Black Coffee is one of electronic music's most influential figures. The Grammy Award-winning artist is celebrated for blending Afro-house, deep house and soulful electronic sounds in both his sets and productions, and has been hypnotising crowds at major festivals and iconic venues worldwide for more than a decade.
Nothing is impossible. That was Susan Alcorn's assessment of the potential of the pedal steel guitar, the peculiar instrument that she made her own. Alcorn passed away at 71 in January 2025 as possibly the world's pre-eminent pedal steel player, driven by a vision to bring as much out of it as possible and, in doing so, to gracefully apprehend and interpret whatever music caught her interest.
Formed at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the group blends technical precision with expressive range, moving comfortably between classical staples and contemporary compositions. Their programs often highlight contrast, pairing the clarity and balance of Haydn with modern textures that stretch tone and color.
Metropolis -the tale of an exploited caste of workers breaking free from their oligarchic oppressors by joining together with them to build a new world, as well as an Orpheus-like love story-has famously been in a state of restoration for almost a century, thanks to studio mangling and the ravages of time.
Ghostnote is a fast-growing music startup based in Berlin. Since launching in 2025, our mission has been to create the biggest label you've never heard of. At Ghostnote, we create ambient music universes with their own identities - shaped by shared moods, passions, and repeat rituals. We mix startup energy with a deep love for music, creative design, and community-building.
No matter who Sam Shackleton plays with, you recognize his handiwork immediately: Since he began weaving together North African percussion and dubstep-inspired basslines more than two decades ago, he's developed one of the most distinctive styles in electronic music. He long ago shed virtually all traces of conventional UK bass music, effectively evolving into a genre of one. Dubstep was always a misnomer for his music, which never stepped, but flowed.
The Left Coast Chamber Ensemble will perform Richard Strauss's Metamorphosen among other musical works on Saturday, Jan. 31. Credit: Left Coast Chamber Ensemble If you haven't seen it yet, catch Kala Art Institute's latest exhibition, Bookness, before it closes on Feb. 11. The exhibition explores how the book has evolved as an artistic medium throughout history. There will be a reception for Bookness on Feb. 8 at the Oakland Marriott City Center. 2990 San Pablo Ave. FREE
Dive into the electric world of RON B, a Berlin-based DJ and electronic artist who defies genre boundaries with a distinctly fresh and audacious sound. His latest EP, Confessions at 148 BPM, is a visceral exploration of the deep techno elements that define his post-genre approach, encapsulating the very essence of the city's underground culture. Crafted from the texture of countless nights spent in clubs and on runways, RON B's music captures a spectrum that oscillates between sensuality and high-octane energy.
This past weekend, Berlin was treated to an exhilarating showcase as Lambrini Girls took to the stage for a sold-out performance at Bi Nuu, supported by the equally vibrant Enola Gay. On December 13th, the Brighton-based noise-punk duo delivered a night brimming with dynamic energy and a fearless attitude, truly encapsulating the essence of punk music in a modern setting.
Brought to life by an international ensemble of ten talented performers, YOUME/ALIEN creates an atmosphere rich with experimental vocal techniques and an eclectic mix of instrumental sounds from strings, winds, percussion, and electronics. This captivating blend results in an otherworldly auditory experience that is further enhanced by pulsating light, evocative fragments of text, and choreographed movement. The music and text fluidly evolve, shattering conventional compositions and embracing their transformative, collective nature.
