacifica and he started the Rob Schneider Music Foundation in Pacifica in 1997, offering middle school students a chance  to explore their creativity, learn how to play music and find a love for it. I think it's awesome that his daughter grew up to be a musician. Knowing this about her made me fall even harder for Elle King. Her outspoken edge characterizes her soulful sound of bluesy-rock with a country twang and a vixen swagger. The tempo of the album ebbs and flows evenly with faster, tempos and upbeat vibes and then slower tempos with almost melancholy feels.
Love Stuff is catchy, it's flirty, it's fun, it's unapologetic, it's empowering for ladies everywhere and it got Elle King a Grammy nomination for best song and performance for "Ex's and Oh's". Get it grrrrl! 

My faves:
- Kocaine Karolina
- See You Again

My favorite singles of 2015 

There's a reason why certain songs are plucked from albums or released early as singles, because they're good, they're catchy and the hope is when you hear one song you'll want to hear the whole album. 

"Sorry" - Justin Bieber 

"Downtown" - Macklemore

"Roses" - Chainsmokers

"First" - Cold War Kids  

Pink Velvet Cupcake from Teacake Bake Shop

I hung out with a friend on the other-side of the Bay the other day when he pointed out a small little bakery that I hadn't heard if before, Teacake Bake Shop.  After eating lunch, we walked by the small little bakery again when my friend asked if I was going to get a cupcake. I wasn't planning to treat myself to a cupcake that day but at that moment my will-power impulsively failed.  Plus, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to review a cupcake from a bakery that was  new to me!

Pink Velvet Cupcake display @ Teacake Bake Shop
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Their handcrafted cookies, cupcakes, brownies, cakes, cake-pops, donut bites and whoopie pies are made with the finest ingredients: imported Belgium Chocolate, Dutch coco, Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla, local farm fresh dairy, eggs and sweet cream butter all baked in small batches through out the day for the best and freshest quality. The retail store has an open kitchen policy so customers can watch bakers whip up original Teacake treats and see them put a spin on classic flavors.

 Teacake Bake Shop Pink Velvet Cupcake
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Inside, a sweet fresh scent tickled my senses as my attention was drawn to cupcakes in the display case. There was an assortment of chocolate varieties: Chocolate cake with Chocolate Buttercream, Chocolate cake with Vanilla frosting, Vanilla cake with Chocolate Buttercream, Chocolate cake with Sea Salt Carmel Cream-Cheese frosting and a German Chocolate Filled Cupcake. There was also a couple Holiday flavors available: Gingerbread with Cream-Cheese frosting and Peppermint with White-Chocolate Peppermint  Buttercream, but I went with their take on Red Velvet and got a Pink Velvet cupcake with cream-cheese frosting. With it's festive red, white and green pearl candies sprinkled on top I feel like it still fits in with the Holiday Season Cupcake selections. They boxed it up for me at the register in a plain white box just big enough for one cupcake. I always think is super cute when places have packaging like that: a perfect, single size cupcake box. It's the little things :) 

 Teacake Bake Shop Pink Velvet Cupcake
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Though it's called a Pink Velvet Cupcake the cake was very much red. Not a deep crimson or dark burgundy like other Red Velvet cakes and cupcakes I've come across but Teacakes' Pink Velvet is not pink, it's red. Traditionally this take on Devil's Food Cake is gooey and decadent but surprisingly this cake was a little on the dry side. Despite being dry, it did have a full coco flavor that Red Velvet is suppose to have. 

 Teacake Bake Shop Pink Velvet Cupcake
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Teacakes' Cream-Cheese frosting is amazing. It's a sugary sweet spin on original Cream-Cheese frosting, whipped to a light, melt in your mouth taste of heaven. It's the first time I had a Cream-Cheese frosting with consistency no where close to a rich and creamy Buttercream or even a standard frosting. The sweet fluffiness of the whipped frosting equaled out the dryness of the flavorful cake and the hard pearl candy sprinkles added a crunch of Holiday cheer. It was a heavenly dessert. 

Teacake Bake Shop is located at 5615 Bay Street in Emeryville. They have more flavors than the ones I saw when I visited and there are some vegan options too! Sugar plums won't be the only thing dancing in your Christmas eve dreams once you try this Christmasy treat. 

