Show 8pm
All Ages
Cornerstone Presents:
Show 8:00pm
Cornerstone Presents:
STINKFOOT ORCHESTRA
ft. Napoleon Murphy Brock
Show 9pm
Cornerstone Presents:
CYDEWAYS
with support by THE IRIE and NATIVE LEAVES
Cydeways is an Alternative band out of Santa Barbara, CA. Fronted by Dustin Parks,
Cydeways also features Casey Kernohan, Kevin Harvey, Trevor Buckingham
(producer/engineer) & Dana Shoults (co-producer). The group initially formed in Boston,
MA. before Parks moved the project out west to California.
The group eventually caught the attention of Law Records and in speaking with Law’s
Yesod Williams, he shares how Cydeways wound up on his radar, telling The Pier: “I
was podcasting Joe D. from Iration and he mentioned Cydeways to me. He’s friends
with Dustin. After a little time, Hawaiian time that is, I finally reached out to Dustin. He
sent me a track he had coincidentally done featuring another mutual friend in the
Rhymesayers artists, Grieves, serendipity? I’d say so!”
Show 9pm
Cornerstone Presents:
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS RAVE
A 20-Year Hannah Montana Nostalgia Celebration
This event is 18+
This is a night for the generation that grew up on it.
We’re bringing together the biggest moments from Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus into one nonstop nostalgia experience — celebrating the music, the memories, and the songs that defined a generation.
Expect Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus hits all night long, from Best of Both Worlds and Nobody’s Perfect to Party in the USA, We Can’t Stop, and more — all in a packed room full of people who know every word.
Throughout the night, we’ll move between eras, from classic Hannah Montana to iconic Miley, with nonstop sing-alongs, throwback moments, and a dancefloor that stays full from start to finish.
Whether you grew up on Disney Channel or became a fan later, this is your chance to relive it all in one place — louder, more fun, and surrounded by a crowd that gets it.
Dress like your favorite era of Hannah or Miley — from Disney Channel glam to Bangerz chaos — or just come ready to sing every word.
Bring your crew and get ready for a night of pure nostalgia.
**This event is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Disney, Hannah Montana, or Miley Cyrus.**
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presents:
SLUTTONY
A FEMME FRONTED PUNK SHOW CELEBRATING WOMEN OF THE STAGE
with support from False Flag, Fatale & The Jewelry
Sluttony is an all-femme alternative rock band based in Los Angeles. Originally formed in Santa Cruz, CA, Sluttony quickly gained a local following and re-ignited the post-pandemic college music scene in Santa Cruz through their on stage chemistry and captivating live performances. Their debut album, “Hazel” “…crashes through your speakers like the best loud, emotionally messy house party, full of that chaotic charm only a close-knit band of friends can deliver.” Their raw, moody songwriting coupled with a sharp onstage attitude and sound that never flinches makes Sluttony a powerful rock act on the rise.
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presenst:
HAIL THE SUN
Show 6:30pm
Cornerstone Presents:
TERROR
with Pain of Truth, End It, Start Today and Stand Tall
Terror is Scott Vogel - vocals, Martin Stewart - guitar, Jordan Posner - guitar, Nicholas Jett - drums, and Christopher Linkovich - bass.
Nobody could have ever guessed the trajectory that hardcore would have taken back when this movement was first formed. And in the early 2000s, nobody would have guessed that a band like TERROR would still be one of the most influential bands in the subgenre, 24 years after their start. Their aggression, coupled with a love and appreciation for the scene that so many have come and gone from, or even forgotten altogether, has let them thrive- now unveiling their tenth full length record, STILL SUFFER, releasing April 24th on Flatspot Records.
Originating from Los Angeles, California, during a time when hardcord needed a band to smash things back to center as the genre found itself falling off track, TERROR rushed in, immediately made their mark and never let go.
Working with producer (and former guitarist) Todd Jones, the band created ten fast, aggressive, in-your-face tracks that embrace the themes that made TERROR so influential in the first place. Songs about self empowerment, survival and an unrelenting will to face challenges head on with the values and support found within these walls.
STILL SUFFER was rounded out with engineering and some additional production by Taylor Young at The Pit Recording Studio, mixing by Jon Markson, and mastering by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, with additional vocal engineering by Jay Zubricky at GCR Audio, and drum engineering at Studio 606 by Taylor Young and Oliver Roman. Guest vocals on the album come from Jay Peta of Mindforce on "Beauty in the Losses," Brody King of God's Hate and Dan Seely of King Nine on "Deconstruct It," along with Hot Water Music's Chuck Ragan providing an assertive delivery on "Fear The Panic," a song which was also co-produced by New Found Glory's Chad Gilbert.
