Album Review: Jerod S. Rivera – Collected Works (2018-2021)

July 12, 2022

Oakland producer Jerod S. Rivera released his followup record Collected Works to last year’s debut Virgo: “Curiously elemental, the album unravels an orchestra of synth-etic and synesthetic threads, and reveals an uncanny constellation of the real and hyperreal.”

Album Review: Space Ghost– Private Paradise

June 16, 2022

The newest member of our editorial team graces our website with her review of Space Ghost’s Private Paradise, an album that “invites listeners to venture into a spectral realm of one’s thoughts: those of the past, present and proceeding. Private Paradise asks: What does your paradise look like? And what does it taste like? Smell like? Feel like?”

Album Review: Franck Martin– Passages

May 4, 2022

Modular synthesist Franck Martin has immersed himself into the SF modular synthesizer scene over the past 10 years. As of March 2022, his latest dark ambient album Passages is available in its entirety, reviewed here.

Album Review: Beast Nest– Sicko

March 29, 2022

Oakland-based sound artist Sharmi Basu (aka Beast Nest) released their latest album Sicko back in January. Adán had the opportunity to break down the listening experience with Basu and reports back for this review. While the album processes the grief from the Ghost Ship fire of 2016, it also dives deep into music’s place in healing, importantly removed from individualism and the “wellness” space.

Album Review: Sappho & Damon Boucher – The Desire Suite

January 25, 2022

Amelia returns with another album review, this time shining light on Portland-based artists Sappho and Damon Boucher. The duo released The Desire Suite on their label Koritsi Komma Records back in November 2021, which Amelia describes as a “delightful breath of deep house air.”

Album Review: Surkul – SHUSH

January 11, 2022

Adán Falcón delves into San Francisco- based producer Surkul’s debut vinyl record. Released on the Hill 88 label last Novemeber, SHUSH is the first of a series of future releases embodying an experimental post-drum and bass sound.

Album Review: Loveshadow – Loveshadow

December 21, 2021

Amelia reviews Loveshadow’s self-titled album, released in June, which gives off “major Twin Peaks vibes.” In Amelia’s words, “Loveshadow is an excellent pick for anyone seeking sultry tunes at moderate tempos, especially for fans of musical fusion and dreamy storytelling.”

Album Review: Bay Area Disco –Compilation 001

November 23, 2021

Amelia Helland reviews the first compilation album by the Bay Area Disco label: “While documenting a dope subset of current Bay Area music producers, this collection of underground dance jams offers crate-digging partiers eclectic inspirations for a night out, as each song is enjoyable and has many sample-worthy elements.”

Album Review: Joel St. Julien– EMPATHY

November 17, 2021

Haitian-American composer and sound artist Joel St. Julien released the long-awaited album EMPATHY in October. Equipped with modular synthesis and laptop, he sonically communicates the need for making room for empathy and compassion-filled spaces to exist “outside of the shadow of white supremacy.” Available on Bandcamp or on cassette.

Album Review: Baalti – Baalti

October 19, 2021

Baalti (Mihir Chauhan and Jaiveer Singh) has been gaining lots of traction here in the Bay this fall. Our contributing writer Amelia Helland makes her Fault debut reviewing their release from August.

Album Review: SOENEIDO - Into Other Dimensions

October 12, 2021

Contributing writer Tshego Letsoalo reviews Oakland artist SOENEIDO’s newest release, Into Other Dimensions. “The six-track EP evokes the stretching and contracting of time with nostalgic breakbeats and jungle basslines to keep us grounded, paired with futuristic effects, elements of techno, and synths that point us to an unknown future.”

Album Review: Michael Claus – Realm

September 28, 2021

Contributing writer Adán Falcón reviews Michael Claus’s August release, Realm. “Michael Claus’ EP Realm, from its cover alone, has the feel of a post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie set to deep house.”

Album Review: Make It Funky – Compilation 001

August 17, 2021

Groove to Make It Funky’s premiere label release before the summer ends!

Album Review: YNV - Golden Hour Ritual

July 6, 2021

Golden Hour Ritual showcases Belgian producer YNV’s entrancing blend of avant exotica, Middle Eastern mysticism and cabaret electronica.

Album Review: equilet - late correction LP

June 25, 2021

An inspired release graces the catalogue of San Francisco label Silva Electronics

Album Review: Billy Bates – Another Beautiful Day in the Apocalypse

June 15, 2021

This is the EP for all you heathens out there: ecstatic, hedonistic release is inevitable!