Kelela @ The Independent 12/14/2015

Since gaining major praise for her 2013 mix tape, Cut 4 Me, Kelela has been on the rise, finding her place as a performer. Currently on a headlining tour in support of the EP Hallucinogen, her show at SF's The Independent on Monday night was sold-out! 

Kelela @ The Independent 12/14/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

Kelela @ The Independent 12/14/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

The hip, young crowd was un-phased by the long change-over following the unique, globe-trotting, dance-pop opener Lafawndah. No equipment was moved on or off stage and it remained dark for the better part of an hour, yet there were no chants trying to entice Kelea to start: she was making her fans (painstakingly) wait and they blindly obliged.  A seemingly bold move for a growing artist, however; when she finally, un-apologetically appeared on the dark stage, eclipsed by bright white light ans showered by whirling applause, I realized I was witnessing a diva in the making.

Kelela @ The Independent 12/14/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

Churning out songs from her career launching mixtape and her recent EP, the sassy singer/songwriter hit and held some serious, Mariah worthy high-notes early on. If she didn't have your full attention by then, there's no way there was anyone who wasn't locked in after she dropped those! 

Kelela @ The Independent 12/14/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

The audience poured out even more adoration when she asked who had been with her since the release of her mixtape before expressing how grateful she was to be back since her first show here with Solange about 3 years ago. The amount of loud cheers was a clear indication that Kelela has loyal fans here in SF, a fact she was visibly happy about. 

Her soulful singing style characterizes her experimental R&B sound while her minimalistic performance is carried by her fierce demeanor and even fiercer delivery of empowering lyrics. 

Spurts of popping, locking, robotic movements struck an FKA Twigs resemblance while she radiated an approachable, Beyonce air. 

Kelela @ The Independent 12/14/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

Playing off of that approachable attitude, Kelela hopped off the stage mid-song at one point and leisurely navigated through the crowd as she sang. She looked comfortable and welcomed one on one attention from cooing fans swaying around her. Bright back lighting and rays of indigo and violet spot lights through out the night beautifully accentuated the  ambiance of the somber, broken hearted love songs: easily transforming the show into an intimate evening. 

It's obvious Kelela knows what she's working with. As she soars to success with her sweet, powerful pipes she keeps what could be a show effecting ego in check by remaining welcoming.

 A debut LP from this songbird is suppose to drop sometime in 2016 so we will be hearing more from Miss Kelela soon!

Hello (peanut-butter) lover

My roommate works near SusieCakes and sometimes she brings home cupcakes to share which is really sweet of her. The last time she did, she brought home a box full of 9 different, delicious SusieCakes cupcakes to choose from! She told me the flavors of the ones I didn't know, but there were two right next to each other that she couldn't remember which was which: one was mocha and one was peanut-butter. 

Red velvet is her favorite from SusieCakes so she chose that cupcake and being a peanut-butter lover I chose  the one I thought was the peanut-butter cupcake: the one of the two cupcakes with the frosting that was more tan the "could be mocha"one, the one with the chocolate sprinkles. Either way it was going to be good! 

As soon as I tasted the frosting I knew it was indeed the peanut-butter cupcake! It was so thick and and flavorful! The ratio of peanut-butter to actual frosting has to be greater in this recipe because of how phenomenally peanut-buttery it is! Like a Reese's peanut-butter cup, chocolate is a perfect  match so of course it's great cake choice for this cupcake. The deep dark chocolate wasn't as rich it looked and that's a good thing! It would be an extreme overload if the cake was as intense as the frosting! It was dense and (dare I say) moist and just chocolatey enough. 

Some of Susiecakes' cupcakes are filled and as I slowly enjoyed my peanut-butter cupcake, I came to find-out it was filled with more delicious frosting! Some people like salty and some people like sweets and I deffinitely have a mean sweet tooth but I love me some salty snacks, too. This cupcake is great for when your taste-buds are being indecisive: the saltiness of the peanut-butter mixed with the sweetness of frosting satisfies both cravings. SusieCakes' could easily make a Crunchy Peanut-butter Cupcake option by adding some chopped up peanuts on top. Then they'd have a Crunchy Peanut-butter Cupcake and a Creamy Peanut-butter Cupcake! Did someone say yum?! 