From the start, TERROR has never turned their back on the things that made this band so vital since its inception. With the release of STILL SUFFER, it's clear that the band has no sign of letting up, continuing to succeed on their mission to deliver hardcore authentic to themselves and to show the world that this is much more than just music. This community and movement that nobody can truly put into words, is the exact place the energy comes from that fuels TERROR to continue to build and grow with STILL SUFFER.
“Forever doesn’t change, you’re damaged just like me.”
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presents:
SIR WOMAN
Kelsey Wilson has never been able to escape the pull of music. At the early age of 4, she began playing violin and quickly became fascinated with her family’s expansive record collection. Growing up homeschooled with a mother whose life had been embedded in the gospel church, Wilson found herself immersed in the genre and became enamored with R&B and gospel artists like Otis Redding, Billy Preston, Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone. It wasn’t until her teenage years that she was introduced to genres like country rap and pop. “None of it really hit after so many years of what I was listening to, so I just implanted gospel into my brain.”
While Wilson never thought she would be a professional musician, life had other plans. In the early 2010s, Wilson found momentum as the lead vocalist and violinist of the Austin-based Americana outfit Wild Child. “I was writing songs with someone who played the ukulele, so I realized that I could fit melodies and words over the chords he was playing and it was really easy.” Throughout their 14-year tenure, the group released five albums and has toured with artists like Mt. Joy, Robert Ellis and Shakey Graves. Because it was “easy,” Wilson believed that she was supposed to be making folk music. After all, the band has found moderate success over the years, from movie and TV show placements to commercial jingles. But the music didn’t feel “authentic” to Wilson. “I wasn't being my genuine self,” she says. Still, she didn’t know what kind of music she would make if she was in complete control. In 2018, the year before lockdown, she penned what would be the first Sir Woman record — several songs that didn’t quite fit in the Wild Child world. At the time, she didn’t intend to create a band or touring the record. “I just wanted to make an album that sounded like me entirely.”
The name of Wilson’s rollicking solo project fittingly came to her just as Wild Child was playing the last festival before their hiatus. While roaming around the festival grounds, a security guard yelled at her, calling her “sir” and “woman.” Something clicked: It was the song that she had been singing in a dream the night before, the character she longed to create. “It felt so appropriate and reminded me of Motown, just classic but powerful. It was everything that I didn't really get to express in Wild Child.”
As Sir Woman, Wilson took the Austin music scene by storm in 2022 with the release of her full-length self-titled debut. It led to her taking the stage at renowned clubs, earning Artist Of The Year at the 2023 Austin Music Awards, as well as features in Rolling Stone, Spin.com, Variety and the Cover of Austin Chronicle and many other publications. The buzz surrounding Wilson’s project has helped earn Sir Woman upwards of 30 million streams on Spotify.
Now, Wilson is funneling her long passion for soul, funk and R&B into a double album — If It All Works Out and If It Doesn’t. But making one — let alone two albums —isn’t something she ever intended to do. Throughout the making of both her records, Wilson experienced a great deal of
loss. While recording If It All Works Out, her sister died. In between the making of her debut and the second LP, her father passed away. They were both chapters in her life that needed to be shared separately. “It basically came out to be an album for a good day and an album for a bad one, because you need music for both experiences.”
Throughout the 11 tracks of If It All Works Out, Wilson clung to the ideas of love, positivity and romance. The album’s cinematic lead single, “Who You Gonna Love?” pays homage to a brassy Motown classic, while embracing Sir Woman’s overall ethos of lifting yourself up. “It was all the records from the 70s that I loved listening to growing up, I got to emulate and do my version.” “Heaven” is Wilson’s long-awaited understanding of the sentiment behind Bonnie Raitt’s iconic ballad “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” “It’s this shameless plea for one more night with the person
that you love, even though you know, they don't want to be there anymore.” The album’s closer, “Making My Way” is a heartbreaking conclusion to the record that grapples with the gravity of loss Wilson experienced in such a short period of time. She began writing the first verse after her sister passed away (“I’m gonna see you again someday”) during lockdown when she was unable to have a funeral for her. For a while, she couldn’t move past that line. When it came time to wrap up the record, her father passed away. Immediately, the second verse came to her. “It was like the universe was making me wait to finish the song because it was gonna be connected to another major loss. So it was the most cathartic recording experience I've ever had. A song has never meant more to me.”
