It's no secret that independent musicians are struggling right now. With shows cancelled for the foreseeable future, many Bay Area artists find themselves uncertain where their next paycheck is coming from.
What can you do to help? Listen to their music, buy their albums, purchase some merch, and share their songs with friends. We've compiled a playlist full of Bay Area artists in several genres. If you like what you hear, consider visiting the artists' online stores or following them on Spotify to support them in this difficult time. If nothing else, we hope this music brings you some joy during these strange times.
Learn more about the artists below and visit their individual websites. You can also stream our 7x7 Bay Area Shelter-in-Playlist on Spotify.
"Lonestar" by Emily Afton
Oakland based singer-songwriter Emily Afton released her latest EP, Consideration, on March 6th. She was scheduled to perform her soulful indie-pop songs on many stages over the upcoming months, including at the upcoming Do It Ourselves music festival held in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
To further support Emily, head to her website and stream her music at emilyaftonmusic.com; you can also follow her on Instagram where she has already live-streamed a small set of her songs this week.
"Compromise" by Speakese
Formed by vocalist Adi Gobert and bassist Daniel Erik in Mendocino County, Speakese is an Oakland based neo-soul collective. The band was set to perform at the upcoming Lucidity Music Festival in Santa Barbara until the festival was postponed this past week.
Visit them online at speakease.band, follow them on Instagram, and stream their music on Spotify.
"Girl Swallows Nightingale" by Girl Swallows Nightingale
Fronted by singer-songwriter Marica Petrey, the art pop/rock band Girl Swallows Nightingale just released its debut album, Shapeshifter. The release party for their album was planned for March 21st at Starline Social Club, and has since been postponed.
Visit their site and stream their music at girlswallowsnightingale.com, you can also follow them on Instagram.
"Dive" by The Seshen
A six-piece band that's a little R&B, a little electronic, and a little indie-rock, The Seshen released their newest album, Cyan, on February 28th. The band was forced to cancel the upcoming Pacific Northwest portion of their tour.
Learn more about the East Bay–based group at theseshen.com, and follow them on Instagram; stream the music at Tru Thoughts and Spotify.
"She Be" by No Lovely Thing
Led by singer Melissa Jones, this Oakland seven-piece soul and funk band released its first LP in May 2019. The band was set to perform at the Girl Swallows Nightingale release party on March 21st.
Stream the music on Spotify, and visit them at nolovelything.bandcamp.com and on Instagram.
"Lean on My Love" by Caitlin Jemma
Caitlin Jemma is a singer-songwriter delivering soulful country songs throughout the West Coast. Her latest album, Places Beyond You and Me, debuted in October 2019. Caitlin announced this past week that she was canceling her upcoming Italy tour.
Stream her music at caitlinjemma.com, and follow her on Instagram (she has been posting some great Covid-19-related songs this week that will make you smile).
"Open Wide" by Sour Widows
Sour Widows is a bedroom-rock band that was formed in Oakland in 2018 by three longtime friends. The band's self-titled EP dropped February 28th, and they were midway through their West Coast tour when they had to cancel the remainder of their shows.
Stream their music on Spotify and visit them at sourwidows.bandcamp.com and on Instagram.
"In a Perfect World" by The Same Chase & The Untraditonal
(Courtesy of The Same Chase Band, via Facebook)
This San Francisco folk rock'n'roll band released their latest album, The Last Rites of Dallas Pistol, in November 2019. They were ready to embark on a grand tour across Europe, playing 14 shows over the span of three weeks, until they announced on Sunday that they had no choice but to cancel.
Stream their music at thesamchase.com, and follow them on Instagram.
"Don't Eat" by Zola
Zola is a 22-year-old singer-songwriter from San Francisco whose genre-bending indie sound is influenced by Bon Iver, Lorde, and Big Thief. Her latest release, "Don't Eat," was released this spring, and all planning of future shows for the singer is currently on hold.
Stream her music, visit her website, and follow her on Instagram.
