San Francisco’s 33rd Noise Pop Festival, a celebration of collected voices and distinctive music, is set to commence tomorrow. This year’s edition promises more than just a musical gathering—it also marks a poignant farewell. Bottom of the Hill, the city’s beloved indie music venue where the festival first began, is set to close its doors at the end of this year, making this edition especially memorable.
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Festival Scope
Running from 19 February to 1 March, the ten-day festival will feature over 150 bands performing across approximately 15 of the city’s most iconic venues. These locations are renowned for their dedication to indie, rock, and experimental music, offering an eclectic range for festival-goers.
Featured Performers and Highlights
| Date | Performer | Venue | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 20 | Hudson Freeman | Bottom of the Hill | Farewell concert series |
| Feb 21 | Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage | Bottom of the Hill | Classic indie folk |
| Feb 26 | Carpool Tunnel | Bottom of the Hill | Emerging new band |
| Feb 26 | Shannon Shaw | The Commons at KQED | Intimate set, garage rock |
| Feb 28 | Illuminati Hotties | Bottom of the Hill | Shoegaze and indie rock melodies |
The headline acts this year include Tortoise, celebrated worldwide for their experimental rock; Stephen Malkmus, formerly of the renowned ’90s indie band Pavement; and Wisp, a singer-songwriter known for their shoegaze stylings.
Festival Impact
For decades, Noise Pop has been an integral part of San Francisco’s nightlife, providing a launchpad for emerging indie artists who have gone on to achieve international acclaim. Last year’s performers included St. Vincent, Benjamin Gibbard (of Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service), and rapper Earl Sweatshirt, exemplifying the festival’s diversity and influence.
Attendance Advice
Tickets for individual shows are available, but purchasing a full festival badge offers substantial advantages: access to all performances, parties, and happy hours, and entry to sold-out shows, ensuring the complete Noise Pop experience.
The festival’s essence lies in the discovery of new music—it functions as San Francisco’s own miniature South by Southwest. For indie music enthusiasts, Noise Pop remains an unmissable event.
This edition, in particular, is set to be historic, symbolising both a closing chapter in the city’s music legacy and the beginning of new musical journeys. Noise Pop continues to unite music lovers, celebrate innovation, and cement San Francisco’s reputation as a hub for pioneering sounds.