While If It All Works Out has a hopeful lens, If It Doesn’t is the kind of album that can uplift you when you’re facing life’s challenges. The 10 tracks may seem uplifting on the surface, but they were crafted during one of the darkest times in Wilson’s life. As the lead single, the ‘90s R&B-tinged “Never Gonna Give Me Up,” is a cheeky, dance number that pays tribute to her music discovery in her teen years. “You never want to give me up / But you never want to give me love,” she sings with a playful lilt. On “Believe It or Not,” Wilson meditates on being enamored with someone who doesn’t believe them. “It is unrequited love, but you love this person so much that you don't care.” With “New Story,” Wilson explores the power of reinvention. “I got in a conversation with someone who believes that nobody ever really changes, and as someone who just went through such a drastic change and came out the other side, a completely different human being. I was like, ‘This is absolutely untrue.’”
Leading up to each album's release, Wilson has been sharing singles from both records. If It All Works Out was released on February 21st, while If It Doesn’t is set to drop on May 16th.
Show 9pm
Cornerstone Presents:
Show 9pm
Cornerstone Presents:
TAINTED LOVE - THE BEST OF THE 80S LIVE
For 2 decades, TAINTED LOVE has been thrilling audiences nationwide with its high-energy, over-the-top renditions of pop music from the treasure trove known as the 1980s. Their show delivers something for every music fan: pulsing dance beats, fist-pumping rock anthems, and guilty-pleasure sing-alongs, all performed with the highest level of musicianship and state-of-the-art sound and lighting.
Purchase tickets here.
Show 7:30pm
Cornerstone Presents:
MELROSE AVENUE
with AUTUMN KINGS and STRAY VIEW
About Melrose Avenue: Melrose Avenue is a melodic punk/metalcore outfit hailing from Australia. With their explosive sound and captivating online presence, they have amassed a dedicated following and become one of the most viewed Australian musical acts of the year. Stay tuned for their upcoming tour dates and be prepared to be blown away by their electrifying never seen before performances!
Show 7:00pm
Cornerstone & UC Theatre Present:
THE DECIBEL MAGAZINE TOUR
with CRYPTOPSY, NECROT, SPIRIT ADRIFT & BLOOD MONOLITH
Show 7:00pm
Cornerstone Presents:
MATT BRAUNGER
Matt Braunger was raised in Portland, Oregon. A headlining comedian since 2007, Matt studied theatre in New York and improvisation in Chicago. He’s brought his signature style to recurring roles on ABC’s Agent Carter, NBC’s Up All Night, Netflix’s Disjointed, Starz’ Take My Wife, Amazon’s Upload, and currently as Dan Kangpatrick on NBC’s The Paper.
Matt was a series regular on Fox’s MADtv, a cast member of the TruTV series How to Be a Grown Up, and has appeared on tons of shows such as Superstore, Fuller House, BoJack Horseman, Stan Against Evil, I’m Dying Up Here, Garfunkel and Oates, Maron, Happy Endings, Carol’s Second Act, and Black-ish.. He’s performed stand-up on CONAN, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show, and The Late Late Show. Basically, all of them.
In 2009, he was named to Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch, and Comedy Central’s Hot 9 in ’09 list. His comedy specials Soak Up The Night (Comedy Central), Shovel Fighter (Comedy Central), Big Dumb Animal (Netflix), Finally Live in Portland (Amazon), and Doug (Various) have received critical acclaim.
A favorite of Cornerstone Brewery, Matt was last here in November of 2025 for a packed show as he developed his newest hour which he’s returning to Berkeley to record! Get your tickets now for this taping and be a part of the magic.
All ages show
Show 9pm
Cornerstone Presents:
STRANGELOVE - THE DEPECHE MODE EXPERIENCE
with support from
TEMPTATION
Tribute to New Order/Joy Division
-
Purchase tickets here.
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presents:
PRINCE DADDY AND THE HYENA
with REMO DRIVE and RESTRAINING ORDER
Show 8:00pm
Cornerstone Presents:
NEONI - HOW TO KILL A FAIRYTALE TOUR
Neoni is the powerhouse alt-pop sister duo whose cinematic sound blends dark pop, rock, and electronic intensity. Known for their anthemic hooks, high-impact production, and fearless lyricism, the duo has built a devoted global fanbase drawn to their themes of resilience, rebellion, and transformation.
