San Francisco has always been ahead of the curb. Long seen as the centre of LGBTI rights the Californian city is a haven for the left.
Musically San Francisco is no different. Go back as far as the 50s and you’ll find a community of free thinkers, writers and artists known as The Beat Generation who would forever have an effect that would ripple through years and future artists born from the local music scene.
It’s no surprise then that The City Of The Bay would become the centre of the psychedelic rock and roll movement. The likes of The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Moby Grape, Country Joe and the Fish and Santana collectively broke the three-minute rule and sometimes spiralled for longer than 20 minutes.
Such acts promoted themselves through underground FM Radio while old ballrooms, rented halls and unusual spaces were turned into gig spots that would bare witness to dazzling light shows.
This movement changed the way music would be seen and heard by providing an experience that was unconventional and yes – just like San Francisco – free thinking.
It was during this time that underground radio was born. The movement found allies in KSAN and KMPX.
Just as concert promotion would change radically through the aforementioned stations rock journalism would take the music experience one step further.
A small time publication founded in San Francisco by Jan Wenner and Ralph J. Weason that would go by the name of Rolling Stone would become one of the most influential voices in music in the years to come.
As Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart said of this era, “There was a community in need of music, and music in need of a community”.
That community wouldn’t just embrace music it would change the way it was embraced.
Today San Francisco wears its history like an emblem. The music scene is more vibrant and diverse than it ever has been.
Shop
Aquarius Records, 1055 Valencia St.
As far as San Francisco record stores go this establishment is one of the elder statesmen of the industry. Founded in the 70s Aquarius Records is a record store of old aesthetics wise. But this doesn’t change the fact that it is one of the city’s most well stocked stores. Aquarius Records is open seven days a week and you’ll also find a selection of t-shirts for sale.
Groove Merchant, 687 Haight St.
This store gets the basics right. It’s clean, organised, allows you to listen before you buy and most importantly it has a fine selection of records. What makes it brilliant though is its in store performances. You can find out who’s playing via their Facebook page. Groove Merchant is open every day except Monday.
City Lights, 261 Columbus Avenue
Once an attraction for tour busses to pass for spotting beatniks this independent bookstore has been a hallmark of the city’s alternative culture since it was founded in 1951. With three floors worth of books and reading events book lovers can’t miss City Lights. For music lovers this establishment shouldn’t be missed either. Given the many authors who are sold in this store were involved in the The Beat Generation alongside many musicians is one reason, the other is that the music book selection here is incredible.
Listen
Outside Lands Music And Arts Festival
In its sixth outing in 2013 the event had a lineup that the world fawned over. Securing the legendary Paul McCartney alongside Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nine Inch Nails and Phoenix is no easy feat. With over 60 acts in three days the festival has continued to grow each year. With around 50,000 punters a day the event provides 71 local restaurants, 36 Bay Wineries and 16 breweries for ticket holders to experience the best San Francisco cuisine alongside the world’s greatest musicians.
The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd.
On one hand this music venue shows the San Francisco music scene’s legacy and on the other it provides some of the best gigs by local and international bands in town. Having hosted the likes of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and countless others the chronological display of psychedelic posters on the mezzanine level also demonstrates the mark this venue has on the city’s music history. Unsurprisingly the musician’s like the venue too, with the establishment booking gigs regularly the likes of The Cure and Radiohead have played here multiple times.
Bottom Of The Hill, 1233 17th St.
Regarded in the past by Rolling Stone as the best place to hear live music in San Francisco this small bar prides itself on its history with the walls adorned with memorabilia from past gigs. Alongside the finest local musicians the likes of Fleet Foxes, Darwin Deez, Deerhoof and Cold War Kids have played here in the past. Bar and lounge areas are also available for those wanting time out from the music.
See
Great American Music Hall, 859 O’Farrell St.
Voted in as the 6th best American clubs by Rolling Stone in 2013 this music venue would fit very nicely in our Listen section. However it’s the remarkable architecture and history that has the GAMH in this section. Opened in 1907 the stunning French interior has seen renovations, revamps, closures, openings and generations of American musicians. In its current form the likes of Van Morrison, Patti Smith and Arcade Fire have played here. This building is an integral part of the local music scene and the history of the city itself.
The Beat Museum, 540 Broadway
For only $5 this small yet informative museum gives an insight into those writers and musicians who made up The Beat Generation. Located in the epicentre of Beatnik activity in the North Beach area the establishment displays 1950s memorabilia, manuscripts, first editions, letters and other artefacts related to The Beat Generation. There are also some great music-themed books for sale at the bookstore worth checking out too.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Music, seafood and sea lions. What’s not to like? This popular tourist destination is home to incredible restaurants and shops, but for music fans there are also plenty of reasons to head out to Fisherman’s Wharf. During the day street performers add excitement to the atmosphere, but it’s the night time live music and entertainment here that displays some of the best local musicians.
San Francisco Acts You Should Check Out
Mikal Cronin – Facebook
This singer-songwriter has released two solo albums worth of alternative rock and if his work with other local bands doesn’t demonstrate the impressiveness of his CV than maybe his work on bass guitar and backing vocals in Ty Segall’s live band might catch you attention. Regardless as his 2013 critically acclaimed release, MCII, proved the man is one of the most talented musicians from San Francisco.
Giraffage – Soundcloud
“Dreaming while you’re awake” goes Charlie Yin’s biography and given the gorgeous dreamscapes of his sample-based pop tunes this ambiguous statement becomes all the more easier to understand. With layers of synths and deep vocals on ‘Feels’ the producer catches you in his sonic web and transfixes.
The Mallard – Soundcloud
With a stage presence that has often been described as “arrogant” it’s little surprise that this four-piece major in late 70s punk. On ‘You Got The Critics’ below you can hear traces of attitude with the deliberate low quality vocals lending an authentic DIY quality to the track.
