Watch the video premiere of "Be Free" by Zelma Stone, in conversation with the death of loved ones
Also new this week: Five-song EP from queer indie pop producer Mahawam, psychedelic jazz rock from PEÑA, and salsa for the ages from Oakland icon Sheila E.
Today White Crate is honored to share the video premiere of Zelma Stone’s “Be Free,” the closing track for her latest EP A Dance.
Dreadful as death yet light as reconciliation, the song embodies a conversation between the artist and two deceased loved ones—her brother Brett (who died in a car accident at age 19) and her friend Jenny (who died in the Ghost Ship warehouse fire at age 21)—questioning whether they are free or not in death.
The video gives color and motion to the question, in its first half portraying shadowy, darkly-draped dancers moving through crimson glowing sets and grasping at the claustrophobic artist. But in the white sunlit second half, Zelma Stone talks to herself and accepts that her loved ones are indeed free, in turn freeing her from her grief.
Musically, the song (as well as the rest of the EP) follows this same pattern, applying a somber, sobering sound palette while remaining above total abandonment or depression. It is glistening indie rock that has touched deep pain and can speak about it with open eyes, but at the same time has grown, and chooses not to wallow in that pain. Dark music for open hearts blooming.
Check out the video, directed and choreographed by Hayden J Frederick with choreography assistance by Krystal Castillo.
— White Crate
UPBEAT WAVY QUEER BOPS
“Hot Pressed isn’t a concept record, but the songs are collectively about choice and getting out of your own way.”
Anyone whose introduction to Mahawam (aka Malik Mays) took place at the 7000COILS-curated WC04 event last month will have been immediately struck by their seemingly effortless feeling and flow, a celebratory and poised outpouring of voice and heart. Now we get the gift of studio recordings: Last week the Oakland songwriter and producer released Hot Pressed, five delectable indie pop songs distilled from 10, and released by queer artist-focused, LA-based boutique label Molly House Records. Exploring what it means to grow up and come into one’s comfort and maturity as someone who identifies as queer, the 15-min EP bubbles and bounces through upbeat wavy bops, culminating in the hyped up ear worm “Lizard Brain.”
See Mahawam and Dani Offline open up for The Seshen this Saturday, April 27 at Eli’s Mile High Club.
— Ronny Kerr
FANCIFUL LATIN JAMS
“i was searching deeeeep for validation of my identity, and i wanted to write music that honored that. spanish music. in the years since, i’ve amassed the songs that represent this side of me and now they’re ready to be heard. i’m ready to be seen.” — Nico Peña
A fanciful Latin pop rock jam tracing its lineage from Spain to San Francisco, para ti is the latest full-length album by PEÑA. Led by Nico Peña, the full band applies a psychedelic Latin jazz sonic palette (thanks to keys, alto and tenor saxophones, plus a wide variety of rhythmic explorations) to quick catchy songs pleasing from the start. On the surface, these songs are simple and carefree, but they express a depth of growth for the artist as he simultaneously explores his ancestral and cultural identity as well as his capability as a bandleader. Still, it can be easy to work with friends, and the songwriting and performances here reflect not just a personal story but the story and sounds of an artist working within community. And from community, joy.
— Ronny Kerr
VIBRANT SALSA FROM AN ICON
Bursting with vivacious joy and springtime vibrancy, iconic Oakland drummer and singer Sheila E. just released Bailar, your next favorite salsa album. Yes, she brought in the starpower: Opening tracks “Anacaona” and “Bailar” feature salsa legends Rubén Blades and Luis Enrique, and the lead single “Bemba Colorá” (originally by every Latin family’s instant party starter Celia Cruz) features Gloria Estefan and Mimy Succar. But aside from all the namedropping, this is just a great, uplifting album, guaranteed to get you dancing out of your seat.
— Ronny Kerr
SHOW RECS
Our top show recommendations for the coming week:
[rock] Kalinders (EP release), Crop Top, Fieldress, Katsy Pline (solo) — Apr 26 at Ivy Room
[club] Hudson Mohawke, Nikki Nair, Kush Jones, Bored Lord b2b bastiengoat, Farsight, RITCHRD — Apr 26 at 1015 Folsom
[club] CYBER DIVA ft. Papa Xanny (EP release) — Apr 26 at DM organizers
[punk] Cuva Bimö, Mars Occult, Glow Scout, Fuzz Kit — Apr 27 at Stay Gold Deli
[rock] Smokin Ziggurats, Mayya, DJ Cosmo Dante — Apr 27 at Thee Stork Club
[metal] Leaving (album release), Chrome Ghost, Renewer, Connoisseur — Apr 27 at First Church of the Buzzard
[rock] CVCC (tape release), States of Nature, Parisian Mansluts — Apr 27 at the Golden Bull
[club] New Nostalgia: AiBeacon ft. INVT & Baalti — Apr 27 at Gray Area
[experimental] Fitnesss, Cel Genesis, 011668, Parish, Exteeng — Apr 27 at Monument
[r&b] The Seshen, Mahawam, Dani Offline — Apr 27 at Eli’s Mile High Club
[club] DAD SF 7th Anniversary ft. Victor Rodriguez, Stacy Christine, Kris Steeves — Apr 27 at Club Six
[experimental] Katabatik + Immortal Sin ft. Beau Wanzer, Atlea (live), Tyrel, Topazu, Only Now (live), C.L.A.W.S., Group Rhoda (live) — Apr 27 at F8