Now entering their most ambitious chapter yet, Neoni return with their new album How To Kill A Fairytale, a project that dismantles the myths of perfect endings and rewrites them with grit, survival, and self-empowerment. The record expands the duo’s sonic world, blending massive pop hooks with gritty rock textures and immersive visuals.
To celebrate the release, Neoni will embark on a 20-date headline run across North America, bringing their explosive live show to fans in cities across the U.S. and Canada. Known for performances that feel as theatrical and emotionally charged as their music, the tour marks the duo’s biggest live chapter yet.
Show 8:30pm
Cornerstone Presents:
ALL YOUR FRIENDS - THE INDIE PARTY
This event is 18+
Purchase tickets here.
Show 7pm
Cornerstone Presents:
BEING AS AN OCEAN
with Lagrimas and Commoner
Show 7:30pm
Cornerstone Presents:
JILUKA
JILUKA was formed in February 2015 with a four member line-up:
Ricko (vocals) / Sena (guitar) / Boogie (bass) / Zyean (drums)
JILUKA expresses a variety of emotions by combining their aggressive metal sound with diverse musical essences and utilizing striking, melodious music.
The band released three mini albums and five singles in a three year period, trademarked by an impressive musical evolution, interwoven with a musical sense indicative of the new generation.
Strongly embossed with the label of visual kei Deathcore from the start, both their growth as a band and a hybrid and metallic intensification resulted in the creation of visual kei modern metal.
Furthermore, they expanded their always energetic live performance endeavors and presented the world with their first full album "Metamorphose" in 2018. And after that, they challenged themselves to take a new step forward in May 2019 with their brilliantly daring cover album "Polyhedron", which included a metal version of the nationally recognized hit song "U.S.A." and an iconic anime song "Fukai Mori".
Marking their 5th year as a band with their first best-of album "XANADU" and an anniversary solo show in February 2020, JILUKA are on the cutting edge of V-Kei modern metal with divided albums "Xtopia"(2020) and "IDOLA"(2021).
In October 2022, the band launched their ultimate new flagship "Electro Gothic Metal (EGM)" sound with the digital single "BLVCK" (sound-engineered by Jeff Dunne who's known for working with Motionless in White, Ice Nine Kills, Emmure, Chelsea Grin, etc). And their following digital singles "OVERKILL" "VENΦM"(2023), "S4VAGE"(2024), spread the possibilities of EGM. Especially music video "VENΦM" got over 1.5 million view in the first year on YouTube(https://youtu.be/SnTqDzM43VU).
JILUKA made their first performance in the United States in October at Anime Weekend Atlanta 2023. A month later, it was revealed that they would play at Evil Live Festival in Lisbon, becoming the first visual kei band to perform in the country. Taking advantage of the festival date, the band announced their first world tour 2024 named K4RMA with five solo dates in Europe; in the cities of Warsaw, Bratislava, Cologne, Paris and London which all sold out, plus the Resurrection Festival in Spain / EVIL LIVE Fest in Portugal and a show in Los Angeles in July. Due to the success of K4RMA, they returned to Europe in September with "K4RMA - The Return", this time with 2 new countries: Italy and Finland, and finishing it with a show in China. A four-date tour in United States will begin in late October, 2024.
In February 2025, they released their 5th digital single "KVLT". Starting in March, they embarked on a North American tour with IMMINENCE (22 shows in 3 weeks). Furthermore, in May, they launched their headline world tour 2025 "THE KVLT", touring Europe in June (including festival appearances at the Czech "ROCK FOR PEOPLE" and Finland "Tuska 2025") and South America in July. Subsequently, they began a nationwide Japan tour from late August. (During this Japan tour, the band released their new best album "XNDII" to commemorate their 10th anniversary).
And 2026 kicks off with the release of JILUKA's latest EGM digital single "DeViLs."
In May, they will also embark on a nationwide tour headlining a total of 17 cities in the US.
Now, JILUKA with EGM is taking over the world!!
===
*JILUKA official web site
https://jiluka-web.com/
===
*X (Twitter)
https://twitter.com/JILUKA_official
https://www.instagram.com/JILUKA_official/
*YouTube
https://youtube.com/@JILUKAofficial
*TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@jiluka_official
*Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/29GG0pny3WjcVP9fUb3a7v?si=L-JsnI_JQJ-NJ6cC9rA0pw
===
Show 9:00pm
Cornerstone Presents:
CD GHOST
with MIDI Memory
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presents:
PRADABAGSHAWTY
THE FIVE PROBLEMS TOUR
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presents:
KENNY MASON - AMERICAN BULLDAWG TOUR
Purchase tickets here.