If you're a peanut-butter lover like me, you have got to try Susiecakes' Peanut-butter Cupcake! They have locations in Marin, San Francisco, Menlo Park, Lafayette, San Carlos, Sacramento and Southern California. 

Puscifer @ The Fox Theater 12/8/2015

Maynard James Keenan, a name synomonous with legendary Rock front-men, returned to the Bay Area with one of his many bands; taking the stage at the sold-out show at The Fox Theater in Oakland with one of his many bands, Puscifer for the first time since 2011.

There's a first time for everything and the show Tuesday night held three firsts for me. Not only was it my first time seeing Puscifer, or Maynard for that fact but the show was a seated one which was another first for me.

Luchafer @ The Fox Theater 12/8/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

At 8:00 the show started with an opener you typically don't see, or expect to see at a concert. With a full on wrestling ring center stage at the picturesque venue for a Lucha libre match from Luchafer quite literally kicked off the night! Out of all of the shows I've been to this was the first time I ever saw a Lucha libre opener. It was exciting!

Exaggerated grunts and loud repercussions of body slams jolted the silent stricken venue for about half an hour as the two teams of two battled it out.  Their loud costumes were as vibrant as their wildly animated antics and as they thrashed about you couldn't help but be completely enthralled, amused and entertained. When the referee joined (and dominated) the fight,  murmurs of speculation that it was Maynard himself stirred around me but I'm still not so sure it was him.

Luchafer @ The Fox Theater 12/8/2015 
Photo by Marc Fong 

Hardly any time passed from when the wrestlers took their final to when the lights dimmed and a parody PSA video started. Paying homage to Puscifer's debut on the HBO's Mr. Show with Bob and David (Arrested Development's David Cross and Break Bad's/Better Call Saul's Bob Odenkirk), a white trash costumed Maynard starred in the short video warning all show goers not to take out or use their phones (or else!) and to just fucking enjoy the show. And with that, everyone jumped to their feet, hollering and clapping at the first sight and sounds of Puscifer! 

Pusicfer  @ The Fox Theater 12/8/2015 
Photo by Marc Fong 

Jeff Friedl was set up on drums in front of the wrestling ring with bassist Paul Barker (formerly of Ministry) guitarist Matt Mitchell to the left of him with keyboardist Mahsa Zaragaran to the right. Maynard and co-vocalist, Corina Round were behind the rest of the band with retro microphones in the middle of the ring. 

The infamously illusive front-man lurked in the shadows, as he's known to do during his shows, wearing his own Lucha libre mask. Cognitive guitar snarls and surreal synth hooks teamed with Round's robustly halcyon tones delivered a romantically eerie, cumbersome feel while Maynard's grandiose hand gestures pulled you in and his daunting delivery kept you hauntingly spellbound. 

 Puscifer @ The Fox Theater 12/8/2015 
Photo by Marc Fong 

For a band of revolving members (except for Maynard who is the only permanent member of Puscifer) they sounded sharp, bound by the layers of experimental, industrial rock, genre redefining sound they seamlessly make on stage. Their collective expertise left no need for prolonged banter: the atmosphere they created as they played provocatively connected Puscifer to their fans in Oakland. 

There's something to be said for great musicians who don't take themselves or what they do too seriously: knowing  how good and influential they and their craft are yet able to give fans a serious wholehearted performance while having fun with it. Maynard is one rock-star who has mastered this trait.   

Puscifer set-list 12/8/2015 

1. Simultaneous

2. Galileo 

3. Agostina 

4. Vagina Mine 

5.  Horizons 

6. Arsonist

7. Remedy 

8. Life of Brian 

9. Rev 2220 

10. Grand Canyon 

11. Polar Bear 

12. Breathe 

13. Toma 

14. Telling 

15. Moneyshot 

16. Man Over Board 

17. Undertaker 

En-core 

1. Humbling River 

2. Autumn 

Mr. Holmes for the Holidays

For the longest time I didn't know what the small place at 1042 Larkin was because it always happened to be closed but I knew that I enjoyed the pink neon lights that lit up the white tiled wall that read: I Got Baked in San Francisco. A bakery? A cafe? An art studio?  