Album Revew: Nate Manic – (self titled)

May 24, 2021

Nate Manic is “purveying all sorts of questionable decisions” on his newly released debut album under the Quaint But Extra label.

Single Review: EREZ - “Modern Dream”

May 5, 2021

Beautifully combining jazzy piano, hypnotizing percussion and vocal effects, alongside innovative electronic elements, "Modern Dream" is quite perfectly a song of the time.

Album Review: The Secret Sauce EP (In-N-Out Jungle)

April 27, 2021

This short but mighty EP is packed with nostalgic sample gems and plenty of drive for “da Jungle Raver on da go.”

Album Review: Jerod S. Rivera – Virgo

February 3, 2021

Contributing editor Elise Mills reviews the Oakland producer’s newest full length IDM centric album

Potluck Tracks by Caltrop out on label AGYINI

December 8, 2020

The latest release from San Francisco’s Caltrop appears on Roche’s label AGYINI

Album Review: Christina Chatfield - Ascent/Descent on As You Like It Recordings

October 7, 2020

San Francisco’s As You Like It launches its recording label with a debut release from 10 year resident Christina Chatfield

San Francisco label Silva Electronics releases new EP from Assassins of Youth

October 13, 2020

Fast-paced and high-energy techno cuts

Album Review: Alleyes Manifest - James Wavey Otoño

July 27, 2020

The 2018 self-released hip-hop album gets a 12” vinyl release for 2020

Album Review: Space Ghost - Aquarium Nightclub

November 14, 2019

Nature inspired tropical boogie meets deep house in the latest album from the upstart Oakland producer

Artist Profile: Baalti

April 19, 2022

Regan Parrish interviewed Baalti about their history and happenings since their debut release in August 2021. Baalti has garnered much attention locally and abroad, and played a grip of gigs in major cities in both the US and India. The ingenuity of their sound and the positivity they radiate while performing is undeniable, and no doubt what makes them so impressionable.

Artist Profile: Tyler Holmes and Their Uncertain World

December 7, 2021

In an interview with Tyler Holmes, Adán Falcón speaks with the multifaceted artist about releasing and producing works in the pandemic, their musical influences and their view of the future to come. What becomes uncovered is a path of “going there,” to the edge and back, to an uncertain place with new music and perspectives.

Artist Profile: Joel St. Julien

July 20, 2021

Elise meets with sound artist Joel St. Julien to discuss the importance of making music during the pandemic, the nature of what he calls the “mysticism of the present tense,” and how modular synthesis has contributed to his creative process this past year.

Label Spotlight: Public Release

June 8, 2021

Why is one of the most cutting-edge designers in the country - if not the world - pressing vinyl?

Label Spotlight: In-N-out Records and GoodChill Records

January 27, 2021

Aaron Ruiz aka m27 Hardcore Junglist is launching a breakbeat revolution from his home in Oakland.

Label Spotlight: Inner Islands

November 14, 2020

Inner Islands, a record label now based in Oakland celebrates their 10 year anniversary in 2020.

Label Spotlight: Warm Fiction

August 04, 2020

Boutique label Warm Fiction aims to highlight music that works equally at home and on the dance-floor

Label Spotlight: Roam Recordings

May 07, 2020

Rising out of the infamous incubator that was the 90's Lower Haight scene, SF's Roam Recordings boasts a twenty-year history

Label Spotlight: Squirrels On Film

March 31, 2020

Local Bay Area heroes Brian Hock and Solar Langevin have teamed up to create one of the most exciting new labels to come out of San Francisco, the cheekily-titled Squirrels on Film. .

Label Spotlight: The Left Hand Path

February 28, 2020

In 2016, Journalist/DJ Chris Zaldua and musician/DJ Nihar Bhatt decided to take their event concept Surface Tension, itself an attempt to merge the seemingly disparate strains of experimental and dance music into one coherent ethos.

Label Spotlight: Perfect Location

January 27, 2020

Rising up from the Bay Area underground and beyond, Perfect Location Records has emerged with a unique format and a mission to expose quality talent to the world.

Label Spotlight: Lips & Rhythm

December 17, 2019

Launched in 2014 by wife - & - husband duo Soleil Kellar & Jesse Sizmo, Lips & Rhythm releases music inspired by the couple's international travels in warmer climates and the close relationships made along the way.