Show 9pm
Cornerstone Presents:
TEEN SUICIDE
ft. CLOUD NOTHINGS & PURE HEX
Show 8:00pm
Cornerstone Presents:
SEWERPERSON
Purchase tickets here.
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presents:
MIHALI
with support from
BAHENA
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presents:
LILA IKE
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presents:
TROY DOHERTY
TROY (Troy Doherty) is a rising pop singer-songwriter and the voice of Hermes in EPIC: The Musical, earning a fast-growing worldwide fanbase. His debut album ZODIAC has surpassed 20 million streams, fueled by multiple viral videos and over 1.2M monthly Spotify listeners. After selling out every show on his beta tour, TROY now brings his fan-inspired 2026 U.S. ZODIAC Tour to cities across the country.
His entertainment career includes roles such as Clayton Swain on TNT’s The Last Ship, the Hambone King on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, Byron in Zoey 102, and standout theatre performances including **the Artful Dodger in Oliver! ** and Scut Farkas in the world-premiere of A Christmas Story: The Musical.
TROY writes and produces his music, blending indie pop, rock, soul, and cinematic influences into an emotional, powerful live experience.
TROY live in 2026 brings every sign, every story, and every emotion to the stage across the U.S. The ZODIAC era is here. Experience it!
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presents:
WITCH CLUB SATAN
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presents:
SADIE JEAN
Early Twenties Tourture
Sadie Jean is hitting the road with Early Twenties Tourture, turning her debut album into a live experience that feels more personal than ever before. Known for pop hooks, soulful vocals, and unguarded emotional insights, Sadie Jean and her band bring a set built for finding collective heartbreak and healing all in one night.
Leveraging the momentum of her viral breakthrough “WYD Now?”, Sadie sold out her first headline tour and appeared at major festivals across the globe; recently on tour with Lauren Spencer Smith and Rod Wave, now, she’s stepping into her next season with confidence.
With over 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify and more than 500 million total streams across hits like “Locksmith” and “Just Because,” Sadie has already made her mark on the pop landscape. But beyond the numbers, her ability to transform moments of heartbreak and self-discovery into timeless, emotionally resonant songs has become the primary hallmark of her artistry, continuing to attract fans around the world.
Early Twenties Torture, as she explains, captures exactly that: the messy, exhilarating, painful, joyful ride of falling headfirst into adulthood. Sadie Jean is never one to shy away from reality, and if her soul-baring debut ties her coming-of-age struggles up in a bow that seems conflicted, you’ll know one thing for certain — she’s telling you the truth.
Purchase tickets here.
Purchase tickets here.
Purchase tickets here.
Purchase tickets here.
Purchase tickets here.
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presents:
THE ULTIMATE DOORS:
TRIBUTE TO THE DOORS
The Ultimate Doors has long been celebrated as one of the most authentic andpowerful Doors tribute bands in the country. Described by fans and critics as “uncannily true to the original” and “the closest you’ll get to seeing The Doorslive today,” the band has built its reputation on delivering a raw, electrifying,and immersive experience that captures the spirit of Jim Morrison and TheDoors with uncanny accuracy.
What sets The Ultimate Doors apart is their obsessive attention toauthenticity. From theperiod-correct instruments and vintage gear thatrecreate The Doors’ unmistakable tones, to the styling, stage presence, andenergy that mirror the original band, every detail is crafted to transportaudiences back to 1968. The four musicians of The Ultimate Doors combine tocreate a sound so faithful that fans often remark they feel as though they’re ata real Doors concert. It’s not just a tribute....it’s a time machine.
Show 8:30pm
Cornerstone Presents:
KELSY KARTER & THE HEROINES
With FRANKIE & THE STUDS
Hailing from the vibrant confluence of British grit and Australian charm, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines have stormed the global music scene with an electrifying blend of rebellious rock ’n’roll and unbridled creativity. Formed five years ago, this dynamic four-piece is spearheaded by the unapologetic Kelsy Karter, whose fiery persona and theatrical roots set the stage for the band’s thrilling rise in modern rock.