Inside Mr Holmes Bakehouse @ 1042 Larkin Street in San Francisco
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

One fateful day as I was walking by I got super excited when I saw that the doors to the store front were open and I practically ran inside. Low and behold I found out it's a bakery, or a bake house rather, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse to be exact. The thick aroma of sweet buttery deliciousness consumed me once inside the tiny store. I wanted some of whatever it was that I smelled. It was the middle of the afternoon so there were only a few fancy looking "jelly" donuts in the display case. I was able to tell that they were two different flavors by the colorful filling spilling out of them.  The staff were happy to let me know what the flavors are as there's no menu or signage displayed. I made the difficult decision to treat myself on a different day and to go in the morning when everything was fresh and there was more choices.  

Intrigued, I did a little research: they offer sweet and savory danishes, croissants, a gourmet pop-tart called an Ube Tart, cookies, Donuts, some other really yummy looking french style puffs and the famous Mr. Holmes confection creation, the Cruffin. Think of a Cruffin as the West Coast cousin of the Cronut: the Donut/Croissant hybrid pastry made famous in New York. A Cruffin is part muffin part Croissant filled with a scrumptious custard. Like the donuts, the flavor of the Cruffin varies everyday. Their hours are 7am to 2:30pm Monday through Friday and 8am to  3:30pm on the weekend. Fresh baked Cruffins are available at 9am everyday until they run out! I was on my way to work on a Friday morning when I returned to Mr. Homes Bakehouse and I had decided not only was I going to treat myself to a Cruffin but I was going to treat my co-workers to gourmet donuts, cause who wouldn't want a gourmet donut?

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse Donuts
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

 It was just past 9:00am when I got in line which wasn't very long and moved pretty quickly.  As we inched inside I could hardly believe my eyes! The display case was full of an array of so many gourmet pastries! My stomach instantly gbigger than my eyes and I started to second guess what I was going to get. But I stuck to my plan. I got two of each flavored donut, there was three that day: Mango Citrus, Vanilla Bean Raspberry, and Blood Orange and they were all curds or custard filling not jelly. I also impulsively got a Chocolate-Chip Walnut cookie for everyone to share.


And of course there were the Cruffins. Chocolate toffee was the flavor of the prized pastry's filling that day! One of the workers emerged from the back (where all f the magic happens) with a huge sheet of fresh Cruffins. As she placed them in the display case she explained inquiring on-lookers that they bake three times as many Cruffins than any other pastry there and they sell completely out within hours every single day.


 With 6 donuts and a cookie in one adorable white and gold box and a separate bag for my Cruffin, I merrily skipped out the door and made my way to work as my mouth watered.
The way my co-worker's eyes lit up and seeing their bright smiles when I walked into work with the box of donuts gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I love making someone's day. I explained to them that they would have to share because I couldn't afford to get everyone their own donut and before they could find a knife to cut the donuts in half the cookie was broken into pieces and devoured.
They had so many questions: What's this place called? Where is it? What are the flavors? Why did you bring these for us?

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse Chocolate Toffee Cruffins
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

As they enjoyed their treats it was time for me to enjoy mine. The way the custard spills out and sits on top of the Cruffin makes it look like a cupcake in a way. That and it's muffin shape, a shape which is the same as that of a cupcake, I decided to review it because it's close enough to being a cupcake! Covered in a thin layer of granulated white sugar the flaky dough was baked to perfection. On the outside it was a toasty shade of brown with a little bit of crunch and on the inside it was layers of golden yeast-leavened, butter dough.

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse Chocolate Toffee Cruffin 
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

The chocolate custard was thick and creamy and it's chocolate flavor didn't take away from the pastry that surrounded it. The sprinkle of toffee flakes on top were a smart way to incorporate that flavor without over doing it. It was a little awkward to bite into because of it's size and shape so I ended up tearing it in half and eating it that way. It didn't look as appetizing but I was able to get the best of both worlds, some custard and pastry in every bite!