Discodelic: Discos Viajantes de Otros Dimensiones

Nov 29 2023

Phil meets with Discodelic, a record shop turned music label in San Francisco, co-owned by Ruben "Ruffy" Rangel, Maria Jose "Majoo" Salguero, and Miles Ake, which specializes in rare and soulful genres from Central America and the Caribbean. Their unique curation, described as "vinyl discs from other dimensions," reflects their passion for discovering and preserving lost music.

Introducing: Mr. Goodboy Record Carts

August 31, 2021

Carson Lere and Ryan Wilson’s record carts act as mobile, personal listening stations or popup sound systems for just about any gathering you can imagine. Contact them if you’re interested in a collaboration, regardless of your location!

Catching Up With Steve Adams of Mars Records

May 11, 2021

Tucked away from the commercial buzz of Piedmont Avenue, you may have stumbled upon the freshly minted vintage record shop Mars Records.

Beloved Los Angeles Record Store Stellar Remnant at Risk of Closure

October 5, 2020

Owners of the beloved record store announced that the shop might be facing closure due to the financial uncertainties posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Virtual Record Store Guide

April 07, 2020

In response to the "new reality" here's a list to some of our favorite Bay Area's Record Stores with ways to purchase records online while supporting local shops!

Digger’s Diary: An inside look at San Francisco’s lifelong record collectors Lu Dur and Vee Reyes

December 2, 2019

Vee Reyes & Luciano Duran, are passionate vinyl collectors & DJs who also go by the name Dyatron Industries. With almost 35k records, their collection specialized in Italo Disco, Electro, & many other styles such as Hip Hop, Dark-wave Rave.

Cultivating Community Through Vinyl: A Conversation with Vinyl Dreams

October 25, 2019

For DJ’s and casual vinyl lovers record shops are important spaces to gather, meet, and connect. Bay Area DJ and promoter Eugenia Puglisi shines the light on one of San Francisco’s most important outposts.

Fault Radio Presents: The Bay Area Record Store Guide

April 12, 2019

Purveyors of fine wax from all corners of the bay. We’ve compiled the first ever definitive guide to the Bay Area’s best record stores just in time for Record Store Day! We’ve highlighted our favorite shops in no particular order to help you know where to start.

Vintage Arts and Music for the People, better know as VAMP, is a one stop vintage store located in Downtown Oakland

January 28, 2019

Vintage Arts and Music for the People, better know as VAMP, is a one-stop vintage store located in Downtown Oakland. VAMP is a mainstay of Downtown serving the local artist community through consignment purchases and offering fresh creative inspiration.

The Rise of Stream Informer

May 18, 2022

Amelia uncovers the intriguing story behind the mysterious Stream Informer. The anonymous Brooklyn-based pair has cultivated an online DJ community during the pandemic, providing a platform “to help DJs gain much needed / deserved support while helping ravers ‘find their friends again’ via a virtual listening community.”

A Tribute to Bar Part Time

March 3, 2022

Amelia reports on the origin story and experience of one of our local scene’s staples, Bar Part Time. Only a little over a year old, BPT’s popularity has exploded: It’s become an institution in the Fault community, melding the music scene with a unique natural wine flavor.

As You Like It 10-year anniversary + AYLI Recordings Launch Party

December 18, 2020

AYLI is debuting its long-awaited label, As You Like It Recordings, which promises to nurture and advance the Bay Area's historic legacy, by promoting burgeoning talent while sharing that deep family feeling with the world. Inaugural release “Ascent / Descent,” a fresh take on a classic acid sound, by San Francisco’s Christina Chatfield, encapsulates this drive with remixes from TIN MAN, Noncompliant, Lily Ackerman, and Tape Ghost.

Revive The Night: A Fundraiser for SF Independent Dancefloors

November 11, 2020

A diverse coalition of Dance Music Industry folks is aiming to save San Francisco Independent Dance floors.

When The Party Stopped: How 2020 Changed the Bay Area Music Scene

October 10, 2020

Since early March the party has literally stopped and has devastated the music events industry. How have this impacted beloved venues, artists, and events professionals in the bay? We sat down with folks from our local community to answer these questions and more.