Kelsy Karter, an Australian theatre kid turned rock frontwoman, leads the charge with a blend of potty- mouthed charm and heartfelt sincerity. Known for her audacious approach to self-promotion, Kelsy has become a media sensation for her innovative and often outrageous marketing stunts. TIME magazine once drew comparisons between her and rock icons like Ozzy Osbourne and Alice Cooper. Her fearless attitude toward online hate and her advocacy for self-expression and anti-bullying have made her a powerful and influential voice both on and off the stage.
The band’s core is completed by the inseparable English trio of lead guitarist Matt Peach, drummer Sebastian Boyse, and bassist Tommy Gent. Hailing from Derby, England, these three have been friends since childhood and share an undeniable chemistry that fuels their explosive performances. Their combined talents create a rich, guitar-drenched sound steeped in glam rock, soul and ’80s punk, offering a musical experience that is both timeless and contemporary.
Their debut album, Missing Person, was a critical triumph, marking the band as a unique force in modern rock and earning the distinction of “The Album Rolling Stone Recommends” in Rolling Stone’s print issue the month following its release. With over 800k followers across social media platforms, The Heroines have built a digital circus of live performances, comedy skits, and touring anecdotes. Their social media presence is as electric as their music, showcasing the band’s cheek, charm, and Kelsy’s candid advice on embracing one’s true self.
Kelsy Karter & The Heroines recently unleashed their sophomore album, Love Made Me Do It - a fiery, emotional rock opera that dives headfirst into love, chaos, and redemption. The record cements their reputation as one of the most exciting and theatrical forces in rock today.
Having toured extensively across the globe as headliners, the band has also shared the stage with rock legends including Billy Idol, The Cult, and Halestorm, earning acclaim for their explosive live energy and unapologetic authenticity. Endorsement deals with Monster Energy, Shure, Fender, and Taylor Guitars further attest to their growing prominence. As they continue to headline tours, support rock icons past and present, and ignite festival stages worldwide, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines remain at the forefront of rock music - proving that when the front door slams and the back door’s locked, they’ll always find a way through the window.
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presents:
STELLA PRINCE
Show 9pm
Cornerstone Presents:
NICK LUTSKO
Show 9pm
Cornerstone Presents:
RJD2
with JEL
With the same care he combines sound sources into songs, RJD2 has stitched together an
impressive career out of many projects: instrumental albums, international tours, credits for
Mos Def, MF DOOM, Phonte, producing the theme for Mad Men, and beyond. The Columbus,
OH producer titled his new album Visions Out of Limelight in honor of his comfortable
place in the underground and his "self-imposed exile" at work on the tracks. For his latest
instrumental LP, the producer found inspiration in sources that can be taken for granted by
less-discerning listeners.
Thanks to time at home with his son, RJD2 was completely immersed in the TV theme
songs of the '70s, '80s, and '90s. "I realized how incredibly composed and skillfully
complex many of them were. These songs contained a few core tenets: a great groove, a
great chord change, a strong melody, and a concise time frame," he says. "It made me
realize how hard it is to make instrumental music with a melody that's as memorable as a
lead vocal."
The producer was also determined to build tracks around interesting basslines, inspired by
classic parts in Dr. Dre's "Deep Cover," KMD's "Black Bastards," and [Diamond D example].
It was a deliberate change from the chord-centric compositions in post-millennial hip-hop
and funk. It became a "mini-mission" for the producer to make a modern album that puts
the bass in the forefront of the songs.
Both approaches align on single "Catch The Exit Door," as electric bass percolates up and
down the neck under wah-wah guitars and horns straight out of a syndicated cop drama.
"Through It All" features crooning from English vocalist Jamie Lidell, pondering his
existence over piano stabs and a steady breakbeat. Frequent collaborator Jordan Brown
flexes his paranoid android falsetto to fit the loose groove of "Fools at the Haul" with
robotic precision.
Some songs were recorded with live instrumentation while others were chopped and reassembled via sampler "like the olden days," RJD2 says. "I still to this day appreciate the
radical shift in mindstate inspired by constructing a song with bits of found sound."
Good luck figuring out which drums are live or samples. With 15+ years of studio
experience, the producer has developed a combination of mic placement, technique, tuning
and gain staging to get drum sounds that evoke the same grit and urgency of classic hiphop breakbeats. "You either run out of great drum samples, or you spend the bulk of your
creative time chasing new ones, to varying degrees of success," he says. "The finite nature
of great drum samples has pushed me further into honing my drumming game."