Cruffins are definitely more Croissant than they are Muffin and though they are not the most nutritious breakfast (1 regular Croissant = 231 calories, 12 grams of fat and 26 grams of carbs. 1 serving of regular custard = 234 calories, 8 grams of fat and 26 grams of carbs) they are one of the more delicious breakfasts! At $3.00 and $3.50 a pop the Cruffins and Donuts from Mr. Holmes Bakehouse are pricey but worth the monetary and caloric splurge!

Be the star of your next Holiday party by bringing a box of Mr. Holmes Bakehouse goods!

BØRNS @ The Independent 11/22/2015

One of this year's biggest breakout artists, BORNS, played at one of the smaller venues in San Francisco on Sunday November 22nd. It was a chilly night on the streets San Francisco  but inside The Independent it was nice and cozy with fans arriving early to the show which had sold-out in a heartbeat. The floor was full and pulsating with politely chatting, dancing show goers when Avid Dancer got the show going. Warming the crowded room up for the highly anticipated headliner, the LA based openers were modest, asking SF fans if they were excited for BORNS a couple of times during their solid alt-indie-pop set.

BORNS @ The Independent 11/22/2015
Photo by Marc Fong

BORNS @ The Independent 11/22/2015
Photo by Marc Fong

Garret Borns, the critically acclaimed 23 year old Michigan born, LA based singer-songwriter, better known as BORNS, sparked more movement throughout the already jubilicious crowd. Positively radiating happiness, he lead his band, and fans into the dreamy, dopamine fueling set. For as heavily synth sounding as his debut album, Dopamine is, surprisingly there wasn't a single synthesizer on stage: one gal played two different key boards, another kept the beat on drums and gents on guitar and bass made up the ensemble. 

His velvety vocals enchanted with an unassuming intensity and were pleasantly accentuated by female back up vocals from the keyboardist. With his signature luscious locks, gracious stage presence and flawless singing, Borns' exuded an angelic air. It was easy to fall into a trance while he lifted the audience up on a high with his seamless experimental psychedelic pop. 

BORNS @ The Independent 11/22/2015
Photo by Marc Fong

The best of course was saved for last and surely sent everybody home more than happy, ending the sensational show climatically with "Electric Love". 

I gotta say seeing BORNS on a Sunday night sure was a great way to wrap up the week! 

After finishing the current  leg of the US tour December 18th at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo New York, BORNS will continue touring in Australia, the UK and all around Europe through early 2016!

Dragonette @ Popscene 11/20/2015

Dragonette @ Popscene 11/20/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

Dragonette triumphantly returned to the Bay Area last Friday night with a sold-out show at Popscene!  People poured in as soon as doors opened at 9:00 and they didn't waste anytime making their way to the front of the stage. DJs Omar and Aaron Axelsen kept the crowd happy and dancing to cool mixes of new wave classics and electro-indie-pop hits until the Toronto based band hit the stage around 11:00.






The two guys of the three piece band, drummer Joel Stouffer and synthesizer mixer/bassist/producer Dan Kurtz did some last minute fine tuning before leading lady Martina Sorbara joined them. Once the whole gang was together they were all smiles as the energy levels in the room rose with the sound of the first song of the set, "Let the Night Fall", sparking an enthusiastic reaction. Proudly jumping around the stage with an amicable authority, Martina's connection with the crowd grew stronger with every song played.

Dragonette @ Popscene 11/20/2015 
Photo by Marc Fong 

Engaging not only with her two band-mates but also with ecstatic fans, her exuberant personality shined as the dance anthems transcended a frolicsome vibe across the floor all the way to the balcony. The harmonious blend of simplistic synths and muffled drums didn't stand a chance against Martina's animated stage presence and fierce performance but there was a sense that the band knows this to be a Dragonette fact.

Dragonette @ Popscene 11/20/2015 
Photo by Marc Fong 

They'd bust out a few songs from one of their three albums, including "Fixin' to Thrill" "Run Run Run" and "Hello" before pausing a couple of times to chit chat about the last time they played in the Bay Area two years ago and how great it was to be back, playing in SF. Martina also shared that they'd been writing new music over the last two years before she introduced a new song "this one is a bit of a slow jam". 

