“Since its inception in 1993, San Francisco’s Noise Pop Festival has grown into one of the most respected indie rock extravaganza’s in the country.”–Pitchfork
Now in its 21st year, the 2013 Noise Pop Festival kicks off at 5pm today with one of my favorite events, the FREE Noise Pop Happy Hour at Bender’s Bar & Grill on South Van Ness at 19th Street. This event happens daily, 5-8pm, from Tuesday to Saturday. It gets crowded, so plan on getting there early to order a Pliny and grab a spot near the stage before the noise begins.
I’ve been attending Noise Pop since 1997. Every year I drag my friends to shows and every year they resist: “But I don’t recognize any of these bands!” Then I remind them: “Remember when we saw Spoon at Noise Pop in 1997? Apples in Stereo and Modest Mouse in 1998? Death Cab for Cutie in 1999? This year won’t be any different. You’ll end up seeing bands that you’ve never heard of. Then, a few years from now, you’ll be able to say that you saw so-and-so back in the day… at Noise Pop.”
Below is a video playlist featuring some of the bands playing this year, including Ramona Falls, R. Stevie Moore, Comadre, The Fresh & Onlys, Great White Buffalo and Jason Lyttle.
Check back later for updates, reviews and tips. You can also follow me, @festivalfreak on Twitter and Instagram.