RJD2 has a wide range of Visions: "Wild For The Night"'s aggro horn loop was inspired by
the legendary Bomb Squad, while "What I Do, Man" and "Asphalt Lamentations" were
inspired by French touch house of Daft Punk and Ed Banger Records. At proper volume, the
full album evokes the thrift-shop psychedelia of Paul's Boutique.
And the producer really did bury himself up to his neck in the dirt [where?] for the album
art.
"Album covers have become my opportunity to do something fun in the real world," he
says. It's a dual homage to Funkadelic's Maggot Brain and Redman's Dare Iz A Darkside,
two artists with enduring catalogs of no-bullshit, rock-solid music. RJD2 aspires to create a
similar body of work, from his 2002 opus Deadringer to 2020's The Fun Ones on to the
future.
"I have come to terms with the fact that the most impactful and lasting effort I can put
forth in my limited time on Earth is to leave behind the best music I can, not for the sake of
pitching 'me,' but for the sake of the music itself," he says. "The timeless nature of recorded
music and its ability to touch an unknown future listener makes it as close to a worthy
endeavor as I'll ever attempt." Visions Out of Limelight channels RJD2's many influences
into another incredible instrumental album, and it just might be a classic one day too. -Jack
Riedy
-
Jeffrey James Logan, known as Jel, is an American hip hop producer, rapper, and co-founder of the influential indie label Anticon. A foundational member of such influential early '00's groups as Themselves, 13 & God, Subtle, and Deep Puddle Dynamics - JEL has also produced songs for the likes of Mike Patton, DJ Krush, Atmosphere and Sage Francis. Having toured the world over many times as a live solo producer, JEL has been a trailblazer with a sampler and drum machine on stage.
Show 7pm
Cornerstone Presents:
SIX FEET UNDER and KATAKLYSM
with Wormhole
Show 9pm
Cornerstone Presents:
SIGH
Purchase tickets here.
It is hard to believe that it has been 45 years since we all walked the halls of Berkeley High School. It’s time to get everyone back together.
Come catch up, laugh about the good old days and make new memories with friends you have missed. Good vibes, great company and lots of nostalgia guaranteed!
Please join us for a fun filled night of food, cocktails and dancing. The dance floor is waiting...
Show 8pm
Cornerstone Presents:
TAB BENOIT: SOUL OF THE SWAMP TOUR
w/ THE ZAC SCHULZE GANG
Tab Benoit is a 4x Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and guitarist who has built a remarkable 30+ year career on the foundation of his gritty and soulful Delta swamp blues, acquiring a devoted legion of fans along the way, as well as 5 Blues Music Awards, including BB King Entertainer of the Year (twice) and an induction into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
After a 13-year hiatus, Tab is back with his latest effort, I Hear Thunder, on his own label, Whiskey Bayou Records. The new album was his first #1 in the Billboard charts in over 30 years. Read more about it in Billboard here.. Benoit's 2013 release, Medicine, was co-produced with Anders Osborne for Concord International, and garnered three Blues Music Awards. Following this notable success, Benoit took a step away from music, taking a 13-year sabbatical from recording and entering a period of creative exile.
Tab's accomplishments as a musician are matched only by his devotion to the environmental health of his native Louisiana wetlands. The notoriety achieved by his success provided him with a mouthpiece to promote his growing concern for the Louisiana Wetlands and coastal erosion from the region he calls home. Benoit is the founder and driving force behind Voice of the Wetlands, an organization working to preserve the coastal waters of his home state. In 2010, he received the Governor's Award for Conservationist of the Year from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. Benoit has also starred in the iMax motion picture Hurricane on the Bayou, a documentary of Hurricane Katrina's effects and a call to protect and restore the Wetlands.
Benoit has recorded and/or performed with Junior Wells, George Porter Jr, Dr. John, Willie Nelson, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Billy Joe Shaver, Maria Muldaur, James Cotton, Cyril Neville, Kenny Aronoff, Allen Toussaint, Kim Wilson, Jimmy Thackery, Charlie Musslewhite, Kenny Neal, Chris Layton, Ivan Neville, Jimmy Hall, Jim Lauderdale, Anders Osborne, and Alvin Youngblood Hart to name a few.
Purchase tickets here.
Show 9:00pm
Cornerstone Presents:
CHEEKFACE
w/ special guest Bodega
Purchase tickets here.
Purchase tickets here.