Beloved Los Angeles Record Store Stellar Remnant at Risk of Closure

October 5, 2020

Owners of the beloved record store announced that the shop might be facing closure due to the financial uncertainties posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

SOS Music Launches New Label in Collaboration with DUBLAB and !K7

September 12, 2020

The debut charity compilation features rRoxymore, LCY, Nene H, Umfang, Violet, Minimal Violence, Hinamko Omori and more!

Red Alert Tuesday: A national series of events to raise awareness about the economic plight of all those who work in the live events industry and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives.

August 29, 2020

On Tuesday September 1st, just as the lights go down in cities across the United States, red lights will emerge in the darkness illuminating spaces that… if you haven’t noticed already, have been dark for quite a while now.

E.N.T.I.T.I.E.S.

August 27, 2020

A Series Looking at Some of the Most Important Contributors to Nonconformity, Underground Culture, and Doing Things Differently. On this first episode, Evelyn Malinowski is exploring the history of SF disco legend, Sylvester.

Save Our Stages: A national collective is calling for legislative action in order to save independent music venues

May 22, 2020

Bailey Greenwood of Liaison Artists in an open letter published today on Fault Radio in the hope to save our beloved music spaces.

The Digital and Creativity Festival becomes an Interactive Online Event

May 20, 2020

The local chapter of the Montreal festival MUTEK returns to San Francisco with a debut online "Nexus Experience”.

Digging Into the Soul of the Bay: A Conversation With Brown Amy

April 27, 2020

Brown Amy has been producing events in the Bay Area for nearly a decade. With an impressive collection of 45s records of Soul Music, Brown Amy has been spinning Old Vintage Soul tracks on many of San Francisco's dance floors.

Fault Radio’s Guide to Bay Area’s Nightclubs: Supporting Our Venues Under Shelter In Place

April 20, 2020

The dance-music community is facing one of the most challenging periods in its history. As clubs are being shut down together with the effect of social distancing practices, the world of electronic music needs to find new ways to get by.

Women Sound Off Festival Empowers Visionaries and Creatives

March 05, 2020

Announcing it’s 4th edition coming up this April 3-5th 2020, the annual Oakland-based festival WSO seeks to create the ultimate space for womxn & non-binary entrepreneurs.

International Women’s Day is coming and there’s one event you don’t want to miss

February 20, 2020

Every year, on March 8th, women gather all around the world to mark International Women’s. In San Francisco, one party has caught our attention in particular- Beyond Borders: An International Women's Day Benefit For RAICES.

San Francisco’s iconic nightclub, F8, fights against a possible closure

February 14, 2020

The nightlife scene is uniting all together in an effort to prevent the permanent closure of a club we care about dearly.

Session Victim releases a new music video featuring SF record store Vinyl Dreams

January 22, 2020

We interviewed the Hamburg-based duo Session Victim on their recent music video “Made Me Fly” with Beth Hirsch from the upcoming album NEEDLEDROP and their tribute to SF record store, Vinyl Dreams.

Meet Blipblox: The Synthesizer for Kids, That's More Than Just a Toy

January 2, 2019

There’s a new synth from a San Franciscan company on the market. Move over Dave Smith, there’s a new sheriff in town.

Noctuary SF & local DJ Infinite Jess launch new Workshop Sessions

December 2, 2019

The new community forum will focus on sharing resources with San Francisco and Oakland’s nightlife entrepreneurs

Housepitality Celebrates Its 9th Anniversary

October 02, 2019

San Francisco’s longest-running weeknight party turns 9 years old and celebrates at F8 with the House and Techno community

Why Do Music and Cannabis Go So Well Together?

September 23, 2019

Explore the origins of how cannabis helped shape the music we listen to today.

Happy Anniversary Public Works!

September 19, 2019

Public Works is celebrating its 9th anniversary and you should be there to celebrate it!

Scene Report: Free Your Fabulous

April 28, 2019

Every month one of San Francisco’s most underrated dance floors sets its sights on disco euphoria - welcome to Free Your Fabulous

Instant Funk: The Ruby Room, Oakland

November 25, 2018

Come down to Ruby Room on the first Saturday of the month. What you’ll find is Instant Funk - one of Oakland’s best nights to boogie down.

As You Like It: 8 Years Of Techno And Community

September 17, 2018

We took the time to talk to the movers and shakers behind San Francisco’s premiere techno party on the eve of their 8-year anniversary, getting an exclusive look into their history with SF’s techno scene.