The high dance-ability  of their songs and effervescent energy was a good fit for the intimate dance-party night club. They brought it, worked it and their SF fans totally dug it. It was well worth the wait to see Dragonette play Popscene at The Rickshaw Stop!

Dragonette is playing a handful of shows at small clubs in Canada now until December 12th with Young Empires, catch them if you can! 

Candicake Cupcakes

 My co-worker, who's a personal trainer, was just as surprised as I was when he got a special cupcake delivery from Candicake at work the other day! It was a pretty funny delivery for someone to get at a gym but great incentive to workout harder!
 I know about  Candicake because I follow them on Instagram. Their treats have some of the cutest presentation I've seen! I also know that there is a $25 minimum per order and that they don't have a storefront, therefore; I wasn't expecting to try Candicake anytime soon.
This was my lucky day! 

A dozen cupcakes from Candicake
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

The deep red color of the cake was a dead give away that one of the two flavors of the dozen cupcakes was Red Velvet topped with a plump dollop of what was most likely Cream Cheese frosting but the other flavor I wasn't so sure of. By the way it looked I was left to assume it was some version of chocolate. 

Cupcakes from Candicake
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Based on the available flavors listed on the website my guess was that the later had to be Nutella Sweetheart or Banana Nutella or maybe Coconut cream chocolate. I couldn't be certain unless I tried it though, so I decided to indulge in the unknown. Per usual, I started with a small taste of the frosting which was light brown in color and surrounded the top of the cupcake in a cluster of little starbursts. (very decorative as mentioned).It's texture was super creamy. 

Cupcake from Candicake
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

It was super light yet buttery but not rich. It was also really sweet, not overly sweet and not really chocolately either.  There was a split second in my initial taste "test" when I thought there was hint of Nutella but as badly as I wanted it to be Nutella flavored my tastebuds could not be tricked! The cake had a nice dark chocolate color but that too fell short on the flavorful front. It was light and fluffy but like the frosting it seriously lacked flavor. 

Even though this Candicake cupcake didn't taste nearly as good as it looked, it did look real good! AND I still don't know what flavor it was! Maybe I chose one from the last batch off a seasonal menu? Maybe I should have gone with what's listed as their most popular flavor, Red Velvet...next time! 

Candicake still has some of the cutest cupcakes I've seen, so if that's what you're looking for place your order! They cater every and all parties, celebrations, etc! Deliveries in San Francisco, South San Francisco and Daly City are free! Now that's delicious! 

Rock-tober Shows

I was raised by music enthusiasts: one parent being what I came to be known as a "Dead-Head" the other blaring everything from The Stones, to David Bowie, Ice - T to Frank Zappa and the B-52's, so it's not surprising that I've grown to like all different genres of music. I have my go-to's but I'm open to and enjoy all types of music and if you read my blog on a regular basis you've probably already gathered that. I'm also always down to go to a show, any show, even if it's a band I've never heard of.

 The Summer  Music Fest Season has officially been done-zo for a few weeks and it's safe to say that Summer and our infamous Indian Summer in San Francisco are (finally) over. Now that the Holiday Season and all of it's festivities are ramping up let's take a look back at October which is better known as Rock-tober in the wide realm of music. The shows I went to last month really ran the gamut: from venue to stage design, lighting and genera to the show-goers, each show stood on it's own on a few different levels. I know these aren't uncommon concert occurrences, especially with the mix of music I saw but still!

Tove Lo at The Fox Theater 10/3/2015
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Tove Lo 
October 3rd at The Fox Theater: 
Girls with boyfriends in tow, groups of girlfriends, cute gay boys and young-ins flocked to the sold-out Tove Lo Show at The Fox Theater in Oakland. The racey, Swedish pop-starlette had an exuberant, gracious stage presence and a bright, sleek stage production complete with her (stage)  name lit up in Marquee lights. Personally, I'm only familiar with her hit singles that are played on the radio but everyone at the show sang along to every single song! 

Diego's Umbrella @ Social Hall SF 10/16/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

Diego's Umbrella 

October 16th at Social Hall SF:

San Francisco natives, Diego's Umbrella played a celebratory show for the release of their Songs for the Juerga EP  at the newest concert venue in the city, Social Hall SF. 

