Well, hello lovers of music and culture. We are Under The Stars, a quasi-weekly column that stays on message with strong-ass opinions, presenting new music releases, upcoming shows, and other adjacent items. We keep it moving, hustling with the changes, thinking outside the margins. We’ve been doing this for five years… Spend some time with us…
But first… did you hear that? It’s the ultimate combination! When was the last time you remember Spike Lee releasing a new film starring Denzel Washington, while at the same time a new Public Enemy album is making waves in the music critic circuit for all the right reasons?
This summer has proved to be a tipping point. Things are shifting.
It seems the generic superhero films, the capes, masks, and tights flicks are falling out of favor with the general populace. Films with new and different ideas, adult themes, seemed to take over the box office this summer. some larger than others. But listen. Sinners, Freaky Tales, F1, Materialists, Friendship, Weapons—all somewhat original ideas, built for thinkers not followers (even Superman had some original juice)—made some noise in the multiplex this summer.
I know we are a music column, but when things like this pop up, it indicates a shift. That can translate into music. When people are thinking, not just blindly going along with whatever is provided, only good things in other areas can follow. Sniffing what I’m cookin’?
Good. On with it then.
MAE POWELL AT THE INDEPENDENT, THU/21
There is a description from Patrick Sean Gibson, director of Mae Powell’s recent visual for her new album, that for sure is a love letter in so many ways to San Francisco. Putting the essence of this artist so succinctly, I can’t get it out of my earhole. “The one and only, Mae Powell, the Bay’s candy-coated goddess of flowery cool.” BOOMSAUCE. Can’t say it more clearly.
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Listen. Making Room for the Light, Powell’s debut record for the Colemine/Karma Chief Records imprint, is a doozy of country twang, blissful blue-eyed soul, and folky-woozy structures that keep the Bay elite. Somehow, through song, Mae has packaged up those tints and scents you can’t get anywhere else.
Two songs in particular, “Contact High” a songful representation of what it feels like to be around a person who pulls you in just by presence, and “Linger,” a moving alt-country mood piece that does just what it says in the title.
Pre-order this cosmic swirl of melodious affection here, and then go support the artist at her record release show who supports ALL the other artists at their shows around town. Pick up the debut that feels yesternow for all the proper reasons and see her live too.
Grab tix here.
CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA AT SFJAZZ, SEPTEMBER 12-14
The first time—absolutely—I heard and saw “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” by Lenny Kravitz, with fully afroed-out jazz drummer Cindy Blackman moonlighting in his rock band to keep the lights on, she was going full Keith Moon HAM, beating up those damn drums like they owed her milk money. Having a vigorous conversation with Sheila E. I was sold, on sight.
Where can I see this drummer? To find out, Cindy Blackman Santana will be gracing the Miner Auditorium stage at SF JAZZ with special guests Ravi Coltrane on saxophone and Patrice Rushen on keyboards.
Are you freaking kidding me, playing with my emotions, having a laugh? I don’t know what type of rock-jazz-funk-fusion alchemy is about to go down with these players, but it will be one for the ages. Book it!
Grab tickets here.
KAYTRANADA “SPACE INVADER” FROM AIN’T NO DAMN WAY! (RCA)
GRAMMY award-winning producer Kaytranada is one of those artists who can work the overground and still bring it on the underground tip as far as electronic music is concerned. He’s done nothing but get better, go deeper, and rarely repeat himself since making waves with the still legendary 99.9% release in 2016.
Still bangs, brudder.
His new project AIN’T NO DAMN WAY! marks this Canucks (he’s Canadian, people, relax) first full-length since 2024’s Timeless, and the lead single “Space Invader” brings some 80s-90s breakbeat business into the fold only the way KAYTRA can. BIG.
Pick up another classic by staying alert here.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS, “EBB TIDE” (SLUMBERLAND RECORDS)
A member of San Francisco’s thriving indie music scene, The Telephone Numbers—a band featuring members of The Reds, Pinks & Purples and The Umbrellas—will release their second album, Scarecrow II, this fall. Recorded by Alicia Vanden Heuvel at SF’s Speakeasy Studios, these songs blend styles from ’60s folk twang to ’70s post-punk and ’80s power pop. Core band members include Morgan Stanley (The Umbrellas), Phil Lantz (Neutrals, Chime School), and Charlie Ertola, supported by a lineup of SF indie stalwarts such as Anna Hillburg (trumpet), Andy Pastalaniec (organ), K. Dylan Erdich (violin and mellotron), Tony Molina (guitar), Vanden Heuvel (bells), and Lewis Gallardo (slide guitar).
Pre-order here.
FRIDAYS ON FRONT STREET, FREE VALKYRIES BLOCK PARTY, FRI/22
Anyone who commutes on BART in the early and late parts of the evening has witnessed something a bit different this summer. That Valkyrie Violet keeps appearing on droves of fans, boarding the train either hopped up after another Golden State Valkyrie win or still quite excited despite a close loss. Either way, Valkyrie Fever has taken over the city, including the evening BART commute. Filling that ride, which at times can be a bit of a slog, with pride and enthusiasm. That talented and very special team has invigorated the professional women’s basketball fan base in just its first year. It’s moved quickly.
Sensing that trend, Fridays on Front Street returns August 22, starting 4pm, for its third edition, transforming Downtown SF into the Bay Area’s biggest free Valkyries block party—with live sets from the team’s official DJ (DJ LadyRyan) and other local acts, all-night happy hours, and plenty of sipping in the streets of downtown. What’s that? You said you’ve got a basketball jones? Well, check out the Golden State Valkyries vs. Phoenix Mercury (tip-off at 7 pm) on a large-format LED screen outdoors on Front Street.
Noise Pop Industries has curated a live music stage with performances by Suzanimal, Animal Prince, and one of my fave SF collectives, Mild Planet (which features Mae Powell on lead vocals, see above). There’s loads more fun options to partake in.
Sounds like a Friday night! More info here.