A Tribute to Bar Part Time

March 3, 2022

Amelia reports on the origin story and experience of one of our local scene’s staples, Bar Part Time. Only a little over a year old, BPT’s popularity has exploded: It’s become an institution in the Fault community, melding the music scene with a unique natural wine flavor.

Rediscover the Vintage Synthesizer Museum in Highland Park

February 9, 2022

Lance Hill, founder and curator of the Vintage Synthesizer Museum, has moved his beloved collection and studio to Los Angeles. Fault friends in LA and local Bay Area synth admirers alike: book your visit today to support this amazing project!

How it Restarted; How it’s Going: Conversations with SF Dance Music Venues

September 21, 2021

How has San Francisco’s nightlife culture shifted and what does the future sound like?

Announcement: Recombinant Rebound 2021 @ Gray Area

June 29, 2021

The Cine Chamber has returned to Gray Area for a limited run, now extended until August 1st!

Catching Up With Steve Adams of Mars Records

May 11, 2021

Tucked away from the commercial buzz of Piedmont Avenue, you may have stumbled upon the freshly minted vintage record shop Mars Records.

From Custom Sound Systems to Roasting Coffee: The Story of Bassline Coffee

March 23, 2021

As venues closed in 2020, two DJs found opportunity crafting a morning staple

Mission Synths A New Synth Shop in the Heart of the Mission District

January 07, 2021

Down 24th Street, in the heart of the Mission, you'll find taquerias, coffee shops, restaurants, dive bars, jewelry, bookshops, hair salons, delicatessens, and a Mexicatessen. Now you can find synthesizers of all kinds!

Revive The Night: A Fundraiser for SF Independent Dancefloors

November 11, 2020

A diverse coalition of Dance Music Industry folks is aiming to save San Francisco Independent Dance floors.

Synth Makers in the Bay Area

May 23, 2020

Well, it's that time of year again. Another rotation around the sun has brought us back to International Synth Day - the day to appreciate the instruments we love and the people who make them.

The Digital and Creativity Festival becomes an Interactive Online Event

May 20, 2020

The local chapter of the Montreal festival MUTEK returns to San Francisco with a debut online "Nexus Experience”.

San Francisco’s iconic nightclub, F8, fights against a possible closure

February 14, 2020

The nightlife scene is uniting all together in an effort to prevent the permanent closure of a club we care about dearly.

Cultivating Community Through Vinyl: A Conversation with Vinyl Dreams

October 25, 2019

For DJ’s and casual vinyl lovers record shops are important spaces to gather, meet, and connect. Bay Area DJ and promoter Eugenia Puglisi shines the light on one of San Francisco’s most important outposts.

Happy Anniversary Public Works!

September 19, 2019

Public Works is celebrating its 9th anniversary and you should be there to celebrate it!

ROBOTSPEAk: Analog Synths, Drum Machines and Insane Gadgets

May 20, 2019

ROBOTSPEAk is the Northern California Synth shop. Like the Garden of Eden, but with synths and cables instead of snakes.

Scene Report: Free Your Fabulous

April 28, 2019

Every month one of San Francisco’s most underrated dance floors sets its sights on disco euphoria - welcome to Free Your Fabulous

Pretty Lady: Authentic American Diner

April 28, 2019

Pretty Lady is an authentic American diner located southwest of Mandela Parkway in West Oakland. It serves classic American diner food specializing in a breakfast and lunch menu.

Vintage Arts and Music for the People, better know as VAMP, is a one stop vintage store located in Downtown Oakland

January 28, 2019

Vintage Arts and Music for the People, better know as VAMP, is a one-stop vintage store located in Downtown Oakland. VAMP is a mainstay of Downtown serving the local artist community through consignment purchases and offering fresh creative inspiration.

Classic Cars West: boutique vintage car dealership in the heart of Oakland’s Uptown Arts District

January 28, 2019

Classic Cars West is a boutique vintage car dealership, restaurant and art gallery located in the heart of Oakland’s Uptown Arts District.

Soba Ichi: Handmade Soba and Japanese City Pop

January 04, 2019

Soba Ichi is the hidden gem of West Oakland serving up hand made soba. Fault Radio visited them for a special Japanese Culture Day broadcast and even got to sample some artisan sake.

Instant Funk: The Ruby Room, Oakland

November 25, 2018

Come down to Ruby Room on the first Saturday of the month. What you’ll find is Instant Funk - one of Oakland’s best nights to boogie down.