Loyal fans danced to the signature sounds of polka/ska inspired jams with a Spanish flamenco flava from the 5 piece, Gypsy Punk-Rock band. Regardless of the fact that tickets didn't sell as well as I would have thought for a Friday night, hometown record release show, Diego's Umbrella generated lively fun on and off stage. 

A Silent Film 

October 19th at The Independent

A Silent Film @ The Independent 10/19/2015
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

On tour in support of their self-titled 3rd album, A Silent Film drew a small crowd at The Independent. The English Alternative Rock band has a brooding indie sound, reminiscent of bands who were wildly popular in the late 90's, early 2000's like Interpol, The Vines and The Strokes they confidently delivered a wholehearted performance. In a black leather jacket and loose pompadour singer/pianist/guitarist Robert Stevenson looked a lot like Arctic Monkey's front-man and the band as a  whole fit the rock role well on the club's dimly lit stage. Visibly giving it his all throughout the show he intermittently engaged with fans, vigorously trying get them pumped up. A Silent Film delivered a solid show but with the flush popularity of retro-punk-grunge- blues-rock like Elle King, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Gary Clark Jr. and so on, it seems as though their sound may have missed the mark by a few years.


FKA Twigs 

October 17th at Treasure Island Music Fest

FKA Twigs @ Treasure Island Music Fest 10/17/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

FKA Twigs was arguably the most anticipated artist at Treasure Island Music Fest this year and the experimental trip-hop singer, songwriter, producer, former back-up dancer definitely did not disappoint. The British beauty hit the dark, smokey Bridge Stage  fashionably late wearing a revealing lace pant suit paired with a dominatrix style Bustier. She silently sauntered to her mic with a sultry demeanor which was a big part of her stage presence throughout the set.
The meticulous choreography and body contorting dance moves were utterly amazing and flowed with her evocative R&B tunes so well all you could do was watch in awe. She awkwardly thanked the crowd a couple of times during what was the last set she'd perform on her 2015 Festival run.

The War on Drugs 

October 18th at Treasure Island Music Fest

The War on Drugs @ Treasure Island Music Festival 10/18/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

What a difference a day makes! The War on Drugs played the same stage that FKA Twigs played the previous day at Treasure Island Music Festival . Adam Granduciel's voice was smooth and soothing and the band's acoustics were some of the best I've ever heard at a Music Festival. Their shoegazing indie-rock appeal allowed you to just chillax and enjoy the brisk Sunday evening. 

Marina and the Diamonds 

October 20th at The Fox Theater

Marina and the Diamonds @ The Fox Theater 10/20/2015
Photo by Marc Fong

The first Marina and the Diamonds show on Wednesday October 21st at The Fox Theater sold-out super quick so a second show was added by popular demand on Tuesday October 20th. Tuesday night's show wasn't at capacity but the venue was pretty packed with a whirlwind of excited fans. The Welch hottie with a body hit the road in support if her 3rd album, Froot on the Neon Nature Tour which turned out to be an appropriate name seeing as she had such a bright and colorful stage design!




A huge wall from which her band played a top of flashed quirky cartoonish visuals behind her as she energetically performed melodic ballads and electro-pop favorites from all three of her albums.
Her three costume changes throughout the night reflected the theme of each album and this arena worthy show element, which is seldom seen at The FoxTheater, added even more fun to her set!

Emily Wells @ The Chapel 10/21/2015
Photo by Nikki DeMartini

Emily Wells 

October 21st at The Chapel

The young and very talented Emily Wells quite literally carried her show at The Chapel in the heart of San Francisco's Mission districted on October 21st.  The multi-instrumentalist violin virtuoso single-handedly set up all of her instruments and equipment before starting her one-woman show. She captivated show-goers with her humble performance of emotion evoking eccentric indie-folk.  

As you can see from the variety of shows I went to last month alone (and that's not even all of them) I am not close minded when it comes to music or going to shows. I highly recommend approaching show going the same way! Not only will it expose you to something you might not have ever dialed into or thought you would like  but it exposes you to how different bands utilize the pieces that make a show stand out or seem the same as the last indie band you saw (for example). 

Being open minded to all types of music will open your eyes to a new appreciation of live music and musicians. Plus you'll end up going out and having more fun if you don't close yourself off to new experiences. 

Rock-tober is over but there's still a couple weeks left of Show-vember, so get out there and enjoy some shows! 

Promised Land Sound at The Independent 10/27/2015

After touring with Alabama Shakes and Angel Olsen, Nashville's Promised Land Sound hit the road with Natalie Prass in support of their latest release, For Use and Delight. The two indie bands played at The Independent last Tuesday night and while the openers played to a small crowd, the impression they left was big. 

Promise Land Sound at The Independent 10/27/2015 
Photo by Marc Fong 

Their delicate balancing act of country twang and aspects of Psychedelic rock have made the foursome a favorite at Jack White's Third Man Records (which happens to be based in their home-town) and for good reason. Driven by both electric and acoustic guitar, their sound is uniquely fresh yet nostalgic rendering attention with an amicable rawness. Understandably, the set weighed  heavier with songs off of the new album but did included some from their debut release as well. 

Promise Land Sound at The Independent 10/27/2015
Photo by Marc Fong 

Brothers, Joey Scala (bass/vocals) and Evan Scala (drums), lead vocalist Sean Thompson and classically trained keyboardist, Ricardo Alessio share a sincerity on stage, one that amplifies their Southern roots vibe, even in the dim lighting at The Independent.

Their tour with Natalie Prass is over but Promised Land Sound is still on the road, playing a few more shows as they make their way back home.  

Friday November 6th: Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle 

Sunday November 8th: Toronto, ON Canada @ Drake Hotel 

Tuesday November 10th: New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge 

Wednesday November 11th: Philadelphia, PA @ King Fu Necktie 

Thursday November 12th: Durham, NC @ The Pinhook

Emily Wells @ The Chapel 10/21/2014

The show at The Chapel on October 21st was a partially seated one, the first I'd been to at the venue and almost every seat was taken by the time the opening set from Emily Neveu ended. A clamor of chatter rose from the crowd as the band swiftly broke down and removed their equipment from the stage as the headliner herself, Emily Wells began setting up. During the change over I wondered of Emily Wells would be accompanied on-stage by any other musicians or if she was playing a solo show like the last time I saw her a few years ago at Bottom of the Hill. My question was answered right before my eyes as the multi-talented, solo artist accepted minimal help getting her synthesizer, drum machine, kick drum, snare drum, symbol and loop station  ready. It was quite a sight to see just how self sufficient Emily Wells really is as she strategically placed and plugged in everything. After leaving the stage then returning with her violin in hand, she was greeted with a pleasant flurry of applause from the room full of fans who knew that she was about to start.

Emily Wells at The Chapel 10/21/2015
photo by Nikki DeMartini

"I am so excited to be here! Thank you so much!" she exclaimed with a  big smile across her face before getting the middle of the array of musical instruments she had just set up. Standing behind stacked synthesizer equipment she the set started off softly, earnestly easing us into it with enchanting synth melodies.

Emily Wells at The Chapel 10/21/2015 
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Her songs tell very personal, melancholy stories that get deep and can be dark but the sad-core folk songstress makes the sadness sound pretty.  Emotions painted her face as she sang and while she sent shivers through the spellbound room, she was busy recording then looping lyrics live, stepping on the pedal of the kick drum behind her, playing the drum machine and shaking a tambourine! When her hands were free from playing the tambourine, drum machine or pressing buttons on synthesizers, Emily Wells wielded what she's best known for playing, the violin. 

Emily Wells at The Chapel 10/21/2015 
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Her unique vocals are raspy and carry a vulnerability with heavy undertones and singing with her eyes closed, it's as if she's trying not to relive the memories. Sporadic high notes of piercing pitches accentuated her ambient music while rural elements of The Chapel's interior design suited her eccentric folk aesthetic to a tee. 

Emily Wells' live show is an experience you have to see to believe. Even then, it's hard to believe how good she is at delivering a solo show with so many different contributing elements.

Playing a handful of shows on little mini tour of hers, Emily Wells might be back on the road soon to play more shows in support of the 2016 release of her 9th studio album!